Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus via a transaortic approach. The system includes a balloon catheter for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve through an introducer from an approach from outside the patient, through a minimally-invasive opening in the chest cavity through an incision in the aorta, and into the aorta and aortic annulus. The balloon catheter includes a flexible, tapered tip just distal of the balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. The prosthetic heart valve may be installed over the existing calcified leaflets, and a pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. A pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher. A pre-dilation valvuloplasty procedure may also be utilized.

Abstract: An cardioplegic fluid delivery catheter includes an expandable member for occluding the ascending aorta of a patient. A length of the catheter allows the distal end to be within the ascending aorta while the proximal end extends from a peripheral artery. The delivery catheter has a multi-lumen construction with a primary lumen extending configured to allow a cardioplegic fluid to be delivered to the aorta. Secondary lumens provide for balloon inflation and aortic root pressure monitoring. The delivery catheter includes a shaft having a pre-determined curve profile at a distal end of the delivery catheter. The pre-determined curve profile generally corresponds to the curve of the bottom surface of the aortic arch. The shaft may be eccentric to the expandable member such that retraction of the shaft causes a distal tip to be parallel within the ascending aorta.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods from delivering prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, through the body and into the heart for implantation therein. The prosthetic devices delivered with the delivery systems disclosed herein are, for example, radially expandable from a radially compressed state mounted on the delivery system to a radially expanded state for implantation using an inflatable balloon of the delivery system. Exemplary delivery routes through the body and into the heart include transfemoral routes, transapical routes, and transaortic routes, among others.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment, while a slider in the handle controls retraction of a valve pusher.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.

Abstract: A generally tubular intraluminal vascular graft having a linear shape that may be radially expanded from a compressed state to an expanded state within a body vessel is disclosed. The graft includes a plurality of stent portions which take the form of undulating filaments extending circumferentially along the tubular body and forming a generally ring-shaped configuration. The graft may further be equipped with a plurality of specifically-configured engagement members disposed on the outer surface of the graft which are configured to frictionally engage an inner wall of a vessel so as to inhibit longitudinal movement of the tubular body without piercing the vessel wall.

Abstract: A circumferential ablation catheter is provided that is particularly useful for ablating a circumferential region of tissue in a tubular region of or near the heart, such as a pulmonary vein. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter also comprises a generally tubular inner support member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A proximal portion of the inner support member extends into the lumen of the catheter body, and a distal portion of the inner support member extends outside the catheter body. A circumferential ablation element, such as an ultrasound transducer, is mounted on the distal portion of the inner support member outside the catheter body. A moveable tube extends through the lumen of the inner support member and through the catheter body.

Abstract: A circumferential ablation catheter is provided that is particularly useful for ablating a circumferential region of tissue in a tubular region of or near the heart, such as a pulmonary vein. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and a lumen extending therethrough. The catheter also comprises a generally tubular inner support member having proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending therethrough. A proximal portion of the inner support member extends into the lumen of the catheter body, and a distal portion of the inner support member extends outside the catheter body. A circumferential ablation element, such as an ultrasound transducer, is mounted on the distal portion of the inner support member outside the catheter body. A moveable tube extends through the lumen of the inner support member and through the catheter body.

Abstract: A generally tubular intraluminal vascular graft having a linear shape that may be radially expanded from a compressed state to an expanded state within a body vessel is disclosed. The graft includes a plurality of stent portions which take the form of undulating filaments extending circumferentially along the tubular body and forming a generally ring-shaped configuration. The graft may further be equipped with a plurality of specifically-configured engagement members disposed on the outer surface of the graft which are configured to frictionally engage an inner wall of a vessel so as to inhibit longitudinal movement of the tubular body without piercing the vessel wall.