Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and an auger having a plurality of turns coupled to the outer surface of the cannula. A stent has a portion dimensioned to be disposed within a valley of the auger. Rotation of the cannula and the auger advances the portion of the stent in a predetermined longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a method for delivering a stent comprising providing a stent in a delivery state, where the stent comprises a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. Stacking a frontal surface of a first strut segment at least partially behind a rear surface of a second strut segment in the delivery state. Aligning a sharpened tip of a first barb at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed. Expanding the stent from the delivery state to a deployed state, wherein the first barb is exposed to a patient in the deployed state.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a method for delivering a stent comprising providing a stent in a delivery state, where the stent comprises a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. Stacking a frontal surface of a first strut segment at least partially behind a rear surface of a second strut segment in the delivery state. Aligning a sharpened tip of a first barb at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed. Expanding the stent from the delivery state to a deployed state, wherein the first barb is exposed to a patient in the deployed state.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis can be configured to be deployed within a native heart valve and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the native heart valve, a flap assembly positioned around an exterior of the expandable frame, a proximal end of the flap assembly being positioned at or proximate a proximal end of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the flap assembly can extend outward from the frame and have an expanded configuration configured to create a barrier to fluid flow exterior to the frame when deployed within the native heart valve.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an endovascular prosthesis is disclosed. A prosthesis is releasably coupled to a proximal end of the system. A handle assembly is disposed at the distal end of the delivery system. The handle assembly comprises a main handle and a second handle disposed at least partially on the main handle and longitudinally moveable relative to the main handle. A trigger wire release mechanism is disposed in the interior or the main handle. A sheath is operatively connected to the second handle and longitudinal movement of the second handle relative to the main handle retracts the sheath in a distal direction. Movement of the trigger wire release mechanism from a first position to a second deployed position is prevented when the sheath is in the first position. Methods for accessing the common and internal iliac arteries and delivering and deploying an endovascular graft therein using the delivery system and handle assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein a prosthesis for implantation within a lumen or body cavity and delivery systems for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a plurality of components, including a flexible nose cone, multi-layer sheath, and pre-compressed shaft, which can be moveable relative to each other.

Abstract: A delivery device and methods for deploying an endovascular prosthesis within the common and internal iliac arteries are described. The device comprises a pusher catheter having a proximal end and a pusher extension extending proximally therefrom. A tubular prosthesis having a side branch is releasably coupled to the pusher extension. An extension dilator extends proximally from the proximal end of the pusher catheter, extends at least partially along an external surface of the main tubular body, into a distal end of the side branch and exits a proximal end of the tubular prosthesis. The extension dilator can be tracked over a guide wire which serves to both position the device within a vessel and also to facilitate cannulation of an internal iliac artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthesis delivery device and to a handle assembly at the distal end of the delivery device. The handle assembly comprises a main handle and a nut disposed on the main handle. The nut comprises a first configuration in which the nut is engaged with the outer surface of the main handle and a second configuration in which the nut is disengaged from the outer surface of the main handle. Disengaging the nut from the main handle facilitates quick sheath retraction and deployment of at least the distal end of the prosthesis as well as recapturing the proximal end of the device within the sheath.

Abstract: An introducer for an endoluminal prosthesis and a methods for delivering a prosthesis within a body vessel are described. The introducer comprises pusher catheter having a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen being in communication with an opening formed in the sidewall of the pusher. A sheath is disposed over the pusher catheter and also has an opening formed in its sidewall. The sheath is longitudinally movable relative to the pusher catheter between a prosthesis delivery position and a prosthesis deployment position. When the sheath is in the deployment position, the opening formed in the sidewall of the pusher catheter is at least partially longitudinally aligned with the opening formed in the sidewall of the sheath. A wire may extend though the opening in the sheath, the opening in the pusher, through the lumen of the pusher and through a fenestration in a prosthesis to cannulate a branch vessel.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide system and methods for deploying an endoluminal prosthesis. In one example, the system comprises a sheath, and a stent-graft disposed within the sheath in a delivery state. A pusher having proximal and distal sections is disposed at least partially within the sheath in the delivery state. An orientation marker is disposed on the pusher. The orientation marker extends less than 360 degrees around a circumference of the pusher.

Abstract: A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device having a guide wire catheter and a handle including a multi-port manifold with access ports, where an access sheath extends from each access port. A sheath is disposed coaxially around the guide wire catheter and includes two splits that enable the retraction of the sheath while the access sheaths are disposed within the respective access port of the manifold.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and a coiled member having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of turns disposed therebetween. At least a portion of the coiled member is secured to the outer surface of the cannula. A stent is releasably secured to a portion of the coiled member. A protective cage may encircle the coiled member.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery device and method of using the same is described. The delivery device comprises a rotatable inner cannula extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a prosthesis releasably coupled to the proximal end. A delivery handle assembly is disposed at the distal end of the delivery device. The handle comprises a first handle disposed about the inner cannula, a rotary dial rotatably disposed about a distal end of the first handle and a second handle disposed about at least a portion of the distal end of the first handle. The second handle is longitudinally moveable relative to the first handle between a first position wherein the sheath is coaxially disposed about the prosthesis and rotation of the rotary dial is prevented, and a second position wherein the sheath is retracted distally to expose at least a portion of the prosthesis and rotation of the dial is permitted.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for loading a stent or stent graft onto an introducer for intraluminal deployment. In one example, a system includes an endoluminal prosthesis introducer comprising a stent retaining member engageable with a stent end. The system may also include a loading tool for engaging the stent end on the stent retaining member. The loading tool may include a loading body having a passage extending from a first end to a second end and a slot that extends through the tubular loading body from the passage to an outer surface of the tubular loading body, and the slot may further extend from the second end toward the first end. The stent retaining member may be disposed at least partially within the passage of the loading body, and the slot of the loading body may be rotatable around the stent retaining member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a deployment handle for a prosthesis delivery device and to a delivery device including such a handle. The handle assembly facilitates the controlled release of a prosthesis from the delivery device, while ensuring that various deployment steps are performed in a particular sequential order. The handle assembly comprises a main handle and a second handle which is rotatably and/or longitudinally moveable relative to the main handle. The second handle has an initial position on the main handle such that it prevents access to, and premature manipulation of, a proximal stent release mechanism, until the stent graft has been at least partially unsheathed.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a method for delivering a stent comprising providing a stent in a delivery state, where the stent comprises a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. Stacking a frontal surface of a first strut segment at least partially behind a rear surface of a second strut segment in the delivery state. Aligning a sharpened tip of a first barb at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed. Expanding the stent from the delivery state to a deployed state, wherein the first barb is exposed to a patient in the deployed state.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a stent comprising a plurality of interconnected strut segments that enable expansion of the stent from a delivery state to a deployed state. A first strut segment and a second strut segment, of the plurality of strut segments, each comprise frontal surfaces facing radially inward in the deployed state and rear surfaces facing radially outward in the deployed state. The frontal surface of the first strut segment is at least partially stacked behind the rear surface of the second strut segment in the delivery state. A first barb coupled to at least a portion of the first strut segment. A sharpened tip of the first barb is aligned at least partially circumferentially behind at least one strut segment in the delivery state such that the sharpened tip is not radially exposed.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and at least one coiled member having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of turns disposed therebetween. One of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is secured to the outer surface of the cannula, and the other of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is unsecured relative to the outer surface of the cannula. A portion of a stent is looped around the unsecured end of the coiled member and disposed within spacing between adjacent turns of the coiled member. Rotation of the cannula subsequently causes the portion of the stent to disengage from the coiled member.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis introducer may include a rotatable inner cannula including a proximal end. The introducer may include a proximal tip disposed at the proximal end of the inner cannula and including a distal end. The introducer may include a retaining member including an engaging member extending radially outward. The retaining member may be disposed about the proximal end of the inner cannula. In response to rotation of the inner cannula with respect to the retaining member, the proximal tip may be longitudinally movable relative to the engaging member between a retaining configuration and a releasing configuration. The proximal tip and the engaging member may be spaced from one another by a greater longitudinal distance in the releasing configuration than in the retaining configuration.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and at least one coiled member having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of turns disposed therebetween. One of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is secured to the outer surface of the cannula, and the other of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is unsecured relative to the outer surface of the cannula. A portion of a stent is looped around the unsecured end of the coiled member and disposed within spacing between adjacent turns of the coiled member. Rotation of the cannula subsequently causes the portion of the stent to disengage from the coiled member.