Delivery system with inline sheath
Systems and methods for delivering and implanting heart valves are disclosed. The delivery systems can include an integrated introducer. The integrated introducer can include a sheath having an inner diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of a delivery capsule of the delivery system and an outer diameter that is approximately equal to the outer diameter of the delivery capsule. The integrated introducer can include a hub having a hemostatic seal. The hub can have a locking mechanism configured to fix the integrated introducer in place on the delivery system.
1. A delivery system for a medical device comprising:
a delivery capsule configured to house at least a proximal end of the medical device in a compressed delivery state, the delivery capsule comprising a proximal end having an outer diameter;
an elongate member extending from the proximal end of the delivery capsule; and
an introducer sheath slidably disposed about the elongate member, the introducer sheath comprising a rigid distal end having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal end of the delivery capsule, wherein the rigid distal end of the introducer sheath cannot slide over the proximal end of the delivery capsule.
2. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the rigid distal end of the introducer sheath comprises a tip ring attached to a first component of the introducer sheath.
3. The delivery system of claim 2 , wherein the first component and the tip ring are formed from different respective materials.
4. The delivery system of claim 3 , wherein the first component is formed by a plastic material, and the tip ring is formed by a metal band.
5. The delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the rigid distal end of the introducer sheath comprises a radiopaque material.
6. A delivery system for a medical device comprising:
a delivery capsule configured to house the medical device in a compressed delivery state, the delivery capsule comprising a proximal end;
an elongate member extending from the proximal end of the delivery capsule; and
an introducer sheath slidably disposed about the elongate member, the introducer sheath comprising a rigid distal end having an inner diameter smaller than a maximum outer diameter of the delivery capsule, wherein the rigid distal end of the introducer sheath cannot slide over any portion of the delivery capsule.
7. The delivery system of claim 6 , wherein the rigid distal end of the introducer sheath comprises a tip ring attached to a first component of the introducer sheath.
8. The delivery system of claim 7 , wherein the first component is formed by a plastic material, and the tip ring is formed by a metal band.
9. A delivery system for a medical device comprising:
a delivery capsule configured to house at least a proximal end of the medical device in a compressed delivery state, the delivery capsule comprising a proximal end having an outer diameter;
an elongate member extending from the proximal end of the delivery capsule; and
an introducer sheath slidably disposed about the elongate member, the introducer sheath comprising a distal end having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal end of the delivery capsule, wherein the distal end of the introducer sheath cannot slide over the proximal end of the delivery capsule.
10. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the distal end of the introducer sheath is configured to mate with the proximal end of the delivery capsule.
11. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the distal end of the introducer sheath comprises a radiopaque material.
12. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the proximal end of the delivery capsule contacts the distal end of the introducer sheath in an insertion configuration.
13. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the delivery capsule is located distally from the distal end of the introducer sheath in a delivery configuration.
14. The delivery system of claim 9 , further comprising a tubular stability member located between the elongate member and the introducer sheath.
15. The delivery system of claim 14 , wherein the introducer sheath is slidably disposed about the tubular stability member.
16. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the introducer sheath is steerable.
17. The delivery system of claim 9 , further comprising a locking element attached to a proximal end of the introducer sheath configured to lock the introducer sheath at a location along the elongate member.
18. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the distal end of the introducer sheath is attached to a first component of the introducer sheath, and the first component and the distal end are formed from different respective materials.
19. The delivery system of claim 18 , wherein the first component is formed by a plastic material, and the distal end comprises a metal band.
20. The delivery system of claim 9 , wherein the distal end of the introducer sheath comprises a tip ring attached to a first component of the introducer sheath.