Patent Description:
Prosthetic heart valves that are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size can be delivered into a patient less invasively than valves that are not collapsible. For example, a collapsible valve may be delivered into a patient via a tube-like delivery apparatus such as a catheter, a trocar, a laparoscopic instrument, or the like. This collapsibility can avoid the need for a more invasive procedure such as full open-chest, open-heart surgery.

Collapsible prosthetic heart valves typically take the form of a valve structure mounted on a stent. There are two types of stents on which the valve structures are ordinarily mounted: a self-expanding stent and a balloon-expandable stent. To place such valves into a delivery apparatus and ultimately into a patient, the valve must first be collapsed or crimped to reduce its circumferential size.

When a collapsed prosthetic valve has reached the desired implant site in the patient (e.g., at or near the annulus of the patient's heart valve that is to be replaced by the prosthetic valve), the prosthetic valve can be deployed or released from the delivery apparatus and re-expanded to full operating size. For balloon-expandable valves, this generally involves releasing the valve, assuring its proper location, and then expanding a balloon positioned within the valve stent. For self-expanding valves, on the other hand, the stent automatically expands as the sheath covering the valve is withdrawn.

Clinical success of a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may be dependent on accurate deployment and sealing. For example, inaccurate deployment and anchoring may result in the leakage of blood between the implanted heart valve and the native valve annulus, commonly referred to as perivalvular or paravalvular leakage ("PV leak"). In aortic valves, this leakage enables blood to flow from the aorta back into the left ventricle, which can reduce cardiac efficiency and put a greater strain on the heart muscle. Additionally, calcification of the aortic valve may affect performance and the interaction between the implanted valve and the calcified tissue is believed to be relevant to leakage. Additionally, in certain procedures, collapsible valves may be implanted in a native valve annulus without first resecting the native valve leaflets.

Adding features to a prosthetic heart valve to help mitigate PV leak may result in the profile of the valve increasing in size. Increasing the profile of the valve may be undesirable, for example, because delivering the valve may require a correspondingly larger delivery device. Similarly, adding features to a prosthetic valve has a potential of adversely impacting other design factors, such as hemodynamic performance, durability, and sealing.

<CIT> discloses catheter-based prosthetic heart valves, and in particular, prosthetic heart valves having sealing devices configured to seal the interface between the prosthetic valve and the surrounding tissue of the native annulus in which the prosthetic heart valve is implanted. In one example of <CIT>, a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular sealing member that can be placed in a delivery orientation extending axially away from one end of the valve when the valve is in a radially compressed state. When the valve is expanded, the expansion of the frame causes the sealing member to be pulled to an operative orientation covering a portion of the frame. The present disclosure also discloses new mechanisms and techniques for mounting valve leaflets to a frame of a prosthetic heart valve.

Aspects of the invention are set out in accordance with the appended claims. Embodiments not falling within the scope of the claims are provided for illustrative purposes.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates, at least in part, to prosthetic heart valves having features that reduce the profile of the valves and that otherwise increase the available space on the valve for attaching additional features, such as PV leak mitigation features. For example, if a PV leak mitigation (or other) feature is added to a prosthetic heart valve, the profile of the prosthetic valve may increase. However, methods and apparatus disclosed herein may help reduce the profile of the prosthetic valve to partially or completely offset the increase in profile resulting from the addition of additional valve features. A number of other benefits may also be obtained from the disclosure provided herein.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a prosthetic heart valve includes a stent body having a plurality of cells arranged in circumferential rows and a cuff attached to the stent body. At least one leaflet attachment panel may be attached to and may span at least a portion of one of the cells. At least one prosthetic valve element may be mounted to the at least one leaflet attachment panel, and the leaflet attachment panel may not be integral with the stent body.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a prosthetic heart valve includes a stent body having a proximal end, a distal end, and including a plurality of cells arranged in a plurality of circumferential rows. A cuff may be attached to the stent body. A leaflet attachment panel may be attached to at least one cell in one of the circumferential rows. A leaflet may be mounted to a portion of the leaflet attachment panel, the leaflet including a leaflet belly having a proximalmost point of attachment to the cuff. A reduced overlap area may be defined between the proximal end of the stent body and the proximalmost point of attachment of the leaflet belly to the cuff, the reduced overlap area having a size. The size of the reduced overlap area may be dependent upon (i) the circumferential row of cells the leaflet attachment panel is attached to and (ii) a position of the portion of the leaflet attachment panel to which the leaflet is mounted.

In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure, a prosthetic heart valve includes a stent body having a plurality of cells arranged in circumferential rows and a plurality of strut intersections defined by an intersection of at least two adjacent cells. A cuff may be attached to the stent body. A portion of a first leaflet may be attached directly to one of the plurality of strut intersections. A portion of a second leaflet may be attached directly to the one of the plurality of strut intersections.

In still another embodiment of the disclosure, a prosthetic heart valve includes a stent body having a proximal end and a distal end, the stent body formed from a plurality of open cells arranged in circumferential rows, and a cuff attached to the stent body. A leaflet attachment panel may be attached to and may overlie at least a portion of one of the open cells, the leaflet attachment panel having a proximal end and a distal end. A leaflet may be attached to a portion of the leaflet attachment panel between the proximal end and the distal end thereof, the leaflet including a leaflet belly having a proximalmost point of attachment to the cuff. An area between the proximal end of the stent body and the proximalmost point of attachment of the leaflet belly to the cuff may define a reduced overlap area having a longitudinal length. The longitudinal length of the reduced overlap area may be at least dependent upon a location of attachment of the leaflet to the leaflet attachment panel between the proximal end and distal end thereof.

As used herein, the term "proximal," when used in connection with a prosthetic heart valve, refers to the end of the heart valve closest to the heart when the heart valve is implanted in a patient, whereas the term "distal," when used in connection with a prosthetic heart valve, refers to the end of the heart valve farthest from the heart when the heart valve is implanted in a patient. The term "circumferential," when used in connection with a prosthetic heart valve, refers to the direction around the perimeter of the valve. The term "leading end," when used in connection with a suture, refers to the end initially advanced through a material, while the term "trailing end" refers to the opposite end.

<FIG> shows a collapsible stent-supported prosthetic heart valve <NUM> known in the art. The prosthetic heart valve <NUM> is designed to replace the function of a native tricuspid, bicuspid or unicuspid valve of a patient, such as a native aortic valve. It should be noted that while the present disclosure is described predominately in connection with prosthetic aortic valves and a stent having a shape as illustrated in <FIG>, the concepts described herein may also be used with prosthetic bicuspid valves, such as for a mitral valve replacement, and with stents having different shapes, such as those having a flared or conical annulus section, a less-bulbous aortic section, and the like, and a differently shaped transition section. Examples of collapsible prosthetic heart valves are described in International Patent Application Publication No. <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT>.

Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> will be described in more detail with reference to <FIG>. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, which may be formed from biocompatible materials that are capable of self-expansion, such as, for example, shape memory alloys such as nitinol. Stent <NUM> extends from proximal or annulus end <NUM> to a distal or aortic end <NUM>, and includes tubular annulus section <NUM> adjacent the proximal end and aortic section <NUM> adjacent the distal end. Annulus section <NUM> has a relatively small cross-section in the expanded condition, while aortic section <NUM> has a relatively large cross-section in the expanded condition. Preferably, annulus section <NUM> is in the form of a cylinder having a substantially constant diameter along its length. Transition section <NUM> may taper outwardly from annulus section <NUM> to aortic section <NUM>. Each of the sections of stent <NUM> includes a plurality of cells <NUM> connected to one another in one or more annular rows around the stent. For example, as shown in <FIG>, annulus section <NUM> may define a first proximalmost circumferential row of cells 112a and a second circumferential row of cells 112b positioned distal to the first row of cells. Aortic section <NUM> may also define a circumferential row of cells 112d, which may be the distalmost cells. An intermediate circumferential row of cells 112c may be positioned between the proximalmost row of cells 112a and the distalmost row of cells 112d. Cells 112d in aortic section <NUM> may be larger than the cells 112a, 112b in annulus section <NUM>. The larger cells in aortic section <NUM> better enable prosthetic valve <NUM> to be positioned in the native valve annulus without the stent structure interfering with blood flow to the coronary arteries.

Stent <NUM> may include one or more retaining elements <NUM> at distal end <NUM> thereof, the retaining elements being sized and shaped to cooperate with retaining structures provided on the deployment device (not shown). The engagement of retaining elements <NUM> with retaining structures on the deployment device helps maintain prosthetic heart valve <NUM> in assembled relationship with the deployment device, minimizes longitudinal movement of the prosthetic heart valve relative to the deployment device during unsheathing or resheathing procedures, and helps prevent rotation of the prosthetic heart valve relative to the deployment device as the deployment device is advanced to the target location and the heart valve deployed. In some variations, retaining elements <NUM> may be disposed near proximal end <NUM> of heart valve <NUM>.

Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes a valve assembly <NUM>, preferably positioned in the annulus section <NUM> of stent <NUM> and secured to the stent. Valve assembly <NUM> may include cuff <NUM> and a plurality of prosthetic valve elements, such as leaflets <NUM>, which collectively function as a one-way valve by coapting with one another, generally allowing blood to flow in an antegrade direction while substantially blocking blood from flowing in a retrograde direction. As a prosthetic aortic valve, valve <NUM> has three leaflets <NUM>. However, it will be appreciated that other prosthetic heart valves with which the present disclosure may be used may have a more or fewer leaflets.

Although cuff <NUM> is shown in <FIG> as being disposed on the luminal or inner surface of annulus section <NUM>, it is contemplated that the cuff may be disposed on the abluminal or outer surface of the annulus section or may cover all or part of either or both of the luminal and abluminal surfaces. Both cuff <NUM> and leaflets <NUM> may be wholly or partly formed of any suitable biological material or polymer such as, for example, PTFE.

Leaflets <NUM> may be attached along their belly portions to cells <NUM> of stent <NUM>, with the commissure between adjacent leaflets attached to commissure attachment features ("CAFs") <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, each CAF <NUM> may lie at the intersection of four cells <NUM> of stent <NUM>, two of the cells being adjacent one another in the same annular row, and the other two cells being in different annular rows and lying in end-to-end relationship. Preferably, CAFs <NUM> are positioned entirely within the annulus section <NUM> of stent <NUM> or at the juncture of annulus section <NUM> and transition section <NUM>, although they may be positioned above the annulus section. CAFs <NUM> may include one or more eyelets which facilitate the suturing of the leaflet commissure to the stent.

In the illustrated embodiment, CAFs <NUM> are formed by stent body <NUM>, or, in other words, are unitary or integral with the stent body. This may be achieved by, for example, laser cutting the stent body <NUM>, including CAFs <NUM>, from a single piece of material. CAFs <NUM> may add to the profile of valve <NUM> compared to an identical valve without the CAFs. CAFs <NUM> may also reduce the ability of stent body <NUM> to bend to match the anatomy during delivery, such as when the valve <NUM> is delivered through the aortic arch. This ability to bend or otherwise conform to the anatomy may be referred to as tracking ability. Because of their relative stiffness compared to the remainder of stent <NUM>, CAFs <NUM> may also raise the likelihood of vessel trauma or particulate dislodgement, which may result in problems such as stroke. However, if CAFs <NUM> are not included in stent body <NUM>, another method of attachment leaflets to the stent may be required.

Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> may be used to replace, for example, a native aortic valve, a surgical heart valve, a repair device or a heart valve that has undergone a surgical procedure. The prosthetic heart valve may be delivered to the desired site (e.g., near the native aortic annulus) using any suitable delivery device. During delivery, the prosthetic heart valve is disposed inside the delivery device in the collapsed condition. The delivery device may be introduced into a patient using a transfemoral, transapical, transseptal, transaortic, subclavian, or any other percutaneous approach. Once the delivery device has reached the target site, the user may deploy prosthetic heart valve <NUM>. Upon deployment, prosthetic heart valve <NUM> expands so that annulus section <NUM> is in secure engagement within the native aortic annulus. When the prosthetic heart valve is properly positioned inside the heart, it works as a one-way valve, allowing blood to flow from the left ventricle of the heart to the aorta, and preventing blood from flowing in the opposite direction.

As discussed above, adding features, such as PV leak mitigation features, may increase the profile of a typical valve. Such a PV leak mitigation feature may take the form of, for example, those described in <CIT>, or the parachute-like sealing members described in <CIT>. However, areas of valve <NUM> may already have a significant amount of overlap of material, causing the profile to be relatively large. Such areas of overlap are indicated in <FIG> as first overlap area OA<NUM> where CAFs <NUM> are positioned and second overlap area OA<NUM>, where cuff <NUM>, stent body <NUM>, and leaflets <NUM> overlap. A number of designs are discussed below that allow PV leak mitigation and other features to be added to a valve without increasing, or only minimally increasing, the profile of the valve. For example, by rearranging the placement of leaflets and the cuff, areas of overlap between the leaflet and cuff may be reduced. This may allow a feature to be added onto the cuff such that there are few or no points in which all three of the cuff, the leaflet, and the additional feature overlap. This may result in a smaller valve profile. In addition, removal of a traditional CAF from the valve may reduce the profile of the valve, allowing other features to be added without significantly changing the profile of the valve.

The limited space available for such additional features is illustrated more clearly in <FIG>, which shows a schematic view of a circumferential portion of valve <NUM> laid flat out. Leaflet <NUM> is not illustrated in <FIG>, but the point of attachment of leaflet belly <NUM> is represented by a broken line. If an additional feature, such as a PV leak mitigation feature, were to be attached to cuff <NUM>, it would preferably be positioned in the area A<NUM> between leaflet belly <NUM> and the proximal or bottom portion of cuff <NUM>. The area A<NUM> between the proximalmost point of stent body <NUM> and the proximalmost point of attachment of leaflet belly <NUM> to cuff <NUM> may be referred to as an area of reduced overlap, because only stent body <NUM> and cuff <NUM> overlap in this area. This positioning would be preferable because, as discussed above, it may help minimize the bulk or profile of valve <NUM>, because this positioning would help minimize overlap between cuff <NUM>, leaflet <NUM>, and the additional feature. The area between the proximalmost point of stent body <NUM> and a proximalmost point in a valley of cuff <NUM> may be referred to as the landing zone LZ. The landing zone LZ may represent the area of cuff <NUM> that seals against the anatomy when valve <NUM> is implanted in a patient. As is described herein, maximizing the proportion of the landing zone LZ which is also an area A<NUM> of reduced overlap may help reduce the profile of valve <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates one exemplary additional feature, in particular a PV leak mitigation feature, that could be added on to valve <NUM>. Although valve <NUM> of <FIG> is denoted as a prior art valve, no such representation is made with regards to the addition of the PV leak mitigation feature of <FIG> to the prior art valve. This PV leak mitigation feature takes the form of one or more sealing members <NUM>. Sealing members <NUM> are formed of generally triangular patches that are sewn or otherwise attached to cuff <NUM> such that a distal or top side of each sealing member remains open but the distal or bottom sides of each sealing member is closed. When valve <NUM> is implanted, if retrograde blood flow occurs on the abluminal or outer surface of the valve, between the valve and the native annulus in which the valve is implanted, the blood may flow into the open distal side of sealing members <NUM>. The closed proximal sides prevent the blood from exiting sealing members <NUM>. Upon blood flowing into a sealing member <NUM>, it may billow open, like a parachute, resulting in a more complete seal between valve <NUM> and the patient's anatomy. It should be understood that this is only one type of PV leak mitigation feature that may be added on to valve <NUM>, and other types of features that provide functions other than PV leak mitigation may also be added on to valve <NUM>. Sealing members <NUM> merely provide one example of an additional feature to provide context for the concepts disclosed herein. It should be noted that, compared to other embodiments described herein, valve <NUM> with sealing members <NUM> is relatively bulky because the proportion of the landing zone LZ which has an area A<NUM> of reduced overlap is relatively small.

As is discussed below, by rearranging the relative positions of cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM> in relation to stent body <NUM>, area A<NUM> may be increased to provide additional space of reduced overlap for adding additional features to valve <NUM>. Also as discussed below, eliminating integral CAF <NUM> from stent body <NUM> may also help minimize the bulk and/or profile of valve <NUM>, which may help offset an increase in valve bulk and/or profile resulting from adding additional features to the valve.

<FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of the circumference of the valve with only one of three leaflets shown. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, which may be similar or identical to stent <NUM> of <FIG>. Stent <NUM> extends from proximal or annulus end <NUM> to a distal or aortic end <NUM>, and includes tubular annulus section <NUM> adjacent the proximal end and aortic section <NUM> adjacent the distal end. Transition section <NUM> may connect annulus section <NUM> to aortic section <NUM>. Each of the sections of stent <NUM> includes a plurality of cells connected to one another in one or more annular rows around the stent. For example, as shown in <FIG>, annulus section <NUM> may define a first proximalmost annular row of annulus cells 212a and a second relatively distal annular row of annulus cells 212b. A third row of intermediate cells 212c distal to both rows of annulus cells 212a, 212b may be located between annulus section <NUM> and aortic section <NUM>. Aortic section <NUM> may have a fourth distalmost row of aortic cells 212d. Stent body <NUM> may also include a number of strut intersections <NUM>, that is, portions of the stent body where adjacent cells, such as intermediate cells 212c, meet or intersect. It should be understood that more or fewer rows of cells may be included in stent <NUM>.

Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes a valve assembly secured to stent <NUM>. The valve assembly includes cuff <NUM> and a plurality of leaflets <NUM> having attachment tabs <NUM> (only one leaflet illustrated in <FIG>). It should be appreciated that other prosthetic heart valves with which the present disclosure may be used may have more or fewer leaflets.

Cuff <NUM>, which is also illustrated in <FIG>, includes a body <NUM>, a series of first posts <NUM>, a series of second posts <NUM>, and a pair of attachment portions <NUM>. The series of first posts <NUM> include a number of spaced apart extensions that are generally triangular. The series of second posts <NUM> also include a number of spaced apart extensions that are generally triangular. Second posts <NUM> may include tabs <NUM> at distal ends thereof to facilitate attachment to strut intersections <NUM>. Various suture patterns, such as one similar to that shown in <FIG>, may be used to attach first posts <NUM>, second posts <NUM>, and the remaining portions of cuff <NUM> to stent body <NUM>. Although cuff <NUM> may be formed of a single piece of material, other configurations are possible, such as multiple sections attached together, including, for example, a triple composite cuff formed of three sections stitched or otherwise connected together.

First posts <NUM> extend a first distance D<NUM> distally from a base <NUM> of cuff <NUM>. Second posts <NUM> extend a second distance D<NUM> distally from the base <NUM> of cuff <NUM>, the second distance being greater than first distance D<NUM>. This is true whether or not tab <NUM> is included in distance D<NUM>. Generally, the distances D<NUM> and D<NUM> are preferably minimized such that cuff <NUM> comprises a relatively small amount of material. Less material generally translates to less bulk and/or a small valve profile. However, cuff <NUM> preferably includes enough material to provide a support to which leaflet <NUM> may be attached. Cuff <NUM> may include valleys between adjacent posts <NUM>, <NUM>, such that a distal portion of the cuff forms general "V" or "W" shapes. As seen in <FIG>, leaflet belly <NUM> is stitched along the dashed line to cuff <NUM>. The shape of cuff <NUM> helps to minimize the volume of cuff <NUM> while still providing support for attachment of leaflet <NUM>.

Attachment portions <NUM> of cuff <NUM> may overlap one another and may be coupled together using a suture, an adhesive or any other suitable means. Cuff <NUM> may be placed in the wrapped configuration either before, during, or after being coupled to a stent <NUM>. It should be noted that alternate mechanisms may be used to put cuff <NUM> into the wrapped configuration.

Referring again to <FIG>, stent <NUM> does not include traditional CAFs as illustrated in <FIG>. In other words, stent <NUM> does not include CAFs that are integral with, unitary with, or otherwise defined by, the stent. As discussed above, the lack of a traditional CAF may decrease the profile of valve <NUM> and may also improve the tracking ability of the valve. This decrease in bulk and/or profile may help compensate for an increase in bulk if other additional features are attached to valve <NUM>. Because of the lack of a traditional CAF, another method must be used to attach leaflet <NUM> to valve <NUM>.

In this particular embodiment, instead of being attached to traditional CAF, leaflet <NUM> is attached to leaflet attachment panels <NUM>, which are independent of the leaflet, for example by suturing tabs <NUM> of the leaflet to the leaflet attachment panels. As is described in greater detail below, leaflet attachment panels <NUM> facilitate attaching leaflets <NUM> to stent <NUM> at positions that provide more space to attach additional features to the valve while reducing overlap between the stent, leaflets, cuff, and additional features. An exemplary panel <NUM> is also illustrated in <FIG>. Panel <NUM> is generally diamond-shaped and configured to span at least a portion of a cell, in particular a distalmost aortic cell 212d of stent <NUM>. Panel <NUM> may be formed of a fabric, such as uncalendered polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (<NUM> picks by <NUM> ends, serial number <NUM>) produced by Secant Medical of Perkasie, PA. However, other materials, fiber sizes, and weave patterns may be used to form panel <NUM>. For example, panel <NUM> could be formed of dry tissue (e.g. glycerol impregnated or freeze dried), tissue with support structures, wire mesh, radiopaque wire, fabrics including polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) (with or without gel coating), multi-layered composites of any of these materials, and combinations thereof. Panels <NUM> may be attached to distalmost aortic cells 212d at spaced locations around the circumference of stent <NUM>, for example by sutures attaching the panels to struts of the stent, or any other suitable attachment means. For a tri-leaflet valve, three panels <NUM> in a spaced apart circumferential relationship may be attached to stent <NUM> to facilitate attachment of three leaflets <NUM> to the stent. However, more or fewer panels <NUM> may be appropriate for valves with more or fewer leaflets <NUM>. For example, two panels <NUM> may be appropriate for a prosthetic bicuspid valve to replace, for example, a mitral valve.

Panel <NUM> facilitates attachment of leaflet <NUM> to stent <NUM> at any point on the panel using similar methods when using a traditional CAF, but eliminating the need for a traditional CAF. Traditional CAFs are generally formed at the intersection of four cells (see <FIG>), limiting the points of attachment available for leaflets. This limitation is not present when using panels <NUM>. For example, leaflet <NUM> may be sewn to panel <NUM> at a proximal portion of the panel (as illustrated in <FIG>), but may also be attached to a center, medial, lateral, or distal portion of panel <NUM>. Although stent <NUM> preferably does not include any traditional CAFs, panels <NUM> may still be advantageously used on a stent with CAFs. This case may arise, for example, if a stent with traditional CAFs is available and desired to be used with panels <NUM> for convenience without having to create a new stent without traditional CAFs.

As shown in <FIG>, each tab <NUM> of leaflet <NUM> is attached to a respective panel <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, tabs <NUM> are sutured to panel <NUM>, but other methods of attachment may be suitable. It should also be noted that panels <NUM> may be configured with enough material to allow edges of the panels to be wrapped around struts of stent body <NUM>, essentially doubling the thickness of the panels at these wrapped around portions. This may provide for additional strength, if desired. Because there is no need for a traditional CAF, tabs <NUM> may be attached at locations on panels <NUM> not previously available. Comparing the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG> to the position of leaflet <NUM> and particularly leaflet belly <NUM> of <FIG>, it can be seen that leaflet <NUM>, including leaflet belly <NUM> (represented as a broken line) is raised slightly in the distal direction. Raising leaflet <NUM> distally provides comparatively more space on the landing zone LZ cuff <NUM> for additional features, such as a PV-leak mitigation feature, with reduced or no overlap between the cuff, leaflet, and additional feature. As is described below in relation to other embodiments, particularly in <FIG> and <FIG>, the relative positions of cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM> may be changed to a greater extent to provide even more space for attaching additional features. An additional benefit from raising leaflet <NUM> is that leaflet belly <NUM> crosses strut intersections <NUM>, which, for example, may provide a useful landmark during assembly.

<FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of the circumference of the valve with only one of three leaflets shown. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, which may be similar or identical to stents <NUM> of <FIG>. For example, stent <NUM> may have a first proximalmost annular row of annulus cells 312a and a second relatively distal annular row of annulus cells 312b. A third row of intermediate cells 312c distal to both rows of annulus cells 312a, 312b may be located between an annulus section <NUM> and aortic section <NUM> of stent <NUM>. The aortic section may have a fourth distalmost row of aortic cells 312d.

Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes a valve assembly secured to stent <NUM>. The valve assembly includes cuff <NUM> and a plurality of leaflets <NUM> (only one leaflet illustrated in <FIG>). It should be appreciated that other prosthetic heart valves with which the present disclosure may be used may have more or fewer leaflets.

Cuff <NUM>, which is also illustrated in <FIG>, includes a body <NUM>, a series of posts <NUM> and a pair of attachment portions <NUM>. Each post <NUM> may be generally triangular and similar in configuration, although some of the posts may include tabs <NUM> at distal ends thereof to facilitate attachment to strut intersections <NUM>. Each group of two adjacent posts <NUM> configured to correspond to the placement of leaflet belly <NUM> (i.e. posts that do not have tabs <NUM>) may alternately take other shapes to further reduce the amount of material overlap. For example, posts <NUM> not having tabs <NUM> may be generally straight or "U"-shaped. In the particular embodiment shown, three posts <NUM> include tabs <NUM>, which may be particularly suited for use with a tri-leaflet valve. Each post <NUM> with a tab <NUM> is surrounded by two posts without a tab on each side. This particular configuration of posts <NUM> may be adjusted for different stent configurations, for example with more or fewer posts <NUM> for stents with more or fewer cells, and with more or fewer tabs <NUM> for valves with more or fewer leaflets. Each post <NUM> extends the same or nearly the same distance D<NUM> distally from a base <NUM> of cuff <NUM>, not including tabs <NUM>. Posts <NUM> with tabs <NUM> may extend a slightly greater distance distally from the base <NUM> of cuff <NUM> than the posts without the tabs. Comparing valve <NUM> to valve <NUM>, leaflets <NUM> are positioned lower or more proximally than leaflets <NUM>. This, in turn, allows for posts <NUM> of cuff <NUM> to extend a short distance D3 distally compared to posts <NUM> of cuff <NUM>. As described above, this shorter distance results in cuff <NUM> having less volume of material, and thus reducing the bulk of valve <NUM>. However, there is still enough material on cuff <NUM> to provide for attachment of leaflet <NUM> because the leaflet is placed lower or more proximally on stent body <NUM> compared to leaflet <NUM> on stent body <NUM> (compare <FIG>).

Attachment portions <NUM> may overlap one another and may be coupled together using a suture, an adhesive or any other suitable means. Cuff <NUM> may be placed in the wrapped configuration either before, during, or after being coupled to a stent <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, as with stent <NUM> of <FIG>, stent <NUM> does not include traditional CAFs, such as those illustrated in <FIG>. As described above, the elimination of integral CAFs may help to reduce the bulk and/or profile of valve <NUM> and improve its tracking ability. In this particular embodiment, instead of being attached to a traditional CAF, leaflet <NUM> is attached to panels <NUM>, one of which is illustrated in <FIG>. Panel <NUM> is generally diamond-shaped, like panel <NUM>, but has a distal end 361a that is elongated relative to a proximal end 361b. This shape facilitates attachment to a cell, in particular an intermediate cell 312c of stent <NUM>. Panels <NUM> may be attached to intermediate cells 312c at spaced locations around the circumference of stent <NUM>, for example by sutures attaching the panels to struts of the stent, or any other suitable attachment means. For a tri-leaflet valve, three panels <NUM> may be attached to stent <NUM> to facilitate attachment of three leaflets <NUM> to the stent. However, more or fewer panels <NUM> may be appropriate for valves with more or fewer leaflets <NUM>.

Panels <NUM> provide a similar function as panels <NUM>, that is, they facilitate attachment of leaflets <NUM> to stent <NUM> at any point on the panel, eliminating the need for a traditional CAF. As shown in <FIG>, each tab <NUM> of leaflet <NUM> is attached to a respective panel <NUM>, in this case near a point toward the center of intermediate cells 312c. Comparing the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG> to the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG>, it can be seen that leaflet <NUM>, including leaflet belly <NUM> (represented as a broken line) is generally at the same position. However, cuff <NUM>, compared to cuff <NUM> of <FIG>, despite having a similar landing zone LZ, is relatively small, particularly in the distance from the base to the end of any given post. This results in reduced overlap between cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM> compared to cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM>, and a corresponding reduction in profile of valve <NUM> compared to valve <NUM>. By reducing the profile, as discussed above, additional components, such as PV-leak mitigation features, may be added to valve <NUM>, such that the profile of valve <NUM> with additional features is a similar size as the profile of valve <NUM> without the additional features.

<FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of the circumference of the valve with only one of three leaflets shown. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, which may be similar or identical to stents <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>. For example, stent <NUM> may have a first proximalmost annular row of annulus cells 412a and a second relatively distal annular row of annulus cells 412b. A third row of intermediate cells 412c distal to both rows of annulus cells 412a, 412b may be located between an annulus section <NUM> and aortic section <NUM> of stent <NUM>. The aortic section may have a fourth distalmost row of aortic cells 412d.

Cuff <NUM>, which is also illustrated in <FIG>, includes a body <NUM>, a series of posts <NUM> and a pair of attachment portions <NUM>. Each post <NUM> may be generally triangular and similar in configuration, although some of the posts may include tabs <NUM> at distal ends thereof to facilitate attachment to strut intersections <NUM>. Each group of two adjacent posts <NUM> configured to correspond to the placement of leaflet belly <NUM> (i.e. posts that do not have tabs <NUM>) may alternately take other shapes to further reduce the amount of material overlap. For example, posts <NUM> not having tabs <NUM> may be generally straight or "U"-shaped. In the particular embodiment shown, three posts <NUM> include tabs <NUM>, which may be particularly suited for use with a tri-leaflet valve. Each post <NUM> with a tab <NUM> is surrounded by two posts without a tab on each side. Each post <NUM> extends the same or nearly the same distance D<NUM> distally from a base <NUM> of cuff <NUM>, not including tabs <NUM>. Posts <NUM> with tabs <NUM> may extend a slightly greater distance distally from the base of cuff <NUM> than the posts without the tabs. Compared to cuff <NUM> of <FIG>, cuff <NUM> is a "taller" or "higher" cuff, as distance D<NUM> of cuff <NUM> is greater than distance D<NUM> of cuff <NUM>. This results in a larger landing zone LZ, as shown in <FIG>. This configuration may be particularly suited for valve <NUM> because leaflet <NUM> is attached to stent body <NUM> higher or more distally than other embodiments described above. Although the taller cuff <NUM> may result in more cuff material compared to, for example, cuff <NUM>, it may be necessary to provide enough material for attachment of leaflet <NUM>, for example by stitching along leaflet belly <NUM>, to the cuff.

Referring again to <FIG>, as with stent <NUM> of <FIG> and stent <NUM> of <FIG>, stent <NUM> does not include traditional CAFs, such as those illustrated in <FIG>. As described above, the elimination of integral CAFs may help to reduce the bulk and/or profile of valve <NUM> and improve its tracking ability. In this particular embodiment, instead of being attached to a traditional CAF, leaflet <NUM> is attached to panels <NUM>, such as that illustrated in <FIG>.

Panels <NUM> provide the same function for valve <NUM> as they do for valve <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each tab <NUM> of leaflet <NUM> is attached to a respective panel <NUM>, in this case near a point toward a proximal end of aortic cells 412d. Comparing the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG> to the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG>, it can be seen that leaflet <NUM>, including leaflet belly <NUM> (represented as a broken line) is positioned far more distally in relation to the stent. This results in a larger area A<NUM> of reduced or no overlap between cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM> in landing zone LZ compared to cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM>. In addition to a reduction in profile of valve <NUM> compared to valve <NUM>, the larger area A<NUM> provides space for the addition of extra features, such as PV-leak mitigation features. The area A<NUM> of reduced overlap may also be thought of as having a longitudinal length, that is, a length between the proximalmost end of stent body <NUM> and the proximalmost point of attachment of leaflet belly <NUM> to cuff <NUM>. The longitudinal length may be measured along a line that is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of valve <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of the circumference of the valve with only one of three leaflets shown. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, which may be similar or identical to stents <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. For example, stent <NUM> may have a first proximalmost annular row of annulus cells 512a and a second relatively distal annular row of annulus cells 512b. A third row of intermediate cells 512c distal to both rows of annulus cells 512a, 512b may be located between an annulus section <NUM> and aortic section <NUM> of stent <NUM>. The aortic section may have a fourth distalmost row of aortic cells 512d. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes a valve assembly secured to stent <NUM>. The valve assembly includes cuff <NUM>, which is the same "high" cuff shown in <FIG> with a large landing zone LZ and a plurality of leaflets <NUM> (only one leaflet illustrated in <FIG>). It should be appreciated that other prosthetic heart valves with which the present disclosure may be used may have more or fewer leaflets.

Valve <NUM> is identical to valve <NUM> in most respects, with the exception that leaflet <NUM> is attached to panels <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). Panels <NUM> are attached to cells in intermediate row of cells 512c, and tabs <NUM> of leaflet <NUM> are attached to the panels at a distal portion thereof. Comparing the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG> to the position of leaflet <NUM> of <FIG>, again it can be seen that leaflet <NUM>, including leaflet belly <NUM> (represented as a broken line) is positioned more distally in relation to the stent. This results in a larger area A<NUM> in the landing zone LZ of reduced or no overlap between cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM> compared to cuff <NUM> and leaflet <NUM>. In addition to a reduction in profile of valve <NUM> compared to valve <NUM>, the larger area A<NUM> provides space for the addition of extra features, such as PV-leak mitigation features. This smaller profile and larger area A<NUM> is similar to the result of the configuration of valve <NUM> of <FIG>, even though the leaflets <NUM> and <NUM> are attached to the respective stents <NUM>, <NUM> at different levels. That is, despite the fact that leaflet <NUM> is attached to stent <NUM> at aortic cells 412d and that leaflet <NUM> is attached to stent <NUM> at intermediate cells 512c, the respective panels provide the ability to attach the leaflets to the cells at different locations within the cells, resulting in similar profiles and reduced areas of overlap. In addition to providing the ability of raising leaflet belly <NUM>, this configuration provides the ability of leaflets <NUM> to be attached anywhere along the height of panels <NUM>. The height of panel <NUM> and point of attachment of leaflets <NUM> may both help to facilitate positioning the prosthetic valve above areas of the native valve that may distort the function of the prosthetic valves.

As should be clear from the description of the foregoing embodiments, the size of the area of reduced overlap in the landing zone, defined as the area between the proximal end of the stent body and the proximalmost point of attachment of the leaflet belly to the cuff, depends on at least two factors. First, the circumferential row to which the particular panel is attached affects the size of the area of reduced overlap. Second, the position at which the leaflet is attached to the panel affects the size of the area of reduced overlap. All else being equal, the area of reduced overlap increases in size when the panel is attached to a more distal row of cells. Similarly, all else being equal, the area of reduced overlap increases in size when the leaflet is attached to a more distal position on the panel.

If using leaflet attachment panels, such as panels <NUM> or <NUM>, different valve characteristics may be imparted by attaching the panels to intermediate cells (e.g. 512c) compared to aortic cells (e.g. 512d). The differences may be seen by comparing <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. However, the valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are illustrated as flat representations. In a three-dimensional expanded configuration, such as that shown in <FIG>, the aortic section of a valve generally flares outwardly. Attaching panels (and thus leaflets) to a flared portion of a stent may result in different forces being applied to the leaflet and/or the stent body, and different leaflet motion or constriction, particularly when the valve is in the expanded configuration. For example, attaching leaflets to panels at a flared portion of the stent body may lead to a high and tight configuration, which may restrict leaflet motion and reduce abrasion on the stent, but the different forces may positively (or negatively) affect valve durability.

As should be apparent from the description of valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> above, profile reduction and redistribution of the cuff and leaflet may be accomplished by using cuffs of different designs and by attaching leaflets to the stent at points distal to the location of traditional CAFs. This has the added benefit of permitting traditional CAFs to be eliminated from the design, which may further reduce the valve profile and improve tracking ability. Although two examples of panels <NUM>, <NUM> were illustrated in the different valves described above, a number of alternate panels may be suitable for use with the disclosure, and the panels may even be eliminated altogether.

For example, <FIG> show a variety of configurations of panels to facilitate leaflet attachment to cells of a stent. <FIG> shows a panel <NUM> spanning the entire area of a cell C of a stent body, with the remainder of the stent body omitted from the figure. Both panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the above described valves take this form, as they both span entire cells. When panel <NUM> is formed of a fiber, the weave of the fiber may be oriented generally diagonally across the cell to facilitate leaflet attachment. This generally diagonal orientation may allow the fibers to properly orient when the prosthetic valve changes shape between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. If the fibers were oriented completely longitudinally or circumferentially, undesirable forces could result from the change in shape of the prosthetic valve. It should be noted that the fibers need not be oriented exactly diagonally (i.e. exactly <NUM> degrees), but may be oriented to allow for the particular panel to collapse and expand with the valve without placing undue forces on the stent body. This generally diagonal orientation may also facilitate the transfer of load from the point of attachments of leaflets to the panel to optimize cushioning of the leaflet tissue when forces are applied to the leaflet, such as those resulting from the valve closing and resisting retrograde flow. The above-described generally diagonal fiber orientation may also reduce the likelihood of deterioration of the fiber panels, such as from tearing or elongation of the fibers or elongation of the attachment suture holes, which can result from, for example, durability cycling of the valve.

The panel need not span an entire cell C. For example, panel <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, spans approximately three-fourths the area of cell C. Using a panel that spans less than an entire cell C may be beneficial in that less material is required. This may reduce the profile of the valve and may generally reduce bulk resulting in enhanced tracking ability. If the leaflet is being attached somewhere in the proximal three-fourths of a cell C, panel <NUM> may provide ample points for attachment while less material needs to be used in comparison to panel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, other configurations, including panel <NUM>, which spans approximately half the area of a cell C, and panel <NUM>, which spans approximately one-fourth the area of a cell C, may also be suitable. As with <FIG>, the remainder of the stent body is omitted from <FIG>. Generally, if less material is used for a given panel, the valve will be less bulky and have a smaller profile. This is counterbalanced in that using too little material may make leaflet attachment difficult, or reduce the stability of the attachment. Although panels that span discrete amounts of a cell C are shown (i.e. full, three-fourths, half, one-fourth), panels that span more or less than these amounts may be used. For example, panel <NUM> shown in <FIG> spans an entire cell C and spans portions of adjacent cells C. The remainder of the stent body is omitted from <FIG>. Panel <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, occupies slightly less than half of a cell C and includes a curved free edge <NUM>, compared to, for example, the substantially straight free edges in panels <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Because leaflets are attached to the panels, and forces are applied to the leaflets during normal operation, forces may tend to pull the panels radially inward toward the center of the stent. The curvature of free edge <NUM> may provide a different level of support than straight free edges, and, for example, keep the free edge under tension, helping concentrate any applied forces along the curvature. It should be noted that, although panels are generally illustrated as being independent of the cuff, the panels may be part of the cuff, such as forming extensions of the cuff. Any of the panels shown in <FIG> can be used with any of the valves disclosed herein, depending on the particular desires of the user. Further, leaflets may be attached to any portion of the panels to provide different leaflet contour and placement options.

<FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> using panel <NUM> described above, with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of the circumference of the valve with only one of three leaflets shown. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, which may be similar or identical to other stents described herein. Stent <NUM> may have a first proximalmost annular row of annulus cells 712a and a second relatively distal annular row of annulus cells 712b. A third row of intermediate cells 712c distal to both rows of annulus cells 712a, 712b may be located between an annulus section <NUM> and aortic section <NUM> of stent <NUM>. The aortic section may have a fourth distalmost row of aortic cells 712d. This particular embodiment includes cuff <NUM>, which is the same cuff shown in <FIG>, and a plurality of leaflets <NUM> (only one leaflet illustrated in <FIG>). It should be appreciated that other prosthetic heart valves with which the present disclosure may be used may have more or fewer leaflets.

Panels <NUM> are attached to cells in aortic row of cells 712d, and tabs <NUM> of leaflet <NUM> are attached to the panels at a proximal portion thereof. Compared to, for example valve <NUM>, valve <NUM> is identical in most respects except that panels <NUM> are about half the volume of panels <NUM> of valve <NUM>, and panels <NUM> include a curved free edge <NUM> as described above. Valve <NUM> includes all the benefits described in relation to valve <NUM>, with the additional benefits that panels <NUM> have less volume than panels <NUM>, and curved free edge <NUM> may provide additional stability to the attached leaflets <NUM>. As should be apparent, the full panels <NUM>, <NUM> described in relation to valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may be replaced by other panels, such as those illustrated in <FIG>, depending on the desired effect.

In order to even further reduce volume, leaflets may be attached directly to the stent, without using a traditional CAF and eyelets of traditional CAFs, and also without using panels described above. This may slightly limit the options of attaching leaflets at any point on a panel, but the further reduction in volume by elimination of panels may help to further reduce the profile of the stent. For example, <FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of the circumference of the valve with only one of three leaflets shown. Leaflet <NUM> is attached directly to expandable stent <NUM> using tabs <NUM> of the leaflet. The tabs <NUM> may be attached at any point along struts of stent body <NUM>, including at joints or at non-joint portions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, tabs of adjacent leaflets (only tab 809a of leaflet <NUM> illustrated for clarity) are each attached to a strut intersection <NUM> of an intermediate cell 812c. In other words, tab 809a is attached around a point of stent body <NUM> where four struts 802a, 802b, 802c, and 802d intersect. However, it should be understood that other points of attachment on stent body <NUM>, including non-joint portions, may be suitable.

It should be noted that the embodiments described herein may use the same or similar general leaflet attachment suture patterns and geometries, although variations to such attachment patterns and methods may be suitable for use with the embodiments described herein. <FIG> show an exemplary suture pattern that may be used to directly attach leaflets to a stent, with <FIG> illustrating a view from the outside of the stent, and <FIG> illustrating a view from the inside of the stent. Tabs 809a, 809b of two different leaflets are illustrated in <FIG>, although they are omitted in <FIG> for clarity. Also, in <FIG>, much of body of stent <NUM> is illustrated in broken lines behind the leaflets. The following describes the use of a single suture to attach the leaflet tabs 809a, 809b to stent body <NUM>. It will be understood, however, that multiple sutures may be used for this purpose. For example, one suture may attach first tab 809a to stent body <NUM>, while a second, separate suture attaches second tab 809b to the stent body.

The suture pattern may begin at any point at or near tabs 809a, 809b and terminate at any other point. In at least some examples, the suture pattern begins and terminates at the same position. For the sake of illustration, the suture pattern will be described as beginning at point <NUM>. It should be noted that point <NUM> (<FIG>) and point <NUM> (<FIG>) represent the same location on tab 809a, but on opposing surfaces of the tab. As used herein, with reference to <FIG>, the term "out" indicates passing the suture from the luminal side of the valve through the tab of the leaflet and past the stent structure to the abluminal side of the valve. The term "in" indicates passing the suture from the abluminal side of the valve past the stent structure and through the tab of the leaflet to the luminal side of the valve.

The suture pattern may begin by passing a leading end of a suture out through tab 809b point <NUM>. The suture exits tab 809b at point <NUM>, is advanced in through point <NUM> through tab 809b, exiting the luminal side at point <NUM>. From point <NUM>, the suture may be crossed over strut 802c on a distal side of strut intersection 802e, and advanced out of tab 809b at point <NUM>, exiting to the luminal side at point <NUM>. The suture may then be crossed over strut 802c again, and be advanced into tab 809b at point <NUM>, exiting the luminal side at point <NUM>.

At this stage, the trailing end of the suture is on the luminal side of tab 809b at point <NUM>. The trailing end of the suture may then cross over strut 802d on a proximal side of strut intersection 802e, and be advanced out of tab 809b at point <NUM>, exiting the abluminal side of tab 809b at point <NUM>. The suture may be looped around strut 802d again, and then advanced into tab 809b at point <NUM>, exiting the luminal side at point <NUM>. The suture may again be wrapped around strut 802d once more, and advanced out of tab 809b at point <NUM>, exiting the abluminal side of tab 809b at point <NUM>. This completes each suture point in tab 809b, and the trailing end of the suture may be left undisturbed, exiting the luminal side of tab 809b at point <NUM>, until the remainder of the suturing is complete.

The leading end of the suture, at this point exiting the luminal side of tab 809b at point <NUM>, may then be wrapped around struts 802c and 802a on the distal side of strut intersection 802e, and then advanced out of tab 809a at point <NUM>, coming out the abluminal side at point <NUM>. The suture may then be wrapped around strut 802a, and advanced into tab 809a at point <NUM>, exiting the luminal side of tab 809a at point <NUM>. The suture may be wrapped once more around strut 802a, and advanced out of tab 809a at point <NUM>, exiting the abluminal side of tab 809a at point <NUM>. The suture may be advanced back into tab 809a at point <NUM>, exiting the luminal side of tab 809a at point <NUM>. The suture may then be wrapped around strut 802b on the proximal side of strut intersection 802e and advanced out of tab 809a at point <NUM>, coming out the abluminal side of tab 809a at point <NUM>. The suture may be looped a second time around strut 802b, and advanced into tab 809a at point <NUM>, coming out the luminal side at point <NUM>. Finally, the suture may be wrapped once more around strut 802b, and advanced out of tab 809a at point <NUM>, exiting the abluminal side of tab 809a at point <NUM>. The leading end of the suture, exiting the abluminal side of tab 809a at point <NUM>, and the trailing end of the suture, exiting the abluminal side of tab 809b at point <NUM>, may then be knotted or otherwise tied off, completing and securing the suture. As noted above, although described with a particular pattern and the use of a single suture, the use of multiple sutures and/or different suture patterns may be suitable to attach leaflet tabs 809a, 809b directly to stent body <NUM>.

Although embodiments have generally been described with respect to prosthetic valves for replacement of a native aortic valve, the concepts described herein apply to the replacement of other valves as noted above. For example, <FIG> shows a prosthetic heart valve <NUM> according to an embodiment of the disclosure, intended for replacement of a native mitral valve, with the valve illustrated as a flat representation of a portion the circumference of the valve with only one of two leaflets shown. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes expandable stent <NUM>, extending from inflow end <NUM> to an outflow end <NUM>. It should be understood that, when implanted in a native mitral valve annulus, inflow end <NUM> is closer to the left atrium while outflow end <NUM> is closer to the left ventricle.

Stent <NUM> includes a plurality of cells connected to one another in one or more annular rows around the stent. For example, as shown in <FIG>, stent <NUM> includes two annular rows of cells, including a first proximal annular row of cells 912a and a second distal annular row of annulus cells 912b. Prosthetic heart valve <NUM> includes a valve assembly secured to stent <NUM>, including cuff <NUM> and a plurality of leaflets <NUM> (only one leaflet illustrated in <FIG>). When used as a mitral valve replacement, heart valve <NUM> may include two prosthetic leaflets <NUM>, although more leaflets may be used if desired.

Generally similar to heart valve <NUM> of <FIG>, leaflet <NUM> of heart valve <NUM> is attached to stent <NUM> via leaflet attachment panels <NUM>. Leaflet attachment panel <NUM> may take a similar or identical form as leaflet attachment panel <NUM>. However, because of the relatively shortened length of stent <NUM> compared to stent <NUM>, leaflet <NUM> may be attached to attachment panel <NUM> closer to outflow end <NUM>. The use of leaflet attachment panel <NUM> may provide similar benefits as described with respect to other embodiments above. For example, the use of leaflet attachment panel <NUM> may eliminate the need for traditional CAFs formed of relatively stiff material in the stent <NUM>. This may be of particular benefit for use in prosthetic mitral valves, as CAFs used in prosthetic mitral valves often extend into the left ventricle and may interfere with native structure in the left ventricle or even press on the thin heart wall separating the left ventricle and aortic valve, possible interfering with proper functioning of the aortic valve. Other similar benefits include, for example, the reduction in diameter of heart valve <NUM> in the collapsed condition and the increased options of points of attachment of leaflet <NUM> to stent <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A prosthetic heart valve (<NUM>), comprising:
a stent body (<NUM>) including a plurality of cells (212a-d) arranged in circumferential rows, the stent body extending from an inflow end (<NUM>) to an outflow end (<NUM>) in a longitudinal direction;
a cuff (<NUM>) attached to the stent body;
characterized in that the valve further comprises:
a plurality of leaflet attachment panels (<NUM>), each leaflet attachment panel being attached to the stent and spanning at least a portion of one of the cells; and
a plurality of leaflets (<NUM>) attached to the leaflet attachment panels;
wherein the leaflet attachment panels are not integral with the stent body,
wherein the leaflet attachment panels are not integral with the cuff, and
wherein the leaflet attachment panels are not integral with the leaflets,
wherein each of the leaflets (<NUM>) has tabs (<NUM>), wherein each tab is attached to a respective leaflet attachment panel by suturing the tabs of the leaflets to the leaflet attachment panels.