Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a native valve in a human heart includes a prosthetic heart valve having an expandable frame and a valvular structure. The assembly also includes a tubular sleeve and a valve catheter disposed within the sleeve. A plurality of metal extension arms are coupled to the valve catheter for holding the prosthetic heart valve. The extension arms are configured to radially expand with the prosthetic heart valve during expansion of the prosthetic heart valve at a treatment site. A plurality of metal rods extend distally from the valve catheter. The rods are axially movable relative to the extension arms. A plurality of release members are provided for releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the extension arms upon movement of the metal rods.

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 method of crimping an implantable prosthetic valve can include placing protective material over at least a portion of the implantable prosthetic valve. The protective material can be configured to occupy space between open cells of a frame of the implantable prosthetic valve to prevent damage to a leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve. The method can also include crimping the implantable prosthetic valve with the protective material on the implantable prosthetic valve, and removing the protective material from between the frame and the leaflet structure of the implantable prosthetic valve.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame, a leaflet structure, and a skirt member. The frame can have a plurality of axial struts interconnected by a plurality of circumferential struts. The leaflet structure comprises a plurality of leaflets (e.g., three leaflets arrange to form a tricuspid valve). The leaflet structure has a scalloped lower edge portion secured to the frame. The skirt member can be disposed between the leaflet structure and the frame.

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.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve, according to one embodiment, comprises a frame, a leaflet structure, and a skirt member. The frame can have a plurality of axial struts interconnected by a plurality of circumferential struts. The leaflet structure comprises a plurality of leaflets (e.g., three leaflets arrange to form a tricuspid valve). The leaflet structure has a scalloped lower edge portion secured to the frame. The skirt member can be disposed between the leaflet structure and the frame.

Abstract: A process and system for compressing bioprosthetic tissue for use in medical implants. The process involves placing the tissue between two compressive surfaces and applying a force to reduce any nonuniformity of thickness in the tissue, while at the same time reduce the overall thickness. One particularly useful application is the compression of bioprosthetic sheet during the preparation of heart valve leaflets. Bovine pericardium may be compressed to reduce its thickness by about 50%, and then formed into heart valve leaflets. The thinned leaflets have substantially the same absolute strength as those made from uncompressed tissue, and are particular desirable for use in minimally invasive valves which must be compressed into a small profile. The thin tissue enables a reduction in the overall size of the minimally invasive heart valve for delivery. For instance, rolled MIS valves may be reduced in size to as small as 20 mm in diameter.

Abstract: A process and system for compressing bioprosthetic tissue for use in medical implants. The process involves placing the tissue between two compressive surfaces and applying a force to reduce any nonuniformity of thickness in the tissue, while at the same time reduce the overall thickness. One particularly useful application is the compression of bioprosthetic sheet during the preparation of heart valve leaflets. Bovine pericardium may be compressed to reduce its thickness by about 50%, and then formed into heart valve leaflets. The thinned leaflets have substantially the same absolute strength as those made from uncompressed tissue, and are particular desirable for use in minimally invasive valves which must be compressed into a small profile. The thin tissue enables a reduction in the overall size of the minimally invasive heart valve for delivery. For instance, rolled MIS valves may be reduced in size to as small as 20 mm in diameter.