Patent ID: 9028545
Filing Date: 2015-05-12
Classification: A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of deploying a self-expanding prosthetic valve within a stenotic native aortic valve, the prosthetic valve comprising a radially compressible and expandable metallic stent and a flexible valvular structure mounted within the stent, the method comprising: providing a delivery sleeve assembly comprising a selectively steerable section and a central lumen, the delivery sleeve assembly further comprising a pusher member extending through the central lumen; crimping the prosthetic valve; inserting the prosthetic valve into the distal end portion of the delivery sleeve assembly such that the prosthetic valve is located distal to the pusher member; pre-dilating leaflets of the native aortic valve for increasing the flow area through the native aortic valve; advancing the distal end portion of the delivery sleeve assembly through a femoral artery and aorta; actuating a pull wire for selectively controlling a curvature of the selectively steerable section during further advancement around an aortic arch, the pull wire being permanently fixed to the steerable section of the delivery sleeve assembly; positioning the prosthetic valve adjacent to the native aortic valve; and retracting the delivery sleeve assembly relative to the pusher member for ejecting the prosthetic valve from the delivery sleeve assembly and into the native aortic valve, wherein the prosthetic valve self-expands after ejection from the delivery sleeve assembly.