A method of implanting a universal heart valve prosthetic anchor device for receipt
of a mating occluder. The anchor device includes a pair of rings axially shiftable
from a retracted to a deployed position. The anchor device further formed with
a plurality of flexible retaining elements received within the anchor rings and
which are capable of laterally downwardly outward movement upon deployment of the
rings. The deployment tool includes an elongated tubular housing mounted at its
distal end with radially outwardly diverging tines for reversible engagement with
the anchoring rings. A wire is telescoped through the tines for actuation of the
fork thereby causing deployment of the anchoring rings. Once placed at the desired
location within the heart muscle, the deployment tool is actuated causing the anchor
device to shift axially thereby causing the retainers to deploy outwardly and upwardly
to secure the valve anchor in place at the heart valve annulus shelf.
