Patent ID: 8348996

Claim:
An apparatus comprising: a prosthesis for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex of a subject, wherein the prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support having exactly three engagement arms that meet one another at three respective junctures, wherein the junctures are located at a downstream end of the prosthesis when the prosthesis is implanted in a native valve complex, and wherein each engagement arm extends between two junctures, wherein the native valve complex has three native leaflets, three native commissures, and three semilunar sinuses, each respective semilunar sinus being located between two adjacent native commissures and between a floor of the native valve complex and a distal end of the two adjacent native commissures, wherein the prosthesis is configured such that each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses upon implantation, wherein the prosthesis is configured such that the junctures between the engagement arms are downstream of a respective one of the native commissures in the direction of intended bloodflow upon implantation, wherein the prosthesis is configured such that a correct rotational disposition of the prosthesis with respect to the native semilunar valve can be determined based on tactile feedback between the engagement arm and an adjacent native commissure, wherein the prosthesis is configured to position the native leaflets between the engagement arms and a valve prosthesis attached to the valve prosthesis support, and wherein adjacent engagement arms meet one another at their respective juncture at a downstream end of the prosthesis such that the prosthesis is configured to allow a respective native commissure to be disposed between the adjacent engagement arms when the prosthesis is implanted in a native valve complex wherein the engagement arms are sized such that the engagement arms are configured to contact the floor of the respective semilunar sinuses at a contact point upon implantation.