Patent ID: 7641686

Claim:
A flow control valve dimensioned for implantation in a human heart, the valve comprising a stentless tubular annular support structure having a first inflatable ring at a proximal end of the support structure, a second inflatable ring at a distal end of the support structure, an annular body extending from the distal end to the proximal end, and an inflatable intermediate support in between the first and second inflatable rings, the intermediate support disposed around the circumference of the tubular support structure and at least one moveable occluder positioned within the stentless tubular annular support that controls the flow of blood through the stentless tubular support structure, wherein introduction of inflation media into the first inflatable ring, the second inflatable ring and inflatable intermediate support structure converts the tubular annular support structure from a first collapsed configuration for translumenal navigation to a second patent tubular configuration.