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 a longitudinal axis 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 wherein said clasper comprises a u-shaped member and two leg members, and wherein said leg members are movable relative to the support frame along the longitudinal axis between a nesting position with the outer surface and an engagement position with the valve annulus;
• 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.