Stent-valves for valve replacement and associated methods and systems for surgery

A method for implanting a stent-valve at an implantation site for cardiac valve replacement, comprising the steps of:

• providing a stent-valve and a delivery device, the delivery device including a stent-holder and an outer-sheath;
• removably attaching the stent-valve to the delivery device by way of the stent-holder and the outer sheath, wherein:
• the stent-valve comprises a valve component, and a stent component including at least two integral attachment elements provided therewith,
• the stent component and the valve component configured with a collapsed configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration after implantation,
• the at least two attachment elements are matably attached to the stent-holder, such that the stent-valve is held in position with respect to the delivery device by the stent-holder,
• in a closed position, the outer sheath encompasses the stent-valve and constrains expansion of the stent-valve, and
• the outer sheath is configured for distal movement relative to the stent holder in order to transition from the closed position, to a partially-open position, to an open position;
• delivering the stent-valve to the implantation site in the collapsed condition;
• partially expanding the stent-valve while maintaining attachment of the at least two attachment elements to the stent-holder, such that the stent-holder holds the stent-valve in position with respect to the delivery device;
• determining whether the partially expanded stent-valve is positioned correctly at the implantation site;
• wherein upon the determination being positive, allowing the at least two attachment elements to detach from the stent-holder to cause the stent-valve to expand from the partially expanded configuration to the expanded configuration;
• and
• wherein upon the determination being negative, returning the stent-valve to the collapsed configuration and repositioning the stent-valve at the implantation site.