An inflatable insertion device for percutaneous insertion

A method of locating and positioning a catheter relative to a desired location, the method comprising the steps of:

• extending a distal end of a valve locating device percutaneously, the valve locating device comprising a catheter having a catheter tube fitted at a distal end thereof with one or more inflatable insertion devices, each inflatable insertion device comprising an inflatable element in the form of a small diameter elongate tube having a distal end and a proximal end and being operable between a collapsed condition and an inflated condition with an elongate member extending internally of the inflatable element from the distal end thereof and which is capable of being withdrawn towards the proximal end of the inflatable element to result in the distal end of the inflatable element being withdrawn towards the proximal end thereof internally of the inflatable element, the valve locating device having at least one connection point at a proximal end of the catheter tube whereby inflating fluid can be conveyed to the one or more inflatable insertion devices by way of a lumen associated with the catheter tube;
• conveying inflating fluid to the inflatable element of each inflatable insertion device via the lumen associated with the catheter tube so as to cause the inflatable elements to inflate;
• retracting the catheter so as to cause the inflatable elements to engage and seat in desired positions;
• and
• selectively shortening the length of one or more inflatable elements by withdrawing the elongate member that extends from the distal end of the inflatable element so as to cause the distal end of the inflatable element to withdraw towards its proximal end so as to move the catheter relative to the desired location.