Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems used to deliver a prosthetic heart valve to a deficient valve. In one embodiment, for instance, a support structure and an expandable prosthetic valve are advanced through the aortic arch of a patient using a delivery system. The support structure is delivered to a position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve (the support structure defining a support-structure interior). The expandable prosthetic valve is delivered into the aortic valve and into the support-structure interior. The expandable prosthetic heart valve is expanded while the expandable prosthetic heart valve is in the support-structure interior and while the support structure is at the position on or adjacent to the surface of the outflow side of the aortic valve, thereby causing one or more native leaflets of the aortic valve to be frictionally secured between the support structure and the expanded prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A die cast compressor housing includes an outer shell having a partial outer circumferencial volute wall portion and a projection surrounding the circumference of an aperture in the shell that mates with an insert having a first portion with a substantially cylindrical outer wall that is received in the aperture in the outer shell and includes an air inlet. The insert has a second portion extending radially outwardly and including a mating projection for engagement with the outer shell projection to form an inner circumferencial volute wall portion. A backplate has a third projection adjacent its outer circumference that is received in a relief in the outer shell and completes the outer circumferncial volute wall portion.

Abstract: A process of providing a disposable core for use in die casting processes. A salt material is molten and cast into a core of a desired configuration under exacting conditions. The fluidity of the molten salt is controlled enabling casting the salt material into a core by die casting methods. The die casting method provides a core with a high surface finish and strength. The core is evenly cooled subsequent to it being cast and is maintained at an elevated temperature to maintain its surface finish and structural integrity. The cast core is inserted into the dies of a metal die casting machine to facilitate casting a metal product having internal forms not otherwise attainable. The core is removed from the metal product by simply dissolving and flushing the core out of the casting. The salt material may be reclaimed by a de-salination process for further use.