DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER RETRIEVAL OF MECHANICAL HEART VALVE LEAFLETS

摘要

The present invention teaches apparatuses and methods for transcatheter removal of mechanical heart valve leaflets from a subject. The invention also teaches methods for subsequent transcatheter placement of a bioprosthesis within the annulus that remains after the leaflets are removed. Advantageously, the devices and methods of the present invention can be used without a heart-lung machine.