Patent attributes
A heart valve delivery system may include a handle, a shaft having a proximal end fixedly connected to the handle and extending distally along an axis away from the handle to a free end, and a tube surrounding the shaft. The tube may have a proximal end connected to the handle and extend distally along the axis away from the handle to a distal end. The tube may be axially movable relative to the shaft and the handle between a fully extended position at which the tube extends distally farther than the shaft, and a fully retracted position at which the shaft extends distally farther than the tube. The system may include an inserter for guiding insertion of the tube. In addition or in alternative to the inserter, the system may include a funnel for loading the prosthetic valve into the tube.
