Method and apparatus for compressing/loading stent-valves
Inventors
Mantanus, Luc • Lombardi, Fabien • Simonin, Pierre • Biadillah, Youssef • Hefti, Jean-Luc • Delaloye, Stephane
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12138162-B2
Publication Date
2024-11-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
Apparatus (40) for compressing a transcatheter cardiac stent-valve (10) comprises: a first compressor stage (100) including a hollow channel (42) with a tapered interior surface configured for compressing a stent-valve in response to longitudinal advancement of the stent-valve within the channel; and a second compressor stage (102) comprising a crimper for compressing a portion of the stent-valve without longitudinal advancement.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a loading system for use in compressing and/or loading a stent-valve for a delivery catheter. The loading system includes a distal sheath configured for compressing and covering a distal portion of the stent-valve, and a proximal sheath configured for compressing and covering a proximal portion of the stent-valve. A plurality of segments are configured to be disposed over the proximal sheath so that the plurality of segments alone define a tubular shape having a form fit over the proximal sheath.
The tubular shape defined by the plurality of segments is retained by a retainer configured to be disposed over and retain the plurality of segments in the tubular shape. In an embodiment, only two transparent segments are disposed over the proximal sheath, where the two segments alone define a tubular shape with a form fit over the proximal sheath, and the retainer retains the two segments in the tubular shape.
The invention further includes an interior support configured to be fitted to a distal end of the delivery catheter and configured to apply a counterforce to the distal end of the delivery catheter to balance a force needed for forcibly translating the proximal sheath over the stent-valve. The retainer arrangement is described as including an overtube disposable arranged around the segments, including optional viewing windows and transparent material to enable viewing of the stent-valve.
Claims Coverage
The partial claim set includes three independent claims. Across these claims, the coverage centers on a stent-valve loading system with distal and proximal sheaths, a segment-defined tubular form-fit on the proximal sheath, a retainer holding the segment-defined tubular shape, and in one independent claim an interior support applying counterforce during proximal sheath translation.
Form fit tubular shape from segments over a proximal sheath
A plurality of segments configured to be disposed over the proximal sheath, wherein the plurality of segments alone define a tubular shape that has a form fit over the proximal sheath.
Retainer disposed over and retaining the segment-defined tubular shape
A retainer configured to be disposed over and retain the plurality of segments in the tubular shape.
Only two transparent segments forming the tubular form fit
Only two transparent segments configured to be disposed over the proximal sheath, wherein the two segments alone define a tubular shape that has a form fit over the proximal sheath.
Retainer retaining two transparent segments in tubular form fit
A retainer configured to be disposed over and retain the two segments in the tubular shape.
Interior support applying counterforce to balance translation force
An interior support configured to be fitted to a distal end of the delivery catheter and configured to apply a counterforce to the distal end of the delivery catheter to balance a force needed for forcibly translating the proximal sheath over the stent-valve.
The independent claims collectively cover segment-based tubular form-fit loading of a stent-valve on a delivery catheter using distal and proximal sheaths, retention of the form-fit tubular segments by a retainer, an embodiment using only two transparent segments, and an interior support that applies counterforce to balance the translation force for forcibly translating the proximal sheath.
Stated Advantages
Controlled compression.
Reduced buckling/nonuniform stress.
Easier handling/sterilization.
Facilitation of multi-sheath loading.
Operator convenience.
Documented Applications
Loading a stent-valve for a delivery catheter using compressing and/or loading.
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