Prosthetic valve for transluminal delivery

Abstract

A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchor may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart. When the outer sheath is retracted, the prosthetic valve assembly expands to an expanded position such that the valve and valve support expand within the deficient native valve, and the anchor engages the lumen wall.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of replacing a deficient native valve comprising the steps of:
 providing a prosthetic valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising a valve, a valve support permitting attachment thereto of the a base and the commissures of the valve, and an anchor for engaging the lumen wall when expanded for preventing substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place; 
 hooking a portion of the valve support to a catheter with at least one hook member projecting outward from an outer surface of the catheter proximal to a distal end of the catheter; 
 collapsing the valve support and anchor to fit within a distally positioned sheath on of the catheter; 
 advancing the catheter to a deficient native valve; 
 deploying the valve assembly; and 
 withdrawing the catheter, leaving the valve assembly to function in place of the deficient native valve. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the valve support and anchor are self-expanding. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of excising the native valve. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the excising step comprises using the same catheter used to deploy the valve assembly. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the anchor is spaced from the valve support. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein deploying the valve assembly comprises deploying the valve assembly along an implantation site from the native valve and across a coronary artery.