Stent-valves for valve replacement and associated methods and systems for surgery
Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.
1. A method for implanting a stent-valve at an implantation site for cardiac valve replacement, comprising the steps of:
providing a stent-valve and a delivery device, the delivery device including a stent-holder and an outer-sheath;
removably attaching the stent-valve to the delivery device by way of the stent-holder and the outer sheath, wherein:
the stent-valve comprises a valve component, and a stent component including at least two integral attachment elements provided therewith,
the stent component and the valve component configured with a collapsed configuration for delivery and an expanded configuration after implantation,
the at least two attachment elements are matably attached to the stent-holder, such that the stent-valve is held in position with respect to the delivery device by the stent-holder,
in a closed position, the outer sheath encompasses the stent-valve and constrains expansion of the stent-valve, and
the outer sheath is configured for distal movement relative to the stent holder in order to transition from the closed position, to a partially-open position, to an open position;
delivering the stent-valve to the implantation site in the collapsed condition;
partially expanding the stent-valve while maintaining attachment of the at least two attachment elements to the stent-holder, such that the stent-holder holds the stent-valve in position with respect to the delivery device;
determining whether the partially expanded stent-valve is positioned correctly at the implantation site;
wherein upon the determination being positive, allowing the at least two attachment elements to detach from the stent-holder to cause the stent-valve to expand from the partially expanded configuration to the expanded configuration; and
wherein upon the determination being negative, returning the stent-valve to the collapsed configuration and repositioning the stent-valve at the implantation site.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two attachment elements are matably attached to a complimentary structure of the stent-holder, such that the stent-valve is held in position with respect to the delivery device by the stent-holder.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein allowing the at least two attachment elements to detach from the stent-holder comprise allowing the at least two attachment elements to detach from mateable engagement with the complimentary structure of the stent-holder.
4. The method of claim 2 , wherein the stent-holder comprises a radial extending structure positioned towards the distal end of the delivery device.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the complimentary structure comprises the radial extending structure, and wherein matably attached comprises removably attached to the radial extending structure.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stent-holder comprises a body positioned towards the distal end of the delivery device.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein matably attached comprises removably attached to the stent-holder body.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the stent-component further comprises a lattice structure comprising closed cells configured to facilitate recapture of the stent-valve when partially expanded.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein matably attached comprises removably attached to the stent-holder.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least two attachment elements are interconnected by bracing elements in a circular configuration, each bracing element comprising a plurality of peaks between the attachment elements.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein matably attached comprises removably attached to the stent-holder.