Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVE WITH IMPROVED ANCHORS AND SEAL

Abstract:

A method for replacing a native heart valve includes advancing a delivery catheter having a valve prosthesis disposed along a distal end portion thereof, wherein the valve includes an inner frame having an hourglass shape and an outer sealing frame connected to and surrounding the inner frame. A valve body is mounted within the inner frame and includes a plurality of leaflets. The leaflets have longitudinal curvatures when in an open position, wherein the curvatures are shaped for conforming to the curved interior surface of the inner frame. This combination of features reduces the possibility of blood stagnating between the leaflets and inner frame, which reduces the possibility of thrombus formation.