Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
REPLACEMENT HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS

Abstract:

A heart valve prosthesis for replacing a native mitral valve includes a self-expanding frame with a plurality of anchoring members disposed along the lower region. A valve body is positioned within the self-expanding frame and includes a plurality of leaflets configured to allow blood flow through the self-expanding frame in only one direction. A skirt surrounds the self-expanding frame and is spaced apart therefrom for contacting surrounding tissue and impeding blood flow around the self-expanding frame. The skirt may be reinforced with wires to help maintain a desired shape. The leaflets in the valve body are preferably connected to the self-expanding frame through one or more intermediate components such that the valve body is spaced radially inwardly from an inner surface of the self-expanding frame.