Abstract: A delivery catheter for a stent. The delivery catheter may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a stent attachment region adapted to receive a stent. The stent may be of the self-expanding type. The catheter further comprises a handle at its proximal end and at least one sheath which may at least partially circumferentially cover said stent such as to retain it in a collapsed configuration. The sheath is coupled at its proximal end to an actuator located on said handle portion.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a hollow channel (42) having an interior surface (50) shaped for progressively compressing the stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; a driver (46) threadedly engaged on the exterior of the channel for generating a longitudinal driving force in response to rotation; a mover (44) having limbs (56) that project through slots (58) in the channel wall to transmit the driving force to the stent-valve within the channel; and a channel extension (48) removably attachable at the exit (54) to provide a generally cylindrical containment bore (66).

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a prosthetic heart valve, the valve expandable from a collapsed condition for delivery to an expanded condition for implantation, the delivery catheter comprising: a holder for engaging the valve in the collapsed state of the valve, the holder configured such that (i) in response to a radial compression force exerted thereon, the holder has a first shape defining an exposed engagement region for engaging at least a portion of the collapsed prosthetic heart valve for restraining axial displacement of the prosthetic valve in at least one axial direction of the catheter, and (ii) in response to removal of the radial compression force upon expansion of the valve, at least a portion of the holder transitions to a second shape.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a prosthetic heart valve, the valve expandable from a collapsed condition for delivery to an expanded condition for implantation, the delivery catheter comprising: a holder for engaging the valve in the collapsed state of the valve, the holder configured such that (i) in response to a radial compression force exerted thereon, the holder has a first shape defining an exposed engagement region for engaging at least a portion of the collapsed prosthetic heart valve for restraining axial displacement of the prosthetic valve in at least one axial direction of the catheter, and (ii) in response to removal of the radial compression force upon expansion of the valve, at least a portion of the holder transitions to a second shape.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a stent. The delivery catheter may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a stent attachment region adapted to receive a stent. The stent may be of the self-expanding type. The catheter further comprises a handle at its proximal end and at least one sheath which may at least partially circumferentially cover said stent such as to retain it in a collapsed configuration. The sheath is coupled at its proximal end to an actuator located on said handle portion.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a hollow channel (42) having an interior surface (50) shaped for progressively compressing the stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; a driver (46) threadedly engaged on the exterior of the channel for generating a longitudinal driving force in response to rotation; a mover (44) having limbs (56) that project through slots (58) in the channel wall to transmit the driving force to the stent-valve within the channel; and a channel extension (48) removably attachable at the exit (54) to provide a generally cylindrical containment bore (66).

Abstract: Embodiments include prosthetic valves and related methods. In an embodiment, an implantable valve is included having a frame that includes a plurality of frame struts. The frame can define a central lumen. An outer skirt can be disposed on an abluminal surface of the frame. The outer skirt can include a flap having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flap can be fixed to the abluminal surface of the frame and the second end can be free to move away from the abluminal surface of the frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108).

Abstract: Embodiments include implantable valves with attached polymeric components. In an embodiment, an implantable valve is included having a frame comprising a plurality of frame struts. The frame defines a central lumen and at least one of the frame struts defines a connection aperture. The implantable valve can include at least one valve leaflet including a coaptation edge and two connection portions, with one connection portion disposed on either end of the coaptation edge. The connection portion can be disposed within the connection aperture thereby coupling the valve leaflet to the frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Embodiments include prosthetic valves and related methods. In an embodiment, an implantable valve is included having a frame that includes a plurality of frame struts. The frame can define a central lumen. An outer skirt can be disposed on an abluminal surface of the frame. The outer skirt can include a flap having a first end and a second end. The first end of the flap can be fixed to the abluminal surface of the frame and the second end can be free to move away from the abluminal surface of the frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A device for heart valve replacement comprises a valve component having at least two valve leaflets preferably made of pericardium tissue. Each valve leaflet includes at least two tabs. The device further includes a stent component configured to be radially compressible into a compressed state and expandable into a functional state. The stent component comprises a first end, a second end and at least one intermediate section arranged between said first and said second end. The intermediate section has at least two commissural posts generally aligned parallel to an axis spanning from the first end to the second end. The commissural posts are formed in the shape of a wishbone.

Abstract: A stent-valve for transcatheter implantation to replace a cardiac valve, the stent valve being compressible to a compressed state for delivery, and expandable to an operative state for implantation, the stent-valve comprising a stent, a plurality of leaflets for defining a prosthetic valve, an inner skirt, an outer skirt, and a paravalve seal for sealing against surrounding tissue. In some embodiments, the paravalve seal comprises material that swells in response to contact with blood. In some embodiments, the seal comprises a flap or pocket that is distensible in response to backpressure and/or paravalve back-flow of blood.

Abstract: A device for heart valve replacement comprises a valve component having at least two valve leaflets preferably made of pericardium tissue. Each valve leaflet includes at least two tabs. The device further includes a stent component configured to be radially compressible into a compressed state and expandable into a functional state. The stent component comprises a first end, a second end and at least one intermediate section arranged between said first and said second end. The intermediate section has at least two commissural posts generally aligned parallel to an axis spanning from the first end to the second end. The commissural posts are formed in the shape of a wishbone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108).