An apparatus for replacing a cardiac valve having at least two native valve leaflets (90,92), said apparatus comprising: an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between said ends (42,44), said main body portion of said support member having an annular shape for expanding into position in the annulus of the cardiac valve; said first end of said support member comprising a plurality of upper wing members that extend from said main body portion, each of said upper wing members being movable from a radially collapsed condition into a radially extended condition for engaging a first section of cardiac tissue surrounding one side of the cardiac valve; said second end of said support member comprising a plurality of lower wing members that extend integrally from said main body portion, each of said lower wing members being movable from a radially collapsed condition into a radially extended condition for engaging a portion of the native valve leaflets to pin the leaflets back against the annulus of the native cardiac valve; and, a prosthetic valve secured within said main body portion of said support member, said prosthetic valve having at least two valve leaflets (90,92) that are coaptable to permit unidirectional flow of blood, each of said at least two valve leaflets (90,92) being joined together at at least two commissural sections that are spaced apart from each other, characterised in that said second end of said support member further includes at least two strut members that are spaced apart from each other and are securely attached to, and extend in a generally axial manner from, the support member, each of said at least two commissural sections being attached to a respective one of said strut members to prevent prolapse of said valve leaflets (90,92). an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between said ends (42,44), said main body portion of said support member having an annular shape for expanding into position in the annulus of the cardiac valve; said first end of said support member comprising a plurality of upper wing members that extend from said main body portion, each of said upper wing members being movable from a radially collapsed condition into a radially extended condition for engaging a first section of cardiac tissue surrounding one side of the cardiac valve; said second end of said support member comprising a plurality of lower wing members that extend integrally from said main body portion, each of said lower wing members being movable from a radially collapsed condition into a radially extended condition for engaging a portion of the native valve leaflets to pin the leaflets back against the annulus of the native cardiac valve; and, a prosthetic valve secured within said main body portion of said support member, said prosthetic valve having at least two valve leaflets (90,92) that are coaptable to permit unidirectional flow of blood, each of said at least two valve leaflets (90,92) being joined together at at least two commissural sections that are spaced apart from each other, characterised in that said second end of said support member further includes at least two strut members that are spaced apart from each other and are securely attached to, and extend in a generally axial manner from, the support member, each of said at least two commissural sections being attached to a respective one of said strut members to prevent prolapse of said valve leaflets (90,92).