Abstract: A catheter and method for the treatment of a patient having atrial flutter or other arrhythmia comprises an elongated catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. Further it has a distal tip section comprising a flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section further comprises a nitinol tube having slots formed therein which causes the distal tip section to deflect using the same puller-wire action used to cause the deflectable catheter to deflect at a point proximal to the distal tip section.

Abstract: A treatment device includes: a linear member which is deformable between a substantially straight state and a tissue catching state and which is configured to catch a treatment target in a state of being deformed in the tissue catching state; and first and second energy emitting portions provided in the linear member to catch the treatment target in cooperation with each other. The second energy emitting portion is apart from the first energy emitting portion, and is configured to emit energy to the treatment target from between the first energy emitting portion and to treat the treatment target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating skin by means of intense pulsed light (IPL). Such apparatus may be used for the treatment of, for example, cosmetic purposes such as hair depilation or dermatological treatment of skin conditions such as acne or rosacea. The present invention provides an improved apparatus that can be used by a non-medical practitioner and comprises a light source comprising a light emitting element for transmitting light energy to the skin and a charge storage device for discharging an energy dose to the light emitting element. There is further provided at least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the skin and a control system configured to determine the treatment energy dose to be delivered.

Abstract: A lockable retainer assembly adapted for retaining or releasing a panel having at least one edge by preventing or allowing movement of an edge of the panel. The lockable retainer assembly includes a rocker rotatably disposed at the edge, the rocker having a slot and is configured to protrude into the panel's path of movement when the rocker is rotatably disposed in a relaxed position. The rocker is configured to clear the panel's path of movement when the rocker is rotatably disposed in a depressed position. A lock is slidingly disposed within the slot and adapted to prevent rotation of the rocker when the lock is disposed in a relaxed position and allow rotation of the rocker when the lock is disposed in a depressed position. In the depressed position, the clears the path of movement of the panel, enabling the panel to be inserted or removed through the path.

Abstract: The present teaching relates to interactive medical image processing for surgical procedure planning. In one example, a three dimensional (3D) image of a kidney is obtained. The three dimensional image is rendered on a display screen. An input is received from a user specifying a location with respect to a representation of the kidney in the rendered three dimensional image. A representation of an instrument is rendered on the display screen based on the location. The instrument is automatically aligned with an infundibulum pathway of calyx at the location with respect to the kidney. A graphical line extension is rendered on the display screen to visualize the alignment of the instrument. One or more measurements related to the kidney are determined based on the location and an anatomical structure of the kidney.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a planning and navigation system. The planning system includes a memory configured to store a plurality of images and a controller configured to render the plurality of images in three dimensions, automatically segment the plurality of images to demarcate a target area, and automatically determine a treatment plan based on the target area. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device having a fiducial pattern that obtains an ultrasound image, a surgical device having a image capture device that captures an image of the fiducial pattern, and a controller that receives the ultrasound image and the fiducial image. The controller determines a position of the surgical device based on the fiducial image. The planning and navigation system also includes a controller that receives data from the planning system and the navigation system and a display configured to display the received information.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a surgical navigation system. The navigation system includes an ultrasound device configured to obtain an ultrasound image in a scan plane The ultrasound device has a fiducial pattern disposed thereon. A surgical device having an image capture device configured to capture a fiducial image of the fiducial pattern is also provided. The system also includes a controller configured to receive the ultrasound image and the fiducial image, wherein the controller determines a position of the surgical device in relation to the scan plane based on the fiducial image. A display is configured to display the ultrasound image and a virtual image of the surgical device based on the position of the surgical device in relation to the scan plane.

Abstract: A navigation system for use in a luminal network of a patient, such as the airways, that is able to analyze a three-dimensional model of the luminal network and automatically determine a pathway from an entry point to a designated target. The system further automatically assigns waypoints along the determined pathway in order to assist a physician in navigating a probe to the designated target.

Abstract: A tracking system can be used to track a plurality of tracking devices. A representation of at least two instruments may be displayed relative to image data. The representation is customizable to distinguish between the at least two instruments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tube continuum robot and a robot system for operation using the same, and the tube continuum robot includes a basic tube body including a basic straight section extending straight, and a basic curved section extending in front of the basic straight section and bent to a predetermined curvature, and a connection tube body having a connection flexible section which is flexibly bendable, the connection tube body formed to be inserted into the basic tube body or to surround an exterior of the basic tube body, the connection tube body being connected to the basic tube body.

Abstract: A tension mechanism for a robotically-controlled medical device measures the tension applied to an actuation tendon to provide feedback to a robotic controller. In one embodiment, the device comprises an elongated instrument, an elongated member, and a base. The elongated member is coupled to the distal end of the elongated instrument, configured to actuate the distal end of the elongated instrument in response to tension in the elongated member. The base is located at the proximal end of the elongated instrument, and comprises a first redirect surface that redirects the elongated member. The first redirect surface is coupled to a lever element that is configured to exert a reactive force on a sensor in response to tension in the elongated member.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes articulated instruments extending out of a distal end of an entry guide. Prior to pivoting the entry guide to re-orient it and the instruments, the instruments are moved in tandem back towards the entry guide after a delay. Haptic cues and velocity limits are provided to assist the operator in the retraction of the instruments. After retraction, the entry guide may then be pivoted without concern that the instruments will harm patient anatomy. The movement of the instruments in tandem back towards the entry guide may also occur through coupled control modes while the entry guide is held in a fixed position and orientation.

Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include kinematic linkage structures and associated control systems configured to facilitate preparation of the system for use. A set-up mode employs an intuitive user interface in which one or more joints of the kinematic linkage are initially held static by a brake or joint drive system. The user may articulate the joint(s) by manually pushing against the linkage with a force, torque, or the like that exceeds a manual articulation threshold. Articulation of the moving joints is facilitated by modifying the signals transmitted to the brake or drive system. The system may sense completion of the reconfiguration from a velocity of the joint(s) falling below a threshold, optionally for a desired dwell time. Embodiments of the invention can provide for manual movement of a platform supporting a plurality of surgical manipulators or the like without having to add additional input devices.

Abstract: A robotic assembly is configured to support, insert, retract, and actuate a surgical instrument mounted to the robotic assembly. The robotic assembly includes an instrument holder base member, a motor housing moveably mounted to the instrument holder base member, a carriage drive mechanism operable to translate the motor housing along the instrument holder base member, a plurality of drive motors, a plurality of gear boxes, and a plurality of output drive couplings driven by the gear boxes. The robotic assembly includes a sensor assembly that includes an orientation sensor, a sensor target, and a sensor shaft drivingly coupling the sensor target to a corresponding one of the output drive couplings.

Abstract: Delivery systems include a delivery instrument and a delivery device removably attached to the delivery instrument. A plurality of actuators are operable to position an opening of the delivery device with respect to the target site. A material supply system supplies the material to the delivery device. A navigation system tracks the target site and the opening as the target site moves during the procedure and as the opening moves during the procedure. A controller controls movement of the opening and/or flow rate of the material to achieve desired delivery of the material at the target site using various methods.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a robotic tele-surgery system for performing laparoscopic surgeries. The system may include: a patient-side unit, a surgeon-side unit, and a controller that may be configured for establishing a master-slave relationship between the surgeon-side unit and the patient-side unit. The patient side unit may include a patient support assembly, at least two passive mounting mechanisms that may be slidably coupled to the patient support assembly and at least two slave robotic arms, coupled with a surgical instrument via a tool adapting mechanism from their distal end, and mounted on an associated passive support assembly from their base end. The surgeon-side unit may including at least two master robotic arms, and an ergonomic adjustment mechanism that may be configured for housing and adjusting the position and orientation of the master robotic arms.

Abstract: A manipulator system initialization method includes: a joint angle setting step of bringing a driving force relay part into a driving force release state, inserting a bending joint and a pair of shaft-shaped parts coupled by the bending joint into a shape defining member having a shape defining part that brings a joint angle of the bending joint to a predetermined value, and setting a joint angle of the bending joint to the predetermined value; a drive part coupling step of switching the driving force relay part to a driving force relay state, with respect to the bending joint of which the joint angle is set; and an origin setting step of associating a state of the joint angle of the bending joint with a drive origin of a drive part after the drive part coupling step is performed.

Abstract: A sharps end capture device is disclosed for use in a system and method for the safe disposal and/or temporary storage of sharp-tipped implements including medical sharps, such as, syringe needles (epidural, spinal, blood collection, catheter, dialysis, intravenous, ophthalmic, hormonal pen, and radiologic). The device is useful to prevent injuries related to the use and disposal of sharp medical instruments, commonly known as, “sharps” or “sharps objects” is disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogel marker is placed under stress during its curing stage, in one embodiment, by application of an externally applied force. The stress may also be induced during or after the dehydration process. The direction of the externally applied force increases the length, width, depth, or radial extent of the marker. The elastic limit of the marker is exceeded when the external force is applied so that the marker substantially retains its stressed size and shape when the externally applied force is removed. When the stretched or otherwise deformed dehydrated marker is hydrated, it substantially returns to the configuration it had prior to its dehydration and prior to the application of the externally applied force.

Abstract: A method of tracking a medical device includes creating a patient profile; creating an operating profile with at least one identified surgical site; providing a tracking assembly including a reader with a scanner, a housing enclosing the scanner and a medical drape; placing a medical device having an identifier over the reader; scanning the identifier of the medical device to electronically record the medical device data; associating the scanned medical device data with the at least one surgical site; and using the medical device on a patient on the at least one surgical site.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for using a computer-readable, graphical code on a mobile device to deliver a medical service. The method can include accessing appointment data via a mobile software application and checking-in to the appointment and to medical service rooms by using the mobile software application. In one embodiment, the mobile software application includes a computer-readable, graphical code, and in another construction, the mobile software application includes the use of a micro-location device. Other methods, and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: According to various implementations, a dental cleaning device includes a steam conduit and a cooling fluid conduit. The steam conduit has a distal tip with an opening defined therein that allows steam to be applied intraorally close to a dental implant to flush away bacteria that has colonized on or adjacent the dental implant. The cooling fluid conduit has a distal tip with an opening defined therein that allows a cooling fluid to be applied intraorally close to the dental implant following the application of the steam to cool the tissue and prevent overheating of the tissue and bone adjacent the dental implant. For example, the cooling fluid may be applied intermittently with the steam, or the cooling fluid may be applied continuously while the steam is applied intermittently, according to various implementations.

Abstract: An implant-supported denture placement and alignment system may include a denture apparatus. The denture apparatus may have a denture base and a denture base positioning system. The denture base may be connectable to implants. Moreover, the denture base positioning system may position the denture base in substantially the same position as a surgical guide used to place the in this manner, the denture apparatus may be positioned so that it is mountable to the implants placed according to the surgical guide following their placement in a patient's mouth. In this manner, variations in the placement of the plants arising during the process of installing the implants may be compensated by transferring the actual implant positioning to the denture apparatus when it is positioned by the denture base positioning system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to computer-implemented methods of making a transfer tray using rapid prototyping techniques, where the gingival edge of the tray is defined to intersect with at least one receptacle for receiving an orthodontic appliance. This tray configuration helps to minimize the travel distance of the tray when placing the tray over a patient's teeth, while also preserving a high degree of mechanical retention for retaining the appliance until such time that the appliance is bonded to the tooth. Other aspects of the tray and associated methods of bonding are directed to a frangible web that extends over the gingival portion of the receptacle and fractures to facilitate tray removal after bonding.

Abstract: A tray for use in bonding orthodontic appliances to selected teeth of a patient is disclosed. The tray includes an outer shell having wall sections extending over facial, lingual, and occlusal surfaces of the selected teeth to form a channel including tooth cavities having a configuration matching and arranged for receiving the selected teeth. A matrix is bonded to the inner surface of the outer shell and is contoured to complement the facial or lingual surface of the teeth. A stabilization member extends from the outer shell and includes an inside surface contoured to complement at least a portion of the facial surface of a tooth located adjacent the selected teeth. Orthodontic appliances are detachably connected to the matrix, wherein each appliance includes a base for bonding the appliance to a tooth.

Abstract: A self-ligating bracket includes a bracket body with a mesial and a distal channel. A spring clip includes a distal arm with a distal arm body and a distal finger and a mesial arm with a mesial arm body and a mesial finger. The spring clip is slidably secured within the bracket body by a sliding engagement of the distal arm with the distal channel and the mesial arm with the mesial channel. The spring clip is movable between an open position and a closed position wherein in the open position, the arch wire slot is unobstructed and in the closed position the mesial finger and distal finger extend into and across the arch wire slot to occlude the arch wire slot.

Abstract: A dental prosthesis arrangement is composed of at least one jaw implant with a superstructure, which are connected to each other in a connection portion via a lower part assigned to the jaw implant and an upper part assigned to the superstructure. In the connection portion, the lower part engages in the upper part along a central axis. The lower part is supported against the upper part at several contact faces. The lower part and the upper part are connected releasably to each other via a securing device which provides a retaining force against axial withdrawal of the upper part from the lower part, wherein different securing devices can be selected if a first radially inwardly directed structure is provided on the lower part and a second radially outwardly directed structure is provided on the upper part for receiving a holding element and can be fixed by at least one further element passing through the upper part and connected to the lower part.

Abstract: The present application relates to a fitting for insertion into a dental implant in an insertion orientation defining a central insertion axis and an insertion direction of the fitting. The fitting includes at least one resilient spring member being expandable perpendicularly to the insertion axis of the fitting for impeding a movement of the fitting relative to the dental implant along the insertion axis when inserted into the dental implant. It further includes an alignment feature for rotationally aligning the fitting relative to the dental implant about the insertion axis. The fitting is characterized in that the alignment feature extends further in the insertion direction than the spring member.

Abstract: Technology is described for generating a design for a dental restorative product from one or more dental images of a patient. The method can include obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) image of dentition of the patient prior to a change in dentition of the patient; and then determining the change in dentition of the patient. A design of a dental restorative product can be automatically generated for at least one tooth of the patient based on the 3D image of dentition prior to the change in dentition. Various other computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planning medical treatment, the method comprising: displaying a first image of a patient or a body part, wherein the body part is to be designed or operated on, the first image having first imaging characteristics; displaying a second image of the patient or the body part, the second image having imaging characteristics different from the first imaging characteristics; displaying an image of a model of the body part; receiving a user indication associated with adapting the model for the patient; and outputting a model adapted for the patient, the adapted model based on the model and on the user indication.

Abstract: An embryo from a female animal is transferred to another animal by determining presence of an embryo in the uterus of a donor animal by ultra-sonic imaging and inserting an endoscope vaginally into the uterus to a location adjacent the embryo. A tool of the endoscope projects to a position to extract the embryo washed into a container of the tool which is then closed by moving a closure part to enclose the embryo and extracting the endoscope to remove the embryo for transfer to a recipient animal. The fluid into the container can be controlled in pressure to maintain a required pressure generally matching that inside the uterus.

Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.

Abstract: An intravaginal pessary device in an applicator is provided. The device has a top and a bottom, and a sidewall that extends between the top and the bottom. The sidewall, top and bottom form an outer periphery defining a total area of the device. The pessary device has a maximum diameter that is less than about 25 mm. The pessary device and applicator exhibit a maximum expulsion force that is below 1500 grams.

Abstract: Implants, tools, devices, systems, and related methods for treating pelvic conditions are disclosed, some of which provide support to body tissue to alleviate incontinence. An exemplary implant may comprise a tissue support portion adapted to be positioned to support any one of the urethra or anus, first and second end portions extending form the tissue support portion through body tissue, and an adjustment mechanism acting on or within one or both of the end portions. The adjustment mechanism may comprise one or more of a adjustment element and an adjustment mechanism coupled to the adjustment element.

Abstract: Novel tissue repair implants are disclosed. The tissue repair implants have a bottom planar base member and an upper skirt member extending about the periphery of the base member. The implants have at least one position indicating feature that alerts the surgeon if the skirt member has rolled over or displaced during fixation to tissue in order to assist in preventing fixation of the skirt in an improper position to provide an optimal surgical repair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an openwork prosthetic knit (1) made from a single piece based on first yarns of biocompatible polymer materials that define a first face (2) and a second face that are opposite one another and on a second biocompatible yarn that generates barbs (3) that protrude outwards from at least said first face, characterized in that said first face comprises at least one zone in which it is provided with said barbs and at least one zone (5) in which it is free of such barbs. It also relates to a process for manufacturing such a knit (1) and to a prosthesis comprising such a knit (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic knit based on at least a first yarn of biocompatible polymer material defining first and second opposite and openwork faces, and on at least a second biocompatible and heat-fusible monofilament yarn, forming barbs that protrude outwards from at least said first face and are obtained by melting loops generated by said second yarn, the chart followed for the knitting of said first and second yarns on a warp knitting machine having three guide bars B1, B2, B3 being the following, according to the ISO 11676 standard:—Bar B1: 1.0/0.1//—Bar B2: 1.0/7.7/6.6/7.7//—Bar B3: 2.1/5.5/3.4/0.0// said second yarn following the chart of bar B3. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such a knit.

Abstract: A filter system, comprising an elongate filter body defining a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end. A valve can be provided defining a lumen and having a reversibly sealable opening for unidirectional flow of a fluid through the lumen. The valve can be adjoined proximal the distal end of the elongate filter body, wherein the elongate filter body filters the unidirectional flow of the fluid passing through the lumen of the valve and the lumen of the elongate filter body.

Abstract: A helicoil interference fixation system comprising: a helicoil comprising a helical body comprising a plurality of turns separated by spaces therebetween, the helical body terminating in a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one internal strut extending between at least two turns of the helical body; and an inserter for turning the helicoil, the inserter comprising at least one groove for receiving the at least one strut; the helicoil being mounted on the inserter such tin at the at least one strut of the helicoil is mounted in the: at least one groove of the inserter, such that rotation of the inserter causes rotation of the helicoil.

Abstract: Described herein is a simplified placement system and method for a tissue graft anchor by which a surgeon may introduce one or more sutures into a hole in a boney tissue, apply a precise amount of tension to the sutures to advance a soft tissue graft to a desired location, and then advance the anchor into the bone, preferably while maintaining the requisite pre-determined suture tension and without introducing spin to the suture. Particularly preferred embodiments relate to multi-anchor constructs formed by. a. affixing at least one suture to the bone medial to the lateral edge of the soft tissue using a first implant, such as a cannulated knotless suture anchor, such that no portion of the implant lies lateral to the soft tissue edge; b. passing a first length of suture from the first implant over the soft tissue; c. forming a socket lateral to the edge of the soft tissue such that it is not underneath the soft tissue; d. establishing a desired tension in the first length of suture; and e.

Abstract: A buckle useful for cortical fixation has a graft retention loop slidably affixed thereto for movement from a first position adjacent a first end of the buckle to a second position at about the midpoint of the buckle. The buckle, with a graft over the loop, is drawn up lengthwise through a bone tunnel through a tibia and then flipped sideways to rest against the surface of the bone with the loop and graft depending back into the tunnel. The sliding attachment of the loop permits flipping of the buckle minimizes the flipping distance, which is the excess amount of the loop which must be pulled free of the tunnel to allow the buckle to be flipped sideways.

Abstract: A method of breast augmentation uses a sleeve to insert a sterile silicone breast implant sealed within the sleeve into a surgical pocket in a breast of a human patient, the sleeve having a removable end and wherein the sleeve is transparent or semi-transparent. The method includes cutting the end and grasping the silicone breast implant through the sleeve; and applying manual pressure through the sleeve to the silicone breast implant to push the silicone breast implant toward and through the second opening, without direct hand manipulation of the silicone breast implant, until the silicone breast implant is deposited from the end into the surgical pocket.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to protect a medical device from scarring a body after implanting the device in the body by creating a bonding matrix on a surface of the device; exposing the surface to hyaluronic acid (HA) or polyethylene glycol (PEG); cross linking the HA or PEG; and preventing capsular contracture after implanting the device in the body.

Abstract: An accommodating (re-focusable) lens system a body of which includes, upon being assembled, first and second individual lenslets having first and second optical portions sequentially disposed along an optical axis. Change in optical-power accommodation of the system is achieved by changing an applanated area of contact between the lenslets in response to force applied to the lenslets and transformed into an axial force. In specific case, the first and second lenslets form an intraocular lens (IOL) and have respective haptic portions, interlocked as a result of rotating of one lenslet with respect to another such as to bring first and second lenslets in contact at an axial point. The applanated area of contact is changed, then, in response to a radially-directed force caused by a change of distance between the interlocked ends of the haptics and transferred to the optical portions through the interlocked haptics.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, inter alia, materials, devices, kits and methods that may be used to treat chronic sinusitis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic heart valve includes an outer frame, an inner frame positioned at least partially within the outer frame, and an occluder member positioned at least partially within the inner frame. The prosthetic heart valve also includes an atrial flange extending from an atrial end of the outer frame, and a ventricular flange extending from a ventricular end of the outer frame, wherein at least a portion of the atrial flange extends radially outward beyond the ventricular flange.

Abstract: Embodiments of a radially collapsible and expandable prosthetic heart valve are disclosed. A valve frame can have a tapered profile when mounted on a delivery shaft, with an inflow end portion having a smaller diameter than an outflow end portion. The valve can comprise generally V-shaped leaflets, reducing material within the inflow end of the frame. An outer skirt can be secured to the outside of the inflow end portion of the frame, the outer skirt having longitudinal slack when the valve is expanded and lying flat against the frame when the valve is collapsed. A diagonally woven inner skirt can elongate axially with the frame. Side tabs of adjacent leaflets can extend through and be secured to window frame portions of the frame to form commissures. The window frame portions can be depressed radially inward relative to surrounding frame portions when the valve is crimped onto a delivery shaft.

Abstract: A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by the positioning stent (20) in a position in the patient's aorta relative the heart valve predefinable by the positioning stent (20).

Abstract: A system and method for restoring (e.g., replacing) a defective heart valve of a patient. A delivery system is manipulated to percutaneously deliver and implant a stented prosthetic heart valve to a native heart valve. A post-dilatation balloon is percutaneously delivered to the implantation site, and a compliant segment thereof is arranged within a region of the implanted prosthesis. The balloon is inflated such that the compliant segment expands and contacts the prosthesis, expanding a remodeling region of the prosthesis to a remodeled state. With these and related techniques, remodeling of an implanted, stented prosthetic heart valve to better match the native valve shape is possible, providing many benefits such as reducing the risk of paravalvular leaks.

Abstract: A delivery device 10 for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a catheter assembly 16 including a shaft 26 around which a compartment 23 is defined, the compartment 23 being adapted to receive the valve in an assembled condition, and a retainer 30 including a pusher 32 and a holder 34 adapted to retain a stent portion 106 of the valve. The catheter assembly 16 also includes a distal sheath 24 adapted to selectively cover and uncover the compartment 23 and the valve, the distal sheath 24 extending around the shaft 26 at least when the distal sheath 24 covers the compartment 23. The pusher 32 includes one or more recesses 40 in a retention edge 33 thereof, each recess 40 being adapted to receive a junction 107 at an end of the stent portion 106 of the valve. The holder 34 includes one or more elongated ribs 50, each rib 50 being adapted to fit into a cell opening 108 of the stent portion 106 of the valve.