Patent ID: 8366768

Claim:
A method for implanting a cardiac valve prosthesis in a patient, comprising: providing an implantation device, comprising: 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 a longitudinal axis and defining a central orifice about an axis along an inflow-outflow direction, a plurality of flexible leaflets attached to the support frame, and at least one valve clasper movably attached to said support frame such that the at least one valve clasper is movable relative to the support frame along the longitudinal axis between a nesting position with the outer surface and an engagement position with the valve annulus, and wherein said clasper comprises a u-shaped member and two leg members; and a delivery device comprising a control unit, at least one track wire having a proximal end attached to the control unit and a distal end for contact with said at least one valve clasper, a first sheath, wherein the first sheath encases at least a portion of the valve prosthesis in its compact condition, and a second sheath, wherein the second sheath encases the at least one valve clasper; and advancing the implantation device toward the heart through the vena cava to implant the valve prosthesis.