a stent - valve device includes a non - collapsible valve component and a stent component having a first ring connected to a second ring . the first ring has a characteristic first diameter and a valve support for supporting the valve component . the second ring is contractible and expandable between a second diameter less than a third diameter . the second diameter is less than the first diameter and the third diameter is greater than the first diameter . the first ring preferably includes a plurality of elements that extend downward to feet that project radially inward . the valve component rests on the feet for support . a seal is preferably disposed about the first ring . the valve component may be mechanical valve prosthesis , a bio - prosthesis or a polymer - based prosthesis . in another aspect of the invention , a deployment catheter is provided for effectively deploying the stent - valve device described herein .