Patent attributes
A method of implanting a percutaneous heart valve prosthesis via a catheter. The heart valve prosthesis includes a valve body frame made of a nickel-titanium alloy. The valve body frame is collapsible for fitting within the catheter. A flexible skirt is sutured to the valve body frame for blocking retrograde blood flow. A one-way valve is positioned within the valve body frame for permitting blood to flow from a first end of the valve body frame to a second end. The one-way valve is preferably formed by three flexible valve leaflets made from a pericardial material. A plurality of barbs is spaced about the periphery of the valve body frame. Each of the prongs points toward the first end of the valve body frame for preventing migration of the heart valve prosthesis towards an atrium of the heart.
