Patent ID: 9050188
Filing Date: 2015-06-09
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of replacing a mitral valve of a heart in a multiple step approach, the mitral valve including commissural clefts, an anterior leaflet, a posterior leaflet, an annulus and a sub-annular gutter, comprising: inserting an anchor assembly within the heart, the anchor assembly including a first expandable frame movable between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, a retention structure, a plurality of projections, and a generally central hub of the first expandable frame positioned lower than the plurality of projections and positioned radially inward from the retention structure; expanding the anchor assembly to the expanded configuration while positioned supra-annularly to the mitral valve; arranging at least one of the plurality of projections so that the one projection is placed into engagement with the sub-annular gutter; subsequent to inserting the anchor assembly and arranging the at least one of the plurality of projections of the anchor assembly, inserting an artificial valve within the heart, the artificial valve comprising a second expandable frame and valve leaflets attached to the second expandable frame, wherein the inserted anchor assembly leaves the leaflets of the mitral valve unaffected and the anchor assembly does not interrupt leaflet, chordae, or native valve function of the mitral valve until placement of the artificial valve; and arranging the artificial valve into engagement with the retention structure of the anchor assembly.