Multiple Orifice Implantable Heart Valve and Methods of Implantation

Abstract

A surgically implantable multiple orifice heart valve having a valve frame with at least two orifices, each of which can accommodate a tissue valve. The multiple orifice heart valve includes a stent frame having a first side, an opposite second side, and multiple orifices or opening, each of which extends from the first side to the second side of the stent frame and is adjacent to at least one of the other multiple orifices or openings.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . A stent assembly comprising a first stent barrel, a second stent barrel adjacent to the first stent barrel, and a stent frame surrounding an outermost periphery of the first and second stent barrels. 
     
     
         11 . The stent assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the stent frame is rigid such that the first and second stent barrels are not moveable relative to each other within the stent frame. 
     
     
         12 . The stent assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the stent frame is flexible such that the first and second stent barrels are moveable relative to each other within the stent frame. 
     
     
         13 . The stent assembly of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the first and second stent barrels is cylindrical. 
     
     
         14 . The stent assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the first and second stent barrels have generally the same cross-sectional shape and size. 
     
     
         15 . The stent assembly of  claim 10 , wherein the first stent barrel has a different cross-sectional shape than the second stent barrel. 
     
     
         16 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . A method of replacing a surgically implanted multiple orifice valve assembly in a patient, comprising the step of percutaneously delivering a replacement valve to at least one orifice of the valve assembly, wherein each replacement valve comprises at least one anchoring structure that is engageable with at least one docking feature of the multiple orifice valve assembly. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a replacement valve is delivered to each of the orifices of the multiple valve assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein each replacement valve is a compressible and expandable stented heart valve.