Side-delivered transcatheter heart valve replacement

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/155,890 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,321,995), filed Oct. 10, 2018, entitled “Orthogonally Delivered Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement,” which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/766,611, filed Sep. 20, 2018, entitled “Side-Loading Transcatheter Heart Valve Replacement.”

[0002] Provided by Application Data Sheet per USPTO rules.

[0003] The invention relates to a transcatheter heart valve replacement (A61F2/2412).

[0004] In 1952 surgeons implanted the first mechanical heart valve. This first valve was a ball valve and it was designed by Dr. Charles Hufnagel. The recipient of this valve was a 30-year-old woman who could lead a normal life after the surgery. However, one downside of this design was that it could only be placed in the descending aorta instead of the heart itself. For this reason it did not fully correct the valve problem, only alleviate the symptoms. However it was a significant achievement because it proved that synthetic materials could be used to create heart valves.

[0005] In 1960, a new type of valve was invented and was successfully implanted. This valve is the Starr-Edwards ball valve, named after its originators. This valve was a modification of Hufnagel's original valve. The ball of the valve was slightly smaller and caged from both sides so it could be inserted into the heart itself.

[0006] The next development was tilting disc technology which was introduced in the late 1960s. These valves were a great improvement over the ball designs. The tilting dic technology allowed blood to flow in a more natural way while reducing damage to blood cells from mechanical forces. However, the struts of these valves tended to fracture from fatigue over time. As of 2003, more than 100,000 Omniscience and 300,000 HallKaster/Medtronic-Hall tilting disc valves were implanted with essentially no mechanical failure.

[0007] In 1977, bi-leaflet heart valves were introduced by St. Jude. Similar to a native heart valve, blood flows directly through the center of the annulus of pyrolytic carbon valves mounted within nickel-titanium housing which makes these valves superior to other designs. However, a downside of this design is that it allows some regurgitation. A vast majority of mechanical heart valves used today have this design. As of 2003, more than 1.3 million St. Jude valves were deployed and over 500,000 Carbomedics valves with no failures to leaflets or housing. It should be noted that the human heart beats about 31 million times per year.

[0008] Development continues with compressible valves that are delivered via a catheter instead of requiring the trauma and complications of open heart surgery. This means that a cardiologist trained in endoscopy can, in theory, deploy a heart valve replacement during an outpatient procedure. However, transcatheter valves are often delivered by perforating the apex of the heart to access the ventricle, and the perforation is often used to anchor an annular valve replacement.

[0009] Additionally, a problem with stent-style replacement valves is that they often continue to have the regurgitation or leakage problems of prior generations of valves, as well as require expensive materials engineering in order to cope with the 100's of millions of cycles encountered during just a few years of normal heart function. Accordingly, there is still a need for alternative and simpler solutions to addressing valve-related heart pathologies.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve comprising: (i) a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter, and expandable to an expanded configuration for implanting at a desired location in the body, wherein the valve is compressible and expandable along a long-axis substantially parallel to a cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, and wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the tubular frame forms a two part framework, a first part comprises a flared atrial cuff joined to a second part that comprises cylindrical member, wherein the cuff is joined to the cylindrical member around the circumference of a top edge of the cylindrical member.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein said tubular frame is comprised of a braid, wire, or laser-cut wire frame, and said tubular frame is covered with a biocompatible material.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the tubular frame has a side profile of a flat cone shape having a diameter R of 40-80 mm, a diameter r of 20-40 mm, and a height of 10-20 mm.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the tubular frame has an inner surface and an outer surface, said inner surface covered with a biocompatible material comprising pericardial tissue, and said outer surface covered with a biocompatible material comprising a woven synthetic polyester material.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the tubular frame has a side profile of an hourglass flat conical shape having a top diameter R1 of 40-80 mm, a bottom diameter R2 of 50-70 mm, an internal diameter r of 20-30 mm, and a height of 5-60 mm.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the valve in an expanded configuration has a central tube axis that is substantially parallel to the first direction.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the flow control component has an internal diameter of 20-30 mm and a height of 20-40 mm, and a plurality of leaflets of pericardial material joined to form a rounded cylinder at an inflow end and having a flat closable aperture at an outflow end.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve wherein the flow control component is supported with one or more longitudinal supports integrated into or mounted upon the flow control component, the one or more longitudinal supports selected from rigid or semi-rigid ribs, rigid or semi-rigid battons, rigid or semi-rigid panels, and combination thereof.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve comprising a tension arm extending from a distal side of the tubular frame, the tension arm comprised of wire loop or wire frame extending from about 10-40 mm away from the tubular frame.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve comprising (i) an upper tension arm attached to a distal upper edge of the tubular frame, the upper tension arm comprised of wire loop or wire frame extending from about 2-20 mm away from the tubular frame, and (ii) a lower tension arm extending from a distal side of the tubular frame, the lower tension arm comprised of wire loop or wire frame extending from about 10-40 mm away from the tubular frame.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve comprising at least one tissue anchor connected to the tubular frame for engaging annular tissue.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve to a desired location in the body, the method comprising the steps: (i) advancing a delivery catheter to the desired location in the body and delivering an expandable prosthetic valve to the desired location in the body by releasing the valve from the delivery catheter, wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter, and expandable to an expanded configuration for implanting at a desired location in the body, wherein the valve is compressible and expandable along a long-axis substantially parallel to a cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve wherein releasing the valve from the delivery catheter comprises pulling the valve out of the delivery catheter using a rigid elongated pushing rod that is releasably connected to the distal side of the valve, wherein advancing the pushing rod away from the delivery catheter pulls the compressed valve out of the delivery catheter.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve comprising the additional step of anchoring one or more tissue anchors attached to the valve into annular tissue.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve comprising the additional step of positioning a tension arm of the heart valve prosthesis into the right ventricular outflow tract of the right ventricle.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve comprising the additional steps of positioning a lower tension arm of the heart valve prosthesis into the right ventricular outflow tract of the right ventricle, and positioning an upper tension arm into a supra-annular position, the upper tension arm connected to the lower tension arm, and the upper tension arm providing a supra-annular downward force in the direction of the ventricle and lower tension arm providing a sub-annular upward force in the direction of the atrium.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve comprising the the additional step of rotating the heart valve prosthesis using a steerable catheter along an axis parallel to the plane of the valve annulus, wherein an upper tension arm mounted on the valve is conformationally pressure locked against supra-annular tissue, and wherein a lower tension arm mounted on the valve is conformationally pressure locked against sub-annular tissue.

[0028] In another preferred embodiment, there is provided a method for side loading an implantable prosthetic valve into a delivery catheter, the method comprising the steps: (i) attaching a pulling wire to a sidewall of an implantable prosthetic valve and pulling the valve into a tapering fixture or funnel, wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein pulling the valve into a tapering fixture or funnel compresses the valve to a compressed configuration for loading into a delivery catheter, wherein the valve is compressible and expandable along a long-axis substantially parallel to a cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0112] The invention is directed to a transcatheter heart valve replacement that is a low profile, side delivered implantable prosthetic valve having an ring-shaped tubular frame, an inner 2- or 3-panel sleeve, an elongated sub-annular tension arm extending into the right ventricular outflow tract, and one or more anchor elements.

[0113] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0114] Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As used herein the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0115] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the full scope of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0116] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Nothing in this disclosure is to be construed as an admission that the embodiments described in this disclosure are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including, but not limited to.”

[0117] Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods, reagents, compounds, compositions or biological systems, which can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0118] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[0119] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

[0120] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

[0121] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, such as in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof. Any listed range can be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal subparts. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member.

[0122] Side Delivery or Orthogonal Delivery

[0123] In the description and claims herein, the term “side” or “orthogonal” is used to describe that the valves of the present invention are compressed and delivered at a roughly 90 degree angle compared to traditional transcatheter heart valves. Traditional valves have a central cylinder axis that is parallel to the length-wise axis of the delivery catheter and are deployed from the end of the delivery catheter in a manner akin to pushing a closed umbrella out of a sleeve. The valves of the present invention are compressed and delivered in a sideways manner. Traditional valves can only be expanded as large as what the internal diameter of the delivery catheter will allow. Efforts to increase the expanded diameter of traditional valves have run into the problems of trying to compress too much material and structure into too little space. Mathematically, the term orthogonal refers to an intersecting angle of 90 degrees between two lines or planes. As used, herein the term “substantially orthogonal” refers to an intersecting angle ranging from 75 to 105 degrees. The intersecting angle or orthogonal angle refers to both (i) the relationship between the length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter and the long-axis of the compressed valve of the invention, where the long-axis is perpendicular to the central cylinder axis of traditional valves, and (ii) the relationship between the long-axis of the compressed or expanded valve of the invention and the axis defined by the blood flow through the prosthetic valve where the blood is flowing, eg. from one part of the body or chamber of the heart to another downstream part of the body or chamber of the heart, such as from an atrium to a ventricle through a native annulus.

[0124] Transcatheter

[0125] In the description and claims herein, the term “transcatheter” is used to define the process of accessing, controlling, and delivering a medical device or instrument within the lumen of a catheter that is deployed into a heart chamber, as well as an item that has been delivered or controlled by such as process. Transcatheter access is known to include via femoral artery and femoral vein, via brachial artery and vein, via carotid and jugular, via intercostal (rib) space, and via sub-xyphoid. Transcatheter can be synonymous with transluminal and is functionally related to the term “percutaneous” as it relates to delivery of heart valves.

[0126] Tubular Frame

[0127] In the description and claims herein, the term “tubular frame”, and also “wire frame” or “flange or “collar” refers to a three-dimensional structural component that is seated within a native valve annulus and is used as a mounting element for a leaflet structure, a flow control component, or a flexible reciprocating sleeve or sleeve-valve.

[0128] Tubular Frame Structure

[0129] The tubular frame can be a ring, or cylindrical or conical tube, made from a durable, biocompatible structural material such as Nitinol or similar alloy, wherein the tubular frame is formed by manufacturing the structural material as a braided wire frame, a laser-cut wire frame, or a wire loop. The tubular frame is about 5-60 mm in height, has an outer diameter dimension, R, of 30-80 mm, and an inner diameter dimension of 31-79 mm, accounting for the thickness of the wire material itself. As stated, the tubular frame can have a side-profile of a ring shape, cylinder shape, conical tube shape, but may also have a side profile of a flat-cone shape, an inverted flat-cone shape (narrower at top, wider at bottom), a concave cylinder (walls bent in), a convex cylinder (walls bulging out), an angular hourglass, a curved, graduated hourglass, a ring or cylinder having a flared top, flared bottom, or both. In one preferred embodiment, the tubular frame used in the prosthetic valve deployed in the tricuspid annulus may have a complex shape determined by the anatomical structures where the valve is being mounted. For example, in the tricuspid annulus, the circumference of the tricuspid valve may be a rounded ellipse, the septal wall is known to be substantially vertical, and the tricuspid is known to enlarge in disease states along the anterior-posterior line. Accordingly, a prosthetic valve may start in a roughly tubular configuration (centric or radially symmetrical), and be heat-shaped to provide an upper atrial cuff or flange for atrial sealing and a lower trans-annular tubular section that conforms to the native annulus (eccentric or radially asymmetrical) such as an example having an hourglass cross-section for about 60-80% of the circumference to conform to the native annulus along the posterior and anterior annular segments while remaining substantially vertically flat along 20-40% of the annular circumference to conform to the septal annular segment.

[0130] Tubular Frame Covering

[0131] The tubular frame is optionally internally or externally covered, partially or completely, with a biocompatible material such as pericardium. The tubular frame may also be optionally externally covered, partially or completely, with a second biocompatible material such as polyester or Dacron®.

[0132] Tubular Frame Purpose

[0133] The tubular frame has a central axial lumen where a prosthetic valve or flow-control structure, such as a reciprocating compressible sleeve, is mounted across the diameter of the lumen. The tubular frame is also tensioned against the inner aspect of the native annulus and provides structural patency to a weakened annular ring.

[0134] Tubular Frame Optional Collars

[0135] The tubular frame may optionally have a separate atrial collar attached to the upper (atrial) edge of the frame, for deploying on the atrial floor, that is used to direct blood from the atrium into the sleeve and to seal against blood leakage around the tubular frame. The tubular frame may also optionally have a separate ventricular collar attached to the lower (ventricular) edge of the frame, for deploying in the ventricle immediately below the native annulus that is used to prevent regurgitant leakage during systole, to prevent dislodging of the device during systole, to sandwich or compress the native annulus or adjacent tissue against the atrial collar, and optionally to attach to and support the sleeve/conduit.

[0136] Tubular Frame Delivery

[0137] The tubular frame may be compressed for transcatheter delivery and may be expandable as a self-expandable shape-memory element or using a transcatheter expansion balloon. Some embodiments may have both an atrial collar and a ventricular collar, whereas other embodiments within the scope of the invention include prosthetic valves having either a single atrial collar, a single ventricular collar, or having no additional collar structure.

[0138] Flow Control Component

[0139] In the description and claims herein, the term “flow control component” refers in a non-limiting sense to a leaflet structure having 2-, 3-, 4-leaflets of flexible biocompatible material such a treated or untreated pericardium that is sewn or joined to a tubular frame, to function as a prosthetic valve. Such a valve can be a heart valve, such as a tricuspid, mitral, aortic, or pulmonary, that is open to blood flowing during diastole from atrium to ventricle, and that closes from systolic ventricular pressure applied to the outer surface. Repeated opening and closing in sequence can be described as “reciprocating”.

[0140] Tissue Anchor

[0141] In the description and claims herein, the term “tissue anchor” or “plication tissue anchor” or “secondary tissue anchor”, or “dart” or “pin” refers to a fastening device that connects the upper atrial frame to the native annular tissue, usually at or near the periphery of the collar. The anchor may be positioned to avoid piercing tissue and just rely on the compressive force of the two plate-like collars on the captured tissue, or the anchor, itself or with an integrated securement wire, may pierce through native tissue to provide anchoring, or a combination of both. The anchor may have a specialized securement mechanism, such as a pointed tip with a groove and flanged shoulder that is inserted or popped into a mated aperture or an array of mated apertures that allow the anchor to attach, but prevent detachment when the aperture periphery locks into the groove near the flanged shoulder. The securement wire may be attached or anchored to the collar opposite the pin by any attachment or anchoring mechanisms, including a knot, a suture, a wire crimp, a wire lock having a cam mechanism, or combinations.

[0142] Support Post

[0143] The term “support post” refers to a rigid or semi-rigid length of material such as Nitinol or PEEK, that may be mounted on a spoked frame and that runs axially, or down the center of, or within a sewn seam of -, the flexible sleeve. The sleeve may be unattached to the support post, or the sleeve may be directly or indirectly attached to the support post.

[0144] In the description that follows, the term “body channel” is used to define a blood conduit or vessel within the body. Of course, the particular application of the prosthetic heart valve determines the body channel at issue. An aortic valve replacement, for example, would be implanted in, or adjacent to, the aortic annulus. Likewise, a tricuspid or mitral valve replacement will be implanted at the tricuspid or mitral annulus. Certain features of the present invention are particularly advantageous for one implantation site or the other. However, unless the combination is structurally impossible, or excluded by claim language, any of the heart valve embodiments described herein could be implanted in any body channel.

[0145] The term “lumen” refers to the inside of the cylinder tube. The term “bore” refers to the inner diameter.

[0146] Displacement—The volume of fluid displaced by one complete stroke or revolution

[0147] Ejection fraction is a measurement of the percentage of blood leaving your heart each time it contracts. During each heartbeat pumping cycle, the heart contracts and relaxes. When your heart contracts, it ejects blood from the two pumping chambers (ventricles)

[0148] As a point of further definition, the term “expandable” is used herein to refer to a component of the heart valve capable of expanding from a first, delivery diameter to a second, implantation diameter. An expandable structure, therefore, does not mean one that might undergo slight expansion from a rise in temperature, or other such incidental cause. Conversely, “non-expandable” should not be interpreted to mean completely rigid or a dimensionally stable, as some slight expansion of conventional “non-expandable” heart valves, for example, may be observed.

[0149] Force—A push or pull acting upon a body. In a hydraulic cylinder, it is the product of the pressure on the fluid, multiplied by the effective area of the cylinder piston.

[0150] Prosthetic Valve

[0151] The term prosthesis or prosthetic encompasses both complete replacement of an anatomical part, e.g. a new mechanical valve replaces a native valve, as well as medical devices that take the place of and/or assist, repair, or improve existing anatomical parts, e.g. native valve is left in place. For mounting within a passive assist cage, the invention contemplates a wide variety of (bio)prosthetic artificial heart valves. Contemplated as within the scope of the invention are ball valves (e.g. Starr-Edwards), bileaflet valves (St. Jude), tilting disc valves (e.g. Bjork-Shiley), stented pericardium heart-valve prosthesis' (bovine, porcine, ovine) (Edwards line of bioprostheses, St. Jude prosthetic valves), as well as homograft and autograft valves. For bioprosthetic pericardial valves, it is contemplated to use bioprosthetic aortic valves, bioprosthetic mitral valves, bioprosthetic tricuspid valves, and bioprosthetic pulmonary valves.

[0152] Frame Material

[0153] Preferably, the frame is made from superelastic metal wire, such as Nitinol™ wire or other similarly functioning material. The material may be used for the frame/stent, for the collar, and/or for anchors. It is contemplated as within the scope of the invention to use other shape memory alloys such as Cu—Zn—Al—Ni alloys, Cu— Al—Ni alloys, as well as polymer composites including composites containing carbon nanotubes, carbon fibers, metal fibers, glass fibers, and polymer fibers. It is contemplated that the frame may be constructed as a braid, wire, or laser cut wire frame. Such materials are available from any number of commercial manufacturers, such as Pulse Systems. Laser cut wire frames are preferably made from Nickel-Titanium (Nitinol™), but also without limitation made from stainless steel, cobalt chromium, titanium, and other functionally equivalent metals and alloys, or Pulse Systems braided frame that is shape-set by heat treating on a fixture or mandrel.

[0154] One key aspect of the frame design is that it be compressible and when released have the stated property that it return to its original (uncompressed) shape. This requirement limits the potential material selections to metals and plastics that have shape memory properties. With regards to metals, Nitinol has been found to be especially useful since it can be processed to be austenitic, martensitic or super elastic. Martensitic and super elastic alloys can be processed to demonstrate the required compression features.

[0155] Laser Cut

[0156] One possible construction of the wire frame envisions the laser cutting of a thin, isodiametric Nitinol tube. The laser cuts form regular cutouts in the thin Nitinol tube. In one preferred embodiment, the Nitinol tube expands to form a three-dimensional structure formed from diamond-shaped cells. The structure may also have additional functional elements, e.g. loops, anchors, etc. for attaching accessory components such as biocompatible covers, tissue anchors, releasable deployment and retrieval control guides, knobs, attachments, rigging, and so forth.

[0157] Secondarily the tube is placed on a mold of the desired shape, heated to the Martensitic temperature and quenched. The treatment of the wire frame in this manner will form a device that has shape memory properties and will readily revert to the memory shape at the calibrated temperature.

[0158] Braided Wire

[0159] A frame can be constructed utilizing simple braiding techniques. Using a Nitinol wire—for example a 0.012″ wire—and a simple braiding fixture, the wire is wound on the braiding fixture in a simple over/under braiding pattern until an isodiametric tube is formed from a single wire. The two loose ends of the wire are coupled using a stainless steel or Nitinol coupling tube into which the loose ends are placed and crimped. Angular braids of approximately 60 degrees have been found to be particularly useful. Secondarily, the braided wire frame is placed on a shaping fixture and placed in a muffle furnace at a specified temperature to set the wire frame to the desired shape and to develop the martensitic or super elastic properties desired.

[0160] Tethers—The tethers are made from surgical-grade materials such as biocompatible polymer suture material. Non-limiting examples of such material include ultra high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), 2-0 exPFTE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or 2-0 polypropylene. In one embodiment the tethers are inelastic. It is also contemplated that one or more of the tethers may optionally be elastic to provide an even further degree of compliance of the valve during the cardiac cycle.

[0161] Tines-Anchors—Tines/Barbs

[0162] The device can be seated within the valvular annulus through the use of tines or barbs. These may be used in conjunction with, or in place of one or more tethers. The tines or barbs are located to provide attachment to adjacent tissue. Tines are forced into the annular tissue by mechanical means such as using a balloon catheter. In one non-limiting embodiment, the tines may optionally be semi-circular hooks that upon expansion of the wire frame body, pierce, rotate into, and hold annular tissue securely. Anchors are deployed by over-wire delivery of an anchor or anchors through a delivery catheter. The catheter may have multiple axial lumens for delivery of a variety of anchoring tools, including anchor setting tools, force application tools, hooks, snaring tools, cutting tools, radio-frequency and radiological visualization tools and markers, and suture/thread manipulation tools. Once the anchor(s) are attached, tensioning tools may be used to adjust the length of tethers that connect to an implanted valve to adjust and secure the implant as necessary for proper functioning. It is also contemplated that anchors may be spring-loaded and may have tether-attachment or tether-capture mechanisms built into the tethering face of the anchor(s). Anchors may also have in-growth material, such as polyester fibers, to promote in-growth of the anchors into the myocardium.

[0163] In one embodiment, where a prosthetic valve may or may not include a ventricular collar, the anchor or dart is not attached to a lower ventricular collar, but is attached directly into annular tissue or other tissue useful for anchoring.

[0164] Tube and/or Cover Material—Biological Tissue

[0165] The tissue used herein is a biological tissue that is a chemically stabilized pericardial tissue of an animal, such as a cow (bovine pericardium) or sheep (ovine pericardium) or pig (porcine pericardium) or horse (equine pericardium). Preferably, the tissue is bovine pericardial tissue. Examples of suitable tissue include that used in the products Duraguard®, Peri-Guard®, and Vascu-Guard®, all products currently used in surgical procedures, and which are marketed as being harvested generally from cattle less than 30 months old. Other patents and publications disclose the surgical use of harvested, biocompatible animal thin tissues suitable herein as biocompatible “jackets” or sleeves for implantable stents, including for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,185 to Block, U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,717 to Design & Performance-Cyprus Limited disclosing a covered stent assembly, U.S. Pat. No. 6,440,164 to Scimed Life Systems, Inc. disclosing a bioprosthetic valve for implantation, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,616 to LifeCell Corporation discloses acellular collagen-based tissue matrix for transplantation.

[0166] Polymers

[0167] In one preferred embodiment, the conduit may optionally be made from a synthetic material such a polyurethane or polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0168] Where a thin, durable synthetic material is contemplated, e.g. for a covering, synthetic polymer materials such expanded polytetrafluoroethylene or polyester may optionally be used. Other suitable materials may optionally include thermoplastic polycarbonate urethane, polyether urethane, segmented polyether urethane, silicone polyether urethane, silicone-polycarbonate urethane, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Additional biocompatible polymers may optionally include polyolefins, elastomers, polyethylene-glycols, polyethersulphones, polysulphones, polyvinylpyrrolidones, polyvinylchlorides, other fluoropolymers, silicone polyesters, siloxane polymers and/or oligomers, and/or polylactones, and block co-polymers using the same.

[0169] Polyamides (PA)

[0170] PA is an early engineering thermoplastic invented that consists of a “super polyester” fiber with molecular weight greater than 10,000. It is commonly called Nylon. Application of polyamides includes transparent tubing's for cardiovascular applications, hemodialysis membranes, and also production of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) catheters.

[0171] Polyolefin

[0172] Polyolefins include polyethylene and polypropylene are the two important polymers of polyolefins and have better biocompatibility and chemical resistance. In cardiovascular uses, both low-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene are utilized in making tubing and housings. Polypropylene is used for making heart valve structures.

[0173] Polyesters

[0174] Polyesters includes polyethylene-terephthalate (PET), using the name Dacron. It is typically used as knitted or woven fabric for vascular grafts. Woven PET has smaller pores which reduces blood leakage and better efficiency as vascular grafts compared with the knitted one. PET grafts are also available with a protein coating (collagen or albumin) for reducing blood loss and better biocompatibility [39]. PET vascular grafts with endothelial cells have been searched as a means for improving patency rates. Moreover, polyesters are widely preferred material for the manufacturing of bioabsorbable stents. Poly-L-lactic acids (PLLA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and poly(D, L-lactide/glycolide) copolymer (PDLA) are some of the commonly used bioabsorbable polymers.

[0175] Polytetrafluoroethylene

[0176] Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is synthetic fluorocarbon polymer with the common commercial name of Teflon by Dupont Co. Common applications of PTFE in cardiovascular engineering include vascular grafts and heart valves. PTFE sutures are used in the repair of mitral valve for myxomatous disease and also in surgery for prolapse of the anterior or posterior leaflets of mitral valves. PTFE is particularly used in implantable prosthetic heart valve rings. It has been successfully used as vascular grafts when the devices are implanted in high-flow, large-diameter arteries such as the aorta. Problem occurs when it is implanted below aortic bifurcations and another form of PTFE called elongated-PTFE (e-PTFE) was explored. Expanded PTFE is formed by compression of PTFE in the presence of career medium and finally extruding the mixture. Extrudate formed by this process is then heated to near its glass transition temperature and stretched to obtain microscopically porous PTFE known as e-PTFE. This form of PTFE was indicated for use in smaller arteries with lower flow rates promoting low thrombogenicity, lower rates of restenosis and hemostasis, less calcification, and biochemically inert properties.

[0177] Polyurethanes

[0178] Polyurethane has good physiochemical and mechanical properties and is highly biocompatible which allows unrestricted usage in blood contacting devices. It has high shear strength, elasticity, and transparency. Moreover, the surface of polyurethane has good resistance for microbes and the thrombosis formation by PU is almost similar to the versatile cardiovascular biomaterial like PTFE. Conventionally, segmented polyurethanes (SPUs) have been used for various cardiovascular applications such as valve structures, pacemaker leads and ventricular assisting device.

[0179] Covered Wire frame Materials

[0180] Drug-eluting wire frames are contemplated for use herein. DES basically consist of three parts: wire frame platform, coating, and drug. Some of the examples for polymer free DES are Amazon Pax (MINVASYS) using Amazonia CroCo (L605) cobalt chromium (Co—Cr) wire frame with Paclitaxel as an antiproliferative agent and abluminal coating have been utilized as the carrier of the drug. BioFreedom (Biosensors Inc.) using stainless steel as base with modified abluminal coating as carrier surface for the antiproliferative drug Biolimus A9. Optima (CID S.r.I.) using 316 L stainless steel wire frame as base for the drug Tacrolimus and utilizing integrated turbostratic carbofilm as the drug carrier. VESTA sync (MIV Therapeutics) using GenX stainless steel (316 L) as base utilizing microporous hydroxyapatite coating as carrier for the drug Sirolimus. YUKON choice (Translumina) used 316 L stainless steel as base for the drugs Sirolimus in combination with Probucol.

[0181] Biosorbable polymers may also be used herein as a carrier matrix for drugs. Cypher, Taxus, and Endeavour are the three basic type of bioabsorbable DES. Cypher (J&J, Cordis) uses a 316 L stainless steel coated with polyethylene vinyl acetate (PEVA) and poly-butyl methacrylate (PBMA) for carrying the drug Sirolimus. Taxus (Boston Scientific) utilizes 316 L stainless steel wire frames coated with translute Styrene Isoprene Butadiene (SIBS) copolymer for carrying Paclitaxel which elutes over a period of about 90 days. Endeavour (Medtronic) uses a cobalt chrome driver wire frame for carrying zotarolimus with phosphorylcholine as drug carrier. BioMatrix employing S-Wire frame (316 L) stainless steel as base with polylactic acid surface for carrying the antiproliferative drug Biolimus. ELIXIR-DES program (Elixir Medical Corp) consisting both polyester and polylactide coated wire frames for carrying the drug novolimus with cobalt-chromium (Co—Cr) as base. JACTAX (Boston Scientific Corp.) utilized D-lactic polylactic acid (DLPLA) coated (316 L) stainless steel wire frames for carrying Paclitaxel. NEVO (Cordis Corporation, Johnson & Johnson) used cobalt chromium (Co—Cr) wire frame coated with polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) for carrying the drug Sirolimus.

[0182] Examples of preferred embodiments of the reciprocating pressure conduit valve include the following details and features.

[0183] Example

[0184] One preferred embodiment of a side delivered transcatheter prosthetic valve has a tubular frame with a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter,

[0185] wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm. Importantly, this heart valve substitute does not have a traditional valve configuration, can be delivered to the heart using the inferior vena cava (IVC/femoral transcatheter delivery pathway compressed within a catheter, and expelled from the catheter to be deployed without open heart surgery.

[0186] Example

[0187] In another preferred embodiment of a transcatheter valve, comprises: a cylindrical tubular frame having a height of about 5-60 mm and an outer diameter of about 25-80 mm, said tubular frame comprised of a braid, wire, or laser-cut wire frame having a substantially circular central aperture, said tubular frame partially covered with a biocompatible material; a collapsible flow control component disposed within the central aperture, said sleeve having a height of about 5-60 mm and comprised of at least two opposing leaflets that provide a reciprocating closable channel from a heart atrium to a heart ventricle; an upper tension arm attached to a distal upper edge of the tubular frame, the upper tension arm comprised of stent, segment of tubular frame, wire loop or wire frame extending from about 10-30 mm away from the tubular frame; a lower tension arm extending from a distal side of the tubular frame, the lower tension arm comprised of stent, segment of tubular frame, wire loop or wire frame extending from about 10-40 mm away from the tubular frame; and at least one tissue anchor to connect the tubular frame to native tissue.

[0188] Example

[0189] In another preferred embodiment of a transcatheter valve, there is provided a feature wherein the sleeve is shaped as a conic cylinder, said top end having a diameter of 30-35 mm and said bottom end having a diameter of 8-20 mm.

[0190] Example

[0191] In another preferred embodiment of a transcatheter valve, there is provided a feature wherein the cover is comprised of polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, decellularized pericardium, or a layered combination thereof.

[0192] Example

[0193] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve to a desired location in the body, the method comprising the steps: (i) advancing a delivery catheter to the desired location in the body and delivering an expandable prosthetic valve to the desired location in the body by releasing the valve from the delivery catheter, wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0194] Example

[0195] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a method for loading an implantable prosthetic valve into a delivery catheter, the method comprising the steps: loading an implantable prosthetic valve sideways into a tapering fixture or funnel attached to a delivery catheter, wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0196] Example

[0197] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is also provided a method for loading an implantable prosthetic valve into a delivery catheter, the method comprising the steps: (i) loading an implantable prosthetic valve into a tapering fixture or funnel attached to a delivery catheter, wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, wherein said loading is perpendicular or substantially orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0198] Example

[0199] The transcatheter prosthetic heart valve may be percutaneously delivered using a transcatheter process via the femoral through the IVC, carotid, sub-xyphoid, intercostal access across the chest wall, and trans-septal to the mitral annulus through the fossa ovalis. The device is delivered via catheter to the right or left atrium and is expanded from a compressed shape that fits with the internal diameter of the catheter lumen. The compressed valve is loaded external to the patient into the delivery catheter, and is then pushed out of the catheter when the capsule arrives to the atrium. The cardiac treatment technician visualizes this delivery using available imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, and in a preferred embodiment the valve self-expands upon release from the catheter since it is constructed in part from shape-memory material, such as Nitinol®, a nickel-titanium alloy used in biomedical implants.

[0200] In another embodiment, the valve may be constructed of materials that requires balloonexpansion after the capsule has been ejected from the catheter into the atrium.

[0201] The atrial collar/frame and the flow control component are expanded to their functional diameter, as they are deployed into the native annulus, providing a radial tensioning force to secure the valve. Once the frame is deployed about the tricuspid annulus, fasteners secure the device about the native annulus. Additional fastening of the device to native structures may be performed, and the deployment is complete. Further adjustments using hemodynamic imaging techniques are contemplated as within the scope of the invention in order to ensure the device is secure, is located and oriented as planned, and is functioning as a substitute or successor to the native tricuspid valve.

[0202] Drawings

[0203] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is an illustration of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve shown deployed into the native annulus. FIG. 1 shows that low-profile, side-loaded valves can be delivered and traditionally anchored without the need for shaped, tension arms.

[0204] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve having frame 102 and sleeve 110 shown compressed or housed within the delivery catheter 118.

[0205] FIG. 3 is an illustration of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve shown ejected from the delivery catheter 118 and positioned against the anterior side of the native annulus. While the valve is held at this oblique angle by secondary catheter 150, valve function and patient condition are assessed, and if appropriate the valve is completely deployed within the native annulus, and anchored using traditional anchoring elements.

[0206] FIG. 4 is an illustration of an open cross-section view of a low-profile, side-loaded prosthetic valve and shows the inner valve sleeve 110 and frame 102.

[0207] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a low-profile, side-loaded heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having a braid or laser-cut construction for the tubular frame 102, with a valve sleeve 110 that extends beyond the bottom of the tubular frame. FIG. 5 shows a longer lower tension arm 126 for extending sub-annularly towards the RVOT, and a shorter upper tension arm 128 for extending over the atrial floor. FIG. 5 shows an elongated two (2) panel valve sleeve 110 that extends into the sub-annular leaflet space. The tubular frame 102 shown in FIG. 5 is about 10 mm in height and the valve sleeve 110 extends about 10 mm below the bottom of the tubular frame, resulting in a valve 20 mm in total height.

[0208] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a low-profile, side-loaded heart valve prosthesis having a braid or laser-cut tubular frame and extended valve sleeve compressed within a delivery catheter 118. FIG. 6 shows the valve attached to a secondary steerable catheter 150 for ejecting, positioning, and anchoring the valve. The secondary catheter 150 can also be used to retrieve a failed deployment of a valve.

[0209] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis having a braid or laser-cut tubular frame and extended valve sleeve shown partially compressed within a delivery catheter, and partially ejected from the delivery catheter. FIG. 7 shows that while the valve is still compressed the lower tension arm can be manipulated through the leaflets and chordae tendinae to find a stable anterior-side lodgment for the distal side of the valve.

[0210] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis having a braid or laser-cut tubular frame and extended valve sleeve engaging the tissue on the anterior side of the native annulus with the curved distal side-wall of the tubular frame sealing around the native annulus. FIG. 8 shows the valve held by the steerable secondary catheter at an oblique angle while valve function is assessed.

[0211] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis having a braid or laser-cut tubular frame and extended valve sleeve fully deployed into the tricuspid annulus. The distal side of the valve is shown engaging the tissue on the anterior side of the native annulus with the curved distal side-wall of the tubular frame sealing around the native annulus, and with the proximal side-wall tension-mounted into the posterior side of the native annulus.

[0212] FIG. 10 is an illustration of a plan view of a heart valve prosthesis 100 according to the present invention with a valve frame 102 having upper tension arm 128 and lower tension arm 126 mounted on and anchoring to the annulus. FIG. 10 shows lower tension arm/tab 126 extending into the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract (RVOT). The lateral, or side-loaded, delivery of the valve 100 through the inferior vena cava, provides for direct access to the valve annulus without the need to delivery a compressed valve around a right angle turn, as is required for IVC delivery of axially, or vertically loaded, traditional transcatheter valves. FIG. 10 shows one embodiment where a screw or other anchor device 138 is used in conjunction with the tension-mounting method described herein where upper and lower tension arms on the anterior leaflet side anchor the valve in place, and a secondary anchor element completes the securement of the valve in the annular site.

[0213] FIG. 10 shows polyester mesh covering 108 a valve tubular frame 102 encircling a collapsible flow control sleeve 110. FIG. 11 also shows the frame 102 having Nitinol wire frame in diamond shapes with a biocompatible covering. In one embodiment, the frame may have a pericardial material on top and a polyester material, e.g. surgical Dacron®, underneath to be in contact with the native annulus and promote in-growth.

[0214] FIG. 11 is an illustration of a plan view of another embodiment of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention with a valve frame 102 having a distal upper tension arm 128 and lower tension arm 126 mounted on, and anchored to, the anterior leaflet side of the native annulus, and having a mechanical anchor element, e.g. proximal sealing cuff, 130 for anchoring on the posterior and septal side of the native annulus. The sealing cuff 130 may be a short tab on the posterior side of the valve or may be a semi-circular or circular collar or cuff that engages the atrial floor to seal the annulus from perivalvular leaks.

[0215] FIG. 12 is an illustration of a plan view of another embodiment of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention with a valve frame having a distal upper and lower tension arm mounted on, and anchored to, the anterior leaflet side of the native annulus, and having a mechanical anchor element, e.g. hourglass annular seal, 132 for anchoring on the posterior and/or septal side of the native annulus. The hourglass, or concave, sealing cuff 132 may be only a short segment on the posterior side of the valve or may be a semi-circular or circular combined upper and lower collar or cuff that engages the atrial floor and the ventricular ceiling to seal the annulus from perivalvular leaks. This embodiment may also include embodiments having a partial collar. This embodiment may be used in conjunction with other anchoring elements described herein.

[0216] FIG. 13 is an illustration of a PLAN view of a low-profile, e.g. 10 mm in height, wire loop embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis having an annulus support loop 140 and an upper and lower tension arm 142, 144 formed as a unitary or integral part, and covered with a biocompatible material. This embodiment shows how a low profile, side-loaded valve can having a very large diameter, 40-80 mm, with requiring an excessively large delivery catheter, as would be required by a large diameter valve that is delivered using the traditional, vertical or axial, orientation.

[0217] FIG. 14 is an illustration of a TOP view of a low-profile, e.g. 10 mm in height, wire loop embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis having an annulus support loop 140, an upper and lower tension arm 142, 144 formed as a unitary or integral part, an inner two-panel conical valve sleeve 110, and covered with a biocompatible material. FIG. 14 shows the inner two-panel sleeve and the reciprocating collapsible aperture at the lower end for delivering blood to the ventricle.

[0218] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a BOTTOM view of a low-profile, e.g. 10 mm in height, wire loop embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis having an annulus support loop, an upper and lower tension arm formed as a unitary or integral part, an inner two-panel conical valve sleeve, and covered with a biocompatible material. FIG. 15 shows a PLAN view of the inner two-panel sleeve 110 and the collapsible terminal aperture 156 at the ventricular side.

[0219] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a compressed and elongated wire loop embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis disposed within a delivery catheter 118 and having an ring shaped tubular frame 102 with braid/laser-cut 104 and an upper and lower tension arm 142, 144 formed as a unitary or integral part. FIG. 16 illustrates how a large diameter valve, using side-loading, can be delivered.

[0220] FIG. 17 is an illustration of a compressed and elongated wire loop embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis partially ejected, and partially disposed within, a delivery catheter and having an annulus support loop and an upper and lower tension arm formed as a unitary or integral part. FIG. 17 shows how a valve can be partially delivered for positioning in the annulus. The lower tension arm 144 can be used to navigate through the tricupid leaflets and chordae tendinae while the valve body, the tubular frame, 102 is still within the steerable IVC delivery catheter 118.

[0221] FIG. 18 is an illustration of a plan view of a heart valve prosthesis partially mounted within the valve annulus. By using the side-loaded valve of the present invention, the distal side of the prosthesis 142, 144 can be mounted against the anterior aspect of the native annulus, and valve function can be assessed. By allowing two pathways for blood flow, the first through the native valve near the posterior leaflet, and the second through the central aperture of the prosthetic valve, a practitioner can determine if the heart is decompensating or if valve function is less than optimal.

[0222] FIG. 19 is an illustration of a plan view of a heart valve prosthesis completely seated within the valve annulus. FIG. 19 shows that the valve can be secured in place once the valve function assessment shows that the deployment is successful. Importantly, since the valve is a low-profile valve, and fits easily within a standard, e.g. 8-12 mm, delivery catheter without requiring the forceful loading of typical transcatheter valves, the side-loading valve can be easily retrieved using the same delivery catheter that is used to deploy the valve.

[0223] FIG. 20 is an illustration of a plan view of a native right atrium of a human heart, and shows the superior vena cava (SVC), the inferior vena cava (IVC), the right atrium (RA), the tricuspid valve and annulus (TCV), the anterior leaflet (A), the posterior leaflet (P), the septal leaflet (S), the right ventricle (RV), and the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT).

[0224] FIG. 21 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus. FIG. 21 shows wire-frame lower tension arm 144 ejected from the delivery catheter 118 and being directed through the annulus and towards the right ventricular outflow tract. FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of an accordion-compressed low-profile valve 122 and shows the lower tension arm directed towards the anterior leaflet for placement into the RVOT.

[0225] FIG. 22 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus. FIG. 22 shows wire-frame lower tension arm 144 and upper tension arm 142 ejected from the delivery catheter 118, the lower tension arm directed through the annulus and into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the upper tension arm staying in a supra-annular position, and causing a passive, structural anchoring of the distal side of the valve about the annulus. FIG. 22 also shows steerable anchoring catheter 150 attached to a proximal anchoring tab 152. While the valve is held in a pre-seating position, the valve can be assessed, and once valve function and patient conditions are correct, the steerable anchoring catheter can push the proximal side of the valve from its oblique angle, down into the annulus. The steerable anchoring catheter can then install one or more anchoring elements 152.

[0226] FIG. 23 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus. FIG. 23 shows the entire valve ejected from the delivery catheter, the wire-frame lower tension arm directed through the annulus and into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the upper wire-frame tension arm staying in a supra-annular position, and causing a passive, structural anchoring of the distal side of the valve about the annulus, and at least one tissue anchor anchoring the proximal side of the prosthesis into the annulus tissue.

[0227] FIG. 24 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus. FIG. 24 shows braided/laser cut-frame lower tension arm 126 ejected from the delivery catheter 118 and being directed through the annulus and towards the right ventricular outflow tract.

[0228] FIG. 25 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus. FIG. 25 shows braided/laser cut-frame lower tension arm 126 and upper tension arm 128 ejected from the delivery catheter 118, the lower tension arm directed through the annulus and into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the upper tension arm staying in a supra-annular position, and causing a passive, structural anchoring of the distal side of the valve about the annulus.

[0229] FIG. 26 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus. FIG. 26 shows the entire braided/laser cut-frame valve 102 ejected from the delivery catheter 118, the lower tension arm directed through the annulus and into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the upper tension arm staying in a supra-annular position, and causing a passive, structural anchoring of the distal side of the valve about the annulus, and at least one tissue anchor anchoring the proximal side of the prosthesis into the annulus tissue.

[0230] FIG. 27 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus and shows step 1 in a valve assessment process. FIG. 27 shows braided/laser cut-frame lower tension arm ejected from the delivery catheter and being directed through the annulus and towards the right ventricular outflow tract.

[0231] FIG. 28 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention being delivered to tricuspid valve annulus, and shows Step 2 in a valve assessment process. FIG. 28 shows braided/laser cut-frame lower tension arm and upper tension arm ejected from the delivery catheter, the lower tension arm directed through the annulus and into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the upper tension arm staying in a supra-annular position, and causing a passive, structural anchoring of the distal side of the valve about the annulus. FIG. 28 shows that a steerable anchoring catheter can hold the valve at an oblique angle in a pre-attachment position, so that the valve can be assessed, and once valve function and patient conditions are correct, the steerable anchoring catheter can push the proximal side of the valve from its oblique angle, down into the annulus. The steerable anchoring catheter can then install one or more anchoring elements.

[0232] FIG. 29 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention that has been delivered to tricuspid valve annulus, and shows Step 3 in a valve assessment process. FIG. 29 shows the entire braided/laser cut-frame valve ejected from the delivery catheter, the lower tension arm directed through the annulus and into the right ventricular outflow tract, and the upper tension arm staying in a supra-annular position, and causing a passive, structural anchoring of the distal side of the valve about the annulus, and at least one tissue anchor anchoring the proximal side of the prosthesis into the annulus tissue.

[0233] FIG. 30 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention in a compressed, intra-catheter phase. The lower and upper tension arms 144, 142 are elongated to the right, and the prosthetic valve 102 is shown laterally compressed in the delivery catheter 118. The lateral compression is a function of the use of minimal structural materials, e.g. a minimal inner valve sleeve 110, and the relatively short height of the outer cylindrical frame 102. This lateral delivery provides for very large, e.g. up to 80 mm or more, valve prosthesis' to be delivered. The lateral delivery also avoids the need to perform a 90 degree right turn when delivering a valve using the IVC femoral route. This sharp delivery angle has also limited the size and make up of prior valve prosthesis', but is not a problem for the inventive valve herein.

[0234] FIG. 31 is an illustration of a profile, or plan, view of a wire-frame embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention in a un-compressed, postcatheter-ejection phase. FIG. 31 shows an embodiment where the upper wire-frame tension arm 142 is attached to the tubular frame 102, but the lower tension arm 144 is shaped in an S-shape and connects only to the upper tension arm 142.

[0235] FIG. 32 is an illustration of a profile, or plan, view of a braid or laser-cut frame embodiment of the heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention in a un-compressed, post-catheter-ejection phase. FIG. 32 shows an embodiment where the upper braid or laser-cut tension arm 128 is attached to the upper edge of the tubular frame 102, and the lower tension arm 126 is attached to the lower edge of the tubular frame 102.

[0236] FIG. 33 is an illustration of a TOP view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having covered wire loop for the upper tension arm(s). FIG. 24 shows the tubular frame 102 having an inner sleeve 110 sewn into the central aperture 106, with the two (2) panels extending downward (into the page) in a ventricular direction. FIG. 33 shows the upper tension arms 142 oriented towards the anterior leaflet side of the atrial floor, shown in dashed outline.

[0237] FIG. 34 is an illustration of a PLAN view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having a wire loop construction for the upper 142 and lower 144 tension arms.

[0238] FIG. 35 is an illustration of a CUT-AWAY PLAN view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention, and shows the inner panel valve sleeve 110 mounted within the inner space defined by the tubular frame.

[0239] FIG. 36 is an illustration of a BOTTOM view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having a covered wire loop for the lower tension arm 144. FIG. 36 shows the tubular frame 102 having an inner sleeve 110 sewn into the central aperture, with the two (2) panels extending upward (out of the page) in a ventricular direction. FIG. 36 shows the lower tension arm 144 oriented towards the anterior leaflet side of the ventricular ceiling, shown in dashed outline.

[0240] FIG. 37 is an illustration of a TOP view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having covered braid or laser-cut frame 102 for the upper tension arm 128. FIG. 37 shows the tubular frame 102 having an inner sleeve 110 sewn into the central aperture, with the two (2) panels extending downward (into the page) in a ventricular direction. FIG. 37 shows the upper tension arm 128 oriented towards the anterior leaflet side of the atrial floor, shown in dashed outline.

[0241] FIG. 38 is an illustration of a PLAN view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having a braid or laser-cut frame construction 102 for the upper and lower tension arms 128, 126.

[0242] FIG. 39 is an illustration of a CUT-AWAY PLAN view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention, and shows the inner panel valve sleeve 110 mounted within the inner space defined by the tubular frame 102.

[0243] FIG. 40 is an illustration of a BOTTOM view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having a covered braid or laser-cut frame for the lower tension arm. FIG. 40 shows the tubular frame 102 having an inner sleeve 110 sewn into the central aperture, with the two (2) panels extending upward (out of the page) in a ventricular direction. FIG. 40 shows the lower tension arm 126 oriented towards the anterior leaflet side of the ventricular ceiling, shown in dashed outline.

[0244] FIG. 41 is an illustration of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having a wire loop construction for the tubular frame 102, with two vertical support posts 154 extending down the edge on opposing sides of the sleeve 110. During compression into the delivery catheter 118 (not shown), the posts 154 are engineered to fold horizontally during compression, and to elastically unfold during ejection to deploy the valve sleeve 110.

[0245] FIG. 42 is an illustration of a CUT-AWAY PLAN view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention, and shows a two-post embodiment 154 of the inner panel valve sleeve 110 mounted within the inner space defined by the tubular frame 102.

[0246] FIG. 43 is an illustration of a CUT-AWAY PLAN view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention, and shows a three-panel, three-post embodiment of the inner panel valve sleeve mounted within the inner space defined by the tubular frame.

[0247] FIG. 44 is an illustration of a TOP view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having braid or laser-cut wire frame 102 and shown mounted within a cross-sectional view of the atrial floor at the annulus.

[0248] FIG. 45 is an illustration of a BOTTOM view of a heart valve prosthesis according to the present invention having braid or laser-cut wire frame 102 for a lower tension arm and shown mounted within a cross-sectional view of the ventricular ceiling at the annulus. FIG. 45 shows the two panel valve sleeve 110 in an open position 106, e.g. atrial systole and ventricular diastole. FIG. 41 shows RVOT as a darkened circle.

[0249] FIG. 46 is an illustration of a PLAN view of an embodiment of the prosthetic valve shown in a compressed configuration within a delivery catheter. FIG. 46 shows the tubular frame wall rolled-over, outwardly, resulting in a 50% reduction in height of the catheter-housed valve. The low profile, side-loaded valves of the present invention do not require the aggressive, strut-breaking, tissue-tearing, stitch-pulling forces that traditional transcatheter valves are engineered to mitigate.

[0250] FIG. 47 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a compressed valve within a delivery catheter 118. This cross-sectional end view shows one embodiment of a single-fold compression configuration where the tubular frame wall 102 and attached two-panel sleeve 110 are rolled-over, outwardly, resulting in a 50% reduction in height, and providing the ability to fit within the inner diameter of a 1 cm (10 mm) delivery catheter.

[0251] FIG. 48 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a compressed valve within a delivery catheter. This cross-sectional end view shows another embodiment of a single-fold compression configuration where the tubular frame wall and attached two-panel sleeve are folded-over, outwardly, resulting in a 50% reduction in height, and providing the ability to fit within the inner diameter of a 1 cm (10 mm) delivery catheter.

[0252] FIG. 49 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the prosthetic valve to further illustrate how the folding and rolling configurations can be effectuated due to the minimal material requirement of the low-profile, side-loaded valve 102, 110.

[0253] FIG. 50 (a)-(b)-(c) is an illustration of a sequence of a low-profile valve being rolled into a configuration for placement within a delivery catheter. Tubular frame 102 having aperture 106 supports sleeve 110.

[0254] FIG. 51 is an illustration of an END-VIEW of a low-profile valve that has been longitudinally rolled and loaded within a delivery catheter 118, and show frame 102 and sleeve 110.

[0255] FIG. 52 is an illustration of a rotational lock embodiment of the present invention where the prosthetic valve is delivered to the native annulus with an off-set sub-annular tension arm/tab 126 positioned below the native annulus, and an off-set supra-annular tension arm/tab 128 positioned above the native annulus, while the tubular frame 102 is partially rolled off-set from the annular plane along a longitudinal axis.

[0256] FIG. 53 is an illustration of a rotational lock embodiment of the present invention where the prosthetic valve is delivered to the native annulus with an off-set sub-annular tension arm/tab 126 positioned below the native annulus, and an off-set supra-annular tension arm/tab 128 positioned above the native annulus, while the tubular frame 102 is rolled into functional position parallel to the annular plane. Once the valve is rolled into position, and the tension arms are locked against the sub-annular and supra-annular tissues, the valve can also be further anchored using traditional anchoring elements as disclosed herein.

[0257] FIG. 54 is an illustration of a two-panel embodiment of an inner valve sleeve 110.

[0258] FIG. 55 is an illustration of one embodiment of an inner valve sleeve 110 having two rigid support posts 154.

[0259] FIG. 56 is an illustration of a three-panel embodiment of an inner valve sleeve 110.

[0260] FIG. 57 is an illustration of a three-panel embodiment of an inner valve sleeve 110 having three rigid support posts 154.

[0261] FIG. 58 is a flowchart describing one set of method steps for delivery of a low-profile, side-loaded prosthetic valve.

[0262] FIG. 59(a)-(c) is an illustration of a plan view of a tissue anchor having a floating radio-opaque marker. This figure shows the tissue anchor accessing the annular tissue withe the radio-opaque marker at the distal end of the anchor and in contact with the atrial surface of the annular tissue. This figure shows the tissue anchor advancing into the annular tissue with the radio-opaque marker threaded onto the tissue anchor and maintaining position on the atrial surface of the annular tissue. This figure shows the tissue anchor completely advanced into the annular tissue such that the tissue anchor and the threaded floating marker are now adjacent, indicating the desired depth, tension, and/or plication of the tissue anchor with respect to the annular tissue.

[0263] FIG. 60 is an illustration of a plan view of a tissue anchor having a straight thread and a constant pitch.

[0264] FIG. 61 is an illustration of a plan view of a tissue anchor having a straight thread and a variable pitch.

[0265] FIG. 62 is an illustration of a plan view of a tissue anchor having a tapered thread and a constant pitch.

[0266] FIG. 63 is an illustration of a plan view of a tissue anchor having a sunken taper thread and a variable pitch.

[0267] FIG. 64 is an illustration of Step 1 of a 4 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 64 shows a low profile valve being inserted into the valve annulus and low profile valve having an integral anchor delivery conduit or channel with an anchor disposed in the lumen of the channel and an anchor delivery catheter attached to the anchor.

[0268] FIG. 65 is an illustration of Step 2 of a 4 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 65 shows a low profile valve completely deployed within the valve annulus and an integral anchor delivery conduit or channel with an anchor disposed in the lumen of the channel and an anchor delivery catheter attached to the anchor.

[0269] FIG. 66 is an illustration of Step 3 of a 4 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 66 shows the anchor being pushed out of the lumen of the delivery conduit or channel and into the annular tissue.

[0270] FIG. 67 is an illustration of Step 4 of a 4 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 67 shows the anchor in a locked position after being pushed out of the lumen of the delivery conduit or channel and into the annular tissue, thus anchoring the proximal side of the low profile valve.

[0271] FIG. 68 is an illustration of Step 1 of a 5 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 68 shows catheter delivery of an attachment wire with the clip housed within the lumen of the clip delivery catheter.

[0272] FIG. 69 is an illustration of Step 2 of a 5 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 69 shows the clip delivery catheter inserted into an intra-annular space and shows an attachment wire and shows the clip housed within the lumen of the clip delivery catheter.

[0273] FIG. 70 is an illustration of Step 3 of a 5 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 70 shows a receiver element ejected from the delivery catheter and positioned behind tissue to be captured.

[0274] FIG. 71 is an illustration of Step 4 of a 5 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 71 shows an anchor element piercing the annular tissue and inserting into a receiver element.

[0275] FIG. 72 is an illustration of Step 5 of a 5 step process for clipping a low profile valve to annular tissue, as shown here in a non-limiting example of clipping to a proximal or anterior side of the native annulus. FIG. 72 shows that the clip delivery catheter is withdrawn and the anchor element and receiver element are connected to the annular tissue and a also connected by connector wire to the low profile valve.

[0276] FIG. 73 is an illustration of one embodiment of a partial cut-away interior view of a tri-leaflet embodiment of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve.

[0277] FIG. 74 is an illustration of another embodiment of a partial cut-away interior view of a tri-leaflet embodiment of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve.

[0278] FIG. 75 is an illustration of a top view of a tri-leaflet embodiment of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve.

[0279] FIG. 76 is an illustration of the trans-septal (femoral-IVC) delivery of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic MITRAL valve shown partially housed within the delivery catheter, and partially ejected for deployment into the native mitral annulus.

[0280] FIG. 77 is an illustration of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic MITRAL valve shown housed within the delivery catheter.

[0281] FIG. 78 is an illustration of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic MITRAL valve shown partially housed within a delivery catheter and partially latterally ejected from the delivery catheter and positioned for deployment against the anterior side of the native mitral annulus.

[0282] FIG. 79 is an illustration of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic MITRAL valve shown ejected from the delivery catheter and positioned against the anterior side of the native mitral annulus.

[0283] FIG. 80 is an illustration of a side or plan view of a low-profile, e.g. 8-20 mm, side-loaded prosthetic valve shown deployed into the native MITRAL annulus.

[0284] FIG. 81 is a flowchart showing a preferred embodiment of a method for side delivery of implantable prosthetic valve to a desired location in the body, the method comprising the steps:

[0285] advancing a delivery catheter to the desired location in the body and delivering an expandable prosthetic valve to the desired location in the body by releasing the valve from the delivery catheter,

[0286] wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve,

[0287] wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction,

[0288] wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter,

[0289] wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0290] FIG. 82 is a flowchart showing a preferred embodiment of a method for side or orthogonal loading an implantable prosthetic valve into a delivery catheter, the method comprising the steps:

[0291] loading an implantable prosthetic valve into a tapering fixture or funnel attached to a delivery catheter,

[0292] wherein the valve comprises a tubular frame having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve,

[0293] wherein said loading is perpendicular or substantially orthogonal to the first direction,

[0294] wherein the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter for implanting at a desired location in the body, said compressed configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction, and expandable to an expanded configuration having a long-axis oriented at an intersecting angle of between 45-135 degrees to the first direction,

[0295] wherein the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter,

[0296] wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm.

[0297] FIG. 83(a)-(d) is an illustration of one embodiment of the invention showing a four step (a)-(d) process for compressing a prosthetic valve to provide a long-axis that is coplanar or parallel with the length-wise axis of a delivery catheter. FIG. 83 shows that a prosthetic valve having a tubular frame made of a cuff and a trans-annular tubular section, having a flow control component mounted within the tubular frame and configured to permit blood flow in a first direction through an inflow end of the valve and block blood flow in a second direction, opposite the first direction, through an outflow end of the valve, is compressible along a long-axis that is parallel to a length-wise axis of a delivery catheter. FIG. 83 shows that the valve is compressible to a compressed configuration for introduction into the body using a delivery catheter where said compressed configuration has a long-axis that is perpendicular to the blood flow direction axis, i.e. oriented at an intersecting (orthogonal) angle of between 45-135 degrees, e.g. 90 degrees, to the first (blood flow) direction, and where the long-axis of the compressed configuration of the valve is substantially parallel to a length-wise cylindrical axis of the delivery catheter, wherein the valve has a height of about 5-60 mm and a diameter of about 25-80 mm. FIG. 83 (a) shows an illustration of an uncompressed valve. FIG. 83(b) shows an illustration of an initial rolling or folding of the cuff. The folding or rolling can be inwards as shown here, or may be outwardly rolled, or may also be flattened together for rolling the the entire valve rolled up from bottom to top. FIG. 83(c) shows an illustration of a valve that has been rolled or folded, using multiple folds or rolls, along a long-axis into a tube-shape. FIG. 83(d) shows an illustration of a completely compressed valve, that has been folded or rolled, using a compression accessory, and which is then loaded into the delivery catheter. Such a compressed valve may be self-expanding when released from the delivery catheter using shape-memory alloys, or the valve may be balloon expanded in a secondary process once the valve is released from the delivery catheter.

• [0298] 100 side-loading transcatheter heart valve replacement
• [0299] 102 a ring-shaped tubular frame
• [0300] 104 a braid, wire, or laser-cut wire frame
• [0301] 106 substantially circular central aperture,
• [0302] 108 biocompatible material cover for frame;
• [0303] 110 valve sleeve, aka a collapsible flow control sleeve
• [0304] 112,114 valve sleeve panels
• [0305] 116 a reciprocating closable channel from a heart atrium to a heart ventricle;
• [0306] 118 a transcatheter implantation (delivery) catheter
• [0307] 120 an internal diameter from 22 Fr (7.33 mm) to 34 Fr (11.33 mm),
• [0308] 122 compressed tubular frame oriented parallel to length-wise axis delivery catheter
• [0309] 124 length-wise axis of a delivery catheter.
• [0310] 126 lower tension arm/tab, braid/laser
• [0311] 128 upper tension arm/tab, braid/laser
• [0312] 130 proximal sealing cuff
• [0313] 132 hourglass annular seal
• [0314] 134 upper proximal tab
• [0315] 136 lower proximal tab
• [0316] 138 screw anchor
• [0317] 140 wire tubular frame
• [0318] 142 upper tension arm/tab, wire
• [0319] 144 lower tension arm/tab, wire
• [0320] 146 substantially circular central aperture
• [0321] 148 upper proximal tab, wire
• [0322] 150 steerable anchoring/deployment catheter
• [0323] 152 screw/anchor tab
• [0324] 154 valve sleeve support posts
• [0325] 156 sleeve terminus aperture

[0326] Various of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

[0327] Having described embodiments for the invention herein, it is noted that modifications and variations can be made by persons skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that changes may be made in the particular embodiments of the invention disclosed which are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Having thus described the invention with the details and particularity required by the patent laws, what is claimed and desired protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.