Patent ID: 7018408
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A method of endoluminally delivering a valvular prosthesis within an anatomic passageway to replace an anatomic valve using a catheter comprised of at least two sections near a distal end of the catheter, a first section consisting of the valvular prosthesis covered by a sheath, and a second section consisting of an inflatable balloon the first section being distal the second section, comprising the steps of: passing the at least two sections of the catheter through an anatomic passageway so that the second section is passed distally through the anatomic valve such that a portion of the inflatable balloon is within the anatomic valve and the first section is positioned distal the anatomic valve; contacting the inflatable balloon to a surface of the anatomic valve by inflating the inflatable balloon to dilatate the anatomic valve; positioning the first section within the anatomic valve for deployment of the valvular prosthesis; and withdrawing the sheath and the catheter to release the valvular prosthesis from the sheath onto the dilitated anatomic valve to functionally replace the anatomic valve.