Patent ID: 8414643

Claim:
A prosthesis for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex of a subject, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses, three native leaflets, and three native commissures, the prosthesis comprising: a prosthesis support having a longitudinal axis, wherein the prosthesis support comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at three respective junctures, wherein the engagement arms extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis, wherein the engagement arms are shaped so as to define three peak complexes at the three respective junctures, and three trough complexes, each of which is between two of the peak complexes, wherein the engagement arms each define a radial outer boundary of an area configured to receive a respective one of the native leaflets of the native semilunar valve, wherein, upon implantation of the prosthesis, each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses, such that each of the peak complexes is disposed distal to and in rotational alignment with a respective one of the native commissures, and each of the trough complexes is disposed at least partially within the respective one of the semilunar sinuses, and wherein the engagement arms are configured and sized such that the trough complexes touch respective transitions between the respective semilunar sinuses and respective native leaflet roots of the native valve complex, upon implantation of the prosthesis.