Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Retaining mechanisms for prosthetic valves

Abstract:

Prosthetic valve systems for replacing a native valve exhibiting regurgitation include a support structure and a transcatheter heart valve (THV) that is separate from the support structure. The support structure can be configured to be positioned such that it extends annularly around the native valve leaflets. After the support structure is deployed around the native valve leaflets, the THV can be expanded within the support structure such that the native valve leaflets are engaged between the support structure and the THV.