Abstract: Systems and methods for securely connecting a loading assembly to a delivery apparatus for loading a prosthetic medical device into the delivery apparatus are disclosed. As one example, a medical system can include a delivery apparatus for implanting a prosthetic medical device in a patient's body and a loading system. The delivery apparatus can comprise a flexible shaft, a coupling attached to a distal end of the flexible shaft, and a delivery capsule coupled to the coupling and extending distally from the coupling. The loading assembly can comprise a loading capsule comprising a plurality of axially extending flexible members configured to couple to an outer surface of the coupling and flex radially outward and a collar disposed around the loading capsule and configured to lock the plurality of flexible members in engagement with the coupling such that the plurality of flexible members cannot flex radially outward.

Abstract: A flexible delivery catheter comprising an outer jacket with a first portion and a second portion, a coil layer, and a coupler. The first portion and second portion of the outer jacket have a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter where the second inner diameter is greater than the first inner diameter. The change in diameter from the first inner diameter to the second inner diameter creates a shoulder. The coupler is coupled to the distal end of the outer jacket such that a cavity is formed by the coupler, the second portion of the outer jacket, and the shoulder of the outer jacket. A coil layer or hypotube is disposed within the cavity.

Abstract: A flexible delivery catheter comprising an outer jacket, a coil layer, and a braided layer where the coil layer is disposed within the inner lumen of the braided layer, and the braided layer is disposed between the outer jacket and the coil layer. The coil layer is wound to resist axial compression and tension applied to the delivery catheter; the coil layer facilitates bending of the delivery catheter in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the delivery catheter. The coil layer and the braided layer are provided along a distal tip portion of the delivery catheter, the distal tip portion extending along a length of the delivery catheter from a distal end of the delivery catheter toward the proximal end of the delivery catheter.

Abstract: A release mechanism for a delivery apparatus and associated methods for operating the release mechanism are disclosed. As one example, a handle portion of the delivery apparatus can include a release mechanism configured to adjust a linear position of a component of the delivery apparatus. The release mechanism can include a threaded drive screw including one or more retaining elements arranged at a proximal end of the drive screw and one or more grooves forming a helical threaded portion of the drive screw that each extend from a corresponding retaining element to a distal end of the drive screw, the drive screw coupled to the component; and a rotatable knob surrounding and coaxial with the drive screw, the knob including one or more teeth arranged at a proximal end of the knob, each tooth configured to interface with a corresponding retaining element and groove of the drive screw.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for delivery systems including deflectable elongate shafts. A delivery system may include a deflectable elongate shaft including a pull tether extending along the length of the elongate shaft and having a distal portion and a proximal portion and an intermediate portion, with the distal portion of the pull tether coupled to a portion of the elongate shaft such that the intermediate portion of the pull tether may variably move towards the first set of bi-directional cuts or the second set of bi-directional cuts. The pull tether may be configured to be pulled to deflect the hypotube.