Patent ID: 7780714

Claim:
An apparatus for delivering an implant within a lumen comprising: a hollow outer member having an elongated first region and a second region located proximal to the elongated first region, the first region having an implant region at the distal end thereof, the implant region being configured to accept the implant; a first seal located within the first region proximal to the implant region, wherein the first seal comprises a stop having at least one fluid conduit therein and a first flexible member mounted on the stop covering the at least one fluid conduit, whereby when said first flexible member is actuated in a first direction fluid flow is permitted through the at least one fluid conduit; a second seal located within the second region, the second seal comprising a fixed member having a second flexible member attached thereto, wherein actuating said second flexible member in a first direction allows fluid to pass between the second flexible member and an inner wall of the outer member, the first seal and the second seal forming a chamber there between, wherein the first and second seals permit fluid flow in a single direction forming a liquid column within the chamber, the liquid column being adapted to receive compressive loads that are transmitted proximally along the fluid column; a tether wire attached to the second flexible member and extending outside the outer member whereby pulling the wire in a proximal direction actuates the second flexible member allowing fluid flow past the second flexible member, and releasing the tether wire closes the second flexible member preventing fluid flow there through; and a shaft mounted within the outer member and extending from at least a proximal end of the second region to the second seal.