Stent-valves for valve replacement and associated methods and systems for surgery

Abstract

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 cardiac stent-valve delivery system comprising:
 a first assembly comprising an outer sheath and a guide wire tubing; and   a second assembly comprising a stent holder configured for removable attachment to at least one attachment element of a stent-valve, the stent-valve positioned over the guide wire tubing of the first assembly,   wherein the first assembly and the second assembly are configured for relative movement with respect to one another in order to transition from a closed position to an open position, such that in the closed position the outer sheath encompasses the stent-valve still attached to the stent holder and thus constrains expansion of the stent-valve, and such that in the open position the outer sheath does not constrain expansion of the stent-valve and thus the stent-valve detaches from the stent holder and expands to a fully expanded configuration.   
     
     
         2 - 19 . (canceled)