Abstract: A delivery system for a prosthetic valve device includes a first shaft including an outflow capture device mounted on a distal end thereof, a second shaft slidingly disposed over the first shaft and including an inflow capture device mounted on a distal end thereof, and a retractable sheath slidingly disposed over the second shaft to hold the prosthetic valve device in a radially compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen. The inflow capture device is configured for releasable engagement through openings in a plurality of first attachment members on the device. The outflow capture device is configured for releasable engagement through openings in a plurality of second attachment members on the device.

Abstract: A foreign substance, such as DNA, is injected into plant cells or tissue by a biological ballistical insertion technique. High pressure propellant gas is employed to accelerate the macroprojectile containing microprojectiles coated with the foreign substance. A movable macroprojectile stop mechanism is provided between an upper injection chamber and a lower sample-holding chamber so that multiple shots of macroprojectiles can be made without disrupting the vacuum in the lower chamber. The stop mechanism includes removable stopper plugs for stopping the macroprojectile. A vacuum seal is provided between the stop mechanism and the lower chamber.