Patent ID: 8540767

Claim:
A method for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis, comprising: providing an implantation device, wherein the implantation device comprises, a valve prosthesis comprising, a support frame radially expandable between a compact condition and an expanded condition, said support frame having an outer surface and defining a central orifice about an axis along an inflow-outflow direction; a plurality of flexible leaflets attached to the support frame to provide a one-way valve in the orifice when the support frame is in its expanded condition; and at least one valve clasper movably attached to said support frame such that said at least one valve clasper is movable along said axis between a nesting position with the outer surface of the support frame and an engagement position with a native cardiac valve sinus, wherein the at least one valve clasper is comprised of a u-shaped member; and a control unit; at least one track wire, said at least one track wire having a proximal end attached to the control unit and a distal end for contact with the at least one valve clasper; a first sheath, wherein the first sheath encases at least a portion of the at least one valve clasper; and a second sheath, wherein the second sheath encases at least a portion of the support frame in a compact condition and wherein the second sheath is positioned serially to and distally from the first sheath; inserting the implantation device into a patient for deploying the valve prosthesis within a native cardiac valve; and removing the implantation device without the valve prosthesis from the patient.