Patent ID: 8579965

Claim:
A method of implanting an implantation device for a valve prosthesis relative to a native heart valve, the method comprising: advancing an implantation device in a collapsed configuration to a position proximate a native valve having native valve leaflets, wherein the implantation device comprises a carrier element, a valve prosthesis supported by the carrier element, three feeler elements connected to and expandable radially outwardly relative to the carrier element; allowing the feeler elements to radially expand relative to the carrier element while the carrier element remains in the collapsed configuration; inserting each of the radially expanded feeler elements into a cavity defined by respective native valve leaflets and a wall of a blood vessel to which the native valve leaflets are attached; positioning the carrier element in the collapsed configuration in a space substantially surrounded by the native valve leaflets; and allowing the carrier element to radially expand and exert an outward radial force against the wall of the blood vessel, thereby anchoring the implantation device in position relative to the native heart valve.