Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Method of replacing mitral valve

Abstract:

A deficient native mitral valve is treated by implanting a prosthetic mitral valve assembly valve in a patient's heart. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly includes a stent having a flared upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion. The diameter at the inflow end of the stent is larger than at the outflow end. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly also includes a valve portion formed with pericardial tissue leaflets. A tether has a first end attached to the stent and a second end attached to an anchor. The tether extends through a wall of the left ventricle and the tissue anchor is placed outside the left ventricle. After implantation, the flared upper portion resists movement in the downstream direction and the tether resists movement in the upstream direction for securing the prosthetic mitral valve assembly in the native mitral valve.