Abstract: An alignment tool includes a body and a plurality of securement arms extending from the body, each of the plurality of securement arms adapted to releasably secure the alignment tool relative to a loader. The alignment tool includes a plurality of alignment arms extending from the body, each of the plurality of alignment arms including a first end having an alignment slot and an opposing second end including a handle portion, the plurality of alignment arms movable between a closed configuration defining a minimum distance between the first end of each of the plurality of alignment arms and an open configuration defining a maximum distance between the first end of each of the plurality of alignment arms. The plurality of alignment arms are biased into the closed configuration.

Abstract: A device for compressing a stent may include a housing extending along a central longitudinal axis, a first threaded member and a second threaded member, a first iris and a second iris, and a compressor element disposed between the second iris and the second threaded member. The first iris includes a first ring extending transverse to the axis and a first plurality of arms extending from the first ring parallel to the axis. The first plurality of arms defines a first central opening and rotation of the first threaded member changes a size of the first central opening. The second iris includes a second ring extending transverse to the axis and a second plurality of arms extending from the second ring parallel to the axis. The second plurality of arms defines a second central opening and rotation of the second threaded member changes a size of the second central opening.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a stent-valve may include an inner shaft including a distal tip, a stent-valve crimped onto the inner shaft, a distal sheath disposed over at least a lower portion of the stent-valve, and a proximal sheath disposed over at least an upper portion of the stent-valve. The distal sheath has a proximal free end with an angled proximal edge defining a short side and a long side of the distal sheath. The proximal sheath is actuatable independently from the distal sheath, and moveable proximally to release the upper portion of the stent-valve. The distal sheath is moveable distally to release the lower portion of the stent-valve. The angled proximal edge releases a first side of the lower portion of the stent-valve before an opposite second side.

Abstract: An alignment tool for loading a stent includes a plurality of arms each having a shaft with an engagement region moveable between a first, angled configuration relative to the shaft, and a second, straight configuration, with each engagement region having an inner surface shaped to mate with a stent holder. The alignment tool further includes a lock ring having a lumen configured to receive the plurality of arms, with the lock ring configured to slide over the arms between a first retracted position in which the engagement region of each arm is exposed and allowed to bias into the angled configuration, and a second locked position in which the lock ring extends over at least a portion of the engagement regions and compresses the engagement regions into the straight configuration. The alignment tool may also include a spring configured to bias the lock ring in the locked position.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a replacement heart valve implant may include a tubular member having a wall having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a lumen of the tubular member, wherein the inner surface includes a tapered portion having a radially inward taper in a distal direction, and a plurality of flexible arms projecting radially inward from the tapered portion. The plurality of flexible arms may project radially inward from the inner surface at least 50% of a distance from the inner surface to a central longitudinal axis of the tubular member in an unbiased configuration. The plurality of flexible arms may be configured to push a plurality of leaflets of the replacement heart valve implant radially inward as the replacement heart valve implant passes through the tubular member.

Abstract: Example medical device loading devices are disclosed. An example loading device for a stent-valve includes an elongated body having a proximal end region, a distal end region and a lumen extending therein. The loading device also includes a collar coupled to the distal end region of the body, the collar including first end region, a second end region and a lumen extending therein. Further, the loading device includes a first compression assembly coupled to the collar, wherein the first compression assembly is configured to shift between a first position a second position. The loading device also includes a second compression assembly coupled to the collar, wherein the second compression assembly is configured to shift between a third position and a fourth position.