Abstract: A delivery catheter for a stent. The delivery catheter may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a stent attachment region adapted to receive a stent. The stent may be of the self-expanding type. The catheter further comprises a handle at its proximal end and at least one sheath which may at least partially circumferentially cover said stent such as to retain it in a collapsed configuration. The sheath is coupled at its proximal end to an actuator located on said handle portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108).

Abstract: Various embodiments of a seal for a stent-valve, and methods of production, are described. In some embodiments, the seal or a skirt comprises a fabric wall portion and a polymeric material fused to the fabric wall portion, the polymeric material having a melting temperature that is lower than that of the fabric wall portion. The fibres of the fabric may remain unmelted at the interface with the polymeric material, the polymeric material being attached to material to the fibres of the fabric wall portion by fusion. The polymeric material may provide a welded joint to another fabric wall portion and/or may reinforce the fabric and/or may occlude pores of the fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to stents, valved-stents, (e.g., single-stent-valves and double stent/valved-stent systems) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery. The stent component comprises a first stent section (102) a second stent section (104) a third stent section (106) and a fourth stent section (108).

Abstract: Various embodiments of a seal for a stent-valve, and methods of production, are described. In some embodiments, the seal or a skirt comprises a fabric wall portion and a polymeric material fused to the fabric wall portion, the polymeric material having a melting temperature that is lower than that of the fabric wall portion. The fibres of the fabric may remain unmelted at the interface with the polymeric material, the polymeric material being attached to material to the fibres of the fabric wall portion by fusion. The polymeric material may provide a welded joint to another fabric wall portion and/or may reinforce the fabric and/or may occlude pores of the fabric.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: Embodiments include implantable valves with attached polymeric components. In an embodiment, an implantable valve is included having a frame comprising a plurality of frame struts. The frame defines a central lumen and at least one of the frame struts defines a connection aperture. The implantable valve can include at least one valve leaflet including a coaptation edge and two connection portions, with one connection portion disposed on either end of the coaptation edge. The connection portion can be disposed within the connection aperture thereby coupling the valve leaflet to the frame. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stent-valve for transcatheter implantation to replace a cardiac valve. In some embodiments, the stent valve being compressible to a compressed state for delivery, and expandable to an operative state for implantation. In some embodiments, the stent-valve comprises a stent, a plurality of leaflets for defining a prosthetic valve, an inner skirt, an outer skirt, and a paravalve seal for sealing against surrounding tissue. In some embodiments, the paravalve seal comprising material that swells in response to contact with blood or components thereof.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a stent. The delivery catheter may have a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a stent attachment region adapted to receive a stent. The stent may be of the self-expanding type. The catheter further includes a handle at its proximal end and at least one sheath which may at least partially circumferentially cover the stent such as to retain it in a collapsed configuration. The sheath is coupled at its proximal end to an actuator located on the handle portion. The catheter further includes at least one radio-opaque indicator for indicating a rotational orientation of the delivery catheter and/or the stent when observed using medical imaging during implantation of the stent.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery are provided. The stent-valves include a stent component having a first flared end region and a second end, a plurality of leaflets coupled to the stent, and a sealing element coupled to the first end region.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stent-valve for transcatheter implantation to replace a cardiac valve. In some embodiments, the stent valve being compressible to a compressed state for delivery, and expandable to an operative state for implantation. In some embodiments, the stent-valve comprises a stent, a plurality of leaflets for defining a prosthetic valve, an inner skirt, an outer skirt, and a paravalve seal for sealing against surrounding tissue. In some embodiments, the paravalve seal comprising material that swells in response to contact with blood or components thereof.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery are provided. The stent-valves include a stent component having a first flared end region and a second end, a plurality of leaflets coupled to the stent, and a sealing element coupled to the first end region.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a hollow channel (42) having an interior surface (50) shaped for progressively compressing the stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; a driver (46) threadedly engaged on the exterior of the channel for generating a longitudinal driving force in response to rotation; a mover (44) having limbs (56) that project through slots (58) in the channel wall to transmit the driving force to the stent-valve within the channel; and a channel extension (48) removably attachable at the exit (54) to provide a generally cylindrical containment bore (66).

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a prosthetic heart valve, the valve expandable from a collapsed condition for delivery to an expanded condition for implantation, the delivery catheter comprising: a holder for engaging the valve in the collapsed state of the valve, the holder configured such that (i) in response to a radial compression force exerted thereon, the holder has a first shape defining an exposed engagement region for engaging at least a portion of the collapsed prosthetic heart valve for restraining axial displacement of the prosthetic valve in at least one axial direction of the catheter, and (ii) in response to removal of the radial compression force upon expansion of the valve, at least a portion of the holder transitions to a second shape.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a prosthetic heart valve, the valve expandable from a collapsed condition for delivery to an expanded condition for implantation, the delivery catheter comprising: a holder for engaging the valve in the collapsed state of the valve, the holder configured such that (i) in response to a radial compression force exerted thereon, the holder has a first shape defining an exposed engagement region for engaging at least a portion of the collapsed prosthetic heart valve for restraining axial displacement of the prosthetic valve in at least one axial direction of the catheter, and (ii) in response to removal of the radial compression force upon expansion of the valve, at least a portion of the holder transitions to a second shape.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.

Abstract: A delivery catheter for a stent. The delivery catheter may comprise a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a stent attachment region adapted to receive a stent. The stent may be of the self-expanding type. The catheter further comprises a handle at its proximal end and at least one sheath which may at least partially circumferentially cover said stent such as to retain it in a collapsed configuration. The sheath is coupled at its proximal end to an actuator located on said handle portion.

Abstract: Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a hollow channel (42) having an interior surface (50) shaped for progressively compressing the stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; a driver (46) threadedly engaged on the exterior of the channel for generating a longitudinal driving force in response to rotation; a mover (44) having limbs (56) that project through slots (58) in the channel wall to transmit the driving force to the stent-valve within the channel; and a channel extension (48) removably attachable at the exit (54) to provide a generally cylindrical containment bore (66).