Apparatus and methods for trans-septal retrieval of prosthetic heart valves

摘要

In some embodiments, a method for transfemoral retrieval and/or repositioning of a prosthetic valve (400) implanted within a heart includes inserting a retrieval assembly through a femoral vein and into a heart until a distal end portion of the retrieval assembly is disposed in an atrium of the heart. The prosthetic valve is formed with a shape-memory material. The retrieval assembly (402) includes an outer catheter (403), a middle catheter (404), a snare catheter (406), and a snare member (415). The snare member is moved distally out of a lumen of the snare catheter and into engagement with an inner frame (440) of the prosthetic valve. The retrieval assembly can invert an outer frame (410) of the prosthetic valve to collapse and retract the valve into a lumen of the retrieval assembly. In some embodiments, a positioning catheter (419) can be inserted through the apex of the heart to assist in positioning and inverting the prosthetic valve.