Patent ID: 7566343

Claim:
A cardiac valve, comprising: a support frame having a first end member and a second end member separated from the first end member by a number of cross members and opposing the first end member in a substantially fixed distance relationship, the first end member and the second end member each defining a circumference defined by a sequence of convex curves and concave curves oriented generally in a plane of the circumference; a cover extending between convex curves of the second end member to form a first valve leaflet and a second valve leaflet, wherein a portion of the first valve leaflet and the second valve leaflet join to form a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a liquid through the cardiac valve; and a tubular member of the cardiac valve having a predetermined length extending from and in fluid tight communication with the cover, where the tubular member includes a first end on a first side of the first and second valve leaflets and a second end on a second side of the first and second valve leaflets opposite the first side to allow for fluid communication across the valve when the first and second valve leaflets are in a closed position and where the first end and the second end of the tubular member are positionable within and stay within a patient's body after removal of a delivery catheter.