Devices and methods for delivery of valve prostheses

Abstract

A heart valve prosthesis can be delivered in a serial configuration to a native heart valve using a transcatheter approach. The implantation device can utilize track wires to guide a valve anchor of the prosthesis into a desired position within the native valve. A valve frame of the prosthesis can then be advanced into position and expanded within the valve anchor.

1 . A method for deploying a heart valve prosthesis within a native heart valve, the method comprising:
 inserting an implantation device into a femoral artery of a patient, the implantation device carrying a valve prosthesis having an expandable support frame and a valve clasper movably coupled to the support frame;   advancing the implantation device to the native heart valve; and   releasing the valve prosthesis at the native heart valve.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting a position of the support frame such that a distal edge of the support frame is disposed longitudinally adjacent to the valve clasper. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the releasing comprises interposing a native heart valve leaflet between the valve clasper and the support frame. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the native heart valve is an aortic valve, and the method further comprises pulling a track wire, coupled to the valve clasper, until a U-shaped member of the valve clasper contacts a floor of an aortic valve sinus. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the valve clasper is movably coupled to the support frame to permit the valve clasper to be movable relative to the support frame from an engagement configuration in which the valve clasper and the support frame are collapsed against the implantation device to a configuration in which the support frame is offset from the valve clasper. 
     
     
         6 . A method for deploying a heart valve prosthesis within a native heart valve, the method comprising:
 inserting a delivery device into a patient, the delivery device carrying a valve prosthesis with an expandable support frame of the prosthesis being longitudinally offset from a valve clasper of the prosthesis along the delivery device;   advancing the delivery device to the native heart valve;   engaging the valve clasper with the native heart valve;   after engaging the valve clasper with the native heart valve, longitudinally positioning the support frame within the valve clasper; and   removing the delivery device from the patient.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the native heart valve is an aortic valve, and the engaging the valve clasper comprises proximally retracting the valve clasper through the aortic valve to engage the valve clasper within valve sinuses of the aortic valve. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the native heart valve is an aortic valve, and the engaging the valve clasper comprises distally advancing the valve clasper through the aortic valve to engage the valve clasper within valve sinuses of the aortic valve. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising permitting the support frame to expand and compress valve leaflets of the native heart valve against the valve clasper. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein during the longitudinal positioning, the valve clasper is movably coupled to the support frame for permitting relative movement of the valve clasper relative to the support frame. 
     
     
         11 . A heart valve prosthesis, the prosthesis having (i) a valve frame that supports leaflets for providing one way flow through the valve frame and (ii) a valve clasper that is moveably coupled to the valve frame for permitting the valve clasper and the valve frame to be longitudinally displaced relative to each other during a delivery procedure and for permitting the valve clasper and the valve frame to be sequentially expanded at the target area. 
     
     
         12 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , wherein the valve clasper is moveably coupled to the valve frame to permit proximal or distal relative movement between the valve clasper and the valve frame. 
     
     
         13 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , wherein the valve clasper comprises a U-shaped member. 
     
     
         14 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 13 , wherein the valve clasper comprises three U-shaped members. 
     
     
         15 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , wherein the valve clasper is comprised of a shape-memory metal. 
     
     
         16 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , wherein the valve clasper is comprised of Nitinol. 
     
     
         17 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , further comprising a covering that at least partially covers the valve frame. 
     
     
         18 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , further comprising flexible leaflets coupled to the valve frame. 
     
     
         19 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 11 , wherein the valve clasper comprises a leg member for coupling the valve clasper to a track wire for positioning the valve clasper during a delivery procedure. 
     
     
         20 . The heart valve prosthesis of  claim 19 , wherein the valve clasper comprises a plurality of U-shaped members, and the leg member is positioned intermediate adjacent U-shaped members.