Patent ID: 8414645
Filing Date: 2013-04-09
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. A delivery device for percutaneously deploying a stented prosthetic heart valve including a stent frame to which a valve structure is attached, the device comprising: a delivery sheath assembly terminating at a distal end and defining a lumen; an inner shaft slidably disposed within the lumen; a hub projecting from the inner shaft and configured to releasably receive a portion of a prosthetic heart valve stent frame; and a release sheath assembly disposed between the delivery sheath assembly and the inner shaft, the release sheath assembly including a release sheath slidably disposed about the inner shaft; wherein the delivery device is configured to provide a loaded state in which the delivery sheath assembly maintains a stented prosthetic heart valve over the inner shaft and coupled to the hub via the release sheath, and a deployment state in which the distal end of the delivery sheath assembly and the release sheath are withdrawn from the prosthetic heart valve to permit the prosthetic heart valve to release from the hub; and further wherein the release sheath assembly is configured to self-retract the release sheath proximally relative to the hub as the distal end of the delivery sheath assembly is proximally retracted relative to the release sheath.