Implant and Method for Improving Coaptation of an Atrioventricular Valve

A method of improving coaptation of an atrioventricular valve, the atrioventricular valve having an annulus, a first native leaflet and a second native leaflet, the method comprising:

• providing an implant comprising a support structure and retention means fixed to the support structure, wherein the support structure comprises an upper support element and a lower support element, the implant being arranged in a tubular housing with the upper and the lower support structure being in a folded state, said tubular housing comprising a first and a second half-shell, wherein the first half-shell houses the upper support element and the second half-shell houses the lower support element,
• advancing the tubular housing into the heart,
• swinging open the half-shells,
• advancing the tubular housing with the implant so that the first or the second native leaflet is arranged between the first and the second half-shells,
• unfolding the upper and the lower support structure,
• fixing the upper and the lower support structure relative to the annulus or to the first or second native leaflet, said fixing step comprising interconnecting connection means of the upper and the lower support elements thereby clamping a section of the annulus or said first or the second native leaflet between the upper support element and the lower support element, wherein at least one connection means comprises a penetrating section that penetrates the annulus or said first or second native leaflet when being connected with the other connection means,
• positioning the retention means so as to prevent prolapse of the first or second native leaflet, and
• withdrawing the tubular housing from the heart.