Patent ID: 8236051

Claim:
An apparatus for implantation in the annulus of a tricuspid valve, the annulus having an anterior annulus aspect, a posterior annulus aspect, and an atrioventricular (AV) node located adjacent the anterior annulus aspect, the apparatus comprising: an ovoid main body portion having an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer being an expandable support member and the outer layer being a biocompatible covering; the main body portion including an anterior body segment adapted for placement adjacent the anterior annulus aspect of the tricuspid valve, a posterior body segment located opposite the anterior body portion and adapted for placement adjacent the posterior annulus aspect of the tricuspid valve, and oppositely disposed left and right side body segments extending between the anterior and posterior body segments; at least two valve leaflets secured within the main body portion and coaptable to permit unidirectional flow of blood; and a cushioned section attached to the outer layer of the main body portion, the cushioned section having a first thickness and the main body portion having a second thickness which is less than the first thickness, the cushioned section coextending with only a portion of the main body portion and adapted for placement adjacent the AV node, the AV node being located adjacent the anterior aspect of the annulus of the tricuspid valve.