Patent attributes
A method of implanting a universal heart valve prosthetic anchor device for receipt of a mating occluder. The anchor device includes a pair of rings axially shiftable from a retracted to a deployed position. The anchor device further formed with a plurality of flexible retaining elements received within the anchor rings and which are capable of laterally downwardly outward movement upon deployment of the rings. The deployment tool includes an elongated tubular housing mounted at its distal end with radially outwardly diverging tines for reversible engagement with the anchoring rings. A wire is telescoped through the tines for actuation of the fork thereby causing deployment of the anchoring rings. Once placed at the desired location within the heart muscle, the deployment tool is actuated causing the anchor device to shift axially thereby causing the retainers to deploy outwardly and upwardly to secure the valve anchor in place at the heart valve annulus shelf.
