Patent ID: 7837727

Claim:
An anchoring device for securing a percutaneously implantable replacement heart valve in an existing valve in the human heart, which device comprises: a framework of generally tubular shape which is constructed of shape-memory material and includes a central portion, a distal portion and a proximal portion that are integral with one another, said distal portion comprising a plurality of individually controllable distal linear arms which are each connected at only one end to said central portion and have a free opposite end, which distal linear arms evert as a result of temperature change and wrap around the free ends of native leaflets of a stenotic or malfunctioning valve to contact downstream surfaces of the valve leaflets, said proximal portion of said framework comprising a plurality of individually controllable, proximally extending proximal linear arms which are each connected at only one end to said central portion and have a free opposite end, which proximal linear arms are constructed to swing radially outward at their free ends toward said everted distal arms and contact upstream-facing surfaces of the native leaflets and secure said framework within the human heart valve, and said distal and proximal linear arms having means at each said opposite end which allows attachment of cords to individually control and retract each of said linear arms.