Methods and devices for transapical delivery of a sutureless valve prosthesis

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

• providing an implantation device, comprising:
• a valve prosthesis comprising a support frame radially expandable between a compact condition and an expanded condition, said support frame having an outer surface and defining a central orifice about an axis along an inflow-outflow direction, a plurality of flexible leaflets attached to the support frame, and at least one valve clasper movably attached to said support frame such that the at least one valve clasper is movable along the axis between a nesting position and an engagement position, and wherein said clasper comprises a u-shaped member and two leg members;
• and
• a delivery device comprising a control unit, at least one track wire having a proximal end attached to the control unit and a distal end for contact with said at least one valve clasper, a first sheath, wherein the first sheath encases at least a portion of the valve prosthesis in its compact condition, and a second sheath, wherein the second sheath encases the at least one valve clasper;
• and
• inserting at least the distal end of the implantation device into a patient to deploy the valve prosthesis;
• and
• removing the delivery device from the patient.