Patent ID: 8454686

Claim:
Apparatus for use as a prosthetic heart valve, comprising: an annular anchoring structure adapted for (1) delivery into a patient in a circumferentially collapsed condition, and (2) circumferential re-expansion and anchoring engagement with tissue of the patient when at an implant site in the patient, the anchoring structure including a plurality of collapsible cells having a perimeter and an open center; an annular valve support structure separate from the annular anchoring structure and adapted for (1) delivery into the patient in a circumferentially collapsed condition separate from the anchoring structure, and (2) circumferential re-expansion and interengagement with the anchoring structure in an assembled position, the valve support structure including a plurality of projections, each projection extending radially outwardly into a respective one of the cells in the assembled position; and a flexible leaflet structure disposed inside the valve support structure.