Devices and methods for delivery of aortic and mitral valve prostheses

A method for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis, comprising:

• providing an implantation device, wherein the implantation device comprises,
• 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 to provide a one-way valve in the orifice when the support frame is in its expanded condition;
• and
• at least one valve clasper movably attached to said support frame such that said at least one valve clasper is movable-along said axis between a nesting position with the outer surface of the support frame and an engagement position, wherein the at least one valve clasper is comprised of a u-shaped member;
• and
• a control unit;
• at least one track wire, said at least one track wire having a proximal end attached to the control unit and a distal end for contact with the at least one valve clasper;
• a first sheath, wherein the first sheath encases at last a portion of the at least one valve clasper;
• and
• a second sheath, wherein the second sheath encases at least a portion of the support frame in a compact condition and wherein the second sheath is positioned serially to and distally from the first sheath;
• inserting the implantation device into a patient for deploying the valve prosthesis within a native cardiac valve;
• and
• removing the implantation device without the valve prosthesis from the patient.