Stented prosthetic heart valve with variable stiffness and methods of use

A prosthetic heart valve comprising:

• a stent frame configured to expand from a compressed condition for transluminal delivery to a natural, expanded condition, the stent frame having a first end, a second end, and a lattice structure forming a tubular shape defining a circumference, wherein the lattice structure provides a plurality of closed cells arranged to define first and second bands of closed cells each extending about an entirety of the circumference, the first band located immediately longitudinally adjacent the second band, and further wherein the first band is configured to have a variable radial stiffness along the circumference in the natural condition, and even further wherein each of the closed cells of the second band are directly connected to a corresponding one of the closed cells of the second band;
• wherein each of the cells of the first band are positioned at an equal distance from the first end of the stent frame;
• further wherein each of the closed cells includes a plurality of interconnected struts, and at least one of the struts of the first band has a tapered shape;
• and
• a valve structure disposed within a lumen of the stent frame.