Devices and methods for delivery of valve prostheses

A method for deploying a heart valve prosthesis within a native heart valve annulus, the method comprising:

• providing an implantation device having a valve prosthesis and a delivery device, the valve prosthesis having (i) a radially expandable support frame having an outer surface and a longitudinal axis, (ii) a plurality of flexible leaflets attached to the support frame, and (iii) a valve clasper movably coupled to the support frame such that the valve clasper is movable relative to the support frame along the longitudinal axis from an engagement position in which the valve clasper and the support frame are collapsed against the delivery device to a nesting position in which the support frame is positioned within the valve clasper, the delivery device having a control unit, a track wire, and first and second sheaths, the track wire having a proximal end attached to the control unit and a distal end for contact with the valve clasper, the first sheath encasing at least a portion of the valve prosthesis in a compact condition, the second sheath encasing at least a portion of the valve clasper;
• inserting at least the distal end of the implantation device into a patient;
• advancing the implantation device toward the heart through the vena cava.