Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable prosthesis frame. If desired, one or more expandable anchors may be used. The prosthesis frame, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the prosthesis frame may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. The prosthesis frame is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart.

Abstract: A sheathed catheter system is described where the sheath comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion that are moveable axially relative to each other, and relative to a tube carrying a medical device thereon. The distal and proximal sheath portions can be brought together in order to enclose therewithin the medical device. The distal sheath has a proximal section that is configured to bias radially inwardly to minimize an otherwise exposed annular surface catching on protruding surfaces that may exist on the catheter or other medical tool in use at the time, or to minimize scraping the inner native lumen of the patient upon retrieval.

Abstract: A sheathed catheter system is described where the sheath comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion that are moveable axially relative to each other, and relative to a tube carrying a medical device thereon. The distal and proximal sheath portions can be brought together in order to enclose therewithin the medical device. The distal sheath has a proximal section that is configured to bias radially inwardly to minimize an otherwise exposed annular surface catching on protruding surfaces that may exist on the catheter or other medical tool in use at the time, or to minimize scraping the inner native lumen of the patient upon retrieval.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable prosthesis frame. If desired, one or more expandable anchors may be used. The prosthesis frame, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. Portions of the prosthesis frame may expand to a preset diameter to maintain coaptivity of the replacement valve and to prevent occlusion of the coronary ostia. The prosthesis frame is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart.