Patent ID: 9180004
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: A61F

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for delivering a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve to an implant site in a patient comprising: a valve support structure around which a valve is externally disposed in a collapsed condition; a sheath structure surrounding the valve on the valve support structure, wherein the sheath structure includes a first sheath part coaxial with the valve support structure that covers a first axial part of the valve in a collapsed condition and a second sheath part coaxial with the valve support structure axially moveable relative to the first sheath part thereby separating the first sheath part from the second sheath part; and means for moving the first and second sheath parts in a direction relative to the valve support structure to uncover the valve in the collapsed condition for expansion at the implant site, the valve having first and second surface portions that face in respective opposite first and second directions along an axis around which the valve is disposed on the valve support structure, and the valve support structure having third and fourth surface portions that respectively face in the second and first directions, the first and third surface portions being positioned adjacent to and facing one another, and the second and fourth surface portions being positioned adjacent to and facing one another to substantially prevent relative movement of the valve and the valve support structure along said axis while the valve is disposed around the valve support structure in the collapsed condition, wherein the third and fourth surface portions define a recess therebetween configured for receiving therein a portion of the valve in the collapsed condition.