Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries
are disclosed. The valves are rolled into a first, contracted
configuration for minimally invasive delivery and then unrolled or
unfurled at the implantation site. One- and two-piece stents may be used
in conjunction with a plurality of flexible leaflet-forming membranes.
The one-piece stents may include an annulus anchoring section, a sinus
section with the membranes attached over sinus apertures, and a rigid
outflow section. The two-piece stent may include a primary stent to
provide a tubular base at the annulus, and a secondary stent having the
membranes that couples within the primary stent. Lockout tabs to secure
the stents in their expanded shapes are provided. Also, alignment
structure may be provided to ensure concentric unfurling. Anchoring barbs
at the stent edges or in the stent body secure the valve within the
annulus. Methods of implantation are also provided.