Apparatus and method for replacing a diseased cardiac valve

An apparatus for replacing a native atrioventricular valve, comprising:

• a radially expandable and compressible securing member comprising an inlet end portion, an outlet end portion, a main body portion extending between the inlet end portion and the outlet end portion, and a plurality of attachment members coupled to the outlet end portion, wherein the main body portion is configured to contact an annulus of the native atrioventricular valve when implanted therein, wherein when the apparatus is in the radially expanded state, the attachment members extend radially outwardly from the main body portion and are configured to contact tissue in a ventricle downstream of the native atrioventricular valve, wherein when the apparatus is in the radially expanded state, the inlet end portion of the securing member extends radially outwardly from the main body portion and is configured to contact tissue in an atrium upstream of the native atrioventricular valve, and wherein when the apparatus is in the radially expanded state, the inlet end portion has a greater diameter than the main body portion;
• a radially expandable and compressible annular support member disposed within the securing member;
• and
• a prosthetic valve disposed within and secured to the support member;
• wherein the apparatus is radially compressible to a radially compressed state for placing the apparatus in a delivery catheter and delivering the apparatus to the native atrioventricular valve and wherein the apparatus can radially expand to a radially expanded state when released from the delivery catheter.

An apparatus for replacing a native mitral valve or a native tricuspid valve, comprising:

• a radially expandable and compressible securing member having a first end portion, a second end portion, and a main body portion extending between the first and second end portions, wherein the securing member comprises a first attachment member disposed at the first end portion and a second attachment member disposed at the second end portion, wherein when the apparatus is in the radially expanded state, the first attachment member extends radially outwardly from the main body portion and is configured to contact and anchor against tissue in an atrium upstream of the native mitral valve or native tricuspid valve, wherein when the apparatus is in the radially expanded state, the second attachment member extends radially outwardly from the main body portion and is configured to contact and anchor against tissue in a ventricle downstream of the native mitral valve or native tricuspid valve;
• a radially expandable and compressible annular support member disposed within the securing member, wherein an outlet end of the support member is positioned adjacent to an outlet end of the securing member, wherein the support member is pre-attached to the securing member with sutures before placing the apparatus in a delivery catheter;
• and
• a prosthetic valve disposed within and secured to the support member;
• wherein the apparatus is radially compressible to a radially compressed state for placing the apparatus in the delivery catheter and delivering the apparatus to the native mitral valve or the native tricuspid valve and wherein the apparatus can radially expand to a radially expanded state when released from the delivery catheter.