Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of introducer devices provide hemostatic sealing and allow a delivery catheter to be inserted through the introducer seals without the use of a separate loader device that covers a medical device that is mounted on the catheter. Some disclosed introducers comprise a housing, a distal sheath extending distally from the housing and adapted to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, a distal hemostatic seal mounted within the housing and a proximal hemostatic seal mounted within the housing, and a slidable tube positioned within the housing that is movable longitudinally relative to the distal hemostatic seal between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein in the proximal position a distal end of the tube is positioned proximal to the distal hemostatic seal with the distal hemostatic seal closed, and wherein in the distal position the distal end of the tube extends through the distal hemostatic seal.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for implanting a radially compressible and expandable prosthetic heart valve in a native heart valve of the heart includes a handle portion and an elongated shaft extending from and movable relative to the handle portion. The shaft includes a proximal end portion coupled to the handle portion and a distal end portion configured to mount a prosthetic heart valve in a radially compressed state. The handle portion includes a control member movable longitudinally with respect to the handle portion, the control member engaging a gear assembly operable to convert longitudinal motion of the control member to rotational motion of the gear assembly. The gear assembly engages the elongated shaft such that rotational motion of the gear assembly causes corresponding longitudinal motion of the elongated shaft relative to the handle portion.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an elastic outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer having a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The inner tubular layer can have a compressed or folded condition wherein the thin wall portion folds onto an outer surface of the thick wall portion under urging of the elastic outer tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer stretches and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. Once the implant passes, the outer tubular layer again urges the inner tubular layer into the compressed condition with the sheath reassuming its smaller profile. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion and collapse, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: A device for crimping a radially expandable and collapsible prosthetic valve comprises a coiled wire frame having a longitudinal opening extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The opening has a first state and a second state, the opening in the first state having a first diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in an expanded or partially crimped configuration therein, and the opening in the second state having a second diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in a crimped configuration. The coiled wire frame has a first end coupled to a first member and a second end coupled to a second member. The first member is movable relative to the second member to convert the coiled wire frame from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A device for crimping a radially expandable and collapsible prosthetic valve comprises a coiled wire frame having a longitudinal opening extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The opening has a first state and a second state, the opening in the first state having a first diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in an expanded or partially crimped configuration therein, and the opening in the second state having a second diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in a crimped configuration. The coiled wire frame has a first end coupled to a first member and a second end coupled to a second member. The first member is movable relative to the second member to convert the coiled wire frame from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of introducer devices provide hemostatic sealing and allow a delivery catheter to be inserted through the introducer seals without the use of a separate loader device that covers a medical device that is mounted on the catheter. Some disclosed introducers comprise a housing, a distal sheath extending distally from the housing and adapted to be inserted into a patient's vasculature, a distal hemostatic seal mounted within the housing and a proximal hemostatic seal mounted within the housing, and a slidable tube positioned within the housing that is movable longitudinally relative to the distal hemostatic seal between a proximal position and a distal position, wherein in the proximal position a distal end of the tube is positioned proximal to the distal hemostatic seal with the distal hemostatic seal closed, and wherein in the distal position the distal end of the tube extends through the distal hemostatic seal.

Abstract: A device for crimping a radially expandable and collapsible prosthetic valve comprises a coiled wire frame having a longitudinal opening extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof The opening has a first state and a second state, the opening in the first state having a first diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in an expanded or partially crimped configuration therein, and the opening in the second state having a second diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in a crimped configuration. The coiled wire frame has a first end coupled to a first member and a second end coupled to a second member. The first member is movable relative to the second member to convert the coiled wire frame from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A device for crimping a radially expandable and collapsible prosthetic valve comprises a coiled wire frame having a longitudinal opening extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The opening has a first state and a second state, the opening in the first state having a first diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in an expanded or partially crimped configuration therein, and the opening in the second state having a second diameter dimensioned to receive the prosthetic valve in a crimped configuration. The coiled wire frame has a first end coupled to a first member and a second end coupled to a second member. The first member is movable relative to the second member to convert the coiled wire frame from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: An exemplary system for crimping a prosthetic valve comprises a radially expandable and compressible prosthetic valve, a crimping device positioned around the valve and configured to reduce the diameter of the valve to a delivery configuration, and a sterile package enclosing the valve and the crimping device. The valve can be pre-assembled in a partially crimped configuration within the crimping device. After removing the sterile packaging, the crimping device can be used to crimp the valve from the partially crimped configuration to the delivery configuration, such as by twisting a knob on the crimping device. The system can further comprise at least a portion of a delivery catheter within the sterile package, wherein the valve is pre-mounted on or adjacent to an inflatable balloon of the delivery catheter, such that the valve can be crimped onto the delivery catheter using the crimping device.

Abstract: An inline air filter for fuel injected engines that provides for the installation of the air filter into the air intake line of an air intake system of a fuel injected engine. The inline air includes a foam filter, a foam filter mesh, and a mesh filter. The foam filter is made from a flexible reticulated polyurethane foam material that allows proper air flow while maintaining good filtering capability. The inline air filter is installed onto an air intake assembly of the fuel injected engine by splicing the inline air filter into an air intake tube.

Abstract: A multi port air filter for fuel injected engines provides for the installation of the air filter into the air intake line of an air intake system of a fuel injected engine. The multi port air filter has several filtering elements including an outside filter screen, a foam filter, and inside filter screen, a foam filter mesh, and a mesh filter. The foam filter is made from a flexible reticulated polyurethane foam material that allows proper air flow while maintaining good filtering capability.