Edwards Lifesciences Corporation
PROSTHETIC VALVE DELIVERY ASSEMBLY

Abstract:

A prosthetic valve delivery assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a delivery apparatus having a shaft and a prosthetic valve mounted in a radially compressed configuration around a distal portion of the shaft. The delivery apparatus further includes an expansion assist device mounted on the shaft. The expansion assist device is independently radially expandable and compressible relative to the prosthetic valve between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. The prosthetic valve is radially expandable by applying an axially directed force against the prosthetic valve in a proximal or distal direction through contact between the prosthetic valve and the expansion assist device when the expansion assist device is in the radially expanded state.