Abstract: A steerable delivery system is provided for delivering a replacement heart valve to a native heart valve location. The steerable delivery system includes an outer sheath assembly having a capsule along a distal end portion for retaining the replacement heart valve in a compressed configuration. The capsule is constructed to provide both compression resistance and flexibility. The capsule may be formed with an outer polymer layer, a metal middle layer located on a radially inner surface of the outer polymer layer, and an inner liner located on a radially inner surface of the metal middle layer. A fluoroelastomer layer is provided for bonding the inner liner to the metal middle layer. The metal middle layer is preferably a metal hypotube.

Abstract: A launchable biodegradable vessel for delivery of cremated remains or other dry materials into a body of water. The vessel is a prolate spheroid of size and shape designed specifically for easy handling and delivery by hand, or by an air cannon or other launching device to achieve greater and/or safer distance. The vessel is made of a dissolvable plastic or plant-based material that will break down in fresh or salt water. The vessel may be designed for faster dispersion of cremated remains or other dry materials once it makes contact with the water, by the placement of holes in its shell.