Patent ID: 8075611

Claim:
A stented valve comprising: a compressible and expandable stent structure comprising: a generally tubular body portion having an interior area; a longitudinal axis; and at least two v-shaped commissure structures, each of which comprises a first commissure segment having a first end and a second end, and a second commissure segment having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second commissure segments intersect at their second ends at an intersection point; and a bioprosthetic valve positioned at least partially within the interior area of the tubular body portion of the stent structure and comprising: an outer tubular portion comprising at least two commissure extensions and an inner wall from which a plurality of leaflets extend; and at least one scalloped portion extending between adjacent commissure extensions; wherein each commissure extension is directly secured to one of the v-shaped commissure structures with a plurality of suture loops extending along a length between the first and second ends of each of the first and second commissure segments, wherein each plurality of suture loops is slideable along one of the first and second commissure segments between its first and second ends to allow for free movement of each of the commissure extensions relative to the commissure segments of the stent structure along its longitudinal axis during compression and expansion of the stent structure.