Patent Publication Number: US-2022226110-A1

Title: Docking stations for transcatheter valves

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 16/034,794, filed on Jul. 13, 2018, which is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2018/040425 filed Jun. 29, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/527,577, filed Jun. 30, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/529,996, filed Jul. 7, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/529,902, filed Jul. 7, 2017. The entire disclosures of the foregoing are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Prosthetic heart valves can be used to treat cardiac valvular disorders. The native heart valves (the aortic, pulmonary, tricuspid, and mitral valves) function to prevent backward flow or regurgitation, while allowing forward flow. These heart valves can be rendered less effective by congenital, inflammatory, infectious conditions, etc. Such conditions can eventually lead to serious cardiovascular compromise or death. For many years, the doctors attempted to treat such disorders with surgical repair or replacement of the valve during open heart surgery. 
     A transcatheter technique for introducing and implanting a prosthetic heart valve using a catheter in a manner that is less invasive than open heart surgery can reduce complications associated with open heart surgery. In this technique, a prosthetic valve can be mounted in a crimped state on the end portion of a catheter and advanced through a blood vessel of the patient until the valve reaches the implantation site. The valve at the catheter tip can then be expanded to its functional size at the site of the defective native valve, such as by inflating a balloon on which the valve is mounted or, for example, the valve can have a resilient, self-expanding stent or frame that expands the valve to its functional size when it is advanced from a delivery sheath at the distal end of the catheter. Optionally, the valve can have a balloon-expandable, self-expanding, mechanically-expandable frame, and/or a frame expandable in multiple or a combination of ways. 
     Transcatheter heart valves (THVs) may be appropriately sized to be placed inside many native aortic valves. However, with larger native valves, blood vessels (e.g., an enlarged aorta), grafts, etc., aortic transcatheter valves might be too small to secure into the larger implantation or deployment site. In this case, the transcatheter valve may not be large enough to sufficiently expand inside the native valve or other implantation or deployment site or the implantation/deployment site may not provide a good seat for the THV to be secured in place. As one example, aortic insufficiency can be associated with difficulty securely implanting a THV in the aorta and/or aortic valve. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This summary is meant to provide examples and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. For example, any feature included in an example of this summary is not required by the claims, unless the claims explicitly recite the feature. The description discloses exemplary embodiments of trans-catheter implantable device frames, and docking stations or docking devices for trans-catheter implantable devices. The trans-catheter implantable device frames and docking stations/devices can be constructed in a variety of ways. A trans-catheter device frame can include a device such as a valve. A docking station or docking device provides a landing zone for a transcatheter device, such as a transcatheter valve. 
     Docking stations/devices for use in the body or a circulatory system of the body (e.g., a heart, native heart valve, blood vessel, vasculature, artery, vein, aorta, inferior vena cava (IVC), superior vena cava (SVC), pulmonary artery, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, etc.) can include at least one sealing portion, frame, and valve seat. The docking station and its frame can be configured or shaped to conform to a shape of a portion of the body in which it is to be implanted, such as to a shape of an aorta, IVC, SVC, etc. For example, the docking stations and frames herein can be configured to conform to an interior shape of circulatory system (e.g., a blood vessel, aorta, IVC, SVC, pulmonary artery, etc.) when expanded inside the circulatory system such that the expandable frame can expand in multiple locations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) to conform to multiple bulges of the circulatory system and/or can contracts (e.g., is less expanded, has a smaller diameter, etc.) in multiple locations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) to conform to multiple narrowed regions of the circulatory system. Further, whether the anatomy is varied or more uniform, the docking stations and frames herein can be configured such that, when expanded inside the circulatory system, the majority (e.g., more than 50%), more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, or more of the docking station contacts an interior surface of the circulatory system and distributes the pressure and force exerted by the docking station over the portion or length of the docking station in contact with the interior surface. This can be helpful, for example, in treating aortic insufficiency caused by an enlarging of the aortic valve and/or aorta. 
     The sealing portion(s) of the various docking stations/devices herein can be formed and configured in any of the ways described in this disclosure, for example, the sealing portion(s) can be integrally formed with the frame, include a covering/material attached to the frame, or include a combination of integral and attached elements/components. The sealing portion can be configured to contact an interior surface of the circulatory system (e.g., of a blood vessel, vasculature, aorta, IVC, SVC, heart, native heart valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve, tricuspid valve, etc.). 
     The frame(s) of the various docking stations herein can be made and configured in any of the ways described in this disclosure, for example, the frame(s) can be made from nitinol, elgiloy, stainless steel, and combinations thereof. The frame can be an expandable frame, e.g., self-expandable, manually-expandable (e.g., balloon-expandable), mechanically expandable, or a combination of these). The frame can be configured to conform to an interior shape of a portion of a circulatory system (e.g., of a blood vessel, vasculature, heart, native heart valve, etc.) when expanded inside the circulatory system. 
     Optionally, the frame can comprise a plurality of spring segments connected to a plurality of stent segments. The spring elements can comprise spring wire and can be compression springs, torsion springs, or tension springs. The stent segments can be integrally formed with the spring elements or attached to the spring elements. 
     Similarly, the valve seat(s) of the various docking stations herein can also be formed and configured in any of the ways described in this disclosure, for example, the valve seat(s) be integrally formed with the frame, be separately attached, or include a combination of integral and attached elements/components. The valve seat can be connected to the expandable frame. The valve seat can be configured to support a prosthetic valve (e.g., an expandable transcatheter valve, transcatheter heart valve, transcatheter aortic valve, expandable valve, etc.). 
     The docking stations/devices described above and elsewhere herein can be used to form a docking assembly or system, e.g., including a graft or other elements. For example, a docking assembly/system (e.g., a docking device assembly, docking station assembly, docking device system, etc.) can include a graft and a docking station/device. The graft can be shaped to conform to a portion of an interior shape of a first portion of a blood vessel (e.g., vein, artery, aorta, etc.). The docking station/device and the graft can be coupled to each other. A portion of the docking station/device can engage an interior of the graft. 
     Various docking stations/devices described herein can be used in the assembly and can include an expandable frame, at least one sealing portion, and a valve seat as discussed above, and each of these can include features of these types of components described elsewhere herein. The expandable frame can be configured to conform to an interior shape of a second portion of the blood vessel when expanded inside the blood vessel. The sealing portion can be configured to contact an interior surface of the circulatory system or blood vessel. The sealing portion can include a covering/material or fabric attached to the frame. The valve seat can be part of and/or connected to the expandable frame and can be configured to support a prosthetic valve (e.g., an expandable transcatheter valve, transcatheter heart valve, aortic valve, expandable valve, etc.). 
     The docking assembly/system can optionally be integrally formed with a valve, e.g., such that the docking station/device and valve combination is a prosthetic valve or transcatheter prosthetic valve that can be implanted in the same step. 
     In one embodiment, a docking station comprises an expandable frame configured to conform to an interior shape of a blood vessel (and/or other part of the circulatory system) when expanded inside the blood vessel. The docking station can comprise at least one sealing portion configured to contact an interior surface of the blood vessel. The docking station comprises a valve seat, wherein the valve seat is configured to support a prosthetic valve or expandable transcatheter valve. The valve seat can be located in radially inside the outer wall of the frame, e.g., overlapping in a radial direction, or can be axially spaced from the outer wall so there is no overlap in the radial direction. The valve seat can be coaxial with the outer wall of the frame. 
     The valve seat may comprise a first portion of the expandable frame (which can be annular), and links can connect the first portion of the expandable frame to a second portion of the expandable frame, the second portion comprising an outer wall (which can be annular). The links can be curved, e.g., such as in a semi-circular shape, an undulating shape, etc. The entire frame and/or an outer wall of the frame can comprise a plurality of struts. A thickness of the links may be the same as or less than a thickness of the struts. The links and the struts can be integrally formed, and a transition portion may transition from the thickness of the links to the thickness of the struts. 
     An apex of the links can be bent such that portions of the links on opposite sides of the apex extend away from each other at an acute angle. The apex of the links can include an upwardly extending circular portion and/or a downwardly extending circular portion. The links can extend from the first portion of the expandable frame to the second portion at an angle with respect to a radial direction. The links can be twisted as they extend from the valve seat to the annular wall. 
     A tubular graft can be coupled to the expandable frame, and the graft can be configured to extend axially beyond an end of the expandable frame. The frame can comprise a plurality of stent segments connected to a plurality of spring elements. The spring elements consist of spring wires, compression springs, torsion springs, tension springs, and combinations thereof. The struts of the expandable frame can be integrally formed with the spring elements. The sealing portion and/or valve seat can be integrally formed with the frame. The expandable frame can include no legs, only one leg, or multiple legs that extend proximally beyond the remainder of the frame. The frame can include an elongated second leg that extends proximally further than an end of the first leg. 
     In one embodiment, an expandable docking station frame comprises an annular valve seat having an end, an annular outer wall comprising struts disposed around the valve seat, and links that connect the end of the annular valve seat to the annular outer wall. A thickness of the links can be the same as or less than a thickness of the struts. The links and the struts can be integrally formed, and can have a transition portion that transitions from the thickness of the links to the thickness of the struts. The links are curved, e.g., in a semi-circular shape. An apex of the links can be bent such that portions of the links on opposite sides of the apex extend away from each other at an acute angle. The apex of the links can include an upwardly extending circular portion and/or a downwardly extending circular portion. The links can extend from the first portion of the expandable frame to the second portion at an angle with respect to a radial direction. The links can be twisted as they extend from the valve seat to the annular wall. The expandable frame can include no legs, only one leg, or multiple legs that extend proximally beyond the remainder of the frame. The frame can include an elongated second leg that extends proximally further than an end of the first leg. 
     In one embodiment, an expandable docking station frame comprises an annular valve seat having an end, an annular outer wall comprising struts disposed around the valve seat, and links that connect the end of the annular valve seat to the annular outer wall. The links can be twisted and/or angled as the links extend between the annular outer wall and the annular valve seat. A thickness of the links can be the same as or less than a thickness of the struts. The frame and its components (e.g., struts, links, etc.) can have the same or similar features to those discussed above and elsewhere herein. 
     In one embodiment, an expandable docking station frame comprises an annular valve seat having an end, an annular outer wall comprising struts disposed around the valve seat, and links that connect the end of the annular valve seat to the annular outer wall, wherein the links extend from the valve seat to the annular wall at an angle with respect to a radial direction. The links can be twisted and/or angled as the links extend between the annular outer wall and the annular valve seat. A thickness of the links can be the same as or less than a thickness of the struts. The frame and its components (e.g., struts, links, etc.) can have the same or similar features to those discussed above and elsewhere herein. 
     In one embodiment, a docking station assembly comprises a graft configured to conform to an interior shape of a first portion of a blood vessel when expanded inside the blood vessel, and a docking station coupled to the graft. The docking station can comprise an expandable frame configured to conform to an interior shape of a second portion of the blood vessel when expanded inside the blood vessel. The docking station can comprise at least one sealing portion configured to contact an interior surface of the blood vessel when expanded inside the blood vessel. The docking station can comprise a valve seat, wherein the valve seat is configured to support an expandable transcatheter valve. The graft, frame, sealing portion, and valve seat can have the same or similar features to those discussed above and elsewhere herein. 
     In one embodiment, a docking station comprises a frame configured to transition from a first configuration to a second configuration, wherein, when in the second configuration, at least a first portion of the frame is curled, and wherein the frame is configured such that as the frame transitions from the first configuration to the second configuration, the frame curls back on itself. The docking station is configured to capture native leaflets of a native valve as the frame curls back on itself. The docking station can be configured such that the native leaflets can be clamped between the valve seat and another portion of the docking station. In one embodiment, when in the second configuration, the first portion of the frame can be curled at least 360 degrees. In the second configuration, the second end can overlap at least a portion of the first end. The first configuration of the frame can be a straightened configuration or a configuration in which no portion of the frame is curled. The frame can be configured to be held in the straightened configuration inside a delivery catheter and prevented from transitioning to the second configuration until exiting the catheter. 
     The docking station can also comprise a valve seat configured to support an expandable transcatheter valve. The valve seat can be formed by inner struts that extend from a first end of the frame to a junction. The inner struts can form diamond shaped openings. Top and outer struts can extend from the junction to a second end and form continuous openings. The docking station can also comprise at least one sealing portion configured to contact an interior surface of anatomy. 
     The frame can comprise one or more legs that extend to an end of the frame. The one or more legs can extend from inner struts of the valve seat. The one or more legs can comprise an elongated leg that extends axially further than a shorter leg of the one or more legs. 
     In one embodiment, a docking station comprises a frame comprising a retaining portion circumscribing an inflow area and a valve seat configured to support an expandable transcatheter valve, wherein the retaining portion has a first diameter larger than a second diameter of the valve seat, and wherein a tapered region transitions between the first diameter and the second diameter. The docking station can comprise at least one sealing portion configured to contact an interior surface of a circulatory system. The tapered region can be configured to transition between the first diameter of the retaining portion and the second diameter of the valve seat in a direction from the inflow area to an outflow area. The frame can comprise a plurality of metal struts that form cells. 
     The docking station can comprise a band that extends about the valve seat to cause the valve seat to be unexpandable or substantially unexpandable. The valve seat may be configured such that it does not radially overlap any of the retaining portion. The valve seat can be positioned entirely to one axial side of the retaining portion. 
     The docking station can further comprise an atraumatic outer segment that extends radially outwardly from the valve seat. The outer segment can be round and/or toroidal. The outer segment can comprise a plurality of struts that form cells and/or can comprise a foam material. The docking station can comprise a first sealing portion configured to inhibit blood flow between an atrium-vein junction in the body and the docking station when implanted, and can comprise a second sealing portion configured to inhibit blood flow between the valve seat and a transcatheter valve implanted at the valve seat. 
     The frame can be configured to conform to an interior shape of blood vessel, when expanded inside the blood vessel, such that the frame can expand in multiple locations to conform to multiple bulges of the blood vessel and multiple narrowed regions of the blood vessel to distribute the pressure on the blood vessel from the docking station over most of the length of the docking station. This can be helpful, for example, in treating aortic insufficiency caused by an enlarging of the aortic valve and/or aorta, e.g., where excessive outward pressure on the aortic valve and/or aorta is desired to be avoided. The docking station can comprise a leg that extends axially at an end of the retaining portion, and can further comprise an elongated leg that extends axially further from the remainder of the retaining portion than the leg. 
     A system can comprise a first docking station having a first valve seat, a second docking station having a second valve seat, wherein each of the first valve seat and the second valve seat is configured to support an expandable valve (e.g., an expandable transcatheter valve); and a connecting portion connecting the first docking station and the second docking station together to form a dual docking station. The system can comprise at least one sealing portion or multiple sealing portions configured to contact one or more interior surfaces of a circulatory system. The connecting portion can be configured to allow blood to freely flow through the connecting portion when the system is implanted in a body. The connecting portion can be integrally formed with the first docking station and the second docking station. 
     The dual docking station can be configured such that the first docking station can be implanted in an inferior vena cava of a body and the second docking station can be deployed in a superior vena cava of the body, with a first valve expanded within the first valve seat and a second valve expanded within the second valve seat. The dual docking station can be configured such that the first docking station can be implanted in an inferior vena cava of a body and the second docking station can be deployed in a superior vena cava of the body, with only one of the first docking station and the second docking station receiving an expandable valve therein. 
     The system can comprise a first valve expandable within the first valve seat such that the first valve is securely held in the first valve seat. The system can comprise a second valve expandable within the second valve seat such that the second valve is securely held in the second valve seat. 
     The system and/or dual docking station can be configured to be adjustable in overall length inside a circulatory system at an implantation site, for example, such that the dual docking station can be sized during delivery to fit different anatomy (e.g., various distances between the IVC and SVC of different patients). Other features and components of dual docking stations described elsewhere herein can also be incorporated. 
     A docking deployment system/assembly (e.g., a docking station deployment system, docking device deployment system, etc.) can comprise a catheter defining a delivery passage and having a distal opening. The deployment system can also include a self-expandable docking station capable of being radially compressed and expanded, e.g., between a first configuration and a second configuration or between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. The docking station can be configured to be held in a compressed configuration inside the delivery passage of the catheter, e.g., until delivery at an implantation site. The deployment system includes a retention device releasably connectable to the docking station. The retention device can be configured to inhibit the docking station from jumping distally out of the catheter. The retention device can be configured to inhibit the docking station from moving axially relative to the retention device and/or a proximal handle of the system. The retention device can be configured to maintain the axial position of the docking station until the docking station is fully expanded at an implantation site. In one embodiment, the retention device is a pusher having a distal end connectable to a proximal end of the docking station. Features and components of other docking deployment systems/assemblies described herein can be included as well. 
     The docking station can include at least one leg that extends proximally at a proximal end of the docking station and is releasably connectable to the retention device. The docking station can include multiple legs that extends proximally at a proximal end of the docking station, and the multiple legs can be spaced evenly radially around the proximal end of the docking station. The docking station includes only one leg that extends proximally at a proximal end of the docking station and is releasably connectable to the retention device, such that the docking station can fully expand while the one leg is connected to the retention device and then be released. 
     The docking station can include a first leg and a second leg that each extend proximally at a proximal end of the docking station and are releasably connectable to the retention device, wherein the first leg is longer than the second leg. The retention device, the first leg, and the second leg can be configured such that during delivery the retention device first releases the second leg to allow docking station to fully expand while the first leg is still connected to the retention device. 
     The retention device can comprise a lock and release connector having a body and a door, wherein the door is moveable from a first position to a second position. The lock and release connector can have a second door moveable from a third position to a fourth position, and wherein the lock and release connector is configured such that it can hold a first leg of the docking station between the door and the body in the first position and can hold a second leg of the docking station between the second door and the body in the third position. The retention device can comprise a lock and release connector having a body and a door, wherein the door is moveable from a first position to a second position, and wherein the retention device is connected to the docking station when the leg is between the door and the body and the door is in the first position. The retention device can be configured to release the leg when the door is moved to the second position. 
     The retention device can comprise a retaining line usable to maintain the position of the docking station as the docking station is deployed from the catheter and fully radially expanded. 
     The retention device comprises a pin (or narrowed portion of a pusher, inner shaft, etc.) that extends inside of at least a proximal end of the docking station and can inhibit the docking station from jumping out of a distal end of the catheter. The pin can be configured to inhibit the docking station from jumping out of the distal end of the catheter by inhibiting the proximal end of the docking station from angling out of parallel (e.g., with respect to the inner surface of the catheter and/or the outer surface of the pin/pusher/shaft). 
     Various features as described elsewhere in this disclosure can be included in the examples summarized here and various methods and steps for using the examples and features can be used, including as described elsewhere herein. 
     Further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosed inventions can be obtained from the following description and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts bear like reference numerals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosed inventions can be obtained from the following description and claims, particularly when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like parts bear like reference numerals. 
       To further clarify various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the certain embodiments will be made by reference to various aspects of the appended drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of the disclosure. Moreover, while the figures may be drawn to scale for some embodiments, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale for all embodiments. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  is a cutaway view of the human heart in a diastolic phase; 
         FIG. 1B  is a cutaway view of the human heart in a systolic phase; 
         FIG. 2  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of an exemplary docking station positioned in a blood vessel, the inferior vena cava IVC; 
         FIG. 2A  is an end view of an exemplary docking station and valve showing the valve in an open configuration such that blood can flow through the valve, e.g., when the heart is in a diastolic phase; 
         FIG. 2B  is an end view of the docking station and valve of  FIG. 2  showing the valve in a closed configuration, e.g., when the heart is in a systolic phase; 
         FIG. 3A  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with an exemplary transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 3B  is a top view of the docking station and valve illustrated by  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station that illustrates an example of a frame portion that can be used in the docking station of  FIGS. 3A-3B ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a sectional view of the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 3A  where the transcatheter valve shown is representative of a leaflet type transcatheter valve; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  schematically illustrate deployment of a docking station; 
         FIGS. 4C and 4D  schematically illustrate deployment of a valve in the docking station; 
         FIG. 4E  schematically illustrates conformance of a docking station to an inner surface having a varying size; 
         FIG. 5A  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with an exemplary transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top view of the docking station and valve illustrated by  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 5C  is a bottom view of the docking station and valve illustrated by  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 7A  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with an exemplary transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 7B  is a top view of the docking station and valve illustrated by  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with an exemplary transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 8B  is a top view of the docking station and valve illustrated by  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 9A  is a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with an exemplary transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 9B  is a top view of the docking station and valve illustrated by  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 11  is a graph illustrating a relationship between radially outward force and the expanded diameter of a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate enlarged portions of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the docking station frame illustrated by  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a link between an inner portion (e.g., valve seat) and an outer portion of the docking station frame of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 18  is another perspective view of a portion of the docking station frame of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a link between an inner portion (e.g., valve seat) and an outer portion of the docking station frame of  FIGS. 17 and 18 ; 
         FIGS. 20A-20C  show exemplary embodiments of shapes of links or portions of links that can be used between an inner portion/valve seat and an outer portion of a docking device frame; 
         FIGS. 21A-21H  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of crimping of an exemplary docking station frame; 
         FIGS. 22A-22C  illustrate an exemplary deployment of an exemplary docking station; 
         FIGS. 23A-23C  illustrate an exemplary deployment of an exemplary docking station; 
         FIGS. 24A-24C  illustrate an exemplary deployment of an exemplary docking station; 
         FIG. 25  is a side elevational view of an exemplary docking station frame; 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of the docking station frame illustrated by  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the docking station frame illustrated by  FIG. 26 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station including an exemplary transcatheter valve therein; 
         FIG. 30  is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a covering material that can be used with the docking station illustrated in  FIG. 29 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a cutaway view of a human heart showing a portion of a right atrium and IVC of the human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 29  positioned in the IVC; 
         FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 33  is a cutaway view of a human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 32  positioned in the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 34  is a side view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view of the docking station illustrated in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a schematic cutaway view of a portion the human heart with an exemplary docking station positioned in the inferior vena cava and the right atrium; 
         FIG. 37  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame or portion; 
         FIG. 38  illustrates bending of the docking station frame/frame portion of  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 39  illustrates expansion and contraction of portions of the docking station frame/frame portion illustrated by  FIG. 37 ; 
         FIG. 40  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of frame portions and spring/flexible portions of a docking station; 
         FIG. 41  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station deployed in a vessel; 
         FIG. 42  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station that extends from the superior vena cava to the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 43  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station that extends from the superior vena cava to the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 44  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station that extends from the superior vena cava to the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 45  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station that extends from the superior vena cava to the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 46  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station that extends from the superior vena cava to the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 47  is a view of the docking station of  FIG. 46  with sealing portions deployed; 
         FIG. 48  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a profile of a docking station; 
         FIG. 49  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a profile of a docking station; 
         FIG. 50  is a cutaway view of the human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 49  positioned in the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 51  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 52  is a cutaway view of the human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 51  positioned in the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 53  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 54  is a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIGS. 55A-55C  illustrate three different positions of the docking station of  FIG. 53 ; 
         FIG. 56  is a cutaway view of the human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 53  positioned in the inferior vena cava; 
         FIG. 57  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 58  is a cutaway view of a human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 57  positioned in the inferior vena cava IVC; 
         FIG. 59A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station in a partially compressed state; 
         FIG. 59B  illustrates the docking station of  FIG. 59B  in an expanded state; 
         FIG. 59C  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station; 
         FIG. 59D  is a cutaway view of the human heart with the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 59C  positioned in the inferior vena cava IVC; 
         FIG. 60A  is a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with a transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 60B  is a top view of the docking station and transcatheter valve illustrated by  FIG. 60A ; 
         FIG. 60C  is a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with a transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 60D  is a top view of the docking station and transcatheter valve of  FIG. 60C ; 
         FIG. 60E  is a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with a transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 60F  is a top view of the docking station and transcatheter valve of  FIG. 60E ; 
         FIG. 60G  is a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with a transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 60H  is a top view of the docking station and transcatheter valve of  FIG. 60G ; 
         FIG. 60I  is a sectional view an exemplary embodiment of a docking station with a transcatheter valve disposed inside the docking station; 
         FIG. 60J  is a top view of the docking station and transcatheter valve of  FIG. 60I ; 
         FIGS. 61-64, and 65A-65C  illustrate some non-limiting examples of types of valves that can be deployed in a docking station, e.g., in any one of the docking stations herein; 
         FIGS. 66A and 66B  schematically illustrate outward radial expansion of a docking station as the docking station is deployed; 
         FIG. 67  is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end of an exemplary pusher or retention device; 
         FIG. 68A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame having an elongated leg; 
         FIG. 68B  is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame having an elongated leg; 
         FIG. 68C  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame having an elongated leg; 
         FIG. 69A  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an extension of a frame, e.g., the frame of  FIG. 68A, 68B , or  68 C; 
         FIG. 69B  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an extension of a frame, e.g., the frame of  FIG. 68A, 68B , or  68 C; 
         FIG. 70  is a perspective view of an exemplary distal end of an exemplary pusher or retention device; 
         FIGS. 71A-71C  illustrate an exemplary deployment of an exemplary docking station; 
         FIGS. 72A-72C  illustrate an exemplary deployment of an exemplary docking station; 
         FIG. 73A  is a perspective view of an exemplary cover for a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 73B  is a sectional view of an exemplary cover for a docking station frame; 
         FIGS. 74A and 74B  illustrate an exemplary installation of an exemplary cover on a docking station; 
         FIG. 75A  is a perspective view of an exemplary cover disposed on a frame; 
         FIG. 75B  is a sectional view of an exemplary cover disposed on a docking station frame; 
         FIG. 76  illustrates an exemplary docking station deployed in a circulatory system; 
         FIG. 77  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station positioned in an aorta of a human heart; and 
         FIG. 78  is a cutaway view of the human heart with an exemplary embodiment of a docking station and a reinforcement device positioned in an aorta of a human heart. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments having different structures and operation do not depart from the scope of the present invention. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for providing a docking station/device or landing zone for a prosthetic valve (e.g., a transcatheter valve, such as a transcatheter heart valve), e.g., valve  29 . In some exemplary embodiments, docking stations/devices for prosthetic valves or THVs are illustrated as being used within the superior vena cava (SVC), inferior vena cava (IVC), or both the SVC and the IVC, although the docking stations/devices (e.g., docking station/device  10 , other docking stations/devices herein, modified versions of the docking stations, etc.) can be used in other areas of the anatomy, heart, or vasculature, such as the tricuspid valve, the pulmonary valve, the pulmonary artery, the aortic valve, the aorta, the mitral valve, or other locations. The docking stations/devices described herein can be configured to compensate for the deployed transcatheter valve or THV being smaller and/or having a different geometrical shape than the space (e.g., anatomy/heart/vasculature/etc.) in which it is to be placed. For example, the native anatomy (e.g., the IVC) can be oval, egg shaped, or another shape, while the prosthetic valve or THV can be cylindrical. 
     Various embodiments of docking stations/devices and examples of prosthetic valves or transcatheter valves are disclosed herein, and any combination of these options can be made unless specifically excluded. For example, any of the docking stations/devices disclosed, can be used with any type of valve, and/or any delivery system, even if a specific combination is not explicitly described. Likewise, the different constructions and features of docking stations/devices and valves can be mixed and matched, such as by combining any docking station type/feature, valve type/feature, tissue cover, etc., even if not explicitly disclosed. In short, individual components of the disclosed systems can be combined unless mutually exclusive or physically impossible. 
     For the sake of uniformity, in these Figures and others in the application the docking stations are typically depicted such that the right atrium end is up, while the ventricular end or IVC end is down unless otherwise indicated. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are cutaway views of the human heart H in diastolic and systolic phases, respectively. The right ventricle RV and left ventricle LV are separated from the right atrium RA and left atrium LA, respectively, by the tricuspid valve TV and mitral valve MV; i.e., the atrioventricular valves. Additionally, the aortic valve AV separates the left ventricle LV from the ascending aorta (not identified) and the pulmonary valve PV separates the right ventricle from the pulmonary artery PA. Each of these valves has flexible leaflets extending inward across the respective orifices that come together or “coapt” in the flowstream to form the one-way, fluid-occluding surfaces. The docking stations and valves of the present application are described, for illustration, primarily with respect to the inferior vena cava IVC, superior vena cava SVC, and aorta/aortic valve. A defective aortic valve, for example, can be a stenotic aortic valve and/or suffer from insufficiency and/or regurgitation. The blood vessels, such as the aorta, IVC, SVC, pulmonary artery, may be healthy or may be dilated, distorted, enlarged, have an aneurysm, or be otherwise impaired. Anatomical structures of the right atrium RA, right ventricle RV, left atrium LA, and left ventricle LV will be explained in greater detail. The devices described herein can be used in various areas whether explicitly described herein or not, e.g., in the IVC and/or SVC, in the aorta (e.g., an enlarged aorta) as treatment for a defective aortic valve, in other areas of the heart or vasculature, in grafts, etc. 
     The right atrium RA receives deoxygenated blood from the venous system through the superior vena cava SVC and the inferior vena cava IVC, the former entering the right atrium from above, and the latter from below. The coronary sinus CS is a collection of veins joined together to form a large vessel that collects deoxygenated blood from the heart muscle (myocardium), and delivers it to the right atrium RA. During the diastolic phase, or diastole, seen in  FIG. 1A , the deoxygenated blood from the IVC, SVC, and CS that has collected in the right atrium RA passes through the tricuspid valve TV and into the RV as the right ventricle RV expands. In the systolic phase, or systole, seen in  FIG. 1B , the right ventricle RV contracts to force the deoxygenated blood collected in the RV through the pulmonary valve PV and pulmonary artery into the lungs. 
     The devices described by the present application can be used to supplement the function of a defective tricuspid valve and/or to prevent too much pressure from building up in the RA. During systole, the leaflets of a normally functioning tricuspid valve TV close to prevent the venous blood from regurgitating back into the right atrium RA. When the tricuspid valve does not operate normally, blood can backflow or regurgitate into the right atrium RA, the inferior vena cava IVC, the superior vena cava SVC, and/or other vessels in the systolic phase. Blood regurgitating backward into the right atrium increases the volume of blood in the atrium and the blood vessels that direct blood to the heart. This can cause the right atrium to enlarge and cause blood pressure to increase in the right atrium and blood vessels, which can cause damage to and/or swelling of the liver, kidneys, legs, other organs, etc. A transcatheter valve or THV implanted in the inferior vena cave IVC and/or the superior vena cava SVC can prevent or inhibit blood from backflowing into the inferior vena cave IVC and/or the superior vena cava SVC during the systolic phase. 
     The length L, diameter D, and curvature or contour may vary greatly between the superior vena cava SVC and inferior vena cava IVC of different patients. The relative orientation and location of the IVC and/or SVC can also vary between patients Further, the size or diameter D can vary significantly along the length L of an individual IVC and/or SVC. Also, the anatomy of the IVC and/or SVC is soft, flexible, and dynamic as compared to other cardiac vessels, such as the aorta. This softer, more flexible, and/or more dynamic (moving and/or shape changing) characteristic of the IVC and SVC make it more difficult for a transcatheter valve frame or a docking station that supports a transcatheter valve to anchor in the IVC and/or the SVC than in the aorta. Further, other regions or other vasculature in other areas of the body and across patients where docking stations could be used can also vary significantly in shape and size. 
     The left atrium LA receives oxygenated blood from the left and right pulmonary veins, which then travels through the mitral valve to the left ventricle. During the diastolic phase, or diastole, seen in  FIG. 1A , the oxygen rich blood that collects in the left atrium LA passes through the mitral valve MV by and into the left ventricle LV as the left ventricle LV expands. In the systolic phase, or systole, seen in  FIG. 1B , the left ventricle LV contracts to force the oxygen rich blood through the aortic valve AV and aorta into the body through the circulatory system. In one exemplary embodiment, the devices described by the present application are used to supplement or replace the function of a defective aortic valve. For example, the devices herein are particularly effective for treating aortic insufficiency. During diastole, the leaflets of a normally functioning aortic valve AV close to prevent the oxygen rich blood from regurgitating back into the left ventricle LV. When the aortic valve does not operate normally, blood backflows or regurgitates into the left ventricle LV. A THV implanted in the aortic valve helps prevent or inhibit blood from back-flowing into the left ventricle LV during the diastole phase. The length L, diameter, D, and curvature or contour of the aortic root may vary greatly between different patients, especially if the aorta is a dilated, distorted, or enlarged. Further, the size or diameter D may vary significantly along the length L of an individual aorta. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2, 3A, 3B, and 3C , in one exemplary embodiment an expandable docking station/device  10  includes one or more sealing portions  310 , a valve seat  18 , and one or more retaining portions  314 . The sealing portion(s)  310  provide a seal between the docking station  10  and an interior surface  416  (See  FIG. 2 ) of the circulatory system. The valve seat  18  provides a supporting surface for implanting or deploying a valve  29  in the docking station  10  after the docking station  10  is implanted in the circulatory system. Optionally, the docking station  10  and the valve  29  can be integrally formed, for example, in one embodiment, the valve seat  18  can be omitted. When integrally formed, the docking station  10  and the valve  29  can be deployed as a single device, rather than first deploying the docking station  10  and then deploying the valve  29  into the docking station. Any of the docking stations and/or valve seats  18  described herein can be provided or formed with an integrated valve  29 . 
     The retaining portion  314  helps retain the docking station  10  and the valve  29  at the implantation position or deployment site in the circulatory system. The retaining portion  314  can take a wide variety of different forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the retaining portion  314  includes friction enhancing features that reduce or eliminate migration of the docking station  10 . The friction enhancing features can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the friction enhancing features can comprise barbs, spikes, texturing, adhesive, and/or a cloth or polymer cover with high friction properties on the retaining portions  314 . Such friction enhancing features can also be used on any of the various docking stations or retaining portions described herein. 
     Expandable docking station  10  and valve  29  as described in the various embodiments herein are also representative of a variety of docking stations and/or valves described herein or that might be known or developed, e.g., a variety of different types of valves could be substituted for and/or used as valve  29  in the various docking stations. 
       FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B  illustrate a representative example of the operation of the docking stations  10  and valves  29  disclosed herein. In the example of  FIGS. 2, 2A, and 2B , the docking station  10  and valve  29  are deployed in the inferior vena cava IVC. However, the docking station  10  and valve  29  can be deployed in any interior surface within the heart or a lumen of the body. For example, the various docking stations and valves described herein can be deployed in the superior vena cava SVC, the tricuspid valve TV, the pulmonary valve PV, pulmonary artery, the mitral valve MV, the aortic valve AV, aorta, or other vasculature/lumens in the body. 
       FIGS. 2 and 2A  illustrate the valve  29 , docking station  10  and heart H, when implanted in the IVC and the heart H is in the diastolic phase. When the heart is in the diastolic phase, the valve  29  opens. Blood flows from the inferior vena cava IVC and the superior vena cava SVC, into the right atrium RA. The blood that flows from the inferior vena cava IVC flows through the docking station  10  and valve  29  as indicated by arrows  210 . Also, while in the diastolic phase, blood in the right atrium flows through the tricuspid valve TV, and into the right ventricle RV and valve as indicated by arrows  212 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates space  228  that represents the valve  29  being open when the heart is in the diastolic phase. A variety of types of valves can be used that may open and close in a variety of ways (e.g., including valves with leaflets of tissue that open then coapt to close), so the drawings are meant to be representative of a variety of valves that can operate in different ways.  FIG. 2A  does not show the interface between the docking station  10  and the inferior vena cava to simplify the drawing. The cross-hatching in  FIG. 2A  represents blood flow through the valve  29 . In an exemplary embodiment, blood is prevented or inhibited from flowing between the inferior vena cava IVC and the docking station  10  by the seal  310  and blood is prevented or inhibited from flowing between the docking station  10  and the valve by implanting or seating the valve in the seat  18  of the docking station  10 . In this example, blood only substantially flows or is only able to flow through the valve  29  when the valve is open (e.g., in one embodiment, only when the heart is in the diastolic phase). 
       FIG. 2B  illustrates the valve  29  and docking station  10 , when the valve  29  is closed (e.g., when implanted in the IVC and the heart H is in the systolic phase). When implanted in the IVC and the heart is in the systolic phase, the valve  29  closes. Blood is prevented from flowing from the right atrium RA into the inferior vena cava IVC by the valve  29  being closed. As such, the closed valve  29  prevents any blood that regurgitates through the through the tricuspid valve TV during the systolic phase from being forced into the inferior vena cava IVC. The solid area  252  in  FIG. 2B  represents the valve  29  being closed valve is open (e.g., in one embodiment, when the heart is in the systolic phase).  FIG. 2B  is meant to be representative of a variety of valves, even though those valves may close in different ways. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the docking station  10  acts as an isolator that prevents or substantially prevents radial outward forces of the valve  29  from being transferred to the inner surface  416  of the circulatory system. In one embodiment, the docking station  10  includes a valve seat  18  that resists expansion, e.g., is not expanded radially outwardly (e.g., the diameter of the valve seat does not increase) or is not substantially expanded radially outward (e.g., the diameter of the valve seat increases by less than 4 mm) by the radially outward force of the transcatheter valve or valve  29 . The valve seat can be configured such that expansion of a THV/valve  29  increases the diameter of the valve seat only to a diameter less than an outer diameter of the docking station  10  when the docking station is implanted. Retaining portions  314  and sealing portions  310  can be configured to impart only relatively small radially outward forces on the inner surface  416  of the circulatory system (as compared to the radially outward force applied to the valve seat  18  by the valve  29 ). Having a valve seat  18  that is stiffer or less radially expansive than the outer portions of the docking station (e.g., retaining portions  314  and sealing portions  310 ), as in the various docking stations described herein, provides many benefits, including allowing a THV/valve  29  to be implanted in vasculature or tissue of varying strengths, sizes, and shapes. The outer portions of the docking station can better conform to the anatomy (e.g., vasculature, tissue, heart, etc.) without putting too much pressure on the anatomy, while the THV/valve  29  can be firmly and securely implanted in the valve seat  18  with forces that will prevent or mitigate the risk of migration or slipping. 
     The docking station  10  can include any combination of one or more than one different types of valve seats  18 , retaining portions  314 , and/or sealing portions  310 . For example, the valve seat  18  can be a separate component that is attached to the frame  350  of the docking station  10 , while the sealing portion is integrally formed with the frame  350  of the docking station. Also, the valve seat  18  can be a separate component that is attached to the frame  350  of the docking station  10 , while the sealing portion  310  is a separate component that is also attached to the frame  350  of the docking station. Optionally, the valve seat  18  can be integrally formed with the frame  350  of the docking station  10 , while the sealing portion is integrally formed with the frame  350  of the docking station. Further, the valve seat  18  can be integrally formed with the frame  350  of the docking station  10 , while the sealing portion is a separate component that is attached to the frame  350  of the docking station  10 . 
     The sealing portion  310 , the valve seat  18 , and one or more retaining portions  314  of the various docking stations herein can take a variety of different forms and characteristics. In  FIGS. 3A-3C , an expandable frame  350  provides the shape of the sealing portion  310 , the valve seat  18 , and the retaining portion  314 . The expandable frame  350  can take a wide variety of different forms. The illustrated expandable frame  350  in  FIGS. 3A-3C  has an end  362  having an inside diameter  364  and an outside diameter  366 . An annular or cylindrical outer portion or wall  368  extends downward from the outside diameter  366  of the end  362 . An annular or cylindrical valve seat or wall  18  extends downward from the inside diameter  364  of the end  362 . In the illustrated example, the expandable frame  350  is an expandable lattice. The expandable lattice can be made in a variety of ways, e.g., with individual wires connected to form the lattice, braiding, cut from a sheet and then rolled or otherwise formed into the shape of the expandable frame, molded, cut from a cylindrical tube (e.g., cut from a nitinol), other ways, or a combination of these. 
     The frame  350  can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer. Examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used include, but are not limited to, nitinol and other shape memory alloys, elgiloy, and stainless steel, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used to make the frame  350 . These materials can allow the frame to be compressed to a small size, and then when the compression force is released, the frame will self-expand back to its pre-compressed diameter and/or the frame can be expanded by inflation of a device positioned inside the frame. The frame  350  can also be made of other materials and be expandable and collapsible in different ways, e.g., mechanically-expandable, balloon-expandable, self-expandable, or a combination of these. 
     The sealing portions can take a wide variety of different forms. In the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C , a covering/material  21  is attached to a portion of the frame  350  to form the sealing portion  310 . However, the sealing portion  310  can be formed in a wide variety of other ways. The covering/material  21  can be a fabric material, polymer material, or other material. The sealing portion  310  can take any form that prevents or inhibits the flow of blood from flowing around the outside surface of the valve  29  and through the docking station. In the example of  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  3 C, the sealing portion  310  comprises a covering/material  21  (e.g., a fabric or other covering material that can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described herein) that extends up to the valve seat  18 . The covering/material  21  can be shaped and positioned in a variety of ways, e.g., the covering/material can be configured to partially cover the valve seat  18 , entirely cover the valve seat  18 , or not cover the valve seat  18  when the frame  350  is expanded. The covering/material  21  (e.g., fabric or other covering material) that forms the sealing portion  310  can also extend radially outward, covering the end  362  of the frame  350 , and can optionally extend (e.g., longitudinally, downward, etc.) to cover at least a portion of the annular outer portion or wall  368 . The sealing portion  310  provides a seal between the docking station  10  and an interior surface  416  (See  FIG. 2 ) of the circulatory system. That is, the sealing portion  310  and the closed valve  29  prevent or inhibit blood from flowing in the direction indicated by arrow  377 . In the example of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , blood is not inhibited from flowing in the direction indicated by arrow  378  into the area  379  between the valve seat  18  and the annular outer portion or wall  368 . 
     The valve seat can take a wide variety of different forms. The valve seat  18  is a portion of the frame  350  in the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C . However, the valve seat  18  can be formed separately from the frame  350 . The valve seat  18  can take any form that provides a supporting surface for implanting or deploying a valve  29  in the docking station  10  after the docking station  10  is implanted in the circulatory system. The valve seat can optionally be reinforced with a reinforcing material (e.g., a suture, wire, band, collar, etc. that can circumscribe the valve seat or a portion of the valve seat). The valve  29  is schematically illustrated in  FIG. 3A  to indicate that the valve  29  can take a wide variety of different forms.  FIG. 3D  illustrates the more specific example where the valve  29  is a leaflet type THV, such as the Sapien 3 valve available from Edwards Lifesciences. In one exemplary embodiment, a valve  29  is integrated with or replaces the valve seat  18 , such that docking station  10  is configured as a transcatheter valve that is delivered as a single unit in the same step (as opposed to first implanting a docking stations and subsequently implanting a separate valve/THV in the docking station). Optionally, any of the docking stations described herein can be formed as a valve or THV, e.g., with valve tissue or other valve material integrated into the docking station. 
     The retaining portions  314  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the retaining portion(s)  314  can be any structure that sets the position of the docking station  10  in the circulatory system. For example, the retaining portion(s)  314  can press against or into the inside surface  416  or contour/extend around anatomical structures of the circulatory system to set and maintain the position of the docking station  10 . The retaining portion(s)  314  can be part of or define a portion of the body and/or sealing portion of the docking station  10  or the retaining portion(s)  314  can be a separate component that is attached to the body of the docking station. The docking station  10  can include a single retaining portion  314  or two, or more than two retaining portions. The retaining portion(s)  314  can include friction enhancing features as discussed above. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 3A-3C , the retaining portion  314  comprises the annular outer portion or wall  368  of the frame  350 . A shape set (e.g., a programmed shape of a shape memory material) of annular outer portion or wall  368  can bias the annular outer portion or wall  368  radially outward and into contact with/against the interior surface  416  of the circulatory system to retain the docking station  10  and the valve  29  at the implantation position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion  314  is elongated to allow a relatively small force to be applied to a large area of the interior surface  416 , while the valve  29  can apply a relatively large force to the valve seat  18 . For example, the length of the retaining portion  314  can be twice, three times, four times, five times, or greater than five times the outside diameter of the transcatheter valve. Applying a small radially outward force over a larger area can be sufficient to securely hold the docking station in place, and this design/configuration can allow the docking station to conform to the unique shape/size of the anatomy and avoid/reduce the likelihood of damaging relatively weaker native tissue. Thereby the valve  29  can be securely held in a variety of locations and anatomies (e.g., the docking station of  FIGS. 3A-D  is usable in the IVC, SVC, aorta, etc.). 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 77 and 78 , the retaining portion  314  can comprise the annular outer portion or wall  368  of the frame  350 . A shape set (e.g., a programmed shape of a shape memory material) of annular outer portion or wall  368  biases the annular outer portion or wall  368  radially outward and into contact with/against the interior surface  416  of the aorta to retain the docking station  10  and the valve  29  at the implantation position. In the examples of  FIGS. 77 and 78 , the shape set can also be selected to substantially match the shape of a portion of the aorta. The retaining portion  314  can be elongated to allow a relatively small force to be applied to a large area of the interior surface  416 , while the valve  29  can apply a relatively large force to the valve seat  18 , as discussed above. 
       FIGS. 4A-4D  schematically illustrate an exemplary deployment of the docking station  10  and valve  29  in the circulatory system. Referring to  FIG. 4A , the docking station  10  is in a compressed form/configuration and is introduced to a deployment site in the circulatory system. For example, the docking station  10 , can be positioned at a deployment site in a SVC, IVC, aorta, or other location. Referring to  FIG. 4B , the docking station  10  is expanded in the circulatory system such that the sealing portion(s)  310  and the retaining portion(s)  314  engage the inside surface  416  of a portion of the circulatory system. Referring to  FIG. 4C , after the docking station  10  is deployed, the valve  29  is in a compressed form and is introduced into the valve seat  18  of the docking station  10 . Referring to  FIG. 4D , the valve  29  is expanded in the docking station, such that the valve  29  engages the valve seat  18  and the seat  18  of the docking station supports the valve. The docking station  10  allows the valve  29  to operate within the expansion diameter range for which it is designed. In the examples depicted herein, the docking station  10  is longer than the valve. However, in some embodiments the docking station  10  can be the same length or shorter than the length of the valve  29 . Similarly, the valve seat  18  can be longer, shorter, or the same length as the length of the valve  29 . 
       FIG. 4E  illustrates that the inner surface  416  of the circulatory system, such as the inner surface of a blood vessel or anatomy of the heart can vary in cross-section size and/or shape along its length. In an exemplary embodiment, the docking station  10  is configured such that it can expand radially outwardly to varying degrees along its length L to conform to shape of the inner surface  416 . In one exemplary embodiment, the docking station  10  is configured such that the sealing portion(s)  310  and/or the retaining portion(s)  314  engage the inner surface  416 , even though the shape of the blood vessel or anatomy of the heart vary significantly along the length L of the docking station. The docking station can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy. 
       FIGS. 5A-5C and 6  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an expandable docking station that is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , except blood is inhibited from flowing in the direction indicated by arrow  378  into the area  379  between the valve seat  18  and the annular outer portion or wall  368 . Blood can be prevented or inhibited from flowing into the area  379  in a wide variety of different ways. In the example of  FIGS. 5A-5C , a covering material  500  forms a closed toroid over the frame  350 . That is, the covering material  500  covers the end surface  362  and a span  510  between the end surface  362  and the annular valve seat or wall  18 . As such, the covering material  500  prevents entry or slows entry of blood into the area  379 . In the example of  FIGS. 5A-5C and 6 , the end surface  362  and the valve seat or wall  18  are offset and the span  510  is a conical or inclined ring with a hole in the center. In one exemplary embodiment, an end  362  of the annular outer portion or wall  368  and the valve seat or wall  18  are coplanar or substantially coplanar and the end surface  362  is a ring or a disc with a hole in the center 
       FIGS. 7A, 7B, 8A and 8B  illustrate additional embodiments where blood is inhibited from flowing between the valve seat  18  and the annular outer wall  368 . In the example of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the expandable docking station includes an outer frame ring  750  and a separate inner frame ring  752 , instead of unitary frame  350 . A toroid-shaped foam piece  710  fills the space  712  between the outer frame ring  750  and the inner frame ring  752 . The toroid-shaped foam piece  710  is illustrated as filling an entire volume defined by the rings  750 ,  752 , and having the same height as rings  750  and  752 . However, in other exemplary embodiments a height H 1  of the foam piece  710  can be less than or greater than the height H 2  of the rings  750 ,  752 . Similarly, while the expandable frame rings are illustrated as being the same heights, the heights of each of the frame rings can be different, e.g., the outer frame ring  750  can have a large height to spread the retaining force across a large area of internal surface  416 . The inner frame ring  752  can have a small height to focus the radial outward force of the valve on a small area of the inner frame ring  752 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the sealing portion  310  comprises the foam piece  710  and the outer ring  750 . The outer ring  750  also acts as the retaining portion  314  against the inner surface  416 . The inner ring  752  acts as the valve seat  18 . 
     The inner and outer expandable frames  750 ,  752  can take a wide variety of different forms. The expandable frames  750 ,  752  can be an expandable lattice. The expandable lattice can be made from individual wires, cut from a sheet and then rolled or otherwise formed into the shape of the expandable frame, cut from a cylinder/tube/cylindrical sheet, molded, etc. The frames  750 ,  752  can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer. Examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used include, but are not limited to, nitinol and other shape memory alloys, elgiloy, and stainless steel, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used to make the frame  750 ,  752 . These materials can allow the frame to be compressed to a small size, and then when the compression force is released, the frame will self-expand back to its pre-compressed diameter and/or the frames can be expanded by inflation of a device/balloon. 
     An example of an open cell foam that can be used to form foam piece  710  (or any other foam parts mentioned in this application) of the docking station is a bio-compatible foam, such as a polyurethane foam (e.g., as may be obtained from Biomerix, Rockville, Md.). The docking stations with the foam piece  710  can be self-expanding and/or expandable with an inflatable device to cause the docking station to engage an inner surface  416  having a variable shape. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10  that is substantially the same as the docking station of  FIGS. 7A and 7B , except the inner frame ring  752  is omitted. In the example of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the inner surface  810  of the foam piece  710  acts as the valve seat  18 . The inner surface  810  of the foam piece  710  can form a valve seat in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the inner surface  810  can be made to be substantially inelastic or unexpandable from a predetermined deployed size. For example, the inner surface can be provided with an inelastic or substantially inelastic skin, which can be made from the same polymer as the foam (or another polymer), or the inner surface  810  can include a band, ring, or strand. The valve seat  18  can be any material capable of supporting the radially outward force of the transcatheter valve  29 . 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10  that is substantially the same as the docking station of  FIGS. 8A and 8B , except the outer frame ring  750  is omitted. In the example of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the outer surface  910  of the foam piece  710  acts as the sealing and retaining portions  310 ,  314 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a docking station  10  that includes a foam piece  710 . The docking station of  FIG. 10  can include both the inner frame ring  7520  and the outer frame ring  750 , the outer frame ring  750  only, the inner frame ring  752  only, or no frame ring. 
       FIGS. 6-10  can be separate docking stations or form a portion of another docking station, e.g., part of one of the docking stations described/shown elsewhere herein. For example, the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 6-10  can be used as or can form an end portion (e.g., region including and around the valve seat) of any of the docking stations shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D, 12-18, 32-36, 42-45 , (can be used at either end or both ends), and  60 A- 60 J, etc., and can be integral or attached. 
     Optionally, the docking station frame  350  in the various embodiments herein can be made from an elastic or superelastic material or metal. One such metal is nitinol. When the frame  350  of the docking station  10  is made from a lattice of metal struts, the body can have the characteristics of a spring. Referring to  FIG. 11 , like a spring, when the frame  350  of the docking station  10  is unconstrained and allowed to relax to its largest diameter the frame of the docking station applies little or no radially outward force. As the frame  350  of the docking station  10  is compressed, like a spring, the radially outward force applied by the docking station increases. 
     As is illustrated by  FIG. 11 , in one exemplary embodiment the relationship of the radially outward force of the docking station frame  350  to the diameter of the docking station is non-linear, though it can also be linear. In the example of  FIG. 11 , the curve  1150  illustrates the relationship between the radially outward force exerted by the docking station  10  and the compressed diameter of the docking station. In the region  1152 , the curve  1150  has a low slope. In this region  1152 , the radially outward force is low and changes only a small amount. In one exemplary embodiment, the region  1152  corresponds to a diameter between 25 mm and 40 mm, such as between 27 mm and 38 mm. The radially outward force is small in the region  1152 , but is not zero. In the region  1154 , the curve  1150  has a higher slope. In this region  1154  the radially outward force increases significantly as the docking station is compressed. In one exemplary embodiment, the body of the stent is constructed to be in the low slope region  1152  for both a largest vessel accommodated by the docking station  10  and a smallest vessel. This allows the sealing and retaining portions  310 ,  314  to apply only a small radially outward force to the inner surface  416  of the circulatory system over a wide range of implantation diameters. 
     The docking station frame  350  can take a wide variety of different forms.  FIGS. 12, 13 and 14  illustrate exemplary embodiments of docking station frames. In  FIG. 12 , a portion of the valve seat  18  is omitted, but the frame includes legs  1250  for supporting a valve seat  18  or forming a portion of a valve seat. In  FIGS. 13 and 14  two examples of valve seats  18  are shown connected to the legs  1250 . In  FIG. 13 , the valve seat  18  comprises a separate valve seat component attached to the legs  1250 . In  FIG. 14 , the valve seat  18  is integrally formed with the legs  1250 . In other embodiments, the valve seat  18  is replaced/integrated with a valve/THV  29  and the docking station  10  and valve/THV are configured and deployed as a single unit. In  FIG. 14 , a portion of the annular outer wall  368  is removed to show the integrally formed valve seat  18 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, a thickness of struts  1200  of the frame varies. A wide variety of different portions of the struts  1200  can vary and the struts can vary in different ways. Referring to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in one exemplary embodiment a strut  1200  has a first thickness T 1  and a second thickness T 2 . In the illustrated example, the struts  1200  of the annular wall portion  314  have the first thickness T 1  and strut portions or links  1202  of the struts  1200  that form the end  362  have the second thickness T 2 . In this example, the thickness T 2  is less than the thickness T 1 . This reduced thickness allows the end  362  to bend or flex more easily and connect the annular outer portion or wall  368  to the valve seat  18 . In the illustrated example, the thicknesses T 1 , T 2  are measured in the radial outward direction (i.e. measured from an inside surface of the frame  350  to the outside surface). In one exemplary embodiment, the width of the struts  1200  is also reduced with the thickness reduction or, optionally, the width of the strut portions can be reduced instead of the thickness reduction. The thickness T 2  can be 90% or less of the thickness T 1 , the thickness T 2  can be 80% or less of the thickness T 1 , thickness T 2  can be 70% or less of the thickness T 1 , thickness T 2  can be 60% or less of the thickness T 1 , thickness T 2  can be half or less of the thickness T 1 , thickness T 2  can be 40% or less of the thickness T 1 , thickness T 2  can be 30% or less of the thickness T 1 , thickness T 2  can be ¼ or less of the thickness T 1 , or the thickness T 2  can be 20% or less of the thickness T 1 . 
     In the illustrated example, the entirety of the strut portions or links  1202  of the struts  1200  that form the end  362  have the second thickness T 2 . However, in other embodiments, only part of the portions/links  1202  that form the end  362  have the reduced thickness. For example, the thickness of the portions/links  1202  can have the thickness T 2  at the top or apex  1204  of the illustrated bend  1206  while another part(s) can have the thickness T 1 . In one embodiment, a taper  1210  transitions the struts  1200  or strut portions/links  1202  from the thickness T 1  to the thickness T 2 . In one embodiment, the taper is more gradual (e.g., occurs over a longer distance or length) and extends into the bend of the links  1206 . The thickness can also increase (e.g., taper) in the area from the top or apex  1204  to the valve seat  18  or area where the valve seat will be attached. 
     The length of the retaining portion  314  in  FIGS. 12-13  is shows as being many times both the length/height of the valve seat and diameter of the valve seat. As discussed previously, this configuration applies a relatively small radially outward force over a larger area to the interior surface of the circulatory system and is sufficient to secure the docking station in place against the interior surface. Further, this design/configuration allows the docking station to conform to the unique shape/size of the anatomy expanding more or less in many different locations to adjust to the contours (e.g., bulges, narrowed regions, contractions, etc.) of the interior surface of the circulatory system (e.g., blood vessel) and contact more of the interior surface. In one embodiment, the docking station and frame are configures such that, when implanted, all or most of the outer surface of the docking station or frame contacts the interior surface of the circulatory system (even when irregular or varied in shape). This also helps avoid/reduce the likelihood of damaging relatively weaker native tissue (e.g., by having too much localized force and/or pressure in one, two, or more particular locations). Thereby the valve  29  can be securely held in a variety of locations and anatomies. 
     For example, the frame shown in  FIGS. 12, 13, and 14  is configured such that a docking station incorporating this frame can conform to an interior shape of circulatory system when expanded inside the blood vessel such that the expandable frame can expand in multiple locations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) to conform to multiple bulges of the circulatory system and/or can contracts (e.g., is less expanded, has a smaller diameter, etc.) in multiple locations (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or more) to conform to multiple narrowed regions of the circulatory system. Further, whether the native anatomy is varied or more uniform, the frame is configured such that, when a docking station incorporating the frame is expanded in the circulatory system, the majority (e.g., more than 50%), more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, 50-90%, or more of an outer surface of the docking station contacts an interior surface of the circulatory system and distributes the pressure and force exerted on the interior surface by the docking station over the portion or length of the outer surface of the docking station in contact with the interior surface. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , in one exemplary embodiment the strut portions or links  1202  that form the end  362  of the frame  350  are twisted or otherwise angled. The portions/links  1202  can be twisted in a wide variety of different ways and can be twisted along their full length or just a portion of their length. The twists  1500  aid in crimping or compressing of the frame  350 . In the illustrated example, a twist  1500  is included at or near (e.g., adjacent) the junction  1510  of the portion/link  1202  and the annular outer portion or wall  368  and at or near (e.g., adjacent) the junction  1520  of the portion/link  1202  and the valve seat  18 . However, in other embodiments a twist  1500  can be provided at only one of the junction  1510  and the junction  1520 . In the illustrated example, the twists  1500  are ninety degree twists, forming one-hundred-eighty total degrees of twist. At the junction  1510  the thickness T 1  is greater than the width W 1  of the portion/link  1202 . At the junction  1520  the thickness T 2  is greater than the width W 2  of the portion/link  1202 . Due to the two twists  1500 , at the apex  1204 , the thickness T 3  can be less than the width W 3 , even though the portion/link  1202  is uniform at the apex  1204 . That is, due to the twists  1500 , the widths W 1 , W 2  at the junctions  1510 ,  1520  can become the thickness T 3  at the apex  1204  and the thicknesses T 1 , T 2  at the junctions  1510 ,  1520  can become the width W 3 . The thickness T 3  can be 90% or less of the width W 3 , the thickness T 3  can be 80% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 70% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 60% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be half or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 40% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 30% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be ¼ or less of the width W 3 , or the thickness T 3  can be 20% or less of the width W 3 . Optionally, twists  1500  and a strut portion/link  1202  could be used that have a uniform or equal thickness with other struts  1200  of the frame. 
     The twists  1500  make the frame  350  easier to crimp or compress. For example, a thinner thickness T 3  at the apex  1204  makes the portions/links  1202  easier to bend at the apex  1204  and along their length. In addition, the angles and/or twists  1500  facilitate offsetting/rotation  1550  of the valve seat  18  relative to the annular outer portion or wall  368 . This offsetting/rotation  1550  reduces the amount of bending and axial outward movement  1560  needed when compressing or crimping the frame  350 . As a result, a radius of curvature of the apex  1204  of the compressed or crimped frame is greater than would be the case if the twists  1500  were not included. Since the radius of curvature is increased, the stress on the apex  1204  is reduced when the frame is compressed or crimped. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17-19 , in one exemplary embodiment the frame  350  includes a valve seat  18  that is offset or rotated  1700  relative to the annular outer portion or wall  368 . This offset or rotation  1700  angles and/or twists the portions/links  1202 . The offset/rotation  1700  aids in crimping or compressing of the frame  350 . Any degree of offset or rotation can be implemented. For example, compared to a strut portion/link  1202  of  FIG. 13  that extends from the annular outer portion or wall  368  directly toward a longitudinal or center axis A that runs longitudinally through the center of the docking station (e.g., the axis parallel to the outer wall  368  and in the center thereof), the offset/rotation  1700  can, optionally, cause each of the strut portions/links to be angled 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, 50 degrees or less, 40 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 degrees or less or 10 degrees or less relative to a radial line between the longitudinal or center axis A and the junction of the strut portion to the outer wall (e.g., relative to links or strut portions shown in  FIG. 13 , which are parallel to such a radial line). 
     In  FIGS. 17-19 , at the junction  1710  the thickness T 1  is less than the width W 1  of the strut  1200 . At the junction  1720  the thickness T 2  is less than the width W 2  of the strut  1200 . At the apex  1204  the thickness T 3  is also less than the width W 3 . In one exemplary embodiment, the widths W 1 , W 2 , W 3  are all the same. In one exemplary embodiment, the thicknesses T 1 , T 2 , T 3  are all the same. The thickness T 3  can be 90% or less of the width W 3 , the thickness T 3  can be 80% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 70% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 60% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be half or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 40% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be 30% or less of the width W 3 , thickness T 3  can be ¼ or less of the width W 3 , or the thickness T 3  can be 20% or less of the width W 3 . 
     The offset/rotation  1700  makes the frame  350  easier to crimp or compress. For example, the offset/rotation  1700  reduces the amount of bending and axial outward movement  1760  needed when compressing or crimping the frame  350 . As a result, a radius of curvature of the apex  1204  of the compressed or crimped frame is greater than would be the case if the offset/rotation  1700  were not included. Since the radius of curvature is increased, the stress on the apex  1204  is reduced when the frame is compressed or crimped. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20A-20C , in some exemplary embodiments the apex  1204  of the strut portion or link  1202  (See  FIG. 12 ) is shaped to make the frame  350  easier to compress or crimp. The apex  1204  can have a wide variety of different shapes. In the example of  FIG. 20A , the apex includes a sharp bend  2000 . Leg portions  2010  form an acute angle ( 3 , such as less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, or less than 30 degrees. In the example of  FIG. 20B , the apex  1204  includes an upwardly extending rounded end or tip  2020  that transitions to two leg portions  2010  at two bends  2022 . The rounded end or tip  2020  is substantially circular. For example, the rounded end or tip can be formed by a 180 degree to 300 degree (or any sub-range) arc. Leg portions  2010  form an acute angle θ, such as less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, or less than 10 degrees. In the example of  FIG. 20C , the apex  1204  includes a downwardly extending rounded end  2030 , two upwardly extending rounded portions  2032 , and two leg portions  2010 . The downwardly extending end  2030  is substantially circular. For example, the end  2030  can be formed by a 180 degree to 300 degree (or any sub-range) arc. The upwardly extending rounded portions  2032  are also substantially circular. For example, the upwardly extending rounded portions can be formed by a 180 degree to 300 degree (or any sub-range) arc. Leg portions  2010  form an acute angle α, such as less than 60 degrees, less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees, or less than 10 degrees. 
       FIGS. 21A-21H  illustrate crimping of a docking station frame  350 , such as the docking station frame illustrated by  FIGS. 17-19  for installation into a delivery catheter (See for example delivery catheter  2200  in  FIG. 22A ). Depending on the implantation site, the catheter can be flexible or rigid. A rigid or substantially rigid catheter can be used to access the inferior vena cava IVC or the superior vena cava SVC. A percutaneous path to the inferior vena cava IVC that is relatively straight can be used. In the example, a crimping apparatus  2100  includes a housing  2101  and wedge shaped drive members  2102 . In  FIG. 21A , the docking station frame  350  is in a fully expanded or substantially fully expanded condition inside the wedge shaped driving members  2102 . In this position, both annular outer portion or wall  368  and the valve seat  18  are fully expanded. The strut portions/links  1202  are shown angled in a generally clockwise direction  2110  as they extend from the valve seat  18  to the annular outer portion or wall  368 . Optionally, the portions/links  1202  can be angled in a generally counter-clockwise direction (i.e., opposite clockwise direction  2110 ) as they extend from the valve seat  18  to the annular outer portion or wall  368  (crimping would be similar but opposite to that shown in  FIGS. 21A-21H ). 
     In  FIG. 21B , the wedge shaped driving members  2102  begin to move the annular outer portion  368  or wall radially inward. As the annular outer portion  368  moves radially inward, the junctions  1710  (See  FIG. 17 ) moves radially inward and the strut portions/links  1202  force a top end  2120  of the valve seat  18  radially inward, while a bottom/proximal end  2122  of the valve seat remains substantially expanded. 
     In  FIG. 21C , the wedge shaped driving members  2102  continue to move the annular outer portion  368  or wall radially inward. As the annular outer portion  368  moves radially inward, the junction  1710  (See  FIG. 17 ) continues to move radially inward. The strut portions/links  1202  continue to force the top end  2120  of the valve seat  18  radially inward, while a bottom end  2122  of the valve seat remains substantially expanded. As can be seen by comparing  FIGS. 21A-21C , the orientation of the portions/links  1202  has changed such that the angle in the clockwise direction  2110  has been diminished, eliminated, or the portions/links  1202  extend in the counterclockwise direction. As frame  350  is compressed or crimped, the radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  becomes smaller. 
     In  FIG. 21D , the wedge shaped driving members  2102  continue to move the annular outer portion  368  or wall radially inward. As the annular outer portion  368  moves radially inward, the junction  1710  (See  FIG. 17 ) continues to move radially inward. The portions/links  1202  force the top end  2120  of the valve seat  18  substantially closed, while a bottom end  2122  of the valve seat remains open. In  FIG. 21D , the bottom end  2122  of the valve seat is in contact with the annular outer portion  368 . The orientation of the strut portions/links  1202  has now clearly changed from the clockwise direction  2110  to the counterclockwise direction  2130  as they extend from the valve seat  18  to the annular outer portion or wall  368 . The radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  continues to become smaller. However, the angled orientation of the portion/links  1202  helps keep the distance between the junctions  1710 ,  1720  larger to increase the radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  relative to non-angled portions  2102  that are crimped. 
     In  FIG. 21E , the wedge shaped driving members  2102  drive the annular outer portion  368  and the bottom end  2122  of the valve seat  18  radially inward. The orientation of the portions/links  1202  is in the counterclockwise direction  2130 . The radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  continue to become smaller. 
     In  FIG. 21F , the wedge shaped driving members  2102  continue to drive the annular outer portion  368  and the bottom end  2122  of the valve seat  18  radially inward. The orientation of the portions/links  1202  is in the counterclockwise direction  2130 . The radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  continue to become smaller. 
     In  FIG. 21G , the wedge shaped driving members  2102  continue to drive the annular outer portion  368  and the bottom end  2122  of the valve seat  18  radially inward. The orientation of the portions/links  1202  is in the counterclockwise direction  2130 . The radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  continue to become smaller. 
     The wedge shaped driving members  2102  continue to drive the annular outer portion  368  and the bottom end  2122  of the valve seat  18  radially inward. The radii of curvature of the apexes  1204  continue to become smaller. The frame  350  is in the fully compressed or crimped state in  FIG. 21H . The compressed or crimped frame  350  can be loaded into a catheter or a sleeve/sheath for deployment into a patient. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22A-22C, 23A-23C, and 24A-24C , in some exemplary embodiments the docking station  10  can be configured to curl back on itself as it is deployed from a catheter  2200 . The docking stations  10  illustrated by  FIGS. 22A-22C and 23A-23C  can be deployed in any of the interior surfaces  416  or implantation locations mentioned herein. The docking station  10  illustrated by  FIGS. 24A-24C  is configured for deployment in a native valve.  FIGS. 22A-22C, 23A-23C, and 24A-24C  schematically illustrate a cross-section of a docking station  10  being deployed from the catheter  2200 . The docking station  10  can be made from any combination of the materials disclosed herein. For example, the docking station  10  can be made from a shape memory alloy frame, foam, fabric coverings, etc. The illustrated docking station  10  defines a valve seat  18 , a sealing portion  310 , and a retaining portion  314 . Embodiments shown only in cross-section in this application can be assumed to have an annular or cylindrical shape. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22A , during deployment, the docking station  10  first extends radially outward  2220  from the deployment catheter  2200 . Referring to  FIG. 22B , the docking station  10  then extends or curls back  2222  toward the deployment catheter. Referring to  FIG. 22C , the docking station  10  then extends back up  2224  to overlap the last portion  2226  of the docking station to be deployed from the catheter  2200 . 
       FIGS. 23A-23C  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10  that is configured to curl back on itself as it is deployed from a catheter  2200 . The docking station  10  illustrated by  FIGS. 23A-23C  can be deployed in any of the interior surfaces  416  mentioned herein. Referring to  FIG. 23A , during deployment, the docking station  10  first extends radially outward  2220  from the deployment catheter  2200 . Referring to  FIG. 23B , the docking station  10  then extends or curls back  2222  toward the deployment catheter. Referring to  FIG. 23C , the docking station  10  then extends back up  2224  to overlap a valve seat  18  of the docking station and a last portion  2228  of the docking station to be deployed extends radially outward  2230  below the curled toroidal portion  2230 . 
       FIGS. 24A-24C  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10  that is configured to curl back on itself as it is deployed from a catheter  2200 . In the example of  FIGS. 24A-24C , the docking station  10  is configured to curl back on itself and capture one or more leaflets  2400  of a native valve. For example, the docking station  10  can be configured to capture the leaflets of a mitral valve MV, aortic valve AV, tricuspid valve TV, or the pulmonary valve PV. Referring to  FIG. 24A , from inside the leaflets  2400  of the native valve, the docking station  10  deploys and extends radially outward  2420  from the deployment catheter  2200  outward of the leaflets  2400 . Referring to  FIG. 24B , the docking station  10  then extends or curls back  2422  toward and behind the leaflets  2400 . Referring to  FIG. 24C , the docking station  10  then extends back  2424  and the leaflets are sandwiched or clamped  2426  between the valve seat  18  and the portion  2428  of the docking station. The clamping secures the docking station  10  to the valve leaflets and thereby the native valve. 
       FIG. 25  illustrates an example of a strut configuration that can be employed to make or be incorporated in the curling docking station  10  of  FIGS. 22A-22C and 24A-24C . In  FIG. 25 , the valve seat  18  is formed by inner struts  2500 . The inner struts  2500  extend from an end  2502  to a junction  2504  and form generally diamond shaped openings  2506 . Top and outer struts  2510  extend from the junction  2504  to a second end  2512 . The top and outer struts  2510  form continuous openings  2516 . Optionally, the end  2512  can extend back up  2224  to overlap the end  2502 . 
       FIGS. 26-28  illustrate an example of a strut configuration that can be employed to make or be incorporated in the curling docking station  10  of  FIGS. 23A-23C . In  FIG. 25 , the valve seat  18  is formed by inner struts  2600 . The inner struts  2600  are elongated and extend (e.g., longitudinally and radially outward) to form legs  2601  that extend to an end  2602 . The inner struts also extend upward to a junction  2604  and form openings  2606 . Top and outer struts  2610  extend from the junction  2604  to a second end  2612 . The top and outer struts  2610  form continuous openings  2616 . In one embodiment, end  2612  extends back up  2224  and overlaps the legs  2601 . 
       FIG. 29  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10 . The frame  350  or body can take a wide variety of different forms and  FIG. 29  illustrates just one of the many possible configurations. In the example of  FIG. 29 , the retaining portion  314  forms a relatively wider inflow portion  2912 . A relatively narrower portion  2916  forms the seat  18 . A tapered portion  2918  joins the wider portion  2912  and the seat  18 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 29 , the frame  350  comprises a plurality of metal struts  1200  that form cells  2904 . In the example of  FIG. 29 , cells of the retaining portion  314  are uncovered. A covering/material  21  (e.g., an impermeable material, a semi-permeable material, a material like those discussed above, etc.), such as a cloth or fabric ( FIG. 29 ) or a protective foam ( FIG. 30 ) is provided over the narrow portion  2916 , the tapered portion  2918 , and the round or outer segment  3216  to form the sealing portion  310  of the docking station  10 . The valve  29  expands in the narrow portion  2916 , which forms the valve seat  18 . 
     The docking station can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy. For example, the docking station can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, polymer, or an open cell foam. An example of a highly resilient metal is nitinol, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used. The docking station  10  can be self-expandable, manually expandable (e.g., expandable via balloon), mechanically expandable, or a combination of these. A self-expandable docking station  10  can be made of a shape memory material such as, for example, nitinol. 
     Referring to  FIG. 29 , in one exemplary embodiment, a band  20  extends about the waist or narrow portion  2916 , or is integral to the waist to form an unexpandable or substantially unexpandable valve seat  18 . The band  20  stiffens the waist and, once the docking station is deployed and expanded, makes the waist/valve seat relatively unexpandable in its deployed configuration. Optionally the band  20  can extend over some or all of the narrow portion  2916 . In the example of  FIG. 29 , the valve  29  is secured by expansion of its collapsible frame into the valve seat  18 , of the docking station  10 . The unexpandable or substantially unexpandable valve seat  18  prevents the radially outward force of the valve  29  from being transferred to the inside surface  416  of the circulatory system. However in one exemplary embodiment, the waist/valve seat of the deployed docking station can optionally expand slightly in an elastic fashion when the valve  29  is deployed against it. This optional elastic expansion of the waist  18  can put pressure on the valve  29  to help hold the valve  29  in place within the docking station. 
     The band  20  can take a wide variety of different forms and can be made from a wide variety of different materials. For example, the band  20  can be made of PET, PTFE, ePTFE, one or more sutures, fabric, metal, polymer, a biocompatible tape, or other relatively unexpandable materials known in the art that are sufficient to maintain the shape of the valve seat  18  and hold the valve  29  in place. The band can extend about the exterior of the stent, or can be an integral part of it, such as when fabric or another material is interwoven into or through cells of the stent. The band  20  can be narrow, such as the suture band in  FIG. 29 , or can be wider. The band can be a variety of widths, lengths, and thicknesses. In one non-limiting example, the valve seat  18  is between 15-35 mm wide, 18-31 mm wide, 20-29 mm wide, etc., although the diameter of the valve seat should be within the operating range of the particular valve  29  that will be secured within the valve seat  18 , and can be different than the foregoing example. The valve  29 , when docked within the docking station, can optionally expand around either side of the valve seat slightly. This aspect, sometimes referred to as a “dogbone” (e.g., because of the shape it forms around the valve seat or band), can also help hold the valve in place. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates the docking station  10  of  FIG. 29  implanted in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava IVC. In the example of  FIG. 31 , the narrow portion  2916  and/or the tapered portion  2918  extend into the right atrium RA and the retaining portion  314  (hidden in  FIG. 31 ) is held in place in the inferior vena cava IVC. The reduced size of the narrow portion  2916  can prevent the docking station  10  from contacting an interior surface of the circulatory system or native tissue (e.g., of the right atrium RA). The covering  21  illustrated by  FIG. 30  can be used to cushion any contact between the narrow portion  2916  and the circulator system or native tissue (e.g., right atrium) that might occur. The sealing portion  310  provides a seal between the docking station  10  and an interior surface  416  of the circulatory system, such as at the junction between the inferior vena cava IVC and the right atrium. 
     In the example of  FIG. 31 , the sealing portion  310  is formed by providing the covering/material  21  over the frame  350  or a portion thereof. In particular, the sealing portion  310  can comprise the narrow portion  2916 , the tapered portion  2918  and/or the retaining portion  314 . In an exemplary embodiment, the covering/material  21  (e.g., an impermeable material, semi-permeable material, cloth, polymer, foam, wax, etc.) covers the narrow portion  2916 , the tapered portion  2918 , and optionally a portion of the retaining portion  314 . In one embodiment, the covering/material can be configured to encourage or enhance tissue ingrowth (e.g., covering/material  21  can have a large surface area and/or be hydrophilic to enhance tissue ingrowth). This provides a seal and makes the docking station impermeable or substantially impermeable from the sealing portion  310  to the seal between the valve  29  and the docking station  10  at the valve seat  18 . As such, blood flowing in the inflow direction  12  toward the outflow direction  14  is directed to the valve seat  18  and valve  29 , once installed/deployed in the valve seat. 
     As one non-limiting example, when the docking station  10  is placed in the inferior vena cava, which is a large vessel, the significant volume of blood flowing through the vein is funneled into the valve  29  by the covering  21 . The covering  21  can be fluid impermeable or become fluid impermeable (e.g., via tissue ingrowth) so that blood cannot pass through. A variety of other covering materials (including any materials described elsewhere herein), can be used such as, for example, foam ( FIG. 30 ) or a fabric that is treated with a coating that is impermeable to blood, polyester, or a processed biological material, such as pericardium. More of the docking station frame  350  can be provided with the material  21 , forming a relatively large impermeable portion. 
       FIG. 32  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10 . The docking station illustrated by  FIG. 32  is similar to the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 29 , except an outer segment  3216  extends from the narrow portion  2916 . The outer segment  3216  is shaped to be atraumatic to the interior surface  416  or native anatomy. For example, the outer segment  3216  can be round or toroidal. The round or outer segment  3216  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the round or outer segment  3216  can comprise a plurality of metal struts that form cells and form part of the frame  350  or be attached to the frame  350 . The round or outer segment  3216  can be made of a foam material.  FIG. 32  illustrates one of many possible configurations. 
     In the example of  FIG. 32 , the retaining portion  314  forms a relatively wider inflow portion  2912 . A relatively narrower portion  2916  forms the seat  18 . A tapered portion  2918  joins the wider portion  2912  and the seat  18 . The round or outer segment  3216  extends radially outward from the relatively narrower portion  2916 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 32 , the frame  350  comprises a plurality of metal struts  1200  that form cells  2904 . In the example of  FIG. 32 , cells of the retaining portion  314  are uncovered. A covering/material  21  (e.g., an impermeable material, semi-permeable material, material like those discussed above, etc.), such as a cloth or fabric or a protective foam can be provided over the narrow portion  2916 , the tapered portion  2918 , and the round or outer segment  3216 . The covering/material  21  that extends to the frame  350  forms the sealing portion  310  of the docking station  10 . The valve  29  expands in the narrow portion  2916  that forms the valve seat  18 . 
     The docking station can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy. For example, the docking station can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, polymer, or an open cell foam. An example of a highly resilient metal is nitinol, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used. The docking station  10  can be self-expandable, manually expandable (e.g., expandable via balloon), mechanically expandable, or a combination of these. A self-expandable docking station  10  can be made of a shape memory material such as, for example, nitinol. 
     Referring to  FIG. 32 , in one exemplary embodiment a band  20  extends about the waist or narrow portion  2916 , or is integral to the waist to form an unexpandable or substantially unexpandable valve seat  18 . The band  20  can also extend over other portions of the docking station as well. The band  20  stiffens the waist and, once the docking station is deployed and expanded, makes the waist/valve seat relatively unexpandable in its deployed configuration. In the example of  FIG. 32 , the valve  29  is secured by expansion of its collapsible frame into the valve seat  18 , of the docking station  10 . The unexpandable or substantially unexpandable valve seat  18  prevents the radially outward force of the valve  29  from being transferred to the inside surface  416  of the circulatory system. However in one exemplary embodiment, the waist/valve seat of the deployed docking station can optionally expand slightly in an elastic fashion when the valve  29  is deployed against it. This optional elastic expansion of the waist  18  can put pressure on the valve  29  to help hold the valve  29  in place within the docking station. 
     The band  20  can take a wide variety of different forms and can be made from a wide variety of different materials. The band  20  can be made of PET, one or more sutures, fabric, metal, polymer, a biocompatible tape, or other relatively unexpandable materials known in the art that are sufficient to maintain the shape of the valve seat  18  and hold the valve  29  in place. The band can extend about the exterior of the stent, or can be an integral part of it, such as when fabric or another material is interwoven into or through cells of the stent. The band  20  can be narrow, such as the suture band in  FIG. 32 , or can be wider. The band can be a variety of widths, lengths, and thicknesses. In one non-limiting example, the valve seat  18  is between 27-28 mm wide, although the diameter of the valve seat should be within the operating range of the particular valve  29  that will be secured within the valve seat  18 , and can be different than the foregoing example. The valve  29 , when docked within the docking station, can optionally expand around either side of the valve seat slightly, e.g., in an hourglass-like shape. 
       FIG. 33  illustrates the docking station  10  of  FIG. 32  implanted in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava IVC. In  FIG. 33 , outer segment  3216 , the narrow portion  2916  and/or the tapered portion  2918  extend into the right atrium RA and the retaining portion  314  is held in place in the inferior vena cava IVC. Any contact between the interior surface of the right atrium RA and the docking station  10  is with the outer segment  3216 . The shape and atraumatic configuration of the outer segment  3216  protects the interior surface of the right atrium RA. 
     The sealing portion  310  provides a seal between the docking station  10  and an interior surface  416  of the circulatory system, such as at the junction between the inferior vena cava IVC and the right atrium. In the example of  FIG. 33 , the sealing portion  310  is formed by providing the covering/material  21  (which can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described elsewhere herein) over the frame  350  or a portion thereof. In particular, the sealing portion  310  can comprise the narrow portion  2916 , the outer segment  3216 , the tapered portion  2918  and/or a covered portion of the retaining portion  314 . In an exemplary embodiment, the covering/material  21  covers the outer segment  3216 , the narrow portion  2916 , the tapered portion  2918 , and optionally a portion of the retaining portion  314 . In one embodiment, the covering/material can be configured to encourage or enhance tissue ingrowth (e.g., covering/material  21  can have a large surface area and/or be hydrophilic to enhance tissue ingrowth). This provides a seal and makes the docking station impermeable or substantially impermeable from the sealing portion  310  to the seal between the valve  29  and the docking station  10  at the valve seat  18 . As such, blood flowing in the inflow direction  12  toward the outflow direction  14  is directed to the valve seat  18  (and valve  29  once installed in the valve seat). 
     As one example, when the docking station  10  is placed in the inferior vena cava IVC, which is a large vessel, the significant volume of blood flowing through the vein is funneled into the valve  29  by the covering  21 . The covering  21  can be fluid impermeable or become fluid impermeable (e.g., via tissue ingrowth) so that blood cannot pass through. A variety of biocompatible covering materials can be used such as any materials described elsewhere herein, including foam or a fabric that is treated with a coating that is impermeable to blood, polyester, or a processed biological material, such as pericardium. More of the docking station frame  350  can be provided with the covering/material  21 , forming a relatively large impermeable portion. 
       FIGS. 34 and 35  illustrate an exemplary embodiment where the outer segment  3216  of the docking station  10  illustrated by  FIG. 32  is formed as a portion of the frame  350 . In the example of  FIGS. 34 and 35 , the valve seat  18  is formed by inner struts  3400 . The retaining portion  314  is formed by lower struts  3410 . The lower struts  3410  extend longitudinally and radially outward from the inner struts  3400 . The lower struts  3410  terminate at a lower end  3412  of the docking station  10 . The outer segment  3216  is formed by top and outer struts  3520  that extend radially outward  3450 , and then downward  3452  and inward  3454 . 
     In  FIG. 35 , the entire frame  350  is comprises a plurality of metal struts  1200  that form cells  2904 . In  FIG. 32 , cells of the retaining portion  314  are uncovered. A covering/material  21  (which can be the same as or similar to coverings/materials  21  discussed previously), such as a cloth or fabric or a protective foam can be provided at the valve seat  18  (i.e. inside or outside the struts  1200 ), the round or outer segment  3216  and part of the retaining portion  314 . For example, referring to  FIG. 35  all of the portion  3550  above the line  3530  can be covered and the portion  3552  below the line  3530  can be uncovered. The line  3530  can be adjusted to ensure that the material  21  extends to the area of contact with the inside surface  416  (e.g., to an area expected to be in contact with the inside surface  416  at the junction between the IVC and the right atrium). 
     The docking station illustrated by  FIGS. 34 and 35  can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy. For example, the docking station  10  can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, polymer, or an open cell foam. An example of a highly resilient metal is nitinol, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used. The docking station  10  can be self-expandable, manually expandable (e.g., expandable via balloon), mechanically expandable, or a combination of these. A self-expandable docking station  10  can be made of a shape memory material such as nitinol. 
       FIG. 36  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an expandable docking station  10  with a retaining portion  314  that is disposed in the inferior vena cava IVC and a valve seat  18  that is disposed in the right atrium RA. The expandable docking station  10  includes one or more sealing portions  310 , a valve seat  18 , and one or more retaining portions  314 . In  FIG. 36 , the docking station  10  is configured to provide a seal  3610  at the atrium-vein junction  3612 . The seal  3610  at the atrium-vein junction  3612  can be provided in a variety of different ways. In  FIG. 36 , the frame  350  transitions  3616  radially outward from the retaining portion  314  toward the end  3617  of the docking station  10  to form an enlarged portion or skirt  3618 . The enlarged portion or skirt  3618  is flexible such that the portion of the docking station that makes contact with a surface of the atrium is soft. The enlarged portion or skirt can also be covered with a foam or other material to further soften the potential areas of contact between the atrium and the docking station  10 . 
     A sealing portion  310  is configured to prevent or inhibit blood flow where the atrium-vein junction  3612  meets the enlarged portion or skirt  3618  when implanted. An additional sealing portion  310 ′ is provided to prevent or inhibit blood from flowing between the valve  29  and docking station. In the example of  FIG. 36 , the additional sealing element  310 ′ is disposed on the portion of the frame  350  that forms the valve seat  18  and extends to the sealing element  310 . As such, the two sealing elements  310 ,  310 ′ prevent or inhibit blood from flowing around the outside of the transcatheter valve  29 . In another exemplary embodiment, the sealing element  310  can cover the entire enlarged portion  3618  or skirt and extend into the area of the valve seat  18  to eliminate the need for the second sealing element  310 ′. 
     The sealing portions can take a wide variety of different forms. In the example of  FIG. 36 , a fabric, polymer, or other covering is attached to a portion of the frame  350  to form the sealing portion  310 . However, the sealing portion  310  can be formed in a wide variety of other ways. The sealing portion  310  can take any form that prevents or inhibits the blood from flowing around the outside surface of the valve  29  through the docking station frame. 
     The retaining portions  314  of the  FIG. 36  embodiment can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the retaining portion(s)  314  can be any structure that sets the position of the docking station  10  in the circulatory system and can be the same as or similar to retaining portion(s)  314  discussed elsewhere in this disclosure. For example, the retaining portion(s)  314  can press against or into the inside surface  416  or extend around an anatomical structure of the circulatory system to set the position of the docking station  10 . The retaining portion(s)  314  can be part of or define a portion of the body and/or sealing portion of the docking station  10  or the retaining portion(s)  314  can be a separate component that is attached to the body of the docking station. The docking station  10  can include a single retaining portion  314 , two of these, or more than two. 
     In  FIG. 36 , the retaining portion  314  comprises the annular outer portion or wall  368  of the frame  350 . A shape set of annular outer portion or wall  368  biases the annular outer portion or wall  368  radially outward and into contact with the interior surface  416  of the circulatory system to retain the docking station  10  and the valve  29  at the implantation position. The retaining portion  314  can be elongated to allow a small force to be applied to a large area of the interior surface  416 . For example, the length of the retaining portion  314  can be twice, three times, four times, five times, or greater than five times the outside diameter of the transcatheter valve. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 37-41 , in one exemplary embodiment the frames  350  used in the docking stations  10  include springs or spring/flexible segments  3700  to allow the frames  350  to bend. The spring/flexible segments  3700  allow the stent segments to anchor on the walls of the blood vessel while enabling the docking station to curve if needed. In the example of  FIG. 37 , frame or stent segments  3702  are attached to each other by multiple springs or spring/flexible segments  3700 . Any of the frames shown and described herein can optionally have any combination of spring/flexible segments  3700  and frame or stent segments  3702 . The spring/flexible segments  3700  can take a wide variety of different forms. Examples of spring/flexible segments  3700  include, without limit, spring wires, springs constructed by selective removal of material (see  FIG. 40 ) compression springs, torsion springs, and/or tension springs. 
     In  FIG. 38 , the spring/flexible segments  3700  allow the frame  350  to more easily bend  3800 . The frame  350  can bend in a wide variety of different ways. In the example of  FIG. 38 , springs on one side  3802  stretch and springs on another side  3804  compress to bend  3800  in the indicated direction. Since multiple spring/flexible segments  3700  are provided in the frame  350 , the frame can easily bend in different directions along the length of the frame  350 . 
       FIG. 39  illustrates that the frame or stent segments  3702  are expandable  3900  and compressible  3902 . By having separate frame or stent segments  3702  connected by spring/flexible segments  3700 , the frame can more easily conform to blood vessels that have varying sizes. The combination of the frame or stent segments  3702  and spring segments allows the frame to conform to blood vessels that vary in cross-sectional size of the vessel, cross-sectional shape of the vessel, and the flow shape or path of the vessel. 
       FIG. 40  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the frame or stent segments  3702  are integrally formed with the spring/flexible segments  3700 . For example, the frame or stent segments  3702  and the spring/flexible segments  3700  can be cut from a single piece of material, such as a shape memory alloy, such as nitinol. In the illustrated example, the stent segment  3702  comprises a matrix of interconnected struts  1200  that are joined to form cells  4000  with openings  4002 . However, the stent segments  3702  can be formed by a wide variety of different cutting patterns. The illustrated spring segments  3700  are formed by cutting a strap/strut  4010  with notches  4012 . But the spring/flexible segments  3700  can be formed with many different cutting patterns. 
       FIG. 41  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10  that includes two frame or stent segments  3702  connected by spring/flexible segments  3700 . In the example of  FIG. 41 , the docking station  10  is deployed in a blood vessel  4100  that is curved and has a varying cross-sectional size. A first frame or stent segment  4110  expands  4112  to a first size to conform to the size of the vessel  4100  at the location where the first frame or stent segment is deployed. A second frame or stent segment  4120  expands  4122  to a second, larger size to conform to the size of the vessel  4100  at the location where the second frame or stent segment is deployed. The vessel  4100  is curved from the location of the first stent or frame segment  4110  to the location of the second stent or frame segment  4120 . The spring/flexible segments  3700  allow the frame  350  to bend  4130  and conform to the curvature of the vessel  4100 . 
       FIGS. 42-45  illustrate exemplary embodiments where two docking stations  10  are connected together by a connecting portion  4250  to form a dual docking station  4200 . In the examples of  FIGS. 42-45 , the dual docking station  4200  is configured such that a first docking station  4210  can be deployed in the inferior vena cava IVC and a second docking station  4212  can be deployed in the superior vena cava SVC. The docking stations  4210  and  4212  can be connected together in a wide variety of different ways. 
     The docking stations  4210 ,  4212  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the docking stations  4210 ,  4212  can be any of the docking stations  10  disclosed herein. In the examples of  FIGS. 42-45 , one of the docking stations  10  illustrated by  FIGS. 12-19 and 20A-20C  can be incorporated. The dockings stations  4210 ,  4212  can be the same or the docking stations  4210 ,  4212  can be a different size and/or type. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, one of the ends is not provided with a docking station. For example, a docking station  4210  can be positioned in the inferior vena cava IVC and the connecting portion  4250  and/or and an expandable frame  4110  (See  FIG. 41 ) extends into the superior vena cava SVC to stabilize the docking station  4210 , without acting as a docking station. Similarly, a docking station  4212  can be positioned in the superior vena cava SVC and the connecting portion  4250  and/or and an expandable frame  4110  (See  FIG. 41 ) extends into the inferior vena cava IVC to stabilize the docking station  4212 , without acting as a docking station. 
     The connecting portion  4250  can take a wide variety of different forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the connecting portion  4250  is constructed to allow blood to freely flow through the connecting portion. For example, the connecting portion  4250  can be an open cell frame  4260  as illustrated by  FIG. 42 . The connecting portion  4250  can comprise spring portions  3700  as illustrated by  FIG. 43 . The connecting portion  4250  can comprise wires  4262  as illustrated by  FIG. 44 . In one embodiment, the connecting portion  4250  comprises an open cell frame  4260 , spring portions  3700 , and/or wires  4262 . Referring to  FIG. 45 , in one embodiment the connecting portion  4250  is configured to bend as it extends from the superior vena cava SVC to the inferior vena cava IVC. In the example of  FIG. 45 , the connecting portion  4250  is configured to rest against an interior wall  450  of the right atrium RA. The connecting portion  4250  can be integrally formed with the docking stations  4210 ,  4212  or the connecting portion can be made separately from one or both of the docking stations  4210 ,  4212  and attached to the docking station(s). 
     In one embodiment, a docking station  10  can include sealing portions  310  and/or retaining portions  314  or combined sealing and retaining portions that are radially expandable. The sealing portions  310  and/or retaining portions  314  can be configured to expand in a wide variety of different ways. In the example of  FIGS. 46 and 47 , combined radially expandable sealing and retaining portions  4610  comprise a material  4612 , such as a fabric, cloth, foam, etc., and a line or chord  4614 . In  FIG. 47 , the line or chord  4614  is attached to the material  4612  such that pulling on the line or cord  4614  causes the material  4612  to linearly retract, bunch or accordion, and thereby expand radially outward as shown. The lines or cords  4614  are shown taut in  FIG. 47  to represent pulling the lines or cords (e.g., pulling down on the lower line/cord  4614  in the IVC and pulling up on the upper line/cord  4614  in the SVC, but other pulling directions/combinations are also possible) to axially contract and radially expand the material  4612 . For example, a first end  4620  of the material  4612  can be attached to the frame  350 . The line or cord  4614  can be attached to a second end  4630 . The line or chord  4614  can be repeatedly threaded back and forth through the material  4612  as it extends from the first end  4620  to the second end  4630 . As such, the material is cinched up, with the length L retracted and radial thickness T expanded. 
     Sealing portions  310  and/or retaining portions  314  or combined sealing and retaining portions that are radially expandable can be implemented on any docking station  10  disclosed herein. In the example of  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the combined radially expandable sealing and retaining portions  4610  are provided on a stent or frame  4660  to form a docking station. The radially expandable portions extend around the circumference of the stent or frame  4660 . The stent or frame  4660  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the stent or frame can be any conventional stent or frame or any of the frames  350  disclosed herein. In  FIG. 46 , the stent or frame  4660  is configured to extend from the superior vena cava SVC to the inferior vena cava IVC. However, in some embodiments, the stent or frame  4660  can be configured to engage and seal with only one inner surface area. The stent or frame  4660  can be configured to engage and seal with one or more interior surface areas of the heart H. For example, a stent or frame  4660  with one or more radially expandable portions  4610  can be configured to be deployed and act as a valve seat  18  in the inferior vena cava IVC, the superior vena cava SVC, the aorta, the pulmonary artery, the aortic valve AV, the mitral valve MV, the pulmonary valve PV, or the tricuspid valve TV. 
     The stent or frame  4660  can take a wide variety of different forms. In the example of  FIGS. 46 and 47 , the stent or frame  4660  is disposed in the right atrium RA. In one embodiment, the stent or frame  4660  or the portion of the stent or frame  4660  in the right atrium has and open configuration to allow blood in the atrium to easily flow through the stent or frame  4660 . For example, the stent or frame  4660  can take any of the forms illustrated by  FIGS. 42-44 . 
     The docking station profile illustrated by  FIG. 48  is taken from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/422,354, titled “Docking Station for a Transcatheter Heart Valve,” filed on Feb. 1, 2017 and published as US 2017/0231756, which claims priority to provisional application No. 62/292,142, filed on Feb. 5, 2016. These application are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. Any concepts, aspects, features or other materials disclosed by these applications can be used in combination with any of the embodiments disclosed in this application, e.g., docking station  10  illustrated by  FIG. 48  can be configured to be deployed in the aorta, IVC, and/or SVC. 
       FIG. 49  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station  10  that is similar to the docking station illustrated by  FIG. 48 , except the radially outwardly extending ends  4800  are replaced with ends  4900  that do not extend radially outward. For example, the ends  4900  can extend axially as illustrated or can extend radially inward. 
       FIG. 50  illustrates an exemplary embodiment where the docking station  10  illustrated by  FIG. 48 or 49  is deployed in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava IVC. In the example illustrated by  FIG. 50 , the entire docking station is held in place in the inferior vena cava IVC by the frame  350 . The sealing portion  310  provides a seal between the docking station  10  and an interior surface  416  of the circulatory system, such as at the junction between the inferior vena cava IVC and the right atrium. 
     In the example of  FIG. 50 , the sealing portion(s)  310  are formed by providing a covering/material over the frame  350  or a portion thereof. Referring to  FIGS. 48 and 49 , the sealing portion(s)  310  can comprise the narrow portion  4916 , one or both of the tapered portions  4918  and/or the retaining portion  314 . In an exemplary embodiment, a covering/material (which can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described elsewhere herein) covers the narrow portion  4916 , the tapered portion  4918 , and a portion of the retaining portion  314 . In one embodiment, the covering/material can be configured to encourage or enhance tissue ingrowth (e.g., covering/material can have a large surface area and/or be hydrophilic to enhance tissue ingrowth). This makes the docking station impermeable or substantially impermeable from the sealing portion  310  to the seal between the valve  29  and the docking station  10  at the valve seat  18 . As such, blood flowing in the inflow direction  12  toward the outflow direction  14  is directed to the valve seat  18  (and valve  29  once installed or deployed in the valve seat). 
     As one non-limiting example, when the docking station  10  is placed in the inferior vena cava IVC, which is a large vessel, the significant volume of blood flowing through the vein is funneled into the valve  29  by a covering/material. The covering/material can be fluid impermeable or become fluid impermeable (e.g., via tissue ingrowth) so that blood cannot pass through. Again, a variety of other biocompatible covering materials can be used such as any materials described elsewhere herein, including, for example, foam or a fabric that is treated with a coating that is impermeable to blood, polyester, or a processed biological material, such as pericardium. More or all of the docking station frame  350  can be provided with the covering/material, forming a relatively large impermeable portion. 
       FIG. 51  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame  350  constructed from a coil  5100  of material. The coil  5100  can take a wide variety of different forms and  FIG. 51  illustrates just one of the many possible configurations. In the example of  FIG. 51 , the retaining portion  314  comprises two relatively larger diameter coil segments  5110  and a smaller diameter segment  5112  that forms the valve seat  18 . However, in other exemplary embodiments, only a single larger diameter coil segment  5110  may be included. Transition coil segments  5114  join the smaller diameter segment  5112  to the larger diameter segment  5112 . 
     A covering/material (not shown), such as one of the coverings/materials described elsewhere herein, a cloth, fabric, or a protective foam can be provided inside or outside the coil to provide a sealing portion to the coil  5100  and create a sealing docking station. Such a covering/material can be connected to the coil or can be deployed separately from the coil  5100  (e.g., deployed either before or after deployment of the coil  5100 ) and/or with the transcatheter valve  29 . The valve  29  expands and is implanted in the smaller diameter segment  5112 , which forms the valve seat  18 . 
     The docking station coil  5100  can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy. For example, the docking station coil  5100  can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer. An example of a highly resilient metal is nitinol, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used. The docking station  10  can be self-expandable, manually expandable (e.g., expandable via balloon), mechanically expandable, or a combination of these. A self-expandable docking station  10  can be made of a shape memory material such as, for example, nitinol. 
       FIG. 52  illustrates the docking station coil  5100  of  FIG. 51  implanted in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava IVC. In the example of  FIG. 52 , the coil is held in place in the inferior vena cava IVC by a lower larger diameter segment  5110 . An upper larger diameter segment  5110  is disposed in the right atrium RA. The larger diameter segment  5110  can expand to a larger size in the right atrium as illustrated, the larger diameter segments can expand to the same size, or the larger diameter segment in the IVC can expand to a larger size than the larger diameter segment in the right atrium RA. Sealing portion(s)  310  can be formed by providing the covering/material  21  (which can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described herein) over or inside the frame  350  or a portion thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, covering/material  21  covers the smaller diameter segment  5112  and one or both of the larger diameter segments  5110 . This can make a docking station  10  that includes the coil  5100  impermeable or substantially impermeable from the sealing portion  310  to the seal between the valve  29  and the docking station  10  at the valve seat  18 . As such, blood flowing in the inflow direction  12  toward the outflow direction  14  is directed to the valve seat  18  (and valve  29  once installed or deployed in the valve seat). 
     As one non-limiting example, when the docking station  10  is placed in the inferior vena cava IVC, which is a large vessel, the significant volume of blood flowing through the vein is funneled into the valve  29  by a covering or inner layer. The covering can be fluid impermeable or substantially impermeable so that blood or most blood cannot pass through. Again, a variety of other biocompatible covering materials can be used such as any materials described elsewhere herein, including, for example, foam or a fabric that is treated with a coating that is impermeable to blood, polyester, or a processed biological material, such as pericardium. More or all of the docking station frame  350  can be provided with the covering/material (e.g., an impermeable covering/material), forming a relatively large impermeable portion. 
       FIGS. 53 and 54  illustrate exemplary embodiments of a docking station  10 . The frame  350  or body can take a wide variety of different forms and  FIG. 53  illustrates just one of the many possible configurations. A relatively narrower/smaller diameter portion  5316  forms the seat  18 . The relatively narrow portion  5316  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the narrow portion  5316  can be any of the valve seats  18  disclosed herein, a ring, any conventional stent or frame, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner ends  5380  themselves act as the valve seat  18 . In one exemplary embodiment, the narrow portion  5316  is replaced with a valve/THV  29 , e.g., the valve is integrated with the docking station structure such that the entire assembly acts as a transcatheter valve and can be implanted as one in the same implantation step. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 53 and 54 , spaced apart radially outwardly extending arms  5318  disposed around a perimeter of the narrow portion  5316  form the retaining portion  314 . In the example of  FIG. 53 , inner ends  5380  of the arms  5318  are connected to each other, are positioned adjacent to one another, or are spaced apart, but positioned close to one another. The example illustrated by  FIG. 54  is substantially the same as the example of  FIG. 53 , except the inner ends  5380  of the arms  5318  are connected to ends  5381  of the narrow portion  5316 . The docking station can include a variety of combinations and arrangements of arms  5318 , and can include 2-32 arms (e.g., 2-16 arms) or more arms. 
     The radially outwardly extending arms  5318  can take a wide variety of different forms. In the illustrated example, the arms  5318  comprise upper arms  5328  and lower arms  5338 . The docking station can comprise 1-16 upper arms  5328  (e.g., 1-8 upper arms) or more and can be radially spaced apart evenly or unevenly, and can comprise 1-10 lower arms  5338  (e.g., 1-8 lower arms) or more and can be radially spaced apart evenly or unevenly. In one exemplary the upper arms  5328  are coupled to the lower arms  5338  and/or the inner portion  5316  such that the upper and lower arms  5328 , 5338  are moveable relatively toward and away from one another. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 55A-55C , moving the upper arms  5328  and lower arms  5338  relatively toward and away from one another increases and decreases the diameter D or width of the docking station  10 . For example,  FIG. 55B  can correspond to a nominal position, such as an average size of an implantation site (e.g., vessel, annulus, etc.) that the docking station will be deployed in. However, any size can be selected.  FIG. 55A  illustrates that moving  5592  the arms  5328 , 5338  relatively toward one another increases  5593  the diameter D or width of the docking station. That is, the arms  5328  extend more in the radial direction  5593  and less in the axial direction  5592  (as compared to  FIG. 55B ) and the width or diameter D increases.  FIG. 55C  illustrates that moving  5594  the arms  5328 ,  5338  relatively away from one another decreases the diameter D (as compared to  FIG. 55B ) or width of the docking station  10 . That is, the arms  5328 ,  5338  extend less in the radial direction  5595  and more in the axial direction  5594  and the width or diameter D of the docking station decreases. 
     The arms  5328 ,  5338  can be moved relatively toward and away from one another in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the arms  5328 ,  5338  can be made from a shape memory alloy with the shape set to the closest spacing between the arms  5328 ,  5338  (i.e. the largest diameter). Or, a spring can be provided between the arms  5328 ,  5338  to bias the arms to a desired spacing. When the arms  5328 ,  5338  are biased to the largest diameter, the docking station  10  will deploy until the arms engage an inside surface  416  (e.g., vessel walls, IVC walls, SVC walls, aorta walls, an annulus of a native heart valve, tissue surrounding an annulus of a native heart valve, leaflets, etc.) with enough force to stop expanding and to securely hold the docking station in place. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the distance between the arms  5328  and thus the diameter D or width can be adjusted manually. The distance between the arms  5328  and thus the diameter D or width can be adjusted manually in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the arms  5328 ,  5338  can be biased to a first position and an adjustment cord, line or wire  5370  is coupled to the arms  5328 ,  5338  to move the arms from the first position. The arms  5328 ,  5338  can be biased to a first position in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the arms  5328 ,  5338  can be made from a shape memory alloy with a shape set or the arms can be coupled with a spring, etc. The shape set or spring, etc. can be set to make the spacing between the arms  5328  and the corresponding arms  5338  as great as possible, such as a 180 degree angle or approximately 180 degree angle (e.g., ±10 degrees, ±5 degrees) defined between (i.e. extending directly apart in the axial direction). When the arms  5328  and the arms  5338  are biased very far apart, the docking station  10  can be initially deployed in a very narrow configuration. In the narrow configuration, the docking station  10  can be moved to a selected final deployment site and proper positioning can be checked. Once properly positioned, the diameter D or width can be adjusted with the adjustment cord, line or wire  5370 . For example, the cord, line or wire  5370  can be pulled to reduce the spacing between the arms  5328  and the arms  5338  and thereby increase the diameter D or width of the docking station  10  and the strength of engagement with inner surface  416  (e.g., vessel walls, IVC walls, SVC walls, aorta walls, an annulus of a native heart valve, tissue surrounding an annulus of a native heart valve, leaflets, etc.). Once the docking station  10  is properly, securely engaged with the inner surface  416 , the position of the arms  5328 ,  5338  can be secured to secure the docking station in place. In some embodiments, the shape set or spring, etc. can be set to make the spacing between the arms  5328  and the corresponding arms  5338  as small as possible, such as touching each other or with 5, 10, 20, 30 degrees or less defined between (i.e. the arms all extending in the radial or generally radial direction). 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the distance between the arms  5328  and thus the diameter D or width can be adjusted manually to both increase the diameter D or width and decrease the diameter or width. For example, adjustment cords, lines or wires  5370  are coupled to the arms  5328 ,  5338  such that they can both move the arms toward each other and away from each other. The spacing between the arms  5328 ,  5338  can be as great as possible during initial deployment, such as a 180 degree angle or approximately 180 degree angle defined between (i.e. extending directly apart in the axial direction). In the narrow configuration, the docking station  10  can be moved to a selected final deployment site and proper positioning can be checked. Once properly positioned, the diameter D or width can be adjusted with the adjustment cord, line or wire  5370 . For example, the cord, line or wire  5370  can be pulled to reduce the spacing between the arms  5328 ,  5338  and thereby increase the diameter D or width of the docking station  10  and the strength of engagement with inner surface  416  (e.g., vessel walls, IVC walls, SVC walls, aorta walls, an annulus of a native heart valve, tissue surrounding an annulus of a native heart valve, leaflets, etc.). Once the docking station  10  is properly, securely engaged with the inner surface  416 , the position of the arms  5328 ,  5338  can be secured to secure the docking station in place. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 53 and 54 , the sealing portion  310  comprises a covering/material  21  (which can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described elsewhere herein), such as a cloth or fabric or a protective foam provided on the arms  5328 , the arms  5338 , or both sets of arms  5328 ,  5338 . The covering/material (e.g., an impermeable material or semi-permeable material) can extend from the inner ends  5380  and valve seat  18  to outer ends  5390  of the arms  5328  and/or  5338  to form the sealing portion  310  of the docking station  10 . The valve  29  can expand and be implanted in the narrow portion  5316 , which forms the valve seat  18 . It should be understood that the covering/material can extend three-dimensionally to create a sealing region circumferentially around the valve  29  when deployed in the circulatory system. For example, the covering/material can have a conical shape, frustoconical shape, funnel shape, other shape, etc. that can guide blood flow to the valve  29  and inhibit or prevent paravalvular leakage. 
     The docking stations  10  illustrated by  FIGS. 53 and 54  can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy. For example, the docking station can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, polymer, or an open cell foam. An example of a highly resilient metal is nitinol, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used. The docking station  10  can be self-expandable, manually expandable, mechanically expandable, or a combination of these. A self-expandable docking station  10  can be made of a shape memory material such as, for example, nitinol. 
       FIG. 56  illustrates the docking station  10  of  FIG. 53 or 54  implanted in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava. In  FIG. 56 , the entire docking station is held in place in the inferior vena cava by the arms  5328 ,  5338 . The covering/material  21  of the sealing portion  310  can make docking station  10  impermeable or substantially impermeable from the sealing portion  310  to the seal between the valve  29  and the docking station  10  at the valve seat  18 . As such, blood flowing in the inflow direction  12  toward the outflow direction  14  flows through the valve seat  18  (and valve  29  once installed or deployed in the valve seat). 
     As one non-limiting example, when the docking station  10  is placed in the inferior vena cava IVC, which is a large vessel, the significant volume of blood flowing through the vein is funneled into the valve  29  by the covering or inner layer. The covering can be fluid impermeable or substantially impermeable so that blood cannot pass through. Again, a variety of other biocompatible covering materials can be used such as any materials described elsewhere herein, including, for example, foam or a fabric that is treated with a coating that is impermeable to blood, polyester, or a processed biological material, such as pericardium. 
     In some exemplary embodiments, the wall  368  of the frame  350  of the docking station can have a non-circular shape or non-circular radial cross-section. A wide variety of different non-circular shapes can be implemented.  FIG. 57  illustrates one example of a docking station  10  having a frame  350  with a non-circular shape or non-circular radial cross-section. In this example, the expandable docking station  10  includes one or more sealing portions  310 , a valve seat  18 , and one or more retaining portions  314 . In an alternate embodiment, the docking station  10  and the valve  29  can be integrally formed, such that the combination forms a transcatheter valve that can be implanted as one in the same implantation step. 
     In the example of  FIG. 57 , the non-circular shape of the frame  350  allows an axially extending frame with a constant shape or cross section along its length (prior to engagement by an inner surface  416 ) to both engage the interior surface  416  of the circulatory system and provide a seat  18  for the valve  29 . The frame  350  with a constant axial shape can be configured to provide a valve seat  18  and an outer engagement surface  5710  in a wide variety of different ways. In the example of  FIG. 57 , the frame  350  has an undulating perimeter  5712  with alternating inner portions  5714  and outer portions  5716 . The frame  350  can consist only of a wall  368  having the undulating configuration. However, the frame  350  can have additional structures, such as a band or other reinforcement for constraining the size of the valve seat  18 . 
     The inner and outer portions  5714 ,  5716  can have a wide variety of different shapes and there can be any number of inner portions  5714  and outer portions  5716 . For example, the inner and outer portions  5714 ,  5716  can be formed by any series of lines and/or curves. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  350  has four outer portions  5714  and four inner portions  5716 , but the frame can have any number of inner portions and outer portions. For example, the frame  350  can have any number of inner portions and outer portions  5714 ,  5716  in the range from 3 to 100. 
     In the example of  FIG. 57 , the inner portions  5714  comprise concave curves and the outer portions  5716  comprise convex curves. The concave curves and the convex curves are connected together to form a petal shape. However, the inner portions  5714  and the outer portions can form any shape. For example, increasing the number of inner portions  5714  and outer portions  5716  increases a number of points of contact between the frame  350  and inside surface  416  of the circulatory system and the number of points of contact between the frame  350  and the valve  29 . 
     The expandable frame  350  can take a wide variety of different forms. In the illustrated example, the expandable frame  350  is an expandable lattice. The expandable lattice can be made from individual wires or can be cut from a sheet and then rolled or otherwise formed into the shape of the expandable frame. The frame  350  can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer. Examples of metals and metal alloys that can be used include, but are not limited to, nitinol and other shape memory alloys, elgiloy, and stainless steel, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used to make the frame  350 . These materials can allow the frame to be compressed to a small size, and then when the compression force is released, the frame will self-expand back to its pre-compressed diameter and/or the frame can be expanded by inflation of a device positioned inside the frame. 
     The sealing portions  310  of the docking station  10  illustrated by  FIG. 57  can take a wide variety of different forms. A covering/material (which can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described elsewhere herein) can be attached to a portion of the frame  350  to form the sealing portion  310 . For example, the covering/material can cover an end  3762  as illustrated. In one embodiment, the covering/material can cover (e.g., extend over or fill) the gaps or portions of the gaps between the inner portions  5714  and outer portions  5716 . Optionally, the covering/material can extend along the frame wall  368 . A portion of the frame wall  368  or the entire frame wall can be covered with the covering/material. However, the sealing portion  310  can also be formed in a wide variety of other ways. 
     In the example of  FIG. 57 , the retaining portion  314  comprises the wall  368  of the frame  350 . A shape set of the wall  368  biases the outer portions  5716  radially outward and into contact with the interior surface  416  (See  FIG. 2 ) of the circulatory system to retain the docking station  10  and the valve  29  at the implantation position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining portion  314  is elongated to allow a small force to be applied to a large area of the interior surface  416 , which can allow the docking station to be securely held in place without exerting too much radial force on or damaging the interior surface  416 . For example, the length of the retaining portion  314  can be twice, three times, four times, five times, or greater than five times the outside diameter of the transcatheter valve. 
       FIG. 58  illustrates the docking station  10  of  FIG. 58  implanted in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava IVC. In the example of  FIG. 58 , the entire docking station is positioned in the inferior vena cava IVC and held in place by the frame  350  pressing against the inner surface  416 . As mentioned above, the docking station  10  can be adapted for use at a variety of different positions in the circulatory system. 
       FIGS. 59A and 59B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a docking station frame  350  constructed from one or more coils  5900  of material that are formed into one or more rings  5902 . The coil  5900  can take a wide variety of different forms and  FIGS. 59A and 59B  illustrates just one of the many possible configurations. In the example of  FIGS. 59A and 59B , the coil  5900  is rotated 90 degrees compared to the coil  5100  illustrated by  FIG. 51 , and is formed into a ring shape, whereas the coil  5100  is not. The ring(s)  5902  can be formed by bending one or more wires into a coiled configuration and then wrapping or bending the coil around an axis A of the docking station frame  350 . The docking station can transition between a collapsed configuration (e.g., for easier, lower-profile delivery to an implantation site) and an expanded configuration (e.g., for securing the docking station in the implantation site and allowing a transcatheter valve to be deployed therein).  FIG. 59A  shows the docking station transitioning from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration.  FIG. 59B  shows the docking station in an expanded configuration. The interior surface of the coil  5900  can act as the valve seat for receiving the transcatheter valve. The docking station and coil  5900  can be formed from any of the materials described as being used to form other frame bodies  350  elsewhere herein, including nitinol or another shape memory material. 
     The coil  5900  can be used to form a docking station  10  in a wide variety of different ways. A valve seat  18  can be formed inside or attached to coil  5900  illustrated by  FIGS. 59A and 59B . Referring to  FIG. 59C , in another exemplary embodiment, a docking station  10  is formed from three coils  5900  or coil portions. The coils  5900  can be integrally formed, for example, from a single wire or three separate coils  5900  can be connected or linked together to form a docking station  10 . In the example of  FIG. 59C , the docking station  10  comprises two relatively larger diameter coil rings  5910  and a smaller diameter coil ring  5912  that forms the valve seat  18 . However, in some embodiments, only a single larger diameter coil ring  5910  is included. 
     A covering/material  21  (See e.g.,  FIG. 59D ), such as a cloth or fabric or a protective foam can be provided inside and/or outside the coil(s)  5900  (e.g., the coil(s) shown in any of  FIGS. 59A-59D ) or a portion of the coil(s) to provide a sealing portion to the coil(s)  5900  and/or one or more coil rings  5902 ,  5910 ,  5912 , and create a sealed docking station. Such a covering/material can be connected to one or more of the rings  5902 ,  5910 ,  5912  or can be deployed separately from the coil rings (e.g., deployed either before or after deployment of the coil(s)  5900 ) and/or with the valve/THV  29 . The valve  29  (not shown in  FIGS. 59A-59D ) can expand in the center of coil  5900  of  FIGS. 59A-59B  or can expand in the smaller coil ring  5912  of  FIGS. 59C-59D , which forms the valve seat  18 . 
     The docking station coil(s)  5900  and coil ring(s)  5902 ,  5910 ,  5912  can be made from a very resilient or compliant material to accommodate large variations in the anatomy or any of the materials described elsewhere with respect to the various frame bodies  350  herein. For example, the docking station coil(s)  5900  and coil ring(s)  5902 ,  5910 ,  5912  can be made from a highly flexible metal, metal alloy, or polymer. An example of a highly resilient metal is nitinol, but other metals and highly resilient or compliant non-metal materials can be used. The docking station  10  can be self-expandable, manually expandable (e.g., expandable via balloon), mechanically expandable, or a combination of these. 
       FIG. 59D  illustrates the docking station  10  of  FIG. 59C  implanted in the circulatory system, such as in the inferior vena cava IVC. In the example of  FIG. 59D , the docking station  10  is held in place in the inferior vena cava IVC by a lower larger diameter ring  5910 . An upper larger diameter segment  5910  is disposed in the right atrium RA. The larger diameter ring  5910  may expand to a larger size in the right atrium than the ring in the IVC as illustrated, the larger diameter ring in the atrium and IVC may expand to the same size, or the larger diameter ring in the IVC may expand to a larger size than the larger diameter ring in the right atrium RA. Sealing portion(s)  310  can be formed by providing the covering/material  21  over or inside one or more of the coil(s)  5900  and coil ring(s)  5902 ,  5910 ,  5912  or a portion thereof. In one embodiment, covering/material  21  covers the smaller diameter ring  5912  and one or both of the larger diameter rings  5110 . This can make docking station  10  impermeable or substantially impermeable from the sealing portion  310  to the seal between the valve  29  and the docking station  10  at the valve seat  18 . As such, blood flowing in the inflow direction  12  toward the outflow direction  14  is directed to the valve seat  18  (and valve  29  once installed or deployed in the valve seat). 
       FIGS. 60A-60J  illustrate exemplary embodiments that are similar to the embodiment illustrated by  FIGS. 3A-3C , except the free ends of the frame  350  are connected together and/or extend closer together. For example, an end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring is connected to an end  6002  of the frame  350 /outer wall  368  and/or is extended to or toward the end  6002  of the frame  350 /outer wall  368 . The end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring can be connected and/or extended to or toward an end  6002  of the frame  350  in a wide variety of different ways.  FIGS. 60A-60J  illustrate a few of the possible ways that the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring can be connected and/or extended to or toward an end  6002  of the frame  350 . 
     Connecting the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring to the end  6002  of the frame  350  or extending the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring to the end  6002  of the frame  350  can provide a number of advantages. For example, the docking station  10  can be more easily loaded in the delivery catheter/sheath, and the docking station  10  can be more easily recaptured or pulled back into the catheter/sheath if initial placement of the docking station is incorrect, imperfect, or if the medical professional wants to abort or redo the procedure for any reason. Having the bottom/proximal end  6000  of the valve seat  18  coupled to the end  6002  of the frame can help urge the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  radially inwardly and into the catheter/sheath. As can be seen, for example, in  FIGS. 21A-21H , the bottom/proximal end of the valve seat  18  (identified in these Figures as end  2122 ) tends to extend outwardly even after the outer wall  368  begins to be compressed radially inwardly. During recapture, the end  6002  and/or proximal portion of the frame can be first captured and/or retracted further into the delivery catheter/sheath and, by having the bottom/proximal of the valve seat  18  connected to the end  6002  of the frame, the retraction and compression of end  6002  and the connections and/or portions of the frame proximal to the valve seat  18  can help urge the bottom/proximal end of the valve seat  18  radially inwardly and into the delivery catheter/sheath. This can also beneficially result in more gradual compression of the valve seat  18 . Even if the ends are not connected, but end  6000  merely extends to a location proximate end  6002  (e.g., such that the valve seat or inner ring or an extension therefrom has a similar length to the outer wall  368 ), this can help with loading, recapture, etc. For example, the longer end or extensions from the valve seat can remain in the catheter/sheath during partial deployment and allow for smoother recapture of the partially deployed docking station. Also, the longer end/extension could help the transition into the catheter/sheath to be more gradual and controlled. 
     Similarly, the valve seat  18  or ring of the docking station  10  can be more uniformly compressed during the crimping process. For example, the compression of the outer wall  368  before the outer wall  368  contacts the valve seat  18  can aid or cause compression of both the proximal and distal ends of the valve seat  18  or inner ring. 
     Another advantage of connecting the free ends of the frame  350  together or connecting end  6000  and end  6002  (and/or having the free ends extend closer together) is that it can improve deployment of the docking station and make deployment more controlled. If not connected (or where the unconnected ends are not similarly located/extended or of similar lengths), the docking station can tend to jump or move unpredictably out of the delivery catheter/sheath when the free end (e.g., end  2122  shown in  FIGS. 21A-21H ) of the valve seat is released from the delivery catheter/sheath. When no longer constrained by the delivery catheter/sheath, the free end (e.g., end  2122 ) can expand suddenly and cause the docking station to jump or move. By connecting the free ends of the docking station frame together or connecting end  6000  and end  6002  (and/or by extending the end of the valve seat closer to the end of the outer wall), the expansion of end  6000  can be more restrained and controlled as it is released from the delivery catheter/sheath such that the docking station deployment is more controlled and less likely to jump, move at all, or as much, i.e., it can prevent or inhibit/restrain jumping or uncontrolled movement of the docking station. 
     In the example of  FIG. 60A  (cross-sectional side view) and  60 B (top end view), the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring is connected to an end  6002  of the frame  350  by one or more lines  6010 . The line(s)  6010  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the line(s)  6010  can be a suture(s), a wire(s), rod(s), arm(s), strut(s), or any other elongated member, and can be rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. In one embodiment, instead of a line(s), a covering/material (e.g., similar to the coverings/materials  21  described elsewhere herein) extends from end  6000  to  6002  (e.g., in a conical or frustoconical shape). 
     In the example of  FIG. 60C  (cross-sectional side view) and  60 D (top end view), the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring includes an integral extension  6020  that extends to the end  6002  of the frame  350 . In the illustrated embodiment, the extension  6020  is connected to the end  6002  of the frame  350 . In another exemplary embodiment, the extension  6020  is in substantially the same position as illustrated by  FIG. 60C , but the extension  6020  is not connected to the frame. The extension can take a wide variety of different forms. In one exemplary embodiment, a bottom row of cells of the valve seat  18  or inner ring is elongated and extends (e.g., has apices that extend) to the end  6002  of the frame  350 . In one exemplary embodiment, the lattice of struts and cells forming the frame body can continue to form the extension  6020 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 60E  (cross-sectional side view) and  60 F (top end view), the end  6000  of the valve seat  18  or inner ring includes an integral extension  6030  that is substantially parallel to the outer wall  368  in cross-section when expanded and extends to a location/length similar to outer wall  368 . In the example of  FIGS. 60E and 60F , the extension  6030  is not connected to the end  6002  of the frame  350 . In the example of  FIG. 60G  (cross-sectional side view) and  60 H (top end view), the extension  6030  is in substantially the same position as of  FIG. 60E , but the extension  6030  is connected to the frame by a connecting portion  6040 . The extension  6030  can take a wide variety of different forms. In one exemplary embodiment, a bottom row of cells of the valve seat  18  or inner ring is elongated and extends (e.g., has apices that extend) as shown. The optional connecting portion  6040  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the connecting portion  6040  can comprise one or more line(s), such as a wire(s), suture(s), rod(s), arm(s), strut(s), and/or a covering/material  21 . 
     In the example of  FIGS. 60I  (cross-sectional side view) and  60 J (top end view), the frame  350  and seat  18  are integrally formed and can have a toroidal shape. Referring to  FIG. 60I , in cross-section the frame  350  and valve seat  18  form a loop or loops  6050 . In one exemplary embodiment, the loop  6050  is formed of a continuous lattice of struts and cells. However, the loop(s) can be formed in a wide variety of different ways. 
     In various figures herein, a “V” or generic valve symbol is used to represent generically a variety of valves that can have different structures for closing/opening the valve and can operate in different ways.  FIGS. 61-65  illustrate a few examples of the many valves or valve configurations that can be used. Any valve type can be used and some valves that are traditionally applied surgically can be modified for transcatheter implantation. A transcatheter valve can be expanded in a variety of ways, e.g., it can be self-expanding, expanded with a balloon, mechanically-expandable, and/or a combination of these. In one example, a mechanical opening mechanism, such as a hinged mechanism can be used to expand the transcatheter valve and/or a frame of the transcatheter valve can comprise a hinged mechanism.  FIG. 61  illustrates an expandable valve  29  for transcatheter implantation that is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,825, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. An example of a tri-leaflet valve is shown and described in Published Patent Cooperation Treaty Application No. WO 2000/42950, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a tri-leaflet valve is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,928,281, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a tri-leaflet valve is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,558,418, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.  FIGS. 62-64  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an expandable tri-leaflet valve  29 , such as the Edwards SAPIEN Transcatheter Heart Valve. The valve  29  can comprise a frame  712  that contains a tri-leaflet valve  4500  compressed inside the frame  712 .  FIG. 63  illustrates the frame  712  expanded and the valve  29  in an open condition.  FIG. 64  illustrates the frame  712  expanded and the valve  29  in a closed condition.  FIGS. 65A, 65B, and 65C  illustrate an example of an expandable valve  29  that is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,540,782, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a valve is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,365,728, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a valve is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,629, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Another example of a valve is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,814,099, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Any of these, the valves described in the incorporated references, or other valves can be used as valve  29  in the various embodiments herein. 
     The docking stations described above can be used to form a docking station assembly, e.g., including a graft or other elements. For example, a docking station assembly can include a graft and a docking station. The graft can be shaped to conform to a portion of an interior shape of a first portion of a circulatory system (e.g., of a blood vessel, vasculature, native heart valve, etc.). The docking station and the graft can be coupled to each other. The various docking stations described herein can be used in the assembly and can include an expandable frame, at least one sealing portion, and a valve seat as discussed above. The expandable frame can be configured to conform to an interior shape of a second portion of the circulatory system (e.g., of a blood vessel, vasculature, native heart valve, etc.) when expanded inside the circulatory system. The sealing portion can be configured to contact an interior surface of the circulatory system. The valve seat can be connected to the expandable frame. The valve seat can be configured to support an expandable transcatheter valve. The docking station can be integrally formed with a valve, e.g., such that the docking station and valve combination is a prosthetic valve or transcatheter prosthetic valve that can be implanted in the same step. The frame can be formed and configured in any of the ways described in this disclosure, for example, the frame can be made of nitinol, elgiloy, or stainless steel. A portion of the docking station can engage an interior of the graft. The graft can be shaped or configured to fit an interior surface of the circulatory system. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 66A through 72C , exemplary docking station deployment assemblies/systems  7000  for deploying a docking station/device are depicted. The various docking station deployment assemblies/systems  7000  herein can be used with any of the docking stations/devices described or depicted in this disclosure (e.g., those shown in  FIGS. 2A-36, 42-60J , and), which can be modified as appropriate. The docking deployment assemblies/systems  7000  (e.g., docking station deployment assembly, docking station deployment system, docking device deployment assembly, etc.) can include a catheter  2200  defining a lumen or delivery passage  2202  with an inner surface  2203  and having a distal opening  2206  (optionally, a proximal opening  2204  as well), a docking station frame  350  capable of being radially compressed and expanded, and a pusher or other retention device  2300  having a distal end  2302  and an outer circumferential surface  2304 . The docking deployment assemblies/systems can also include a handle connected to a proximal end of the catheter  2200 . The handle can include controls (e.g., knobs, buttons, switches, etc.) for adjusting the assembly/system. 
     The docking deployment assemblies/systems herein can also (or as an alternative to the pusher) include an inner shaft or inner catheter. The inner shaft/catheter can extends inside the catheter  2200 , the docking station, and/or the pusher. The inner shaft/catheter can include a nose cone (e.g., a flexible nose cone) to aid in navigation to the target deployment site in the body. The inner shaft/catheter can include a guide wire lumen so the docking deployment assembly/system can more easily be advanced to the target deployment site. The proximal end of the inner shaft/catheter can connect to the handle. 
     The pusher  2300  can be made of any semi-flexible or flexible material that can pass or wind through the catheter  2200  (e.g., when the catheter is positioned in the body and the catheter includes multiple turns in different directions along the anatomy) and exert a distal force at the distal end  2302  of the pusher  2300 . The pusher  2300  can be hollow, a tube, a coil, and/or can be solid or have a solid cross-section. The pusher  2300  can have no lumen or have one or more lumens, etc. The frame  350  of the docking station  10  can be made from any combination of the materials disclosed herein. For example, the docking station  10  and its components can be made from a shape memory alloy frame, foam, fabric coverings, a combination of these, etc. The docking station frame  350  can also take any shape, form, or configuration disclosed herein. The docking station frame  350 , when in a compressed state, and the pusher  2300  can be receivable in the lumen/delivery passage  2202  of the catheter  2200  with the docking station frame  350  near the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  and the pusher  2300  proximal of the docking station or relatively closer to the proximal end. The distal end  2302  of the pusher  2300  can be disposed in abutting contact with or near a proximal end  315  of the docking station frame  350 , and a distal end  317  of the docking station frame  350  can be disposed within the lumen/delivery passage  2202  of the catheter  2200 . At least a portion of the pusher  2300  can be sized to have a diameter that is at least as large as an inner diameter of the docking station frame  350  when in the compressed state. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 66A and 66B , the docking station frame  350  and pusher  2300  can be disposed in the catheter  2200  such that a distal movement of the pusher  2300  (i.e., movement toward the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 ) will apply a distal force to the proximal end  315  of the docking station frame  350 , moving the proximal end  315  of the frame  350  toward the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 . As shown in  FIG. 66A , as the docking station frame  350  is moved distally through the lumen/delivery passage  2202  (or the catheter  2200  is retracted proximally over the frame  350 ), the distal end  317  of the frame  350  moves distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  and the distal portion of the frame  350  that is outside the catheter  2200  will begin to expand radially outwardly. The portion of the frame  350  outside the catheter  2200  will expand radially outwardly to a diameter greater than that of the catheter  2200  and the portion of the frame  350  within the catheter  2200  will remain in the compressed state. As shown in  FIG. 66B , once the pusher  2300  distally pushes the frame  350  past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  (or the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  is proximally retracted beyond the frame  350 ), the frame  350  will be distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  and will be fully radially expanded in the desired position. 
     Optionally, instead of having pusher  2300  be advanced/advanceable axially through the catheter  2200  to push the docking station/device out of the catheter  2200 , the pusher  2300  can be configured as an inner shaft or inner catheter (or be replaced by an inner shaft or inner catheter) that remains stationary (e.g., relative to a handle). The inner shaft/catheter can include, or have attached thereto, a retention device to hold the docking station/device until a desired time (e.g., until full deployment). Instead of a pusher being advanced through the catheter  2200 , the catheter  2200  (e.g., a retention sheath, delivery capsule, outer sheath, etc.) can be retracted to release and deploy the docking station/device. This type of deployment assembly/system can be otherwise similar to those discussed elsewhere herein and include features and/or components of other deployment assembly/systems herein (e.g., those shown in  FIGS. 66A-72C ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12 and 67 through 72C , the pusher or retention device  2300  and/or docking station frame  350  of the docking deployment assembly/system  7000  can be sized, shaped, tethered, or otherwise designed such that the positioning of the frame  350  is maintained or otherwise controlled while deploying the frame  350  until the frame  350  is fully released from the catheter  2200 . In one embodiment, the frame  350  is retained by or otherwise connected to the catheter  2200 , the pusher  2300 , inner shaft/catheter, and/or a retention device even after the frame  350  has completely radially expanded. The frame  350  can then be released from the catheter  2200 , pusher  2300 , inner shaft/catheter, and/or a retention device once the docking station frame  350  has completely radially expanded. The position of the frame  350  can be maintained in various ways. 
     Turning back to  FIG. 12  and to  FIG. 68A , the docking station frame  350  can include at least one leg or extension  319  or multiple legs/extensions  319 . The legs/extensions  319  can be proximal legs/extensions that extend from a proximal end of the frame  350 . Each proximal leg/extension  319  can be a singular rod which extends proximally (e.g., toward the pusher  2300  or retention device when the frame  350  is disposed in the catheter  2200 ) beyond other parts (e.g., beyond all other parts) of the docking station frame  350 . In one embodiment, multiple proximal legs/extensions  319  are evenly spaced around the circumference of the frame  350  and extend proximally (e.g., longitudinally, axially, downward) from the proximal most struts  1200 . Each proximal leg/extension  319  can include an end shape or foot  321  at an end (e.g., the proximal end) of the leg/extension  319 . Each proximal shape/foot  321  can extend circumferentially, radially inwardly, and/or radially outwardly farther than the proximal leg/extension  319 . In one embodiment, the proximal shape/foot  321  is substantially spherical or otherwise bulbous. However, it will be appreciated that the end shapes or feet  321  can be any shape or size receivable within a corresponding tab or slot in the pusher  2300  or other retention device, as described below. For example, the end shapes/feet  321  can be rectangular, elongated, pyramidal, triangular, slotted, grooved, hollow, ring-like, or any other design known in the art. 
     While the proximal legs/extensions  319  have been described as being a part of the frame  350  of  FIG. 12 , it will be appreciated that the proximal legs/extensions  319  can be incorporated into any of the docking station frames  350  disclosed herein. For example, proximal legs/extensions can be included at the proximal end of the docking station frames  350  of  FIG. 25 or 26 , or any other frame  350  described herein. 
     Turning to  FIG. 67 , an exemplary distal end  2302  of a pusher  2300  or other retention device (e.g., if no pusher is used) is depicted. The illustrated pusher  2300  (or retention device) includes a plurality of slots or tabs  2306  in the outer circumferential surface  2304  of the pusher  2300  (or retention device) and disposed around the distal end  2302  of the pusher  2300  (or retention device). Each of the slots  2306  can be sized, shaped, or otherwise designed to retain a proximal leg/extension  319  and/or end shape/foot  321  of the frame  350  when the frame  350  and pusher  2300  (or retention device) are disposed within the catheter  2200 . In one embodiment, the number, size, and shape of the slots  2306  corresponds to the number, size, and shape of the proximal legs/extensions  319  and/or end shapes/feet  321  of the docking station frame  350 . 
     Before deployment of the docking station and frame  350 , the docking station and frame  350  can be inserted into the catheter  2200  with the ends/feet  321  and proximal legs/extensions  319  of the docking station or frame  350  being disposed within the slots  2306  of the pusher  2300  or retention device. In one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface  2304  of the pusher  2300  or other retention device, the slots  2306 , the proximal legs/extensions  319 , and the ends/feet  321  are sized such that the proximal ends/feet  321  can be retained within the slots  2306  and between the pusher  2300  or other retention device and the inner surface  2203  of the catheter  2200  when disposed within the catheter  2200 . In some embodiments, pusher  2300  moves or can move distally out of the catheter  2200  to push the docking station and its frame  350  distally out of the distal opening  2206 . In some embodiments, the catheter  2200  (e.g., an outer sheath, sleeve, delivery capsule, etc.) is retracted to uncover and release the docking station and its frame  350 . For a self-expandable frame, as the docking station or frame  350  is uncovered (e.g., by retracting the catheter  2200  and/or pushing it out of the catheter  2200 ), the uncovered portions begin to radially expand. 
     While the slots  2306  are still within the catheter  2200 , the position of the frame  350  can be maintained or otherwise controlled, as the proximal feet  321  will still be retained within the catheter  2200 . As such, the frame  350  can substantially expand radially outward while a portion of the frame  350  can be maintained or otherwise controlled by the catheter  2200 , pusher  2300 , inner shaft/catheter, and/or retention device. Once a substantial portion of the slots  2306  have moved distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 , the proximal feet  321  can be released from the slots  2306  and the positioning of the frame  350  can be set. Self-expansion of the frame  350  can cause the extensions/legs and ends/feet to move radially out of the slots when uncovered. 
     Optionally, the pusher or other retention device can comprise or be configured as a lock and release connector similar to that shown and described in PCT Patent App. No. PCT/US2018/040337, filed Jun. 29, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 62/527,577, filed Jun. 30, 2017, each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. The lock and release connector can comprise a body and a door (or, optionally, multiple doors) engaged with the body, wherein the at least one door (or each of the multiple doors) is moveable from a first position to a second position. The door can be integral with the body or connected to the body. The door can be constructed in a variety of ways and can comprise a variety of different materials. The lock and release connector can further comprise one fastener or multiple fasteners connecting at least one portion or end of the door to the body. 
     The docking station/device and frame  350  can have one or more extensions/legs and can be disposed in the catheter  2200 . If an inner shaft/catheter is used, the lock and release connector can be connected to the inner shaft/catheter. Slots  2306  can be formed between the body and the door. An extension/leg of the docking station and frame can be interposed between the body and the door (e.g., in a slot). Optionally, the lock and release connector can further comprise a second door, and a second extension/leg of the docking station and frame can be interposed between the body and the second door. The body can be hingedly connected to the door(s). 
     The catheter  2200  with the docking station therein can be positioned at a target delivery site. The catheter  2200  can be retracted or the frame pushed out of the catheter  2200  until a distal end of the docking station or frame is positioned outside the catheter  2200 . The catheter  2200  can further be displaced (e.g., withdrawn, etc.) with respect to or relative to the docking station and the lock and release connector until the door(s) open and release the extension(s) from between the body and the door. The door(s) can be biased (e.g., include a spring, etc.) to cause the door(s) to open when the catheter  2200  no longer covers the door to help release the extension. 
     Referring to  FIG. 68A  through  FIG. 72C , three exemplary docking deployment assemblies/systems  7000  are depicted which permit a user to maintain or otherwise control the position of frame  350  once frame  350  has been fully radially expanded outside the catheter  2200 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 68A  through  FIG. 70 , an exemplary docking station deployment assembly  7000  is shown. The frame  350  includes at least one elongated leg/extension  323  disposed at the proximal end of the frame  350  and attached or otherwise secured to a proximal strut  1200 . Each elongated leg/extension  323  can include a foot/end shape  325  at the proximal end of the elongated leg/extension  323 . Each end/foot  325  can extend circumferentially, radially inwardly, and/or radially outwardly farther than the elongated leg/extension  323 . In one embodiment, the end/foot  325  is substantially spherical or otherwise bulbous. However, the end/foot  325  can be any shape or size receivable within a corresponding tab or slot in the pusher  2300  or other retention device. For example, the end/foot  325  can be rectangular, elongated, slotted, grooved, hollow, ring-shaped, or any other design known in the art. The frame  350  can also include proximal legs/extensions  319  and end shapes/feet  321  as previously described. In one embodiment, the elongated leg/extension  323  is included on the frame  350  in place of one of the proximal legs/extensions  319  and the elongated leg/extension  323  extends longitudinally farther away from the remainder of the frame  350  than the proximal legs/extensions  319 . While the illustrated embodiments depict the frame  350  as having only one elongated leg/extension  323 , more than one elongated leg/extension  323  can be included. 
     The at least one elongated leg/extension  323  of the frame  350  can take a variety of forms. As shown in  FIGS. 69A and 69B , the at least one elongated leg/extension  323  of the frame  350  can be flexible, like a flexible rod ( FIG. 69A ), or rigid, like a rigid rod ( FIG. 69B ). The inclusion of a flexible (e.g., spring-like, coiled, thinned, slotted, etc.) elongated leg/extension  323  can permit the frame  350  to extend smoothly out of the catheter  2200  as the frame  350  radially expands as it is distally moved out of the catheter  2200 . For example, after the proximal legs/extensions  319  have been released from the slots  2306  but while the end/foot  325  is still retained in the elongated recess or slot  2308  within the catheter  2200 , the flexible (e.g., spring-like, etc.) elongated leg/extension  323  can flex, expand, or otherwise adjust to correspond to (or such that a portion thereof corresponds to) the radial expansion of the frame  350 . The inclusion of a rigid (e.g., rod-like, etc.) elongated leg/extension  323  can permit the frame  350  to be positioned or otherwise moved once the frame radially expands as it is distally moved out of the catheter. For example, after the proximal legs/extensions  319  have been released from the slots  2306  but while the end/foot  325  is still retained in the slot  2308 , the rigid elongated leg/extension  323  can securely retain the frame  350  to the pusher  2300 , retention device, inner shaft/catheter, and/or catheter  2200  such that the frame  350  can more easily be positioned or otherwise moved after expansion. However, it will be appreciated that the elongated leg/extension  323  can take other forms. For example, the elongated leg/extension  323  can be curved, twisted, bent, or otherwise shaped according to the desired deployment and/or control of the frame  350  out of the catheter  2200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 70 , the distal end  2302  of the pusher  2300  or other retention device can include at least one elongated slot  2308  in the outer circumferential surface  2304  of the pusher  2300  or other retention device. The at least one elongated slot  2308  can be sized and shaped to correspond to the size and shape of the elongated leg/extension  323  (or a portion thereof) and/or end/foot  325  of the frame  350 . The pusher  2300  or other retention device can optionally include one or more additional slots  2306  (e.g., in the outer circumferential surface  2304  of the pusher  2300  or other retention device, between a body and door(s)/latch(es), etc.). The optional one or more elongated slots  2308  and one or more shorter slots  2306  can extend from the distal end  2302  of the pusher  2300  or other retention device toward the proximal end of the pusher  2300  or other retention device (e.g., axially or parallel to a longitudinal axis). In one embodiment, the one or more slots  2308  extend proximally farther from the distal end  2302  of the pusher  2300  or other retention device than the one or more optional slots  2306 . 
     Before deployment of the frame  350 , the frame  350  (and, optionally, a pusher) can be inserted into the catheter  2200  with the proximal ends/feet  321  and proximal legs/extensions  319  of the frame  350  being directed proximally. The ends/feet  321  and/or proximal legs/extensions  319  (e.g., a portion thereof) of the frame  350  can be disposed within the slots  2306  of the pusher or retention device  2300 . In one embodiment, the outer circumferential surface  2304  of the pusher or retention device  2300 , the slots  2306 , the slots  2308 , the proximal legs/extensions  319 , the proximal ends/feet  321 , the elongated legs/extensions  323 , and the ends/feet  325  are sized such that the ends/feet  321  can be retained within the slots  2306  (e.g., between the pusher or retention device  2300  and the inner surface  2203  of the catheter  2200  or between the body of the retention device and a door/latch) and the one or more ends/feet  325  of the one or more elongated legs/extensions  323  can be retained within the slots  2308  (e.g., between the pusher or retention device  2300  and the inner surface  2203  of the catheter  2200  or between the body of the retention device and a door/latch) when the pusher or retention device  2300  and one or more ends/feet are disposed within the catheter  2200 . 
     As the docking station/device moves out of the catheter  2200 , the frame  350  exits the distal opening  2206  and the frame  350  begins to expand. While at least one extension/leg (e.g., a portion thereof) and/or end/foot is still retained within the catheter  2200  (e.g., in a retention device), the position of the frame  350  can be maintained or otherwise controlled. As such, the frame  350  (e.g., progressively the distal end, then other distal portions of the frame, then the middle of the frame, then proximal portions, and substantially all of the frame) can be substantially expand radially outward while a portion of the frame  350  (e.g., one or more extensions/legs, a portion(s) thereof, and/or one or more feet/end(s) thereof) is maintained or otherwise controlled by the catheter  2200  and/or pusher or retention device  2300 . 
     In one embodiment, where the retention device (e.g., pusher) includes at least one elongated slot  2308  and at least one shorter slot  2106 , after all or most of the shorter slot(s)  2306  have moved distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  (e.g., is uncovered by retraction the catheter or advancing a shaft or pusher), one or more ends/feet  321  are released from the slot(s)  2306  and frame  350  is fully radially expanded (e.g., expanded until in contact with the circulatory system). Even after shorter slot(s)  2306  have moved distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 , the at least one end/foot  325  of at least one elongated leg/extension can still be retained within the elongated slot  2308  (e.g., all or a portion thereof). As such, the frame  350  can completely radially expand and the position of the frame  350  can be maintained or otherwise controlled by the retention of the elongated leg/extension  323  and/or end/foot  325  within the catheter  2200 . Once all or most of the at least one elongated slot  2308  is uncovered or moves distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  (e.g., is uncovered by retraction of the catheter or advancing a shaft or pusher), the at least one end/foot  325  can be released from the at least one elongated slot  2308  and the positioning of the frame  350  can be set. If a door/latch is used over any of the slot(s), the door opens to allow the end/foot thereunder to be released. 
     In one embodiment, where the retention device (e.g., pusher) includes only one elongated slot  2308 , as the frame  350  moves distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  (e.g., is uncovered by retraction the catheter or advancing a shaft or pusher), the frame  350  is progressively expanded from distal to proximal until fully radially expanded (e.g., expanded until in contact with the circulatory system). Even after all but the end/foot  325  of frame  350  has moved distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 , the end/foot  325  of the elongated leg/extension can still be retained within the elongated slot  2308  (e.g., all or a portion thereof). As such, the frame  350  can completely radially expand and the position of the frame  350  can be maintained or otherwise controlled by the retention of the elongated leg/extension  323  and/or end/foot  325  within the catheter  2200 . Once all or most of the elongated slot  2308  moves distally past the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  (e.g., is uncovered by retraction of the catheter or advancing a shaft or pusher), the at least one end/foot  325  can be released from the at least one elongated slot  2308  and the positioning of the frame  350  can be set. If a door/latch is used over the slot  2308 , the door opens to allow the end/foot  325  thereunder to be released. 
     Having only one extension/leg or only one elongated extension/leg  323  on a self-expandable frame acts to help prevent the frame from jumping out of the distal end of the catheter and throwing off the placement. As the proximal end  315  of the frame  350  approaches the distal opening  2206  of the catheter, forces can build between the proximal end  315  and distal opening  2206  that can cause the frame to jump forward out of the catheter. Having multiple legs/extensions at the proximal-most end of the frame  350  can make jumping more likely, as the legs/extensions can act against each other and create opposing forces against the distal end of the catheter. By having the proximal end  315  of the frame  350  have only one elongated extension/leg  323  (e.g., with or without shorter extensions/legs  319 ) or only one extension/leg at all (e.g.,  319  or  323 ), the frame  350  is allowed to fully expand while retained by only one extension/leg, then this one remaining extension/leg can release the frame  350  without causing jumping. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 71A through 71C , an exemplary docking device deployment assembly  7000  is shown. The docking device deployment assembly  7000  can be similar to those described above and alternatively or additionally include a suture or retaining line  2700  which can be used to maintain the position of the frame  350  as the frame  350  is deployed from the catheter  2200  and fully radially expanded. The inner shaft, retention device, or pusher  2300  is shown as including two suture passages  2310  which extend longitudinally through the inner shaft, retention device, or pusher  2300  and which each can receive a portion or an end of the suture  2700 ; however, only a single passage can be used. In one embodiment, the suture  2700  is threaded through one of the suture passages  2310 , around a portion of the frame  350 , and back through the other suture passage  2700  such that both ends of the suture  2700  extend through the proximal portion of the catheter  2200 . The suture  2700  can be secured around any portion of the frame  350 . In one embodiment, the suture  2700  is looped around one or more struts  1200  or apexes of struts of the frame  350 . In another embodiment, the frame (e.g., apexes of the frame) includes one or more loops, apertures, holes, etc. that the suture  2700  can be threaded through. 
     In one embodiment, the pusher  2300  is used to apply a distal force on the frame  350  to move the frame  350  distally through the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  while the suture  2700  applies a proximal force on the frame  350  to keep the frame  350  in contact with and/or proximate the pusher  2300  (e.g., by holding the suture or pulling proximally on the suture). As shown in  FIG. 71A , once the pusher  2300  pushes a portion of the frame  350  through the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 , the portion of the frame  350  extending beyond the distal opening  2206  will begin to expand radially outward, and the proximal force applied by the suture  2700  will keep the frame  350  (e.g., a proximal end of frame  350 ) in contact with and/or proximate the pusher  2300 . In  FIG. 71B , once the pusher  2300  has pushed the frame  350  completely through the distal opening  2206 , the frame  350  can be fully radially expanded and the proximal force applied by the suture  2700  on the frame  350  will maintain the frame  350  proximate the distal end of the pusher  2300  and/or catheter  2200 . In  FIG. 71C , once the frame has been fully radially expanded in the desired position, the suture  2700  can be removed from the suture passage(s)  2310  and frame  350  such that the expanded frame  350  is deployed in the desired position. 
     In one embodiment, the suture  2700  applies a proximal force on the frame  350  to keep the frame  350  in contact with and/or proximate the inner shaft, retention device, or pusher  2300  (e.g., by holding the suture or pulling proximally on the suture) as the catheter  2200  (e.g., outer sheath, delivery capsule, sleeve, etc.) is withdrawn. As shown in  FIG. 71A , once the catheter is retracted such that a portion of the frame  350  is exposed, the portion of the frame  350  extending beyond the distal opening  2206  expand radially outward, and the proximal force applied by the suture  2700  will keep the frame  350  (e.g., a proximal end of frame  350 ) in contact with and/or proximate the inner shaft, retention device, or pusher  2300 . As shown in  FIG. 71B , once the catheter has been completely retracted from over the frame  350 , the frame  350  is fully radially expanded and the proximal force applied by the suture  2700  on the frame  350  can maintain the frame  350  proximate the distal end of the inner shaft, retention device, or pusher  2300  and/or catheter  2200 . As shown in  FIG. 71C , once the frame has been fully radially expanded in the desired position, the suture  2700  can be removed from the suture passage(s)  2310  and frame  350  such that the expanded frame  350  is deployed in the desired position. 
     While this exemplary docking station deployment assembly  7000  has been described and depicted as including only a suture  2700  (e.g., no extensions/legs are necessary) to maintain the position of the frame  350  after the frame  350  has been fully radially expanded, other features can also be included to maintain the position of the frame  350  after the frame  350  has been fully radially expanded. For example, the frame  350  can include proximal legs/extensions  319  and proximal ends/feet  321  and/or one or more elongated legs/extensions  323  and one or more ends/feet  325  and the pusher/inner shaft/retention device can include shorter slots  2306  and/or one or more elongated slots  2308  to maintain the position of the frame  350  after the frame  350  has been fully radially expanded, as described above. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 72A through 72C , an exemplary docking station deployment assembly  7000  is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the pusher/inner shaft/retention system  2300  includes a distal portion having a first outer circumferential surface  2312  and a proximal portion having a second outer circumferential surface  2314 . The distal portion and the proximal portion can be integrally formed or the distal portion  327  can be a separate component, such as a pin, that is attached to the proximal portion or extends through a lumen of the proximal portion. In one embodiment, a pin is used as surface  2312  without any larger diameter proximal portion. The pin and/or distal portion can include a lumen through which another portion of the system and/or a guidewire can pass. The distal end  2302  of the distal portion can optionally be tapered or otherwise rounded. The first outer circumferential surface  2312  of the pusher/retention system  2300  is narrower than or have a smaller diameter than the inside diameter of the frame  350  (or have the same or a similar diameter) when the frame  350  is in the compressed state within the catheter  2200  and the second outer circumferential surface  2314  of the pusher/retention system  2300  can be wider or have a larger diameter than the inside diameter of the frame  350  when the frame  350  is in the compressed state and be narrower or have a smaller diameter than the inner surface  2203  of the catheter  2200 . For example, the frame  350  can be crimped around the outer circumferential surface  2312 . In one embodiment, the first outer circumferential surface  2312  has a large enough diameter to retain a proximal portion of the frame  350  in abutting contact with the inner surface  2203  of the catheter  2200 . 
     In use, when the pusher/inner shaft/retention system  2300  and frame  350  are disposed within the catheter  2200 , the distal portion second outer circumferential surface  2314  of the pusher  2300  can abut the proximal end  315  of the frame  350  and the distal portion of the first circumferential surface  2312  (e.g., a narrowed portion, a pin, etc.) will be disposed within the inner diameter of the compressed frame  350 . Within the catheter  2200 , the first circumferential surface  2312  and the inside surface  2203  can trap or constrain a portion of the frame  350  that is within the catheter  2200  therebetween. A user can use the pusher/retention system  2300  to apply a distal force on the frame  350  to move the frame  350  distally through the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200  and/or can retract the catheter  2200  from over the frame  350 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 72A , the pusher/inner shaft/retention system  2300  can be used to push a portion of the frame  350  through the distal opening  2206  of the catheter  2200 , and the portion of the frame  350  extending beyond the distal opening  2206  begins to expand radially outward. In one embodiment, also represented by  FIG. 72A , the catheter  2200  can be retracted proximally from over the frame  350 , and the portion of the frame  350  extending beyond the distal opening  2206  expands radially outward. As shown in  FIG. 72B , as long as any portion of the frame  350  remains in the catheter  2200 , the first circumferential surface  2312  of the pusher/inner shaft/retention system  2300  and the inside surface  2203  can trap, constrain, or pinch a portion (e.g., at least a proximal portion) of the frame that is in the catheter. This can help prevent or inhibit the expansion force of the frame  350  from causing the frame  350  to jump and/or exit the catheter  2200  before the transition or step between the outer circumferential surface  2314  and the inner circumferential surface  2314  reaches the end of the catheter  2200 . As such, the frame  350  will have been maintained in position throughout the deployment of the frame  350  from the catheter  2200 . As shown in  FIG. 72C , when the frame  350  is entirely outside the distal end of the catheter  2200 , the frame  350  can fully radially expand and be deployed in the desired target position. The pusher/inner shaft/retention system  2300  can be retracted from the frame  350  and pulled back into or be re-covered by the catheter  2200 . 
     In one embodiment, docking station deployment assembly  7000  includes only a pusher/inner shaft/retention system  2300  with first and second circumferential surfaces to maintain the position of the frame  350  after the frame  350  has been fully radially expanded. However, in some embodiments, other features are included to maintain the position of the frame  350  after the frame  350  has been fully radially expanded. For example, the frame  350  can include proximal legs/extensions  319  and proximal ends/feet  321  and/or one or more elongated legs/extensions  323  and one or more ends/feet  325  and the pusher/retention system  2300  can include shorter slots  2306  and or one or more elongated slots  2308 , and/or the docking station deployment assembly  7000  can include a suture  2700  to maintain the position of the frame  350  after the frame  350  has been fully radially expanded, as described above. Especially where other retention features (e.g., extensions and slots, doors/latches, sutures, etc.) are used, the distal portion or pin (e.g., surface  2312 ) need trap the frame  350  and can have a smaller diameter than the inner surface of the frame. 
     The distal portion or pin with surface  2312  acts to help prevent a self-expandable frame from jumping out of the distal end of the catheter and throwing off the placement. As the proximal end  315  of the frame  350  approaches the distal opening  2206  of the catheter, forces can build between the proximal end  315  and distal opening  2206  that can cause the frame to jump forward out of the catheter. These forces make jumping more likely, and this is especially true when the proximal end  315  of the frame is angled radially inwardly relative to the inner surface of the catheter  2200 . For example, as more of the frame  350  expands outside the catheter, the proximal end  315  remaining in the catheter tends to angle radially inwardly and can build up pressure against the distal opening  2206  and this can flip or spring the frame  350  out of the catheter as the proximal end tries to expand. By having the distal portion or pin with surface  2312  inside the proximal end  315  of the frame  350 , the proximal end  315  is prevented from angling too much out of parallel (e.g., helps the proximal end  315  to remain parallel, nearly parallel, or more closely parallel) relative to the inner surface of the catheter  2200  as the frame expands, and this can help prevent or inhibit the frame  350  from jumping out of the distal end of the catheter  2200 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 73A through 75B , the frame  350  can include a sealing material or cover/covering  8000  disposed on the end  362  of the frame  350  to effectuate a seal between the valve  29  and interior surface  416  of the circulatory system when the valve  29  is disposed in the valve seat  18  of the frame  350  and the frame  350  is radially expanded and placed in the body. The cover  8000  can be a cylinder or substantially a cylinder rolled partially backward on itself and can have an end  8002  having an inside diameter  8004 , an outside diameter  8006 , a distal surface  8008 , and a proximal surface  8010 . The cover  8000  can comprise a single sheet of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), PTFE, ePTFE, another polymer, or other biocompatible material which can provide an effective seal. In one embodiment, the cover  8000  can comprise a woven ribbon or fabric, such as a woven ribbon or fabric that comprises PET, PTFE, ePTFE, another polymer, or other biocompatible material. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 74A through 75B , the cover  8000  can be disposed over the end  362  of the frame  350 . The cover  8000  can be secured to the frame  350  in a wide variety of different ways. For example, the cover  8000  can be attached to the frame with sutures, adhered, tied, fused, etc. Turning to  FIGS. 74A and 74B , the cover  8000  can be placed onto the end  362  of the frame  350 . In one embodiment, the end  8002  of the cover  8000  abuts the end  362  of the frame  350 . The inside diameter  8004  of the cover  8000  is radially inward of and adjacent to the inside diameter  364  of the frame  350 . The outside diameter  8006  the cover  8000  is radially outward of and adjacent to and adjacent to the outside diameter  366  of the frame  350 . The proximal surface  8010  of the cover  8000  can extend around a portion of the retaining portions  314  of the frame  350 . In one embodiment, the outside diameter  8006  of the cover provides a secure fit and/or seal between the frame  350  and the interior surface  416  of the circulatory system. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 75A and 75B , the cover  8000  can be draped or otherwise disposed entirely around the end  362  of the frame  350 . The cover  8000  can have contours or otherwise undulate between the struts  1200  of the frame  350  ( FIG. 75A ) or the cover  8000  can be flush with the end  362  of the frame  3530  ( FIG. 75B ). A valve  29  (See e.g.  FIG. 63 ) can be inserted into the valve seat  18  defined by the inside diameter  364  of the frame  350  and the inside diameter  8004  of the cover  8000 . In such a configuration, the cover  8000  can effectuate a continuous seal between the outside diameter  366  of the frame  350  and the interior surface  416  of the circulatory system, around the end  362  of the frame  350 , and between the inside diameter  364  of the frame  350  and the valve  29 . For example, when the valve  29  is in the closed position, the valve  29  and the cover  8000  provide a seal against blood flow. 
     Referring, for example, to  FIGS. 25, 26, and 76 , the frame  350  can also include one or more friction-enhancing features, such as barbs  2518  shown in  FIG. 76  projecting radially outwardly from the retaining portion  314  of the frame  350 . The barbs  2518  can be curved and/or otherwise oriented to prevent the frame  350  from moving from an installed position. In one embodiment, the barbs  2518  project radially outwardly from one or more struts  1200 . As shown in  FIG. 76 , when the frame  350  is deployed and expands radially outwardly, the barbs  2518  can insert into the interior surface  416  of the circulatory system to secure or otherwise maintain the position of the frame  2518 . The barbs  2518  can be oriented such that the frame  350  does not move due to the force of blood flowing through the heart or other portions of the body (e.g., angled or curved to point in the direction of blood flow). Any frame  350  described or depicted herein can include similar barbs  2518 . 
     As mentioned above, the docking station  10  can be adapted for use at a variety of different positions in the circulatory system.  FIGS. 77 and 78  illustrate exemplary embodiments where a docking station  10  is configured for use in the aorta  900 . In  FIG. 77 , the docking station  10  is shown used alone in the aorta. In  FIG. 78 , the docking station  10  is shown used in conjunction with a graft  902 . The docking station  10  used in the aorta  900  can take a wide variety of different forms. For example, the docking station  10  shown in  FIGS. 77 and 78  can be any of the docking stations  10  disclosed herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 77 and 78 , the docking station can be placed in the aorta  900  and an extension  950  extends to stabilize the docking station  10 . In  FIG. 77 , the docking station  10  is placed inside the annulus of the aortic valve AV and the extension  950  extends into the aorta, such as into the aortic arch. In  FIG. 11 , the docking station  10  is placed inside the annulus of the aortic valve AV and the extension  950  extends into the aorta, such as into the graft  902 . However, the extension  950  and the graft  902  can take a wide variety of different forms. The graft can be a surgically installed graft or a graft that is installed through a catheter, without open heart surgery. In one exemplary embodiment, the extension acts as a graft. 
     The extension  950  can take a wide variety of different forms. In one exemplary embodiment, the extension  950  is constructed to allow blood to freely flow through the extension. For example, the extension  950  can be an open cell frame. The extension  950  can comprise spring elements  3700 . The extension  950  can comprise wires. In one exemplary embodiment, the extension  950  comprises an open cell frame, spring elements  3700 , and/or wires. In the illustrated embodiment, the extension  950  is configured to bend as it extends in the aorta. The extension  950  can be integrally formed with the docking station  10  or the extension can be made separately from the docking station  10  and attached to the docking station. Optionally, the extension  950  can be configured as a graft or stent-graft. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 77 and 78 , when the docking station  10  is placed in the aorta, a significant volume of blood flowing through the aorta can be directed into the valve  29  by a covering/material  21 . The covering/material  21  can be the same as or similar to other coverings/materials described herein. The covering/material can be fluid impermeable or substantially impermeable so that blood cannot pass through. More or all the docking station frame  350  can be provided with the covering/material  21 , forming a relatively large impermeable or substantially impermeable portion. 
     The foregoing primarily describes embodiments of docking stations that are self-expanding. But the docking stations shown and described herein can be modified for delivery of balloon-expandable, mechanically-expandable docking devices, and/or a combination of these, within the scope of the present disclosure. Delivering balloon-expandable and/or mechanically-expandable docking stations, etc. to an implantation location can also be performed. 
     A variety of methods of implanting the docking stations and valves described herein can be used. Steps described herein can be used in various orders and the various steps can be combined or omitted. As one example, a method can include: inserting a docking station delivery catheter/sheath into vasculature (or a circulatory system) of a patient, the docking station holding a docking station in a compressed configuration; navigating the docking station delivery catheter/sheath through the vasculature (or circulatory system) to a desired implantation location/site; deploying/releasing the docking station such that it expands to an expanded configuration and engages an interior surface of the circulatory system, vasculature, heart, etc.; inserting a valve delivery catheter (e.g., a THV delivery catheter) into the vasculature (or circulatory system), the valve delivery catheter holding a transcatheter valve in a compressed configuration; navigating the valve delivery catheter through the vasculature (or circulatory system) to a desired implantation location/site or to the docking station (e.g., within the docking station or within a valve seat of the docking station); deploying/releasing the valve such that it expands to an expanded configuration and engages an interior surface of the docking station or of the valve seat of the docking station and is securely held thereby; (expanding can be done by allowing the transcatheter valve to self-expand out of the catheter/sheath, inflating a balloon to manually expand the valve, mechanically expanding the valve, or a combination of these). 
     The deploying/releasing the docking station such that it expands to an expanded configuration and engages an interior surface of the vasculature, IVC, SVC, aorta, aortic valve, heart, circulatory system, etc. can comprise a partial deployment/release of the docking station such that a portion of the docking station remains in the catheter/sheath. A step of retrieving or recapturing the docking station (whether fully deployed or partially deployed) can be used and can involve retracting the docking station into the sheath/catheter or advancing the sheath/catheter over the docking station. If retrieved or recaptured, a step of repositioning the docking station catheter/sheath and the docking station to a second or different/modified location can be used, then the docking station can be fully deployed/released such that it expands to the expanded configuration and engages an interior surface of the vasculature, IVC, SVC, aorta, aortic valve, heart, circulatory system, etc. 
     In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of the disclosed invention may be applied, the illustrated embodiments are only examples of the invention and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. All combinations or subcombinations of features/components of the foregoing exemplary embodiments are contemplated by this application, e.g., features/components of one embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments and the steps of various methods can be combined in different ways and orders. We therefore claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of the following claims.