Valve replacement systems and methods

A method of replacing a valve, comprising:

• implanting an anchoring structure adjacent a native mitral valve so that a supra-annular retention element of the anchoring structure is positioned above an annulus of the native mitral valve while a plurality of commissural wire structures of the anchoring structure extend downwardly through opposing commissures between native leaflets of the native mitral valve and sub-annular anchor feet of the anchoring structure directly engage commissural clefts below the annulus of the native mitral valve without disruption of native valve function of the native mitral valve;
• and after implanting the anchoring structure adjacent to the native mitral valve, attaching an artificial valve to the anchoring structure by advancing the artificial valve out of a valve delivery catheter proximate to the native mitral valve and securing the artificial valve to the supra-annular retention element of the anchoring structure positioned above the annulus of the native mitral valve.