DEVICE FOR COLLAPSING AND LOADING A HEART VALVE INTO A MINIMALLY INVASIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM

摘要

A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body.

主权项

1. A method of loading a stented bioprosthetic valve onto a minimally invasive delivery system comprising:
crimping the stented bioprosthetic valve from a first condition having a first diameter to a second condition having a second diameter, the second diameter smaller than the first diameter, the crimping being achieved by advancing the stented bioprosthetic valve through a device having a tapered internal cavity, the taper advancing from a first dimension to a second dimension, the second dimension being smaller than the first; inserting the stented bioprosthetic valve into a collar; and loading the collar and the bioprosthetic valve onto a minimally invasive delivery system by threading at least a portion of the system into the collar.