Abstract: A transseptal puncture system that includes a needle member that includes a distal end, a proximal end and defines a first lumen therethrough, a dilator that includes a distal end, a proximal end and defines a second lumen therethrough, a sheath that includes a distal end, a proximal end and defines a third lumen therethrough, a needle control device that is configured to move the needle member a predetermined distance from a stowed position to a deployed position and a guidewire that includes a distal end and a proximal end and is movable within the first lumen. The needle member is movable within the second lumen and the distal end of the needle member is configured to puncture the septum. The dilator is movable within the third lumen.

Abstract: A cutting system for use prior to valve replacement that includes a cutting assembly and a sheath. The cutting assembly includes an expansion member that is movable between a stowed position and an expanded position, and at least a first cutting member associated with the expansion member. The first cutting member is configured to incise a first leaflet. The sheath defines a lumen therethrough and the cutting assembly is movable within the lumen.

Abstract: A transseptal puncture system that includes a needle member that includes a distal end, a proximal end and defines a first lumen therethrough, a dilator that includes a distal end, a proximal end and defines a second lumen therethrough, a sheath that includes a distal end, a proximal end and defines a third lumen therethrough, a needle control device that is configured to move the needle member a predetermined distance from a stowed position to a deployed position and a guidewire that includes a distal end and a proximal end and is movable within the first lumen. The needle member is movable within the second lumen and the distal end of the needle member is configured to puncture the septum. The dilator is movable within the third lumen.

Abstract: A catheter assembly that includes a catheter, a heart valve procedure device positioned at a distal end of the catheter, and an embolic protection device positioned on the catheter proximal of the heart valve procedure device. The embolic protection device is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of practicing transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR) employing an expandable hollow mesh-like catheter which may be inserted through an aorta to the proximity of a diseased or degenerated aortic valve in a retracted form and then expanded to compress the valve to open it up. Subsequently a new valve will be placed on the collapsed mesh, will be fed through the aorta, and the mesh will be expanded to push the leaflets of the old valve aside. The mesh does not block blood flow, eliminating the need to instigate a rapid heartbeat as required in the prior art procedure employing a balloon rather than the mesh.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of practicing transcatheter valve replacement (TAVR) employing an expandable hollow mesh-like catheter which may be inserted through an aorta to the proximity of a diseased or degenerated aortic valve in a retracted form and then expanded to compress the valve to open it up. Subsequently a new valve will be placed on the collapsed mesh, will be fed through the aorta, and the mesh will be expanded to push the leaflets of the old valve aside. The mesh does not block blood flow, eliminating the need to instigate a rapid heartbeat as required in the prior art procedure employing a balloon rather than the mesh.