The present invention provides a valve configured for insertion on the proximal
and distal sides of a heart valve annulus to replace the heart valve of a patient.
The valve comprises a first substantially annular portion adapted to be positioned
on a proximal side of the annulus of a patient and a second substantially annular
portion adapted to be positioned on a distal side of the annulus of a patient,
wherein at least one of the first and second substantially annular portions is
movable towards the other portion to a clamped position to clamp around the annulus.
The second portion has a flow restricting portion extending therefrom and is movable
between a first position to permit the flow of blood and a second position to restrict
the flow of blood. In one embodiment, the valve has a suture joining the first
and second portions to draw the first and second portions into closer proximity
and a cinch member to secure the suture to maintain the first and second portions
in the clamped position. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are
connected by a first segment which biases the first and second portions toward
the clamped position.