US Patent 10952848 Methods of loading a prosthetic valve in a delivery apparatus

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of loading a prosthetic heart valve within a delivery apparatus such that it can be used for delivery of the prosthetic heart valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The methods can include attaching the prosthetic heart valve to a valve-retaining mechanism at a distal end of the catheter and causing a torque shaft of the delivery apparatus to rotate relative to the catheter, wherein the torque shaft extends within the catheter and is coupled to the valve delivery sheath. Rotation of the torque shaft relative to the catheter can cause relative longitudinal movement between the valve sheath and the prosthetic heart valve such that the prosthetic heart valve is covered by the valve sheath.