Helical nosecone

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a helical nosecone that can be used to dilate a puncture formed in a target tissue, and assemblies that can include the helical nosecone and a perforating member that can be used to form the pre-dilated puncture. In an example, a helical nosecone comprises a helical slot spiraling around a tapering portion of the helical nosecone, wherein the helical slot defines a plurality of helical turns. The helical nosecone can be advanced in a screw-like motion through a puncture formed in a target tissue, such as a host leaflet of an existing valvular structure, so as to expand the puncture and form an opening.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.