Patent ID: 8603161

Claim:
A method for attaching a prosthesis to a tissue annulus using an attachment device comprising a base and a pair of legs extending from the base, the attachment device being elastically movable from a relaxed state wherein the legs cross one another and a delivery state wherein the legs extend substantially parallel with one another, the method comprising: loading the attachment device into a tool with the attachment device in the relaxed state; securing the prosthesis to the tissue annulus using the attachment device while applying a force using the tool to place the attachment device in the delivery state; and releasing the attachment device from the tool such that the attachment device returns towards the relaxed state such that the legs cross one another, wherein the attachment device is delivered by: a) holding the attachment device in the tool in the relaxed state; b) applying a force with the tool to force the attachment device to the delivery state; c) inserting the legs through the prosthesis into tissue with the attachment device in the delivery state; and d) deploying the attachment device from the tool such that the attachment device returns towards the relaxed state.