Flexible cardiac valvular support prosthesis

摘要

A support for a natural heart valve is disclosed. The support is generally ring shaped and has a size and shape to fit against the natural heart valve annulus. First length of the support is flexible, and a second length of the support is less flexible than the first length of the support. Accordingly, when the support is implanted, the support can shape the heart valve annulus and the first length of the support allows contraction of the heart valve annulus therealong.