| abstract |
Tools can be used to assist with the implantation of heart valve prostheses, especially stentless aortic heart valve prostheses. In some embodiments, a heart valve prosthesis includes a plurality of flexible leaflets; a commissure support and a plurality of fasteners inserted into the inner surface of the commissure support and protruding from the outer surface of the commissure support. The fasteners comprise an elongated portion and a tip at an end of the elongated portion. In other embodiments, a heart valve prosthesis includes a plurality of flexible leaflets and a reinforcement secured to an inner surface of a valve commissure support. The reinforcement has an aperture. The heart valve prosthesis and fastener components can be placed into kits. The fasteners can be used to perform improved implantation procedures. |