Abstract: Transcatheter delivery systems, delivery catheters and associated methods for percutaneous delivery of prosthetic mitral valves using a retrograde approach are disclosed herein. A heart valve delivery system configured in accordance herewith includes a delivery catheter having an elongated tubular component and an articulation assembly at a distal end thereof. The articulation assembly includes an arm portion coupled to the tubular component by an elbow or hinge portion. In a closed, delivery state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion generally parallel to the tubular component for delivery of the delivery catheter through the vasculature. In an open, deployed state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion in a non-axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular component for orienting and positioning a prosthetic valve device carried by the arm portion, e.g., within the native mitral valve region.

Abstract: Transcatheter delivery systems, delivery catheters and associated methods for percutaneous delivery of prosthetic mitral valves using a retrograde approach are disclosed herein. A heart valve delivery system configured in accordance herewith includes a delivery catheter having an elongated tubular component and an articulation assembly at a distal end thereof. The articulation assembly includes an arm portion coupled to the tubular component by an elbow or hinge portion. In a closed, delivery state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion generally parallel to the tubular component for delivery of the delivery catheter through the vasculature. In an open, deployed state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion in a non-axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular component for orienting and positioning a prosthetic valve device carried by the arm portion, e.g., within the native mitral valve region.

Abstract: Transcatheter delivery systems, delivery catheters and associated methods for percutaneous delivery of prosthetic mitral valves using a retrograde approach are disclosed herein. A heart valve delivery system configured in accordance herewith includes a delivery catheter having an elongated tubular component and an articulation assembly at a distal end thereof. The articulation assembly includes an arm portion coupled to the tubular component by an elbow or hinge portion. In a closed, delivery state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion generally parallel to the tubular component for delivery of the delivery catheter through the vasculature. In an open, deployed state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion in a non-axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular component for orienting and positioning a prosthetic valve device carried by the arm portion, e.g., within the native mitral valve region.

Abstract: Transcatheter delivery systems, delivery catheters and associated methods for percutaneous delivery of prosthetic mitral valves using a retrograde approach are disclosed herein. A heart valve delivery system configured in accordance herewith includes a delivery catheter having an elongated tubular component and an articulation assembly at a distal end thereof. The articulation assembly includes an arm portion coupled to the tubular component by an elbow or hinge portion. In a closed, delivery state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion generally parallel to the tubular component for delivery of the delivery catheter through the vasculature. In an open, deployed state, the elbow portion positions the arm portion in a non-axial direction with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular component for orienting and positioning a prosthetic valve device carried by the arm portion, e.g., within the native mitral valve region.

Abstract: A dual poppet low leak variable bleed solenoid valve, including a solenoid portion with an adjustable end cap disposed through the solenoid. Exhaust ports are disposed about the end cap. A hydraulic portion has a valve housing that is connectable to the solenoid portion. The hydraulic portion has a control volume formed within, and a supply port is connected through the valve housing. A valve shaft is slidably disposed through the solenoid portion and extends longitudinally into the hydraulic portion. A first end of the valve shaft terminates in the solenoid portion forming a primary valve, and a second end of the valve shaft terminates in the hydraulic portion forming a secondary valve. The valve shaft further has a hollow channel disposed through the valve shaft to allow the passage of a fluid medium between the first end and second end of the valve shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided, comprising a belt configured to be worn around a person's waist, and a holder secured to the belt. The holder is configured to hold onto a water-tow sport handle used for water skiing and the like. The holder can hold the water-tow sport handle while the belt is being worn around the person's waist and as the handle is being pulled away from the belt, for example by a rope attached to the rear of a watercraft. The holder advantageously comprises a plate member slidably secured to the belt, and a holding element hingedly secured to the plate member. The holding element is preferably a rigid hook that is configured to hold onto the water-tow sport handle. The hook can be hingedly secured to the plate member by a break-away pin configured to break at a threshold shear stress. During use, the pin advantageously breaks to release the portion of the holder that holds onto the water-tow sport handle when the user falls during skiing, wakeboarding, or the like.