Biologically implantable prosthesis and methods of using the same

Abstract

A heart valve assembly includes a first annular prosthesis for implantation within a tissue annulus, a second valve prosthesis, and a plurality of magnets on the first and second prostheses to secure the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis. In one embodiment, the magnets are arranged to allow the second prosthesis to be secured to the first prosthesis in a predetermined angular orientation. During use, the first annular prosthesis is implanted into the annulus, and the second valve prosthesis is inserted into the annulus. The magnets orient the second prosthesis relative to the first prosthesis to align the second prosthesis with the first prosthesis in a predetermined angular orientation; and secure the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis in the predetermined angular orientation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.