Stent-valve, delivery apparatus, and stent-holder therefor

1. A delivery device for delivering a stent-valve to an anatomical site for implantation, the delivery device comprising:

a stent-holder; and

at least one projection extending radially away from an exterior surface of the stent-holder at a first distance, each projection being disposed within an individual recess formed in a body of the stent-holder wherein the body at least partially surrounds each projection;

wherein:

the at least one projection includes a trunk portion having a first thickness and a ramp portion having a second thickness,

wherein the trunk portion extends radially outward from the exterior surface,

the ramp portion comprises a web of material extending along and from the exterior surface up to or adjacent the first distance, and the ramp portion faces, or is provided on a side of the projection that faces, at least one of a proximal direction of the device and away from a distal end of the device, and

the ramp portion extends laterally from the trunk portion, and the second thickness is less than the first thickness.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the projection is configured for entering the eye element of the stent-valve for engaging the stent-valve.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the projection has a trunk portion, and wherein the ramp portion extends laterally from the trunk portion and has a smaller thickness than a corresponding thickness of the trunk portion.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the projection comprises a generally step-shaped surface, and wherein the ramp portion bridges the step-shape at at least one position.

5. The delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of projections is radially fixed relative to the exterior surface.

6. The delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the ramp portion is immovable relative to the exterior surface.

7. A delivery system comprising a delivery device as defined in claim 1 , the system further comprising the stent-valve.

8. A delivery device for delivering a stent-valve to an anatomical site for implantation, the delivery device comprising:

a stent-holder comprising a unified one-piece body, the unified one-piece body including:

a plurality of projections each extending radially away from an exterior surface of the stent-holder at a first distance, and

a plurality of interstices each comprising an individual recess, the plurality of interstices being spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the stent-holder;

wherein:

each interstice is configured to at least partially contain one projection of the plurality of projections and an eye element of a stent-valve,

each projection being configured to matingly engage its respective eye element and thereby prevent relative axial movement between the stent-holder and the stent-valve,

each projection includes a ramp portion extending from a first diameter corresponding to a bottom of its respective interstice up to or adjacent the first distance, and

the ramp portion faces or is provided on a side of the projection that faces at least one of a proximal direction of the device and away from a distal end of the device.

9. The delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the at least one projection is radially fixed relative to the exterior surface.

10. The delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the ramp portion is immovable relative to the exterior surface.

11. A delivery system comprising the delivery device as defined in claim 8 , the system further comprising the stent-valve.