WO2025170971A1

WO2025170971A1 - Implantable medical devices

Info

Publication number: WO2025170971A1
Application number: PCT/US2025/014546
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sandip Vasant PAWAR; Gillian Irene ARMSTRONG
Original assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
Current assignee: Edwards Lifesciences Corp
Priority date: 2024-02-06
Filing date: 2025-02-05
Publication date: 2025-08-14
Anticipated expiration: 2026-08-06

Abstract

Disclosed herein are articles comprising: a knitted fabric having a first dimension defined by a first edge and a second edge, and a second dimension, which is perpendicular to the first dimension and defined by a third edge and a fourth edge; wherein the knitted fabric comprises a mesh layer and a pile layer, wherein the mesh layer at at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the knitted fabric comprises a first edge portion and/or a second edge portion that is substantially free of the pile yam; and wherein the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion comprise a first inlaid yarn inserted into the mesh layer along the second dimension of the knitted fabric.

Description

IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICES CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/550,344, filed February 6, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes. FIELD [0002] The present disclosure relates to implantable expandable prosthetic devices and methods and apparatuses for such prosthetic devices. BACKGROUND [0003] The heart can suffer from various valvular diseases or malformations that result in significant malfunctioning of the heart and ultimately require replacing the native heart valve with an artificial one. Human heart valves, which include the aortic, pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valves, function essentially as one-way valves operating in synchronization with the pumping heart. The valves allow blood to flow downstream but block blood from flowing upstream. Diseased heart valves exhibit impairments such as narrowing of the valve or regurgitation, which inhibits the valves' ability to control blood flow. Such impairments reduce the heart's blood-pumping efficiency and can be a debilitating and life-threatening condition. For example, valve insufficiency can lead to conditions such as heart hypertrophy and dilation of the ventricle. Thus, extensive efforts have been made to develop methods and apparatuses to repair or replace impaired heart valves. [0004] Prostheses exist to correct problems associated with impaired heart valves. For example, mechanical and tissue-based heart valve prostheses can be used to replace impaired native heart valves. More recently, substantial effort has been dedicated to developing replacement heart valves, particularly tissue-based replacement heart valves that can be delivered with less trauma to the patient than through open-heart surgery. Replacement valves are being designed to be delivered through minimally invasive procedures and even percutaneous procedures. Such replacement valves often include a tissue-based valve body that is connected to an expandable frame that is then delivered to the native valve's annulus. [0005] These replacement valves are often intended to at least partially block blood flow. However, a problem occurs when blood flows around the valve on the outside of the prosthesis. For example, in the context of replacement heart valves, paravalvular leakage has proven particularly challenging. An additional challenge relates to the ability of such prostheses to be secured relative to intra-luminal tissue, e.g., tissue within any body lumen or cavity, in an atraumatic manner. Further challenges arise when trying to controllably deliver and secure such prostheses in a location such as at a native mitral valve. These replacement valves are often intended to at least partially block blood flow. [0006] Because of the drawbacks associated with conventional open-heart surgery, percutaneous and minimally-invasive surgical approaches are garnering intense attention. In one technique, a prosthetic valve is configured to be implanted in a much less invasive procedure by way of catheterization. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos.5,411,522 and 6,730,118, 7,393,360, 7,510,575, and 7,993,394, which are incorporated herein by reference, describe collapsible transcatheter heart valves (THVs) that can be percutaneously introduced in a compressed state on a catheter and expanded in the desired position by balloon inflation or by utilization of a self-expanding frame or stent. In yet another example, U.S. U.S. Publication Nos.2014/0277390, 2014/0277422, 2014/0277427, 2015/0328000, and 2019/0328515, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, describe heart valve prostheses for replacing a native mitral valve, including a self-expanding frame with a plurality of anchoring members that are designed be deployed within a body cavity and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. [0007] However, problems still can occur. For example, in the context of replacement heart valves, the challenge is to reduce push forces during the valve deployment. In some cases it can be done by reducing the thicknesses of the valve parts. However, this reduction can result in undesirable paravalvular leakage. [0008] These and other challenges are addressed in this disclosure. SUMMARY [0009] Some of the aspects of the present disclosure relate to textiles. In certain aspects, the textiles can be used in various articles. In still further aspects, the articles can be implantable prosthetic devices, for example, implantable heart valves. [0010] Some aspects disclosed herein are directed to an article comprising: a knitted fabric having a first dimension defined by a first edge and a second edge, and a second dimension, which is perpendicular to the first dimension and defined by a third edge and a fourth edge; wherein the knitted fabric comprises a mesh layer and a pile layer, wherein the pile layer comprises a plurality of pile yarns extending outwardly from at least a portion of an outer surface of the mesh layer, wherein an inner surface of the mesh layer is substantially free of the pile yarns, wherein the mesh layer at at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the knitted fabric comprises a first edge portion and/or a second edge portion that is substantially free of the pile yarn; and wherein the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion comprise a first inlaid yarn inserted into the mesh layer along the second dimension of the knitted fabric. [0011] In yet further aspects, the mesh layer present in the article can comprise one or more weft yarns forming a plurality of courses extending along the first dimension of the knitted fabric and at least one warp yarn configured to form a plurality of warp loops that connect each course of the plurality of courses to an adjacent course along the second dimension of the knitted fabric thus forming a plurality of wales. [0012] In still further aspects, the pile yarns are arranged to form a looped pile or wherein the pile yarns are cut to form a cut pile. [0013] In still further aspects, the knitted fabric is crochet knitted and/or warp-knitted fabric and/or weft-knit fabric. [0014] In still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn can be monofilament and/or multifilament. [0015] In yet still further aspects, the disclosed herein articles can have a pile layer that forms a pattern such that at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric are substantially free of the pile yarn. [0016] In such exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the pattern can be a wavy pattern having a plurality of waves defined by a plurality of peaks and valleys. [0017] In some aspects, disclosed are articles, where the at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric that are substantially free of the pile yarn form a plurality of gaps between the plurality of waves ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. [0018] In some aspects, disclosed are articles where the knitted fabric comprises one or more second inlaid yarns inserted into a weft direction across the first dimension of the knitted fabric. [0019] In some aspects, the articles disclosed herein can be used as an outer sealing member in an implantable medical device. [0020] Disclosed is also an implantable medical device comprising: (a) an annular frame having an inner surface and an outer surface, an inflow end, and an outflow end; wherein the annular frame is compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration; and (b) any of the disclosed herein articles, wherein the article is an outer sealing member mounted circumferentially around the outer surface of the annular frame. [0021] Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures, and claims that follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description or can be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as disclosed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0022] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a prosthetic heart valve, according to one aspect. [0023] FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary outer sealing member arranged around a circumference of an outer surface of an annular frame of an exemplary prosthetic heart valve. [0024] FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary outer sealing member prior to the attachment to an exemplary annular frame of an exemplary prosthetic heart valve. [0025] FIGURES 4-8 show an exemplary frame of the prosthetic heart valve of FIG.1. [0026] FIGURES 9-10 show the assembly of an exemplary leaflet structure. [0027] FIGURES 11-12 show an exemplary inner skirt of an exemplary prosthetic heart valve. [0028] FIGURE 13 shows a schematic of an exemplary knitted fabric that can be used as an exemplary outer sealing member, illustrating different yarn components that are knit together. [0029] FIGURES 14A-14C show a schematic knit pattern of an exemplary knitted fabric (FIG.14A), a schematic of an example inlaid yarn (FIG.14B) and a photograph of the same (FIG.14C). [0030] FIGURES 15A-15B show schematics of an exemplary outer sealing member in one aspect. [0031] FIGURES 16A-16B show schematics of a loop side of an exemplary outer sealing member in another aspect. [0032] FIGURE 17 shows a schematic of a loop side of an exemplary outer sealing member in another aspect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0033] The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present articles, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific or exemplary aspects of articles, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. [0034] The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and may even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is again provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof. DEFINITIONS [0035] As used in this application and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a “yarn” includes aspects having two or more such yarns unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. [0036] Still further, as used herein, the term “at least one” encompasses one or more of the specified elements. That is, if two of a particular element are present, one of these elements is also present, and thus “an” element is present. [0037] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the specification and in the claims, the term “comprising” can include the aspects “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.” Additionally, the term “includes” means “comprises.” [0038] For the terms “for example,” “exemplary,” and “such as,” and grammatical equivalences thereof, the phrase “and without limitation” is understood to follow unless explicitly stated otherwise. It is further understood that these phrases are used for explanatory purposes only. It is further understood that the term "exemplary," as used herein, means "an example of" and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal aspect. [0039] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It should be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint and independently of the other endpoint. Unless stated otherwise, the term “about” means within 5% (e.g., within 2% or 1%) of the particular value modified by the term “about.” [0040] As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. [0041] Further, the terms “coupled” and “associated” generally mean electrically, electromagnetically, and/or physically (e.g., mechanically or chemically) coupled or linked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elements between the coupled or associated items. [0042] The term “fiber,” as used herein, includes fibers of extreme or indefinite length (i.e., filaments) and fibers of short length (i.e., staple fibers). It is also understood that the terms fiber and filament can be used interchangeably. [0043] Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, a description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, 6 and any whole and partial increments therebetween. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. [0044] In still further aspects, when the specific values are disclosed between two end values, it is understood that these end values can also be included. [0045] In still further aspects, when the range is given and exemplary values are provided, it is understood that any ranges can be formed between any exemplary values within the broadest range. [0046] A weight percent (wt. %) of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the formulation or composition in which the component is included. [0047] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements or layers should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," "on" versus "directly on"). As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. [0048] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or a section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of exemplary aspects. [0049] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," “inner,” “outer,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures, but are not intended to be limiting. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. Even further, certain terms such as “outside,” “inside,” “interior,” and “exterior” can also provide some clarity with relative relationships, but such terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientation. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein are interpreted accordingly. [0050] As used herein, “and/or” means “and” or “or,” as well as “and” and “or.” [0051] Still further, as used herein, with reference to implantable device and delivery apparatus, the term “proximal” refers to a position, direction, or portion of a component that is closer to the user and/or a handle of the delivery apparatus that is outside the patient, while “distal” refers to a position, direction, or portion of a component that is further away from the user/or the handle of the delivery apparatus and close to the implantation site. The terms “longitudinal” and “axial” refer to an axis extending the proximal and distal directions unless otherwise expressly defined. Further, the term “radial” refers to a direction that is arranged perpendicular to the axis and points along a radium from a center of an object (where the axis is positioned at the center, such as the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve). [0052] As used herein, the term "substantially" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance completely occurs or that the subsequently described event or circumstance generally, typically, or approximately occurs. [0053] Still further, the term “substantially” can, in some aspects, refer to at least about at least about 90 %, at least about 91 %, at least about 92 %, at least about 93 %, at least about 94 %, at least about 95 %, at least about 96 %, at least about 97 %, at least about 98 %, at least about 99 %, or about 100 % of the stated property, component, composition, or other condition for which substantially is used to characterize or otherwise quantify an amount. [0054] In other aspects, as used herein, the term “substantially free,” when used in the context of a composition or component of a composition that is substantially absent, is intended to indicate that the recited component is not intentionally batched and added to the composition, but can be present as an impurity along with other components being added to the composition. In such aspects, the term “substantially free,” is intended to refer to trace amounts that can be present in the batched components, for example, it can be present in an amount that is less than about 1 % by weight, e.g., less than about 0.5 % by weight, less than about 0.1 % by weight, less than about 0.05 % by weight, or less than about 0.01 % by weight of the stated material, based on the total weight of the composition. [0055] In other aspects, as used herein, the term “substantially free,” when used in the context of the presence of a disclosed component, is to indicate that the recited component is not intentionally present. [0056] As used herein, the term “substantially,” in, for example, the context “substantially identical” or “substantially similar” refers to a method or a system, or a component that is at least about 90%, at least about 91%, at least about 92%, at least about 93%, at least about 94%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or about 100% by similar to the method, system, or the component it is compared to. [0057] Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways (readily discernable, based on this disclosure, by one of ordinary skill in the art) in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses. Additionally, the description sometimes uses terms such as “produce” and “provide” to describe the disclosed method. These terms are high-level abstractions of the actual operations that can be performed. The actual operations that correspond to these terms can vary depending on the particular implementation and are, based on this disclosure, readily discernible by one of ordinary skill in the art. [0058] While aspects of the present invention can be described and claimed in a particular statutory class, such as the system statutory class, this is for convenience only, and one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each aspect of the present invention can be described and claimed in any statutory class. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method or aspect set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not specifically state in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including matters of logic with respect to the arrangement of steps or operational flow, plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification. [0059] The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of various aspects of the invention and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description. ARTICLE [0060] Described herein are various articles comprising knitted fabrics. Still further described herein are knitted fabrics that can be used as coverings and/or sealing members in implantable devices such as prosthetic heart valves and so on. Also disclosed herein are members of making such articles and knitted fabrics. [0061] As disclosed herein knitted fabrics often can be used as sealing members with paravalvular sealing function. Some exemplary and unlimited knitted fabrics were disclosed previously in WO2021/202636, PCT/US2022/012312, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their full entirety. Some of the challenges with such fabrics, however, can be attributed to a need to have additional layers of fabric to prevent leakage through the porous base layer of the fabric. As a result, these layers add additional challenges with a need for higher push forces due to amount of material put on the valve cover. [0062] The materials disclosed herein are aimed at overcoming these challenges. [0063] In some aspects, disclosed herein is an article comprising: a knitted fabric having a first dimension defined by a first edge and a second edge and a second dimension, which is perpendicular to the first dimension and defined by a third edge and a fourth edge. In some aspects, the knitted fabric disclosed herein can comprise a mesh layer and a pile layer. In such aspects, the pile layer can comprise a plurality of pile yarns extending outwardly from at least a portion of an outer surface of the mesh layer. Yet, in such aspects, an inner surface of the mesh layer can be substantially free of the pile yarns. In some aspects, the mesh layer at at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the knitted fabric comprises a first edge portion and/or a second edge portion that is substantially free of the pile yarn. In still further aspects, the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion can comprise a first inlaid yarn inserted into the mesh layer along the second dimension of the knitted fabric. [0064] In still further aspects, the disclosed herein article and, more particularly, the disclosed herein knitted fabric can be an outer sealing member in an implantable medical device. In certain exemplary aspects, and as discussed in detail below, when the disclosed article is the outer sealing member, such a member can be positioned on an annular frame of the implantable medical device. In still further exemplary aspects, when the knitted fabric is the outer sealing member, the first dimension of the knitted fabric defines a height of the outer sealing member, while the second dimension of the knitted fabric is along a circumference of the annular frame. [0065] An exemplary and unlimiting article represented by a prosthetic valve 10 is shown in FIG.1. Any of the prosthetic valves disclosed herein are adapted to be implanted in the native aortic annulus, although in other aspects, they can be adapted to be implanted in the other native annuluses of the heart (e.g., the pulmonary, mitral, and tricuspid valves). The disclosed prosthetic valves can also be implanted within vessels communicating with the heart, including a pulmonary artery (for replacing the function of a diseased pulmonary valve, or the superior vena cava or the inferior vena cava (for replacing the function of a diseased tricuspid valve). [0066] The prosthetic valve 10 can have four main components: a stent or frame 12, a valvular structure 14, an inner skirt 16, and a perivalvular outer sealing member or outer skirt 18. The prosthetic valve 10 can have an inflow end portion 15, an intermediate portion 17, and an outflow end portion 19. The inner skirt 16 can be arranged on and/or coupled to an inner surface of frame 12, while the outer skirt 18 can be arranged on and/or coupled to an outer surface of frame 12. In examples disclosed herein the outer skirt 18 can be formed from the disclosed herein knitted fabric. [0067] The valvular structure 14 can comprise three leaflets 40 (as shown, for example, in FIG.10), collectively forming a leaflet structure, which can be arranged to collapse in a tricuspid arrangement, although, in other aspects, there can be greater or fewer number of leaflets (e.g., one or more leaflets 40). The leaflets 40 can be secured to one another at their adjacent sides to form commissures 124 of the leaflet structure 14. The lower edge of valvular structure 14 can have an undulating, curved, scalloped shape and can be secured to the inner skirt 16 by sutures (not shown). By forming the leaflets with this scalloped geometry, stresses on the leaflets are reduced, which in turn improves the durability of the prosthetic valve. Moreover, by virtue of the scalloped shape, folds and ripples at the belly of each leaflet (the central region of each leaflet), which can cause early calcification in those areas, can be eliminated or at least minimized. The scalloped geometry also reduces the amount of tissue material used to form leaflet structure, thereby allowing a smaller, more even crimped profile at the inflow end of the prosthetic valve. The leaflets 40 can be formed of pericardial tissue (e.g., bovine pericardial tissue), biocompatible synthetic materials, or various other suitable natural or synthetic materials as known in the art and described in U.S. Pat. No.6,730,118, which is incorporated by reference herein. [0068] As noted above, the leaflet structure 14 in the illustrated aspect includes three flexible leaflets 40 (although a greater or a smaller number of leaflets can be used). Additional information regarding the leaflets, as well as additional information regarding inner skirt material, can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0320556 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2018/036530, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0069] The leaflets 40 can be secured to one another at their adjacent sides to form commissures 22 of the leaflet structure (FIG.1). A plurality of flexible connectors 124 (one of which is shown in FIG.9) can be used to interconnect pairs 116 of adjacent sides of the leaflets and to mount the leaflets to the commissure window frame portions 30 (FIG. 5). FIG.9 shows the adjacent sides of two leaflets 40 interconnected by a flexible connector 124. Three leaflets 40 can be secured to each other side-to-side using three flexible connectors 124, as shown in FIG.10. Additional information regarding connecting the leaflets to each other, as well as connecting the leaflets to the frame, can be found, for example, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2012/0123529, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. [0070] The bare frame 12 is shown in FIG.4. Frame 12 can be formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots or commissure windows, 20 (three are shown in the illustrated and unlimiting aspect) that are adapted to mount the commissures of the valvular structure 14 to the frame, as described in greater detail below. The frame 12 can be made of any of various suitable plastically-expandable materials (e.g., stainless steel, etc.) or self- expanding materials (e.g., nickel titanium alloy (NiTi), such as nitinol) known in the art. When constructed of a plastically-expandable material, frame 12 (and thus the prosthetic valve 10) can be crimped to a radially collapsed configuration on a delivery catheter and then expanded at the implantation site by an inflatable balloon or equivalent expansion mechanism. When constructed of a self-expandable material, frame 12 (and thus the prosthetic valve 10) can be crimped to a radially collapsed configuration and restrained in the collapsed configuration by insertion into a sheath or equivalent mechanism of a delivery catheter. Once inside the body, the prosthetic valve can be advanced from the delivery sheath, which allows the prosthetic valve to expand to its functional size. [0071] Suitable plastically-expandable materials that can be used to form the frame 12 include, without limitation, stainless steel, biocompatible, high-strength alloys (e.g., a cobalt-chromium or a nickel-cobalt-chromium alloys), polymers, or combinations thereof. In particular aspects, frame 12 is made of a nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, such as MP35N® alloy (SPS Technologies, Jenkintown, Pa.), which is equivalent to UNS R30035 alloy (covered by ASTM F562-02). MP35N® alloy/UNS R30035 alloy comprises 35% nickel, 35% cobalt, 20% chromium, and 10% molybdenum by weight. It has been found that the use of MP35N® alloy to form frame 12 provides superior structural results over stainless steel. In particular, when MP35N® alloy is used as the frame material, less material is needed to achieve the same or better performance in radial and crush force resistance, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance. Moreover, since less material is required, the crimped profile of the frame can be reduced, thereby providing a lower-profile prosthetic valve assembly for percutaneous delivery to the treatment location in the body. [0072] Referring to FIGS.4 and 5, frame 12 in the illustrated aspect comprises a first, lower row I of angled struts 22 arranged end-to-end and extending circumferentially at the inflow end of the frame; a second row II of circumferentially extending angled struts 24; a third row III of circumferentially extending, angled struts 26; a fourth row IV of circumferentially extending angled struts 28; and a fifth row V of circumferentially extending, angled struts 32 at the outflow end of the frame. A plurality of substantially straight axially extending struts 34 can be used to interconnect the struts 22 of the first row I with the struts 24 of the second row II. The fifth row V of angled struts 32 is connected to the fourth row IV of angled struts 28 by a plurality of axially extending window frame portions 30 (which define the commissure windows 20) and a plurality of axially extending struts 31. Each axial strut 31 and each frame portion 30 extends from a location defined by the convergence of the lower ends of two angled struts 32 to another location defined by the convergence of the upper ends of two angled struts 28. FIGS.6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are enlarged views of the portions of frame 12 identified by letters A, B, C, D, and E, respectively, in FIG. 5. [0073] Each commissure window frame portion 30 mounts a respective commissure of the leaflet structure 14. As can be seen, each frame portion 30 is secured at its upper and lower ends to the adjacent rows of struts to provide a robust configuration that enhances fatigue resistance under cyclic loading of the prosthetic valve compared to known, cantilevered struts for supporting the commissures of the leaflet structure. This configuration enables a reduction in the frame wall thickness to achieve a smaller crimped diameter of the prosthetic valve. In certain aspects, the thickness T of frame 12 (FIG.4) measured between the inner diameter and outer diameter ranges from 0.40 mm to 0.50 mm. In certain aspects, the thickness T of frame 12 (FIG.4) measured between the inner diameter and outer diameter is about 0.48 mm or less. [0074] The struts and frame portions of the frame collectively define a plurality of open cells of the frame. At the inflow end of frame 12, struts 22, struts 24, and struts 34 define a lower row of cells defining openings 36. The second, third, and fourth rows of struts 24, 26, and 28 define two intermediate rows of cells defining openings 38. The fourth and fifth rows of struts 28 and 32, along with frame portions 30 and struts 31, define an upper row of cells defining openings 41. The openings 41 are relatively large and are sized to allow portions of the leaflet structure 14 to protrude, or bulge, into and/or through the openings 41 when the frame 12 is crimped in order to minimize the crimping profile. [0075] As best shown in FIG.7, the lower end of the strut 31 is connected to two struts 28 at a node or junction 44, and the upper end of the strut 31 is connected to two struts 32 at a node or junction 46. The strut 31 can have a thickness S₁ that is less than the thicknesses S₂ of the junctions 44 and 46. The junctions 4446, along with junctions 64, prevent full closure of openings 41. (FIG.5) The geometry of the struts 31, and junctions 44, and 46, assists in creating enough space in openings 41 in the collapsed configuration to allow portions of the prosthetic leaflets to protrude or bulge outwardly through openings. This allows the prosthetic valve to be crimped to a relatively smaller diameter than if all of the leaflet material were constrained within the crimped frame. [0076] Frame 12 is configured to reduce, prevent, or minimize possible over-expansion of the prosthetic valve at a predetermined balloon pressure, especially at the outflow end portion of the frame, which supports the leaflet structure 14. In one aspect, the frame is configured to have relatively larger angles 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, 42e between struts, as shown in FIG.5. The larger the angle, the greater the force required to open (expand) the frame. As such, the angles between the struts of the frame can be selected to limit the radial expansion of the frame at a given opening pressure (e.g., inflation pressure of the balloon). In some exemplary aspects, these angles are at least 110 degrees or greater when the frame is expanded to its functional size, and even more particularly, these angles are up to about 120 degrees when the frame is expanded to its functional size. [0077] In addition, the inflow 15 and outflow 19 end portions of a frame generally tend to over-expand more so than the middle portion of the frame due to the “dog-boning” effect of the balloon used to expand the prosthetic valve. To protect against over-expansion of the leaflet structure 14, the leaflet structure desirably is secured to the frame 12 below the upper row of struts 32. Thus, in the event that the outflow end of the frame is over-expanded, the leaflet structure is positioned at a level below where over-expansion is likely to occur, thereby protecting the leaflet structure from over-expansion. [0078] In some aspects, in a prosthetic valve construction, portions of the leaflets can protrude longitudinally beyond the outflow end of the frame when the prosthetic valve is crimped if the leaflets are mounted too close to the distal end of the frame. If the delivery catheter on which the crimped prosthetic valve is mounted includes a pushing mechanism or stop member that pushes against or abuts the outflow end of the prosthetic valve (for example, to maintain the position of the crimped prosthetic valve on the delivery catheter), the pushing member or stop member can damage the portions of the exposed leaflets that extend beyond the outflow end of the frame. Another benefit of mounting the leaflets at a location spaced away from the outflow end of the frame is that when the prosthetic valve is crimped on a delivery catheter, the outflow end of the frame 12 rather than the leaflets 40 is the proximal-most component of the prosthetic valve 10. As such, if the delivery catheter includes a pushing mechanism or stop member that pushes against or abuts the outflow end of the prosthetic valve, the pushing mechanism or stop member contacts the outflow end of the frame, and not leaflets 40, so as to avoid damage to the leaflets. [0079] Also, as can be seen in FIG.5, the openings 36 of the lowermost row of openings in the frame are relatively larger than the openings 38 of the two intermediate rows of openings. This allows the frame, when crimped, to assume an overall tapered shape that tapers from a maximum diameter at the outflow end of the prosthetic valve to a minimum diameter at the inflow end of the prosthetic valve. When crimped, frame 12 has a reduced diameter region extending along a portion of the frame adjacent the inflow end of the frame that generally corresponds to the region of the frame covered by the outer skirt 18. In some aspects, the reduced diameter region is reduced compared to the diameter of the upper portion of the frame (which is not covered by the outer skirt) such that the outer skirt 18 does not increase the overall crimp profile of the prosthetic valve. When the prosthetic valve is deployed, the frame can expand to the generally cylindrical shape shown in FIG.4. In one example, the frame of a 26-mm prosthetic valve, when crimped, had a first diameter of 14 French at the outflow end of the prosthetic valve and a second diameter of 12 French at the inflow end of the prosthetic valve. [0080] Once inside the body, the prosthetic valve can be advanced from the delivery sheath, which allows the prosthetic valve to expand to its functional size. [0081] The exemplary valve 100, as shown in FIG.1, can optionally include an inner skirt 16. The main functions of the inner skirt 16 (FIG.11) are to assist in securing the valvular structure 14 to the frame 12 and to assist in forming a good seal between the prosthetic valve and the native annulus by blocking the flow of blood through the open cells of the frame 12 below the lower edge of the leaflets. The inner skirt 16 desirably comprises a tough, tear-resistant material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), although various other synthetic materials or natural materials (e.g., pericardial tissue) can be used. The thickness of the skirt is desirably less than about 0.15 mm (about 6 mil), and desirably less than about 0.10 mm (about 4 mil), and even more desirably about 0.05 mm (about 2 mil). In certain exemplary and unlimiting aspects, inner skirt 16 can have a variable thickness, for example, the skirt can be thicker at at least one of its edges than at its center. In one implementation, inner skirt 16 can comprise a PET skirt having a thickness of about 0.07 mm at its edges and about 0.06 mm at its center. The thinner skirt can provide for better crimping performances while still providing good perivalvular sealing. The inner skirt can be secured to the frame with the sutures (not shown). [0082] Valvular structure 14 can be attached to the skirt via one or more reinforcing strips (not shown) (which collectively can form a sleeve), for example, thin, PET reinforcing strips, discussed below, which enable a secure suturing and protect the pericardial tissue of the leaflet structure from tears. Valvular structure 14 can be sandwiched between skirt 16 and the thin PET strips. [0083] In certain aspects, the fabric of the inner skirts can comprise a weave of warp and weft fibers that extend perpendicularly to each other and, with one set of fibers extending longitudinally between the upper and lower edges of the skirt. When the metal frame to which the fabric of the inner skirt is secured is radially compressed, the overall axial length of the frame increases. Unfortunately, an inner skirt with limited elasticity cannot elongate along with the frame and, therefore, tends to deform the struts of the frame and to prevent uniform crimping. [0084] Referring to FIG.12, the exemplary inner skirt 16 as disclosed herein can be woven from a first set of fibers, or yarns or strands, 78 and a second set of fibers, or yarns or strands, 80, both of which are non-perpendicular to the upper edge 82 and the lower edge 84 of the skirt. In particular aspects, the first set of fibers 78 and the second set of fibers 80 extend at angles of about 45 degrees relative to the upper and lower edges 82, 84. Alternatively, the first set of fibers 78 and the second set of fibers 80 extend at angles other than about 45 degrees relative to the upper and lower edges 82, 84, e.g., at angles of 15 and 75 degrees, respectively, or 30 and 60 degrees, respectively, relative to the upper and lower edges 82, 84. For example, the inner skirt 16 can be formed by weaving the fibers at 45 degree angles relative to the upper and lower edges of the fabric. Alternatively, the inner skirt 16 can be diagonally cut (cut on a bias) from a vertically woven fabric (where the fibers extend perpendicularly to the edges of the material) such that the fibers extend at 45-degree angles relative to the cut upper and lower edges of the skirt. As further shown in FIG.12, the opposing short edges 86, 88 of the inner skirt can be, for example, non-perpendicular to the upper and lower edges 82, 84. In another example, the short edges 86, 88 can extend at angles of about 45 degrees relative to the upper and lower edges and, therefore, are aligned with the first set of fibers 78. Therefore, the overall general shape of the inner skirt is that of a rhomboid or parallelogram. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is noted that the 45 degree angle orientation can provide dimensional compliance to a rigid woven cloth as the inner skirt sees dimensional changes during crimping and expansion. [0085] The opposing short edge portions 90 and 92 are sewn together to form the annular shape of the skirt. In certain aspects, the edge portion 90 can be placed in an overlapping relationship relative to the opposite edge portion 92, and the two edge portions can be sewn together with a diagonally extending suture line that is parallel to short edges 86, 88. The upper edge portion of the inner skirt 16 can be formed with a plurality of projections 96 that define an undulating shape that generally follows the shape or contour of the fourth row of struts 28 immediately adjacent the lower ends of axial struts 31. The inner skirt 16 can also be formed with slits 98 to facilitate attachment of the skirt to the frame. Slits 98 are dimensioned so as to allow an upper edge portion of the inner skirt 16 to be partially wrapped around struts 28 and to reduce stresses in the skirt during the attachment procedure. Wrapping the upper edge portion of the inner skirt 16 around struts 28 in this manner provides for a stronger and more durable attachment of the skirt to the frame. The inner skirt 16 can also be secured to the first, second, and/or third rows of struts 22, 24, and 26, respectively, with sutures. [0086] Due to the angled orientation of the fibers relative to the upper and lower edges, the inner skirt can undergo greater elongation in the axial direction (i.e., in a direction from the upper edge 82 to the lower edge 84). Thus, when the metal frame 12 is crimped, the inner skirt 16 can elongate in the axial direction along with the frame and, therefore, provide a more uniform and predictable crimping profile. Each cell of the metal frame in the illustrated aspect includes at least four angled struts that rotate towards the axial direction on crimping (e.g., the angled struts become more aligned with the length of the frame). The angled struts of each cell function as a mechanism for rotating the fibers of the skirt in the same direction as the struts, allowing the skirt to elongate along the length of the struts. This allows for greater elongation of the skirt and avoids undesirable deformation of the struts when the prosthetic valve is crimped. [0087] In addition, the spacing between the woven fibers or yarns can be increased to facilitate the elongation of the skirt in the axial direction. For example, for a PET inner skirt 16 formed from 20-denier yarn, the yarn density can be about 15% to about 30% lower than in a typical PET skirt. In some examples, the yarn spacing of the inner skirt 16 can be from about 60 yarns per cm (about 155 yarns per inch) to about 70 yarns per cm (about 180 yarns per inch), such as about 63 yarns per cm (about 160 yarns per inch), whereas in a typical PET skirt the yarn spacing can be from about 85 yarns per cm (about 217 yarns per inch) to about 97 yarns per cm (about 247 yarns per inch). The oblique edges 86, 88 promote a uniform and even distribution of the fabric material along an inner circumference of the frame during crimping so as to reduce or minimize bunching of the fabric to facilitate uniform crimping to the smallest possible diameter. Additionally, cutting diagonal sutures in a vertical manner may leave loose fringes along the cut edges. The oblique edges 86, 88 help minimize this from occurring. Compared to the construction of a typical skirt (fibers running perpendicularly to the upper and lower edges of the skirt), the construction of the inner skirt 16 avoids undesirable deformation of the frame struts and provides more uniform crimping of the frame. [0088] In alternative aspects, the inner skirt can be formed from woven elastic fibers that can stretch in the axial direction during the crimping of the prosthetic valve. The warp and weft fibers can run perpendicularly and parallel to the upper and lower edges of the skirt, or alternatively, they can extend at angles between 0 and 90 degrees relative to the upper and lower edges of the skirt, as described above. [0089] As noted above, the inner skirt 16 can be used to assist in suturing the leaflet structure 14 to the frame. The inner skirt 16 can have an undulating temporary marking suture to guide the attachment of the lower edges of each leaflet 40. The inner skirt 16 itself can be sutured to the struts of frame 12 using sutures, as noted above, before securing the leaflet structure 14 to the skirt 16. The struts that intersect the marking suture desirably are not attached to the inner skirt 16. This allows the inner skirt 16 to be more pliable in the areas not secured to the frame and minimizes stress concentrations along the suture line that secures the lower edges of the leaflets to the skirt. As noted above, when the skirt is secured to the frame, the fibers 78, 80 of the skirt (see FIG.12) generally align with the angled struts of the frame to promote uniform crimping and expansion of the frame. [0090] An additional exemplary aspect of the disclosed herein article is shown in FIG. 2. FIG.2 shows an outer view (e.g., from outside the valve 100) of the knitted fabric (outer sealing member or skirt) 102 attached to and extending around a circumference of the outer surface 104 of the frame 52 of the valve 100. As shown in FIG.2, the skirt 102 extends, in the axial direction, from the inflow end 66 of the valve 100 to a mid-point 142 of the valve 100. An exposed, pile layer 144 of the knitted fabric 102 is shown in FIG.2. In certain aspects, the skirt can have folds which comprise portions that are free of the pile yarn. Such exemplary and unlimiting portions and folds are shown in FIG.2, as a first upper fold 121 and lower, second fold 123 extending above and below, respectively, of the pile layer 144. In such aspects, these portions can be comprised of only mesh layer of the skirt. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG.2, the lower, second fold 123 may be longer, in the axial direction, than the upper, first fold 121. In certain aspects, this exemplary configuration can help to reduce the crimp profile and overall bulkiness of the valve 100 at the inflow end 66. The skirt can be attached to the struts 72 of the valve 100 with the stitches 146. The outflow end of the valve is shown as 68. [0091] An exemplary knitted fabric 110 having a first dimension 120, of the present disclosure, that can serve as an outer sealing member 102 before it is positioned on the valve 100 is shown in FIG.3. The pile yarns 154 extend outwardly from the mesh layer 152 and form the pile layer 150. A more detailed description of the knitted fabric is shown below. [0092] In still further aspects, the mesh layer can have any known in the art patterns. In still further aspects, the mesh layer can be knitted or woven. In still further aspects, the pile layer can be either knitted simultaneously with the mesh layer or can be knitted on the mesh layer after the mesh layer is formed. It is understood that the pile-free surface of the fabric can be achieved by utilizing the same or different knit or weave pattern. [0093] In still further aspects, the mesh layer can comprise one or more weft yarns and at least one warp yarn. In such exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the one or more weft yarns can form a plurality of courses extending along the first dimension of the knitted fabric. While in other aspects, the at least one warp yarn is configured to form a plurality of warp loops that connect each course of the plurality of courses to an adjacent course along the second dimension of the knitted fabric, thus forming a plurality of wales. [0094] The schematic view of a middle portion (not a portion that is adjacent to the first, second, third or fourth edges of the fabric) of an exemplary fabric structure 110 is shown in FIG.13. Specifically, FIG.13 shows a schematic of the different yarn components that are knit together to form the pile layer 150 and the mesh layer 152 of the knitted fabric 110. As described above, the pile layer extends outwardly from the at least a portion of the outer surface of the mesh layer, such that the inner surface of the mesh layer remains substantially free of the pile yarn. The exemplary pile layer of the disclosed herein knitted fabric is shown in FIG.15A, while the inner surface of the mesh layer is shown in FIG.15B. [0095] In still further aspects, the knitted fabric 110 can be crochet knitted and/or warp- knitted fabric and/or weft-knit fabric. [0096] As shown in FIG.13, the one or more weft yarns can form the plurality of courses that run in a course direction 170 (along the first direction). While the at least one warp yarn can form the plurality of wales running in the wale direction 172 (along the second direction). For example, FIG.13 shows a portion of the fabric 110 in an orientation, as it is knit (e.g., constructed), while FIGS.15A and 15B show a portion of the fabric 110 in the orientation in which it is arranged in the article. It is understood that the course direction is substantially parallel with the central longitudinal axis 108 of the valve (as shown in FIG.2). [0097] It is understood that the fabric can be constructed from different yarns. These different yarns can have different deniers, filament counts, physical properties, different textures, and the like. [0098] In some aspects, the one or more weft yarns can comprise a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn. In still further aspects, the mesh layer can have different wales and course densities. For example, in some aspects, the wales density is about 10 to about 50 wales per inch, including exemplary values of about 12 wales per inch, about 14 wales per inch, about 16 wales per inch, about 18 wales per inch, about 20 wales per inch, about 22 wales per inch, about 24 wales per inch, about 26 wales per inch, about 28 wales per inch, about 30 wales per inch, about 32 wales per inch, about 34 wales per inch, about 36 wales per inch, about 38 wales per inch, about 40 wales per inch, about 42 wales per inch, about 44 wales per inch, about 46 wales per inch, and about 48 wales per inch. In yet still further aspects, the wales density can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the wales density can be about 12 wales per inch to about 44 wales per inch, or about 16 wales per inch to about 24 wales per inch, or about 14 wales per inch to about 42 wales per inch, or about 16 wales per inch to about 32 wales per inch and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 14 wales per inch to about 42 wales per inch is disclosed, this range also includes about 14 wales per inch to about 38 wales per inch, or about 14 wales per inch to about 32 wales per inch or about 16 wales per inch to about 40 wales per inch or about 18 wales per inch to about 28 wales per inch, or and so on. [0099] In still further aspects, the mesh layer can have a course density from about 25 courses per inch to about 85 courses per inch, including exemplary values of about 30 courses per inch, about 35 courses per inch, about 40 courses per inch, about 45 courses per inch, about 50 courses per inch, about 55 courses per inch, about 60 courses per inch, about 65 courses per inch, about 70 courses per inch, about 75 courses per inch, and about 80 courses per inch. In yet still further aspects, the course density can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the course density can be about 25 courses per inch to about 80 courses per inch, or about 30 courses per inch to about 70 courses per inch, or about 35 courses per inch to about 65 courses per inch, or about 40 courses per inch to about 50 courses per inch, or about 25 courses per inch to about 50 courses per inch, or about 30 courses per inch to about 40 courses per inch, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 25 courses per inch to about 70 courses per inch is disclosed, this range also includes about 30 courses per inch to about 50 courses per inch, or about 30 courses per inch to about 40 courses per inch or about 40 courses per inch to about 65 courses per inch, or and so on. [0100] In still further aspects, the one or more weft yarns can comprise the same yarns or different yarns. In some aspects, the one or more weft yarns can comprise a twisted yarn, a flat yarn, a textured yarn, or any combination thereof. [0101] In some aspects, for example, and without limitations, the first weft yarn can comprise a twisted yarn, a flat yarn, or a combination thereof. In certain aspects, the first weft yarn 164 is shown in FIG.13. [0102] If the twisted yarn and/flat yarn is present, such yarns can have a size of about 10 deniers to about 40 deniers, including about 12 deniers, about 14 deniers, about 16 deniers, about 18 deniers, about 20 deniers, about 22 deniers, about 24 deniers, about 26 deniers, about 28 deniers, about 30 deniers, about 32 deniers, about 34 deniers, about 36 deniers, and about 38 deniers. In yet still further aspects, the first weft yarn can have a size that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the first weft yarn can be about 10 deniers to about 38 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 36 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 34 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 30 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 26 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 20 deniers, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 12 deniers per inch to about 36 deniers is disclosed, this range also includes about 12 deniers to 34 about deniers, or about 16 deniers to about 27 deniers or about 19 deniers to about 33 deniers, or and so on. [0103] In still further aspects, the second weft yarns (166 in FIG.13) can be the same or different from the first weft yarn 164. In some aspects, the second weft yarn can comprise a textured yarn. In such exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the textured yarn has a size of about 20 deniers to about 160 deniers, including exemplary values of 22 deniers, about 25 deniers, about 28 deniers, about 30 deniers, about 32 deniers, about 35 deniers, about 38 deniers, about 40 deniers, about 42 deniers, about 45 deniers, about 48 deniers, about 50 deniers, about 52 deniers, about 55 deniers, about 58 deniers, about 60 deniers, about 62 deniers, about 65 deniers, about 68 deniers, about 70 deniers, about 72 deniers, about 75 deniers, about 78 deniers, about 80 deniers, about 82 deniers, about 85 deniers, about 88 deniers, about 90 deniers, about 92 deniers, about 95 deniers, about 98 deniers, about 100 deniers, about 102 deniers, about 105 deniers, about 108 deniers, about 110 deniers, about 112 deniers, about 115 deniers, about 118 deniers, about 120 deniers, about 122 deniers, about 125 deniers, about 128 deniers, about 130 deniers, about 132 deniers, about 135 deniers, about 138 deniers, about 140 deniers, about 142 deniers, about 145 deniers, about 148 deniers, about 150 deniers, about 152 deniers, about 155 deniers, and about 158 deniers. In yet still further aspects, the second weft yarn can have a size that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the second weft yarn can be about 20 deniers to about 155 deniers, or about 30 deniers to about 148 deniers, or about 40 deniers to about 140 deniers, or about 50 deniers to about 100 deniers, or about 50 deniers to about 78 deniers, or about 74 deniers to about 120 deniers, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 40 deniers to about 140 deniers is disclosed, this range also includes about 40 deniers to about 100 deniers or about 40 deniers to about 88 deniers or about 40 deniers to about 78 deniers, or and so on. [0104] Such exemplary aspects are shown in FIG.13, wherein the flat yarn 164 (first weft yarn) is combined with the textured yarn 166 to form the plurality of courses. In such exemplary aspects, the textured yarn can fill gaps in the mesh layer. [0105] In still further aspects, the one or more yarns are monofilament and/or multifilament yarns. For example, the first weft yam 164 can comprise a one or more filaments that extend through a central portion of each course 174 while the second weft yarn 166 can comprise one or more filaments that extend around or on the outsides of the strands/yarns of the first weft yarn 164. [0106] In still further aspects, the one or more yarns are multifilament yarns having a filament count of about 5 filaments up to about 200 filaments, including exemplary values, including exemplary values of about 10 filaments, about 25 filaments, 40 filaments, about 55 filaments, about 70 filaments, about 85 filaments, about 100 filaments, about 115 filaments, about 130 filaments, about 145 filaments, about 160 filaments, about 175 filaments, and about 190 filaments. In yet still further aspects, the number of filaments in the yarn can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the number of filaments can be about 10 filaments to about 155 filaments, or about 36 filaments to about 142 filaments, or about 44 filaments to about 105 filaments, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 10 filaments to about 155 filaments is disclosed, this range also includes about 20 filaments to about 155 filaments or about 32 filaments to about 150 filaments or about 36 filaments to about 144 filaments, or and so on. [0107] In still further aspects, the one or more weft yarns can comprise any materials suitable for the desired application. For example, and without limitations, the one or more weft yarns can comprise a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, if the one or more weft yarns comprise polyurethane, the polyurethane can be a thermoplastic polyurethane. In still further aspects, the thermoplastic polyurethane can further comprise an amount of Si. In certain aspects, the addition of Si can change the hydrophilicity of the knitted fabric by making it more hydrophobic. It is also understood that the addition of Si can improve the elasticity of the fiber and its abrasion resistance. In still further aspects, the addition of Si can improve the biocompatibility of the TPUs with non-thrombogenic response for long-term implants. In still further aspects, the amount of Si can be of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, including exemplary values of about 1 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 2.5 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 3.5 wt%, about 4 wt%, and about 4.5 wt%. In yet still further aspects, the Si can be present in any amount that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the Si can be present in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, about 0.7 wt% to about 4.3 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, about 1.3 wt% to about 3.8 wt%, about 2.5 wt% to about 3.5 wt%, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt% is disclosed, this range also includes about 0.5 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, or about 0.6 wt% to about 3.9 wt%, or about 1.8 wt% to about 2.7 wt%, or and so on. [0108] In still further aspects, if the yarn is comprised of polyester, any known in the art polyesters can be used. For example, the polyester can comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PCDT (poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate), and PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate), or any combination thereof. [0109] In some aspects, if the yarn is comprised of polyamide, any known in the art polyamides can be used. For example, the polyamide can comprise nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0110] In further aspects, the fluorinated polymers can comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0111] In still further aspects, the one or more weft yarns can comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nylon, UHMWPE, PEEK, Liquid Crystalline Polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a combination thereof. Still further, any other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or any combination thereof can be used. [0112] In some aspects, the one or more weft yarns can also comprise a compound yarn. In such exemplary and limiting aspects, the compound yarn can comprise a core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. In certain aspects, the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different and can be selected from any disclosed above polymeric materials. [0113] In still further aspects, at least one filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn of the one or more weft yarns can comprise a bi-component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the- sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0114] In still further aspects, each course 174 is connected to an adjacent course 174 by one warp loop 176 of a series of spaced apart warp loops in the course 174, each warp loop 176 in one course 174 being part of a different wale 178. In FIG.15B, the longitudinal arrangement (relative to the central longitudinal axis of the frame of the valve) of the series of consecutive courses 174 are shown. Further, FIG.15B shows the horizontal (circumferential direction (second dimension) when arranged on the frame of the valve) arrangement of the series of spaced apart (e.g., spaced apart by a section of each course) wales 178. [0115] In still further aspects, the warp yarn 168 that forms the warp loops can be fully- drawn, or low or not twisted. In yet other aspects, any combinations of the disclosed herein or other known yarns can be utilized. [0116] Yet in other aspects, if the warp yarn is twisted, it can be about 2 turns per inch to about 16 turns per inch, including exemplary values of about 4 turns per inch, about 6 turns per inch, about 8 turns per inch, about 10 turns per inch, about 12 turns per inch, and about 14 turns per inch. In yet still further aspects, the warp yarn can have any number of turns that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the yarn can have about 2 turns per inch to about 14 turns per inch, or about 4 turns per inch to about 12 turns per inch or about 3 turns per inch to about 15 turns per inch, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 2 turns per inch to about 15 turns per inch is disclosed, this range also includes about 3 turns per inch to about 14 turns per inch, or about 4 turns per inch to about 13 turns per inch, or about 5 turns per inch to about 15 turns per inch, or and so on. [0117] In still further aspects, the warp yarn can have a size of about 10 deniers to about 40 deniers, including about 12 deniers, about 14 deniers, about 16 deniers, about 18 deniers, about 20 deniers, about 22 deniers, about 24 deniers, about 26 deniers, about 28 deniers, about 30 deniers, about 32 deniers, about 34 deniers, about 36 deniers, and about 38 deniers. In yet still further aspects, the warp yarn can have a size that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the warp yarn can be about 10 deniers to about 38 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 36 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 34 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 30 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 26 deniers, or about 12 deniers to about 20 deniers, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 12 deniers per inch to about 36 deniers is disclosed, this range also includes about 12 deniers to 34 about deniers, or about 16 deniers to about 27 deniers or about 19 deniers to about 33 deniers, or and so on. [0118] In still further aspects, the warp yarn can be a monofilament yarn or multifilament yarn. In certain aspects, the warp yarn has a filament count from about 6 to about 56 filaments, including exemplary values of about 8, about 10, about 12, about 14, about 16, about 18, about 20, about 22, about 24, about 26, about 28, about 30, about 32, about 34, about 36, about 38, about 40, about 42, about 44, about 46, about 48, about 50, about 52, and about 54 filaments. In yet still further aspects, the number of filaments in the warp yarn can fall within any two foregoing values or form any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the number of filaments can be about 6 filaments to about 55 filaments, or about 6 filaments to about 50 filaments, or about 10 filaments to about 40 filaments, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 6 filaments to about 56 filaments is disclosed, this range also includes about 7 filaments to about 53 filaments or about 12 filaments to about 30 filaments or about 16 filaments to about 20 filaments, or and so on. [0119] In still further aspects, the warp yarn can have tenacity from about 30 cN/tex to about 400 cN/tex, including exemplary values of about 32 cN/tex, about 35 cN/tex, about 38 cN/tex, about 40 cN/tex, about 42 cN/tex, about 45 cN/tex, about 48 cN/tex, about 50 cN/tex, about 52 cN/tex, about 55 cN/tex, about 58 cN/tex, about 60 cN/tex, about 62 cN/tex, about 65 cN/tex, about 68 cN/tex, about 70 cN/tex, about 72 cN/tex, about 75 cN/tex, about 80 cN/tex, d about 82 cN/tex, about 85 cN/tex, about 90 cN/tex, about 95 cN/tex, about 100 cN/tex, about 110 cN/tex, about 150 cN/tex, about 180 cN/tex, about 200 cN/tex, about 220 cN/tex, about 250 cN/tex, about 280 cN/tex, about 300 cN/tex, about 320 cN/tex, about 350 cN/tex, and about 380 cN/tex. In yet still further aspects, the tenacity of the warp yarn can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the tenacity can be about 30 cN/tex to about 350 cN/tex, or about 50 cN/tex to about 300 cN/tex, or about 75 cN/tex to about 250 cN/tex, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 30 cN/tex to about 400 cN/tex is disclosed, this range also includes about 35 cN/tex to about 350 cN/tex, or about 40 cN/tex to about 300 cN/tex or about 65 cN/tex to about 254 cN/tex, or and so on. [0120] In still further aspects, the warp yarn can comprise any materials suitable for the desired application. For example, and without limitations, the warp yarn can comprise a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, if the warp yarn comprises polyurethane, the polyurethane can be a thermoplastic polyurethane. In still further aspects, the thermoplastic polyurethane can further comprise an amount of Si. In certain aspects, the addition of Si can change the hydrophilicity of the knitted fabric by making it more hydrophobic. It is also understood that the addition of Si can improve the elasticity of the fiber and its abrasion resistance. In still further aspects, the amount of Si can be of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, including exemplary values of about 1 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 2.5 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 3.5 wt%, about 4 wt%, and about 4.5 wt%. In yet still further aspects, the Si can be present in any amount that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the Si can be present in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, about 0.7 wt% to about 4.3 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, about 1.3 wt% to about 3.8 wt%, about 2.5 wt% to about 3.5 wt%, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt% is disclosed, this range also includes about 0.5 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, or about 0.6 wt% to about 3.9 wt%, or about 1.8 wt% to about 2.7 wt%, or and so on. [0121] In still further aspects, if the warp yarn is comprised of polyester, any known in the art polyesters can be used. For example, the polyester can comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PCDT (poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate), and PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate), or any combination thereof. [0122] In some aspects, if the warp yarn is comprised of polyamide, any known in the art polyamides can be used. For example, the polyamide can comprise nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0123] In further aspects, the fluorinated polymers can comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0124] In still further aspects, the warp can comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nylon, UHMWPE, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), PEEK, Liquid Crystalline Polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a combination thereof. Still further, any other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or any combination thereof can be used. [0125] In some aspects, the warp yarn can also comprise a compound yarn. In such exemplary and limiting aspects, the compound yarn can comprise a core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. In certain aspects, the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different and can be selected from any disclosed above polymeric materials. [0126] In still further aspects, at least one filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn of the warp can comprise a bi-component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0127] In still further aspects, and as disclosed above, the knitted fabric comprises pile yarns. As shown in FIG.13, the knitted fabric 110 comprises the pile yams 154, which are incorporated into the mesh layer 152. For example, the pile yarns 154 are formed as one or more loops that extend from the first and second weft yarns 164 and 166 respectively of the mesh layer 152. The “loop side” of the knitted fabric 110, formed from the overlapping loops of the pile yams 154, is shown in FIG.15A. [0128] In some aspects, the pile yarns are arranged to form a looped pile or wherein the pile yarns are cut to form a cut pile. [0129] In other aspects, the pile yarn can comprise a flat yarn or textured yarn. Yet, in other aspects, the pile yarn can be a multifilament yarn, monofilament yarn, or a combination thereof. [0130] In certain aspects, the pile yarn has a size from about 20 deniers to about 200 deniers, including exemplary values of 22 deniers, about 25 deniers, about 28 deniers, about 30 deniers, about 32 deniers, about 35 deniers, about 38 deniers, about 40 deniers, about 42 deniers, about 45 deniers, about 48 deniers, about 50 deniers, about 52 deniers, about 55 deniers, about 58 deniers, about 60 deniers, about 62 deniers, about 65 deniers, about 68 deniers, about 70 deniers, about 72 deniers, about 75 deniers, about 78 deniers, about 80 deniers, about 82 deniers, about 85 deniers, about 88 deniers, about 90 deniers, about 92 deniers, about 95 deniers, about 98 deniers, about 100 deniers, about 102 deniers, about 105 deniers, about 108 deniers, about 110 deniers, about 112 deniers, about 115 deniers, about 118 deniers, about 120 deniers, about 122 deniers, about 125 deniers, about 128 deniers, about 130 deniers, about 132 deniers, about 135 deniers, about 138 deniers, about 140 deniers, about 142 deniers, about 145 deniers, about 148 deniers, about 150 deniers, about 152 deniers, about 155 deniers, about 158 deniers, about 160 deniers, about 162 deniers, about 165 deniers, about 168 deniers, about 170 deniers, about 172 deniers, about 175 deniers, about 178 deniers, about 180 deniers, about 182 deniers, about 185 deniers, about 188 deniers, about 190 deniers, about 192 deniers, about 195 deniers, and about 198 deniers. In yet still further aspects, the pile yarn can have a size that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the pile yarn can be about 20 deniers to about 180 deniers, or about 30 deniers to about 170 deniers, or about 40 deniers to about 160 deniers, or about 50 deniers to about 150 deniers, or about 50 deniers to about 135 deniers, or about 74 deniers to about 120 deniers, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 40 deniers to about 190 deniers is disclosed, this range also includes about 40 deniers to about 170 deniers or about 40 deniers to about 120 deniers or about 40 deniers to about 100 deniers, or and so on. [0131] In some aspects, in addition or in alternative to any of the disclosed above aspects, the pile yarn can have a filament count from about 1 to about 200, including exemplary values of about 2 filaments, about 5 filaments, 10 filaments, about 25 filaments, 40 filaments, about 55 filaments, about 70 filaments, about 85 filaments, about 100 filaments, about 115 filaments, about 130 filaments, about 145 filaments, about 160 filaments, about 175 filaments, and about 190 filaments. In yet still further aspects, the number of filaments in the pile yarn can fall within any two foregoing values or form any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the number of filaments can be about 1 filament to about 155 filaments, or about 10 filaments to about 142 filaments, or about 2 filaments to about 105 filaments, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 1 filament to about 155 filaments is disclosed, this range also includes about 2 filaments to about 155 filaments or about 20 filaments to about 150 filaments or about 36 filaments to about 144 filaments, or and so on. [0132] In still further aspects, the pile yarn can comprise any materials suitable for the desired application. For example, and without limitations, the pile yarn can comprise a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, if the one or more weft yarns comprise polyurethane, the polyurethane can be a thermoplastic polyurethane. In still further aspects, the thermoplastic polyurethane can further comprise an amount of Si. In certain aspects, the addition of Si can change the hydrophilicity of the knitted fabric by making it more hydrophobic. It is also understood that the addition of Si can improve the elasticity of the fiber and its abrasion resistance. In still further aspects, the amount of Si can be of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, including exemplary values of about 1 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 2.5 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 3.5 wt%, about 4 wt%, and about 4.5 wt%. In yet still further aspects, the Si can be present in any amount that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the Si can be present in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, about 0.7 wt% to about 4.3 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, about 1.3 wt% to about 3.8 wt%, about 2.5 wt% to about 3.5 wt%, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt% is disclosed, this range also includes about 0.5 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, or about 0.6 wt% to about 3.9 wt%, or about 1.8 wt% to about 2.7 wt%, or and so on. [0133] In still further aspects, if the pile yarn is comprised of polyester, any known in the art polyesters can be used. For example, the polyester can comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), PCDT (poly-1, 4-cyclohexylene-dimethylene terephthalate), and PTT (polytrimethylene terephthalate), or any combination thereof. [0134] In some aspects, if the pile yarn is comprised of polyamide, any known in the art polyamides can be used. For example, the polyamide can comprise nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0135] In further aspects, the fluorinated polymers can comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0136] In still further aspects, the pile yarn can comprise a polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nylon, UHMWPE, PEEK, Liquid Crystalline Polymer, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a combination thereof. Still further, any other suitable natural or synthetic fibers or any combination thereof can be used. [0137] In some aspects, the pile yarn can also comprise a compound yarn. In such exemplary and limiting aspects, the compound yarn can comprise a core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. In certain aspects, the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different and can be selected from any disclosed above polymeric materials. [0138] In still further aspects, at least one filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn of the pile yarn can comprise a bi-component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0139] In still further aspects, a filament in the monofilament or multifilament pile yarn can have a size of about 6 microns to about 300 microns in diameter, including exemplary values of about 10 microns, about 20 microns, about 50 microns, about 80 microns, about 100 microns, about 120 microns, about 150 microns, about 180 microns, about 200 microns, about 220 microns, about 250 microns, and about 280 microns. In yet still further aspects, the monofilament or multifilament pile yarn can have a size that falls within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the monofilament or multifilament pile yarn can have a size of about 6 microns to about 258 microns, or about 10 microns to about 200 microns, or about 20 microns to about 150 microns, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 6 microns to about 300 microns is disclosed, this range also includes about 8 microns to about 289 microns or about 20 microns to about 199 microns, or and so on. [0140] In still further aspects, the pile layer can include velour, velvet, velveteen, corduroy, terrycloth, fleece, etc. [0141] In some aspects, the loops of the pile yams 154, as shown in FIG.13 in the pile layer 150 can have a certain pattern, such that they are not knitted on each wale 178, but they are alternating with a ratio of 1:1 (1 wale of loop and 1 empty wale), 1:2 (1 wale of loop and 2 empty wale), or 2:1, such that the density of the loops on the plush surface 150 is adjusted based upon the size and filament count of the pile yarn 154 used. In some embodiments, the loops of the pile yams 154 on the plush surface 150 may have a certain pattern, such that they are not knitted on each course so that different densities of loops are achieved. [0142] In some aspects, the pile yarns 154 have an increased surface area due to, for example, a wavy or undulating structure (as shown in FIG.13). In configurations such as the looped pile embodiment of FIGS.13 and 15A, the loop structure and the increased surface area provided by the textured strands or textured yam of the piles yams 154 can allow the loops to function as a scaffold for tissue growth into and around the loops of the pile. Promoting tissue growth into the pile layer 150 can increase retention of the valve at the implantation site and contribute to long-term stability of the valve. [0143] The pile layer 150 can comprise pile yarns 154 woven or knitted into loops. In certain configurations, the pile yarns 154 can be the warp yarns or the weft yarns of the mesh layer woven or knitted to form the loops. The pile yarns 154 can also be separate yarns incorporated into the mesh layer, depending upon the characteristics desired. In certain aspects, and as disclosed above, the loops can be cut such that the pile layer is a cut pile in the manner of, for example, a velour fabric. In other aspects, the loops can be left intact to form a looped pile in the manner of, for example, terrycloth. [0144] The height of the pile yarns (or loops) 154 can be the same for all pile yarns across the entire extent of the outer sealing member so as to provide an outer sealing member having a constant thickness. This can provide a uniform crimping profile of the valve from the inflow to the outflow. In alternative aspects, the height of the pile yarns 154 can vary along the length or width of the knitted fabric so as to vary the thickness of the knitted fabric. In certain aspects, it is preferable that the height of the pile along the length of the valve is not varied. Also, while the height of the pile yarn along the circumference can vary, it may not be preferable as it can leave gaps in the axial direction of the valve, which is the direction of the flow of blood. As a result, the sealing of the valve can be affected. [0145] The pile layer 150 has a much greater surface area than similarly sized skirts formed from flat or woven materials and, therefore, can enhance tissue ingrowth compared to known skirts. Promoting tissue growth into the pile layer 150 can decrease perivalvular leakage, increase retention of the valve at the implant site and contribute to long-term stability of the valve. In some configurations, the surface area of the pile yarns 154 can be further increased by using textured yarns having an increased surface area due to, for example, a wavy or undulating structure in configurations such as the looped pile aspect of FIG.15A, the loop structure and the increased surface area provided by the textured yarn of the loops can allow the loops to act as a scaffold for tissue growth into and around the loops of the pile. [0146] As disclosed in detail above, the pile yarns in the pile layer can have a height that is substantially the same along the length and/or width of the outer sealing member (or the outer skirt). [0147] In this exemplary aspect, the height of the loops of the pile layer 150 is constant across the entire extent of the outer skirt such that the outer skirt (outer sealing member) 18 has a constant thickness, except along the distal and proximal end of the outer sealing member, which can be free of loops (pile yarn) to facilitate attachment of the outer skirt to the frame and/or the inner skirt 16. (see portions 121 and 123, for example, in FIG.2). [0148] The “height” of the loops is measured in the radial direction when the skirt is mounted on the radially compressed frame. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is assumed that increased loop height may help cover the larger gap at the commissure section of the native valve. [0149] The skirt is mounted on an expanded frame, and the height of loops or the outer sealing member is measured before being assembled onto the frame. In another aspect, the pile yarn can have a height that varies along the length and/or width of the outer sealing member. [0150] In lieu of or in addition to having loops that vary in height along the height of the skirt, and as discussed above, the height of the loops (and therefore the thickness of the outer skirt) can vary along the circumference of the outer skirt. For example, the height of the loops can be increased along circumferential sections of the outer skirt where larger gaps might be expected between the outer skirt and the native annulus, such as circumferential sections of the skirt that are aligned with the commissures of the native valve. It is understood that in some aspects, it is preferable to have a height of the loops substantially identical along the length and the circumference of the skirt. [0151] The 'height of the loop' can be such that it is lower on the inflow section of the skirt as well as the outflow section of the skirt (i.e., along the height of the valve). Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is assumed that such a configuration allows the valve to assume a lower crimp profile at those sections and may be advantageous from the standpoint of lower push forces incurred during the delivery of the valve through the sheath. Also, the tapered profile of the skirt will enable a smaller French-size delivery system to be used without compromising the primary sealing feature of the skirt^. [0152] The outer skirt aspects described herein can also contribute to improved compressibility and shape memory properties of the outer skirt over known valve coverings and skirts. For example, the pile layer 150 can be compliant such that it compresses under load (e.g., when in contact with tissue, other implants, or the like) and returns to its original size and shape when the load is relieved. This can help to improve sealing between the outer skirt and the tissue of the native annulus or a surrounding support structure in which the prosthetic valve is deployed. Aspects of an implantable support structure that is adapted to receive a prosthetic valve and retain it within the native mitral valve are disclosed in co- pending Application No.62/449,320, filed Jan.23, 2017, and application Ser. No. 15/876,053, filed Jan.19, 2018, which are incorporated herein by reference. The compressibility provided by the pile layer 150 of the outer skirt 18 is also beneficial in reducing the crimp profile of the valve. Additionally, the outer skirt 18 can prevent the leaflets 40 or portions thereof from extending through spaces between the struts of frame 12 as the prosthetic valve is crimped, thereby protecting against damage to the leaflets due to pinching of the leaflets between struts. [0153] Exemplary FIGs.14A-14C show the first inlaid yarn as it is positioned with the fabric. FIGs.14A-14C show an edge portion of the fabric 1402. It can be seen that the inlaid yarn 1406 is inserted into the mesh layer along the second dimension 1410 of the knitted fabric. [0154] FIG.14A shows the schematic of the knitted fabric comprising inlaid weft yarns 1412 and 1414 at the edge section only and inlaid weft yarn 1416 in the main body, which contains the velour loop features and the warp inlaid yarn 1406. The edge section does not have velour loops. It is understood that removing the pile yarn at the cloth edges reduces the thickness in those areas and may help in getting lower push forces during TAVR deployment. However, due to the lack of a velour loop, the pores in the base of the edge section are exposed, so adding the warp inlaid yarn(s) reduces the porosity in the wales where no pile yarns have been knitted intentionally, and thus help preserve the PVL sealing feature of the skirt in those areas (i.e., each of the edge section of the skirt). The addition of the warp inlaid yarns 1406 aids the assembler in suturing the skirt onto the valve frame and leaflets by providing contact points for the needle and suture. The warp inlay yarn size can range from about 20 denier to about 100 denier. In certain aspects, the warp inlay yarn size can be about 20 denier, about 30 denier, about 40 denier, about 70 denier, about 80 denier, or about 100 denier. It is understood that the warp inlay yarn size can fall within any range formed by any of the disclosed above values or fall between any two of the disclosed above values. For example, the warp inlay yarn size can be about 20 denier to about 90 denier, or about 20 denier to about 60 denier, and so on. The filament size within these yarns can range from about 0.3 denier per filament to about 4 denier per filament, including exemplary values of about 0.5 denier, about 0.8 denier, about 1 denier, about 1.2 denier, about 1.5 denier, about 1.7 denier, about 2 denier, about 2.2 denier, about 2.5 denier, about 2.8 denier, about 3 denier, about 3.2 denier, about 3.5 denier, and about 3.8 denier. It is understood that the filament size can fall within any range formed by any of the disclosed above values or fall between any two of the disclosed above values. For example, it can be about 0.3 denier to about 3.5 denier, or about 0.8 denier to about 2.9 denier, and so on. The filament used for warp inlaid can be flat or textured type. There can typically be 1 warp inlaid yarn but based up on the size of the yarn, it can be up to 5 yarns. [0155] In still further aspects, the edge portion can have any width. For example, the edge portion can be up to about 1 mm wide, up to about 2 mm wide, up to about 3 mm wide, up to about 4 mm wide, up to about 5 mm wide, or up to about 10 mm wide. Yet, in other aspects, the edge portion can be defined by the number of wales that the inlaid yarn can be used in. For example, and without limitations, the edge portion can have up to 1 wale, up to 2 wales, or up to 3 wales. [0156] In still further aspects, the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion can comprise about 1 to about 10, including exemplary values of about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, and about 9 inlaid yarns per wale of the mesh layer. In yet still further aspects, the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion can comprise any number of yarns that can fall within any two foregoing values or form any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion can comprise about 1 to about 9 inlaid yarns per wale, about 2 to about 8 inlaid yarns per wale, or about 2 to about 7 inlaid yarns per wale, and so on. [0157] In still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn can have a size from about 20 denier to about 100 denier, including exemplary values of 22 deniers, about 25 deniers, about 28 deniers, about 30 deniers, about 32 deniers, about 35 deniers, about 38 deniers, about 40 deniers, about 42 deniers, about 45 deniers, about 48 deniers, about 50 deniers, about 52 deniers, about 55 deniers, about 58 deniers, about 60 deniers, about 62 deniers, about 65 deniers, about 68 deniers, about 70 deniers, about 72 deniers, about 75 deniers, about 78 deniers, about 80 deniers, about 82 deniers, about 85 deniers, about 88 deniers, about 90 deniers, about 92 deniers, about 95 deniers, and about 98 deniers. In yet still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn can have a size that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the first inlaid yarn can be about 20 deniers to about 98 deniers, or about 30 deniers to about 94 deniers, or about 40 deniers to about 90 deniers, or about 50 deniers to about 70 deniers, or about 50 deniers to about 60 deniers, or about 28 deniers to about 84 deniers, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 20 deniers to about 98 deniers is disclosed, this range also includes about 20 deniers to about 90 deniers or about 23 deniers to about 87 deniers or about 35 deniers to about 75 deniers, or and so on. [0158] In still further aspects, the number of filaments can be from about 1 to about 200 filaments, including exemplary values of about 2 filaments, about 5 filaments, 10 filaments, about 25 filaments, 40 filaments, about 55 filaments, about 70 filaments, about 85 filaments, about 100 filaments, about 115 filaments, about 130 filaments, about 145 filaments, about 160 filaments, about 175 filaments, and about 190 filaments. In yet still further aspects, the number of filaments in the pile yarn can fall within any two foregoing values or form any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the number of filaments can be about 1 filament to about 155 filaments, or about 10 filaments to about 142 filaments, or about 2 filaments to about 105 filaments, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 1 filament to about 155 filaments is disclosed, this range also includes about 2 filaments to about 155 filaments or about 20 filaments to about 150 filaments or about 36 filaments to about 144 filaments, or and so on. [0159] In still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn can be a monofilament and/or multifilament. In aspects where the first inlaid yarn is multifilament, such yarn can have a filament count of about 2 to about 100 filaments, including exemplary values of about 2 filaments, about 5 filaments, 10 filaments, about 15 filaments, 20 filaments, about 25 filaments, about 30 filaments, about 35 filaments, about 40 filaments, about 45 filaments, about 50 filaments, about 55 filaments, about 60 filaments, about 65 filaments, about 70 filaments, about 75 filaments, about 80 filaments, about 85 filaments, about 90 filaments, and about 95 filaments. In yet still further aspects, the number of filaments in the inlaid yarn can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the number of filaments can be about 1 filament to about 18 filaments, or about 10 filaments to about 24 filaments, or about 10 filaments to about 27 filaments, or about 10 filaments to about 34 filaments and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 1 filament to about 100 filaments is disclosed, this range also includes about 2 filaments to about 100 filaments or about 20 filaments to about 90 filaments or about 36 filaments to about 85 filaments, or and so on. [0160] In still further aspects, the disclosed herein knit fabric as it is arranged on the exemplary valve is shown in FIG.15A. As shown in FIG.15A, the edge portion 180 does not have the looped pile yarns 154 and instead has the first inlaid yarns 1404. This may help to provide the tapered edge portions of the fabric. In yet still further aspects, it is understood that adding the inlaid yarn(s) reduces the porosity in the wales where no pile yarns have been knitted intentionally and thus improves the PVL sealing of the skirt in those areas. In still further aspects, and without being bound by any theory, it is also understood that adding the inlaid yarns aids the assembler in suturing the skirt onto the valve frame and leaflets by providing contact points for the needle and suture reinforcing the section of the skirt where stitches are applied for connection with the frame. This helps ensure suture retention strength is maintained for the durability of the valve. [0161] In still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn comprises one or more filaments having an average diameter of about 6 microns to about 250 microns, including exemplary values of about 10 microns, about 20 microns, about 50 microns, about 80 microns, about 100 microns, about 120 microns, about 150 microns, about 180 microns, about 200 microns, and about 220 microns. In yet still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn comprises one or more filaments having a size that falls within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the first inlaid yarn comprises one or more filaments that can have a size of about 6 microns to about 245 microns, or about 10 microns to about 200 microns, or about 20 microns to about 150 microns, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 6 microns to about 250 microns is disclosed, this range also includes about 8 microns to about 239 microns or about 20 microns to about 199 microns, or and so on. [0162] In still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn can comprise any known in the art yarn that is suitable for the desired application. In some aspects, the first inlaid yarn comprises a flat yarn, twisted yarn, textured yarn, or any combination thereof. If twisted yarn is present, it can have a number of turns similar to the twisted yarn described above. [0163] Yet in other aspects, the first inlaid yarn comprises a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. It is understood that if the polyurethane is present, it can be a thermoplastic polyurethane. In some aspects, and as disclosed above, the thermoplastic polyurethane can further comprise an amount of Si. In certain aspects, the amount of Si is of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, including exemplary values of about 1 wt%, about 1.5 wt%, about 2 wt%, about 2.5 wt%, about 3 wt%, about 3.5 wt%, about 4 wt%, and about 4.5 wt%. In yet still further aspects, the Si can be present in any amount that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the Si can be present in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt%, about 0.7 wt% to about 4.3 wt%, about 0.9 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, about 1.3 wt% to about 3.8 wt%, about 2.5 wt% to about 3.5 wt%, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 0.5 wt% to about 4.5 wt% is disclosed, this range also includes about 0.5 wt% to about 4.1 wt%, or about 0.6 wt% to about 3.9 wt%, or about 1.8 wt% to about 2.7 wt%, or and so on. [0164] In still further aspects, polyester can comprise a PET. While in other aspects, polyamide can comprise nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. Yet, in other aspects, the fluorinated polymers comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0165] In still further aspects, the first inlaid yarn can comprise a compound yarn. In such exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the compound yarn can comprise a core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. In still further aspects, the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different. [0166] Yet in still further aspects, the inlaid yarn can have one or more filaments that are bi-component filaments in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0167] In certain aspects, the first inlaid yarn can be laminated, perhaps even suturelessly, to adhere the PVL skirt to the frame at the top and bottom while still allowing the middle of the skirt freedom to foreshorten and lengthen as needed during the crimping and expansion processes. [0168] It is understood that the use of the first inlaid yarn can allow to fill of the pores created where no loop/pile yarns are knitted into the wales on the fabric edges without adding significant bulk or thickness to the cloth, which would result in high push forces during TAVR deployment. In aspects where the textured yarn is used, the first inlaid yarn allows filling of the pores while maintaining the “fuzzy” surface structure that is proven to promote tissue in-growth, which in turn leads to better PVL sealing. [0169] In certain aspects, the first inlaid yarn, the mesh layer and the pile layer are knitted simultaneously. While in other aspects, the first inlaid yarn is embroidered into the knitted fabric. [0170] Also disclosed herein are articles where the pile layer can be present in a pattern. It is understood that any pattern that is suitable for the desired application can be utilized. In some aspects, the pile layer can form a pattern such that at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric are substantially free of the pile yarn. For example, and without limitations, the pattern can be a wavy pattern having a plurality of waves defined by a plurality of peaks and valleys. Such an exemplary pattern is shown in FIGs.16A-16B. For example, as shown in FIG.16A, some portions, such as 1602, are free of the pile yarn. In such aspects, the portions 1602 can comprise the mesh yarn only. In still further aspects, the pile yarn can have a plurality of valleys 1602a and 1602b and a plurality of peaks 1602c and 1602d. FIG.16B shows an exemplary photograph of such a pattern, where the pile layer forms a wavy pattern 1620 with the plurality of valleys 1620a and 1620b and plurality of peaks 1620c and 1620d, and portions that are free of the pile yarn 1610. [0171] In certain aspects, the pattern can have a frequency of peaks/valleys of about 0.25 per cm to about 2 per cm, including exemplary values of about 0.5 per cm, about 0.75 per cm, about 1 per cm, about 1.25 per cm, about 1.5 per cm, and about 1.75 per cm. In yet still further aspects, the pattern can have a frequency that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the pattern can have a frequency of about 0.25 per cm to about 1.9 per cm, or about 0.7 per cm to about 1.8 per cm, or about 1 per cm to about 1.5 per cm, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 0.25 per cm to about 1.75 per cm is disclosed, this range also includes about 0.27 per cm to about 1.72 per cm or about 0.32 per cm to about 1.2 per cm, and so on. [0172] In still further aspects, the frequency of peaks/valleys of the waves is the same along a substantially entire surface of the knitted fabric. Yet, in other aspects, the frequency of peaks/valleys of the waves is varied along a surface of the knitted fabric. [0173] In certain aspects, wherein the plurality of waves are defined by an amplitude from about 2 mm to about 20 mm, including exemplary values of about 4 mm, about 8 mm, about 10 mm, about 12 mm, about 14 mm, about 16 mm, and about 18 mm. In yet still further aspects, the pattern can have a frequency that can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the plurality of waves can have an amplitude of about 2 mm to about 19 mm, or about 2.5 mm to about 15 mm, or about 3.3 mm to about 13 mm, and so on. It is further understood that the ranges can also be formed within the range, for example, if a range of about 2 mm to about 19 mm is disclosed, this range also includes about 2 mm to about 18 mm or about 2 mm to about 17 mm, and so on. [0174] In still further aspects, the amplitude is the same along a substantially entire surface of the knitted fabric along the second dimension. Yet, in other aspects, the amplitude of the waves can be varied along a surface of the knitted fabric along the second dimension. [0175] In certain aspects, wherein the waves can be parallel to each other. In other aspects, in such aspects, the plurality of valleys and a plurality of peaks of at least two waves are positioned in substantially the same location. Yet, in other aspects, the waves are positioned such that the plurality of peaks and valleys of at least two waves are offset from each other. [0176] In still further aspects, the at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric that are substantially free of the pile yarn (such as, for example,1610 shown in FIG.16B) form a plurality of gaps between the plurality of waves ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm, including exemplary values of about 2 mm, about 3 mm, about 4 mm, about 6 mm, about 7 mm, about 8 mm, and about 9 mm. In yet still further aspects, the gaps size can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the gap can be of about 1 mm to about 10 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 8.3 mm, or about 2 mm, about 7 mm, and so on. [0177] In still further exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the wavy pattern can be formed by the velour pattern of the loop yarn. For example, by knitting the loop yarn in the base structure, the waviness can be knitted only in the body while the edges of the components are knitted as flat knit without the wavy or velour section that ensures the edges are compatible for sewing without fraying of the yarns and for seam integrity. [0178] In other aspects, the wavy velour section can be made of microsized textured multifilament yarn. Such a yarn can have any of the disclosed above denier and number of filaments. The height of the formed pile (velour loops) can be anywhere from about 1 mm to about 5 mm, including exemplary values of about 1.2 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.8 mm, about 3 mm, about 3.2 mm, about 3.5 mm, about 3.8 mm, about 4 mm, about 4.2 mm, about 4.5 mm, and about 4.8 mm. In yet still further aspects, the height of the formed pile can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the height of the formed pile can be of about 1 mm to about 4.8 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 4.5 mm, or about 2 mm, about 3 mm, and so on. [0179] In still further aspects, the knitted fabric as disclosed herein can have any thickness that is suitable for the desired application. In certain aspects, the thickness of the fabric can be from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, including exemplary values of about 0.2 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.8 mm, about 1 mm, about 1.2 mm, about 1.5 mm, about 1.8 mm, about 2 mm, about 2.2 mm, about 2.5 mm, about 2.8 mm. In yet still further aspects, the thickness of the knitted fabric can fall within any two foregoing values or forms any range within the broadest disclosed range or between any mentioned values. For example, the thickness of the knitted fabric can be of about 0.1 mm to about 2.8 mm, or about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm, or about 1 mm to about 2.3 mm, and so on. [0180] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is hypothesized that such an arrangement, in comparison to using only multifilament yarn, can give resiliency to the velour loop such that the velour loops do not flat out and remain standing because of the supporting monofilaments along with it. [0181] In still further aspects, and as shown, for example, in FIG.17, the knitted fabric 1700 can comprise one or more second inlaid yarns 1710 inserted into a weft direction across the first dimension 1760 of the knitted fabric. In such exemplary and unlimiting aspects, any of the disclosed yarns can be used as the one or more second inlaid yarns. Yet in other aspects, the one or more second inlaid yarns comprise a low-melt polymer. [0182] In still further aspects, the fabric can also comprise the third edge 1706 and the fourth edge 1708 comprising a third edge portion 1706a and the fourth edge portion 1708a that are substantially free of pile yarn. Such portions 1740 can be represented by the mesh layer. In still further aspects, the first edge 1702 and the second edge 1704 can also comprise the first inlaid yarn 1720 along the second dimension 1750. [0183] It is understood that the fabrics disclosed herein can have various combinations of the yarns. For example, some of the yarns can be monofilament, while others can be multifilament. Yet in still further aspects, all the yarns are multifilament, or all the yarns are monofilament. It is understood that the type of yarn can be selected depending on the desired application. In certain aspects, the velour can be knitted as a hybrid arrangement of loops using multifilament and monofilament yarns together. [0184] In other aspects, the type of polymers used in the yarns of the disclosed herein fabric can also be selected based on the desired application. Any of the disclosed above yarns can be used. In some exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the yarns can comprise low-melt polymers. In certain exemplary and unlimiting aspects, the low-melt polymer can be low-melt PET polymer. In certain aspects, a low melt temperature PET yarn can be used at the edges along with the first and/or the one or more second inlaid yarns or as the first and/or the one or more second inlaid yarns. When exposed to heat to the tune of the softening temperature of this polymer, it will fuse with surrounding filaments and lock the structure for integrity. For example, a low melt temperature PET having a melting point temperature (MP) of 200 °C can soften around 180 °C to create the fusion with other polymer filaments that have higher MP [0185] In still further aspects, it is understood that when the disclosed herein knitted fabric is positioned on the implantable device, the first dimension of the knitted fabric defines a height of the outer sealing member while the second dimension of the knitted fabric is along a circumference of the annular frame. [0186] In still further aspects, the first dimension can be knitted to the desired lengths such that no laser cut is needed. [0187] In still further aspects, disclosed herein is an implantable medical device comprising: (a) an annular frame having an inner surface and an outer surface, an inflow end, and an outflow end; wherein the annular frame is compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration; and (b) any of the disclosed herein articles, wherein the article is an outer sealing member mounted circumferentially around the outer surface of the annular frame. [0188] In still further aspects, the article can be attached to the annular frame along the first edge and the second edge. Yet in still further aspects, the third edge and the fourth edge are connected to each other and optionally to the annular frame. METHODS [0189] The present disclosure also provides for a method of forming an implantable prosthetic valve comprising: a) providing an annular frame having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the frame has an inflow end and an outflow end; wherein the annular frame is compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration; b) circumferentially mounting an outer sealing member comprising any of the disclosed herein articles. [0190] Any of the disclosed above outer skirts can be used to form the valve. Similarly, any of the methods disclosed above of attachment of the outer skirt to the annular frame can be utilized. [0191] In still further aspects, the methods disclosed herein can comprise a step of impregnating any of the disclosed herein textile materials with a pharmaceutically active agent, depending on the desired application. In still further aspects, the methods disclosed herein can comprise a step of coating any of the disclosed herein textile materials with any known in the art materials that can provide for any additional desired properties. [0192] Although several aspects of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other aspects of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specific aspects disclosed hereinabove and that many modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention nor the claims which follow. We, therefore, claim as our invention all that comes within the scope and spirit of these claims. EXEMPLARY ASPECTS [0193] Example 1: An article comprising: a knitted fabric having a first dimension defined by a first edge and a second edge, and a second dimension, which is perpendicular to the first dimension and defined by a third edge and a fourth edge; wherein the knitted fabric comprises a mesh layer and a pile layer, wherein the pile layer comprises a plurality of pile yarns extending outwardly from at least a portion of an outer surface of the mesh layer, wherein an inner surface of the mesh layer is substantially free of the pile yarns, wherein the mesh layer at at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the knitted fabric comprises a first edge portion and/or a second edge portion that is substantially free of the pile yarn; and wherein the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion comprise a first inlaid yarn inserted into the mesh layer along the second dimension of the knitted fabric. [0194] Example 2. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 1, wherein the mesh layer comprises one or more weft yarns forming a plurality of courses extending along the first dimension of the knitted fabric and at least one warp yarn configured to form a plurality of warp loops that connect each course of the plurality of courses to an adjacent course along the second dimension of the knitted fabric thus forming a plurality of wales. [0195] Example 3. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 2, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn. [0196] Example 4. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 2 or 3, wherein the mesh layer has a wales density from about 10 to about 50 wales per inch. [0197] Example 5. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-4, wherein the mesh layer has a course density from about 25 to about 85 courses per inch. [0198] Example 6. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-5, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a twisted yarn, a flat yarn, a textured yarn, or any combination thereof. [0199] Example 7. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 3-6, wherein the first weft yarn comprises a twisted yarn, a flat yarn, or a combination thereof, wherein the twisted yarn and/or flat yarn have a size of about 10 deniers to about 40 deniers. [0200] Example 8. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 3-7, wherein the second weft yarn comprises a textured yarn, wherein the textured yarn has a size of about 20 deniers to about 160 deniers. [0201] Example 9. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-8, wherein the one or more yarns are monofilament and/or multifilament yarns. [0202] Example 10. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 9, wherein the one or more yarns are multifilament yarns having a filament count of about 5 filaments up to about 200 filaments. [0203] Example 11. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-10, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. [0204] Example 12. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 11, wherein polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane. [0205] Example 13. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 12, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane further comprises an amount of Si. [0206] Example 14. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 13, wherein the amount of Si is about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%. [0207] Example 15. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 11, wherein polyester comprises a PET. [0208] Example 16. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 11, wherein polyamide comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0209] Example 17. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 11, wherein the fluorinated polymers comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0210] Example 18. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-17, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a compound yarn. [0211] Example 19. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 18, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. [0212] Example 20. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 19, wherein the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different. [0213] Example 21. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 9-20, wherein a filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn comprises a bi- component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0214] Example 22. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-21, wherein the warp yarn is fully-drawn, or low or not twisted. [0215] Example 23. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2- 22, wherein the warp yarn has a size from about 10 deniers to about 40 deniers and a filament count from about 6 to about 56 and/or wherein the warp yarn has a tenacity from about 30 to about 400 cN/tex. [0216] Example 24. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-23, wherein the warp yarn comprises a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. [0217] Example 25. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 24, wherein polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane. [0218] Example 26. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 25, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane further comprises an amount of Si. [0219] Example 27. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 26, wherein the amount of Si is about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%. [0220] Example 28. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 24, wherein polyester comprises a PET. [0221] Example 29. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 24, wherein polyamide comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0222] Example 30. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 24, wherein the fluorinated polymers comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0223] Example 31. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-30, wherein the warp yarn comprises a compound yarn. [0224] Example 32. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 31, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. [0225] Example 33. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 32, wherein the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different. [0226] Example 34. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 9-33, wherein a filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn comprises a bi- component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0227] Example 35. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-34, wherein the knitted fabric is crochet knitted and/or warp-knitted fabric and/or weft-knit fabric. [0228] Example 36. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-35, wherein the pile yarns are arranged to form a looped pile or wherein the pile yarns are cut to form a cut pile. [0229] Example 37. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-36, wherein the pile yarn comprises a flat yarn or textured yarn. [0230] Example 38. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-37, wherein the pile yarn is a multifilament yarn, monofilament yarn, or a combination thereof. [0231] Example 39. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-38, wherein the pile yarn has a size from about 20 deniers to about 200 deniers and/or wherein the pile yarn has a filament count from about 1 to about 200. [0232] Example 40. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-39, wherein the pile yarn comprises a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. [0233] Example 41. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 40, wherein polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane. [0234] Example 42. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 41, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane further comprises an amount of Si. [0235] Example 43. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 42, wherein the amount of Si is about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%. [0236] Example 44. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 40, wherein polyester comprises a PET. [0237] Example 45. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 40, wherein polyamide comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0238] Example 46. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 40, wherein the fluorinated polymers comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0239] Example 47. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-46, wherein the pile yarn comprises a compound yarn. [0240] Example 48. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 47, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. [0241] Example 49. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 48, wherein the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different. [0242] Example 50. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 37-49, wherein a filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn comprises a bi-component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0243] Example 51. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 37-50, wherein a filament in the monofilament or multifilament yarn has a size of about 6 microns to about 300 microns in diameter. [0244] Example 52. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-51, wherein the first inlaid yarn has a size from about 20 denier to about 100 denier. [0245] Example 53. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-52, wherein the first inlaid yarn is a monofilament and/or multifilament. [0246] Example 54. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 53, wherein the multifilament yarn has a filament count of about 2 to about 100 filaments. [0247] Example 55. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 53 or 54, wherein the first inlaid yarn comprises one or more filaments having an average diameter of about 6 microns to about 250 microns. [0248] Example 56. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 52-55, wherein the first inlaid yarn comprises a flat yarn, twisted yarn, textured yarn, or any combination thereof. [0249] Example 57. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 52-56, wherein the first inlaid yarn comprises a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof. [0250] Example 58. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 57, wherein the polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane. [0251] Example 59. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 58, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane further comprises an amount of Si. [0252] Example 60. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 59, wherein the amount of Si is about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%. [0253] Example 61. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 57, wherein polyester comprises a PET. [0254] Example 62. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 57, wherein polyamide comprises nylon 6, nylon 6,6, nylon 12, or any combination thereof. [0255] Example 63. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 57, wherein the fluorinated polymers comprise PTFE, ePTFE, or a combination thereof. [0256] Example 64. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-63, wherein the first inlaid yarn comprises a compound yarn. [0257] Example 65. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 64, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns. [0258] Example 66. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 65, wherein the core yarn and the wrap yarn are the same or different. [0259] Example 67. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 53-66, wherein a filament of the monofilament yarn and/or multifilament yarn comprises a bi-component filament in a sheath-core configuration, side-by-side configuration, eccentric configuration, island-in-the-sea configuration, segmented-pie configuration, or any combination thereof. [0260] Example 68. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 2-67, wherein the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion comprise about 1 to about 10 inlaid yarns per wale of the mesh layer along the first and/or second edge of the knitted fabric. [0261] Example 69. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-68, wherein the first inlaid yarn, the mesh layer and the pile layer are knitted simultaneously. [0262] Example 70. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-68, wherein the first inlaid yarn is embroidered into the knitted fabric. [0263] Example 71. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-70, wherein the pile layer is present in a pattern. [0264] Example 72. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-71, wherein the pile layer forms a pattern such that at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric are substantially free of the pile yarn. [0265] Example 73. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 71 or 72, wherein the pattern is a wavy pattern having a plurality of waves defined by a plurality of peaks and valleys. [0266] Example 74. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 73, wherein the pattern has a frequency of peaks/valleys of about 0.25 per cm to about 2 per cm. [0267] Example 75. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 74, wherein the frequency of peaks/valleys of the waves is the same along a substantially entire surface of the knitted fabric. [0268] Example 76. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 74, wherein the frequency of peaks/valleys of the waves is varied along a surface of the knitted fabric. [0269] Example 77. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 74-36, wherein the plurality of waves is defined by an amplitude from about 2 mm to about 20 mm. [0270] Example 78. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 77, wherein the amplitude is the same along a substantially entire surface of the knitted fabric along the second dimension. [0271] Example 79. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 78, wherein the amplitude of the waves is varied along a surface of the knitted fabric along the second dimension. [0272] Example 80. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 73-79, wherein the waves are parallel to each other. [0273] Example 81. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 73-79, wherein the waves are positioned such that the plurality of peaks and valleys of at least two waves are offset from each other. [0274] Example 82. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 73-81, wherein the at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric that are substantially free of the pile yarn form a plurality of gaps between the plurality of waves ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. [0275] Example 83. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-82, wherein the knitted fabric comprises one or more second inlaid yarns inserted into a weft direction across the first dimension of the knitted fabric. [0276] Example 84. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 83, wherein the one or more second inlaid yarns comprise a low-melt polymer. [0277] Example 85. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-84, wherein the third edge and the fourth edge of the knitted fabric comprise a third edge portion and the fourth edge portion that are substantially free of pile yarn. [0278] Example 86. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 1-85, wherein the article is an outer sealing member in an implantable medical device. [0279] Example 87. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 86, wherein the outer sealing member is positioned on an annular frame of the implantable medical device. [0280] Example 88. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 87, wherein the first dimension of the knitted fabric defines a height of the outer sealing member. [0281] Example 89. The article of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 87 or 88, wherein the second dimension of the knitted fabric is along a circumference of the annular frame. [0282] Example 90. An implantable medical device comprising: (a) an annular frame having an inner surface and an outer surface, an inflow end, and an outflow end; wherein the annular frame is compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration; and (b) an article of any one of Examples 1-89, wherein the article is an outer sealing member mounted circumferentially around the outer surface of the annular frame. [0283] Example 91. The implantable medical device of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 90, wherein the first dimension of the knitted fabric defines a height of the outer sealing member. [0284] Example 92. The implantable medical device of any one of the examples herein, particularly Example 90 or 91, wherein the second dimension of the knitted fabric is along a circumference of the annular frame. [0285] Example 93. The implantable medical device of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 90-92, wherein the article is attached to the annular frame along the first edge and the second edge. [0286] Example 94. The implantable medical device of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 90-93, wherein the third edge and the fourth edge are connected to each other and optionally to the annular frame. [0287] Example 95. The implantable medical device of any one of the examples herein, particularly Examples 90-94, wherein the implantable device is a heart valve.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim: 1. An article comprising: a knitted fabric having a first dimension defined by a first edge and a second edge, and a second dimension, which is perpendicular to the first dimension and defined by a third edge and a fourth edge; wherein the knitted fabric comprises a mesh layer and a pile layer, wherein the pile layer comprises a plurality of pile yarns extending outwardly from at least a portion of an outer surface of the mesh layer, wherein an inner surface of the mesh layer is substantially free of the pile yarns, wherein the mesh layer at at least one of the first edge and the second edge of the knitted fabric comprises a first edge portion and/or a second edge portion that is substantially free of the pile yarn; and wherein the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion comprise a first inlaid yarn inserted into the mesh layer along the second dimension of the knitted fabric.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the mesh layer comprises one or more weft yarns forming a plurality of courses extending along the first dimension of the knitted fabric and at least one warp yarn configured to form a plurality of warp loops that connect each course of the plurality of courses to an adjacent course along the second dimension of the knitted fabric thus forming a plurality of wales.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a first weft yarn and a second weft yarn, wherein the first weft yarn comprises a twisted yarn, a flat yarn, or a combination thereof, wherein the twisted yarn and/or flat yarn have a size of about 10 deniers to about 40 deniers, and wherein the second weft yarn comprises a textured yarn, wherein the textured yarn has a size of about 20 deniers to about 160 deniers .

4. The article of claim 2, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a polyester, co- polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof, wherein polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane comprising an amount of Si; and/or wherein the warp yarn comprises a polyester, co-polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof, wherein the polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane comprising an amount of Si.

5. The article of claim 2, wherein the one or more weft yarns comprise a compound yarn, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns; and/or wherein the warp yarn comprises a compound yarn, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns.

6. The article of claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric is a crochet knitted and/or a warp- knitted fabric and/or a weft-knit fabric.

7. The article of claim 1, wherein the pile yarns are arranged to form a looped pile or wherein the pile yarns are cut to form a cut pile, and the pile yarn comprises a polyester, co- polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof, wherein polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane comprising an amount of Si.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the pile yarn comprises a compound yarn, wherein the compound yarn comprises core yarn-wrap yarn configuration, wherein a core yarn and/or a wrap yarn are monofilament yarns and/or multifilament yarns.

9. The article of claim 1, wherein the first inlaid yarn comprises a flat yarn, twisted yarn, textured yarn, or any combination thereof, has a size from about 20 denier to about 100 denier, and is a monofilament and/or multifilament.

10. The article of claim 1, wherein the first inlaid yarn comprises a polyester, co- polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, fluorinated polymers, polyaryletherketones, aromatic polymers, polyurethane, or any combination thereof, wherein the polyurethane is a thermoplastic polyurethane comprising an amount of Si.

11. The article of claim 2, wherein the first edge portion and/or the second edge portion comprise about 1 to about 10 inlaid yarns per wale of the mesh layer along the first and/or second edge of the knitted fabric.

12. The article of claim 1, wherein the first inlaid yarn, the mesh layer and the pile layer are knitted simultaneously.

13. The article of claim 1, wherein the first inlaid yarn is embroidered into the knitted fabric.

14. The article of claim 1, wherein the pile layer is present in a pattern.

15. The article of claim 1, wherein the pile layer forms a pattern such that at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric are substantially free of the pile yarn.

16. The article of claim 14 or 15, wherein the pattern is a wavy pattern having a plurality of waves defined by a plurality of peaks and valleys.

17. The article of claim 16, wherein the at least some portions different from the first, second, third, and/or fourth edges of the knitted fabric that are substantially free of the pile yarn form a plurality of gaps between the plurality of waves ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

18. The article of claim 1, wherein the knitted fabric comprises one or more second inlaid yarns inserted into a weft direction across the first dimension of the knitted fabric.

19. The article of claim 1, wherein the third edge and the fourth edge of the knitted fabric comprise a third edge portion and the fourth edge portion that is substantially free of pile yarn.

20. An implantable medical device comprising: a) an annular frame having an inner surface and an outer surface, an inflow end, and an outflow end; wherein the annular frame is compressible and expandable between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration; and b) an article of any one of claims 1-89, wherein the article is an outer sealing member mounted circumferentially around the outer surface of the annular frame.

21. The implantable medical device of claim 20, wherein the first dimension of the knitted fabric defines a height of the outer sealing member, and the second dimension of the knitted fabric is along a circumference of the annular frame, wherein the article is attached to the annular frame along the first edge and the second edge.

22. The implantable medical device of claim 20, wherein the third edge and the fourth edge are connected to each other and optionally to the annular frame.

23. The implantable medical device of claim 20, wherein the implantable device is a heart valve.