Support structure for an implantable device with enhanced compressive stiffness region(s)

Various examples address support structures (e.g., prosthetic valve support structures or frames) that incorporate a frame that, upon transitioning to a deployed configuration, include a proximal section has increased stiffness, or resistance to deformation in a transverse plane to a longitudinal axis of a device, including resistance to a change in shape, size, or both. Such an increase in transverse deformation resistance may be measured as an increase in radial compressive resistance or an increase in flat plate stiffness, for example, or both. Such increases in transverse deformation resistance may be realized through a reduction in length of the increased stiffness region of the support structure, such as through longitudinal compression of the region following an initial radial expansion of the region.