Abstract: An introducer apparatus is provided for delivering a heart valve prosthesis to a treatment site. The introducer apparatus includes a hub including a central passage and an engagement member. The introducer apparatus includes a sheath attached to the hub and including a first cross-sectional dimension. A plurality of wires extend between a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is attached to a distal sheath end of the sheath and the second end is attached to the engagement member. The engagement member moves the plurality of wires and the distal sheath end between an extended position, in which the sheath includes the first cross-sectional dimension, and a retracted position, in which the sheath includes a second cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the first cross-sectional dimension. Methods of delivering a heart valve prosthesis to a treatment site are provided.

Abstract: Hemostatic springs and hemostatic seals comprising hemostatic springs facilitate introducing a surgical device into the vasculature of a patient during a surgical procedure. Each hemostatic spring comprises a radial array of spring segments positioned on a circular path about a central axis. Each hemostatic seal is configured to reduce an axial length of the hemostatic spring to constrict the radial array of spring segments to reduce a cross-sectional area of the central passage. Methods include axially inserting the surgical device into the hemostatic seal while compression from the hemostatic seal minimizes fluid leakage. Methods can further include reducing a frictional force of inserting the device into the hemostatic seal by reducing the axial compression to dilate the hemostatic spring.

Abstract: A system includes an inflow loading assembly configured to compress an inflow portion of the implantable medical device as the implantable medical device is advanced through the inflow loading assembly. The system also includes an outflow loading assembly removably coupled to the inflow loading assembly. The outflow loading assembly is configured to partially compress an outflow portion of the implantable medical device during coupling to the inflow loading assembly. The inflow loading assembly includes one or more biasing features that are configured to asymmetrically compress the inflow portion of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implantable medical device to an implant location includes a control handle portion, a catheter portion coupled to the control handle portion, and a distal portion configured to receive the implantable medical device. The catheter portion includes outer shaft including an inner braided layer extending axially along the outer shaft, an outer braided layer extending axially along the outer shaft, wherein the outer braided layer has a lower density of braids relative to the inner braided layer, and an axial spine positioned between the inner braided layer and the outer braided layer extending axially along the outer shaft.

Abstract: A system includes an inflow loading assembly configured to compress an inflow portion of the implantable medical device as the implantable medical device is advanced through the inflow loading assembly. The system also includes an outflow loading assembly removably coupled to the inflow loading assembly. The outflow loading assembly is configured to partially compress an outflow portion of the implantable medical device during coupling to the inflow loading assembly. The inflow loading assembly includes one or more biasing features that are configured to asymmetrically compress the inflow portion of the implantable medical device.