Patent ID: 7510575

Claim:
A valve prosthesis device suitable for implantation in body ducts, the device comprising: an annular support stent having a crimped configuration suitable for delivery through a body duct and an expanded configuration adapted for engagement with tissue at a target location, the support stent having a circular profile in the expanded configuration, the support stent including a plurality of longitudinally rigid support beams of fixed length and a plurality of annularly spaced expandable web-like constructions extending and connected between the support beams to form the circular profile; and a valve assembly made of pliant material and having an inlet and an outlet, the valve assembly being an anchored at least in part to the support beams, whereby, when flow is allowed to pass through the valve prosthesis device from the inlet to the outlet, the valve assembly is kept in an open position, whereas a reverse flow is prevented as collapsible slack portions of the valve assembly between the support beams collapse inwardly providing blockage to the reverse flow.