Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
Method of treating a defective heart valve

Abstract:

A method of treating a defective heart valve includes inserting a delivery catheter through a small incision in a patient's groin, wherein the delivery catheter has a prosthetic device positioned along a distal end. The prosthetic device includes an insert member and an anchoring member. The insert member is positioned between the native heart valve and is allowed to self-expand. The anchoring member is preferably a stent connected to the insert member by at least one elongate member. The stent is deployed within an adjacent blood vessel for anchoring the insert member between the native leaflets. After deployment of the prosthetic device, the native leaflets of the heart valve form a tight seal against the insert member for preventing regurgitation through the native heart valve during ventricular systole.