Abstract: An assembly for treating a native heart valve can include a prosthetic valve and a delivery apparatus. The prosthetic valve can include an expandable frame, a valve structure, a first end with apertures formed therein, and a second end. The delivery apparatus can include a valve catheter, flexible extension arms, slidable wires, and release members. First ends of the arms can be coupled to a cylindrical coupling element, second ends of the arms can be releasably coupled to the prosthetic valve, and the coupling element can be connected to the distal end of the valve catheter. The slidable wires can extend distally from the distal end of the valve catheter. The release members can be coupled to the distal end of the valve catheter and can extend through a respective aperture of the prosthetic valve, thereby forming a releasable connection between the prosthetic valve and the slidable wires.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a native heart valve can include a prosthetic valve and a delivery apparatus. The prosthetic valve can include an expandable frame, a valve structure, a first end with apertures formed therein, and a second end. The delivery apparatus can include a valve catheter, flexible extension arms, slidable wires, and release members. First ends of the arms can be coupled to a cylindrical coupling element, second ends of the arms can be releasably coupled to the prosthetic valve, and the coupling element can be connected to the distal end of the valve catheter. The slidable wires can extend distally from the distal end of the valve catheter. The release members can be coupled to the distal end of the valve catheter and can extend through a respective aperture of the prosthetic valve, thereby forming a releasable connection between the prosthetic valve and the slidable wires.

Abstract: A heart valve delivery system is provided wherein a prosthetic valve is carried on a valve catheter inside a delivery sleeve. A step balloon protrudes from the delivery sleeve and provides a tapered surface for facilitating advancement through a body vessel. The step balloon also aids in crossing the leaflets of a native valve. After the prosthetic valve is positioned within the native valve, the delivery sleeve is retracted to expose the prosthetic valve. If necessary, the step balloon may be expanded to securely seat the prosthetic valve at the site of the native valve. The prosthetic valve is preferably coupled to the valve catheter by a plurality of flexible extension arms which allow the prosthetic valve to be collapsed after initial deployment such that the prosthetic valve may be repositioned if necessary.

Abstract: A heart valve delivery system is provided wherein a prosthetic valve is carried on a valve catheter inside a delivery sleeve. A step balloon protrudes from the delivery sleeve and provides a tapered surface for facilitating advancement through a body vessel. The step balloon also aids in crossing the leaflets of a native valve. After the prosthetic valve is positioned within the native valve, the delivery sleeve is retracted to expose the prosthetic valve. If necessary, the step balloon may be expanded to securely seat the prosthetic valve at the site of the native valve. The prosthetic valve is preferably coupled to the valve catheter by a plurality of flexible extension arms which allow the prosthetic valve to be collapsed after initial deployment such that the prosthetic valve may be repositioned if necessary.