| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080200981 | ADJUSTABLE CARDIAC VALVE IMPLANT WITH COUPLING MECHANISM - Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio frequency energy, light energy and magnetic energy. Thus, as the body structure changes size and/or shape, the size and/or shape of the annuloplasty rings can be adjusted to provide continued reinforcement. In certain embodiments, the devices include a tubular member configured to be attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. The tubular member includes a receptacle end and an insert end configured to couple with the receptacle end of the tubular member such that the tubular member substantially forms a shape of a ring. The insert end is configured to move with respect to the receptacle end to change a circumference of the ring. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080208331 | ANNULOPLASTY RING WITH OFFSET FREE ENDS - An annuloplasty ring having a three-dimensional discontinuous form generally arranged about an axis with two free ends that are axially offset. The ring is particularly suited for repair of the tricuspid valve, and more closely conforms to the annulus shape. The ring is more flexible in bending about radially extending axes than about the central axis. The ring may have an inner structural support covered by a pliable sleeve and/or a fabric tube. The structural support may have a varying cross-section, such as a C-shaped cross-section in a mid-section between two free ends and a rectangular cross-section at the free ends. A deliver template having a mounting ring with about the same shape as the ring facilitates implant, and may be releasably attached to a delivery handle. The deliver template may include a plurality of cutting guides for releasably attaching the annuloplasty ring thereto while presenting maximum outer surface area of the ring. The template may have an outwardly-facing groove to receive and retain the ring. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080215145 | CARDIAC VALVE IMPLANT WITH ENERGY ABSORBING MATERIAL - Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio frequency energy, light energy and magnetic energy. Thus, as the body structure changes size and/or shape, the size and/or shape of the annuloplasty rings can be adjusted to provide continued reinforcement. In certain embodiments, the devices include a body member including a shape memory material, and an energy absorption enhancement material configured to absorb energy in response to an activation energy. The energy absorption enhancement material is in thermal communication with said shape memory material. The body member has a first size of a dimension in a first configuration and a second size of the dimension in a second configuration, and is configured to be implanted in the first configuration into a heart. The body member is configured to transform from the first configuration to the second configuration in response to the activation energy. The second configuration is configured to reduce a dimension of a cardiac valve annulus in the heart. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080319542 | Tissue Shaping Device - In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. Such tissue shaping device can include an expandable proximal anchor; a proximal anchor lock adapted to lock the proximal anchor in an expanded configuration; an expandable distal anchor; a distal anchor lock adapted to lock the distal anchor in an expanded configuration; and a connector disposed between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor, the connector having a substantially non-circular cross-section. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090088838 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING AND ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable annuloplasty device is described. In some embodiments, the device includes a body member having a surface that conforms at least partially to a cardiac valve annulus. The body member comprises a shape-memory member that transforms from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to an applied energy. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers energy to the shape-memory member, and a second electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers at least a portion of the energy away from the shape-memory member. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090105816 | SYSTEM USING A HELICAL RETAINER IN THE DIRECT PLICATION ANNULOPLASTY TREATMENT OF MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - A system for using a helical retainer in the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular tissue each fixed by a retaining clip is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a preferably prolapsable crossing catheter. Second, a deflecting guide catheter is used to provide a means for guiding the plication device into proper position at the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Third, the plication device is then used to make plications in at or near the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a helical retainer clip deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. Alternatively, the fourth device is a retainer delivery catheter that enables delivery of a helical retainer over the outside of the plication device. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090177278 | HEART VALVE REPAIR APPARATUS AND METHODS - Valve repair apparatus and methods for ensuring proper coaptation and operation of the leaflets of a heart valve. Main aspects of the disclosure relate to devices including a support member configured for attachment to the heart valve annulus, a post extending from the support member away from the plane of the annulus and a connector coupled with the post and configured for attachment to at least one of the leaflets. The various embodiments may include a replacement heart valve connected with the support member for facilitating full replacement as opposed to near repair of an existing native heart valve. Various other devices include support structure and one or more posts connected to opposite sides of the support structure and extending from one side of the valve annulus to another to modify the shape of the annulus. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090198324 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF CARDIAC VALVES - Disclosed are methods for treatment of cardiac valve including augmenting a cardiac leaflet with the help of a ring associated with a membrane. Also disclosed are methods for treatment of cardiac valves including augmenting the tissue surrounding a cardiac valve, for example with the help of a tubular or annular implant, allowing relocation of the valve. In embodiments, the methods of the present invention improve leaflet coaptation, which in embodiments is useful for treating conditions such as ischemic mitral regurgitation. Also disclosed are devices useful for implementing the methods of the present invention. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090216322 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING AND ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable implantable medical device and adjustment device are described. In some embodiments, the adjustment device includes a lead with a distal end modified to permit better engagement and securement to the described implantable devices. In some embodiments, the contact of the lead is bent. Some embodiments include a coil that engages and secures the lead to the implantable device. Some embodiments include a suture line to aid in securing the lead to the implantable device. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090248148 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADJUSTING AN ANNULOPLASTY RING WITH AN INTEGRATED MAGNETIC DRIVE - Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248149 | INJECTABLE HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS FOR LOW-INVASIVE IMPLANTATION - A heart valve prosthesis may include a cylindrical support extending between axially spaced apart ends thereof, the cylindrical support including a plurality of support features extend generally axially between the opposed ends of the support, adjacent pairs of the support features being interconnected so as to bias the cylindrical support radially outwardly. A valve is mounted within the support to define a supported valve. The supported valve can include a sidewall portion extending between inflow and outflow ends thereof, the inflow and outflow ends of the valve sidewall portion being mounted within the cylindrical support such that ends of the sidewall portion are spaced axially apart from the spaced apart ends of the cylindrical support. The supported valve can also include a valve portion residing within the sidewall portion and configured to provide for substantially unidirectional flow of blood through the supported valve, the supported valve being deformable between a reduced cross-sectional condition and an expanded cross-sectional condition, whereby implantation of the supported valve is facilitated when in the reduced cross-sectional condition. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090287304 | Medical Device for Constricting Tissue or a Bodily Orifice, for example a mitral valve - A medical apparatus positionable in a cavity of a bodily organ (e.g., a heart) may constrict a bodily orifice (e.g., a mitral valve). The medical apparatus may include tissue anchors that are implanted in the annulus of the orifice. The tissue anchors may be guided into position by an intravascularly or percutaneously deployed anchor guiding frame. Constriction of the orifice may be accomplished by cinching a flexible cable attached to implanted tissue anchors. The medical device may be used to approximate the septal and lateral (clinically referred to as anterior and posterior) annulus of the mitral valve in order to move the posterior leaflet anteriorly and the anterior leaflet posteriorly and thereby improve leaflet coaptation and eliminate mitral regurgitation. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090299471 | Device And Method For Improving The Function Of A Heart Valve - A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises: a support member formed from a shape memory material, and a restraining member providing a restraining action on a course of the support member. The support member may abut one side of the valve conforming to the shape of the valve annulus upon said shape memory material assuming an activated shape while the restraining member restrains the course of the support member. The restraining action is removable for allowing the support member to assume a desired, altered course. The restraining member may be biodegradable to be degraded within a patient or may be detachable from the support member to be withdrawn. The support member according to another embodiment presents a shape change in that an increased cross-section is associated with a shortened length of the support member. The support member according to yet another embodiment has a first and a second activated shape. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090326648 | Devices, systems, and methods for reshaping a heart valve annulus, including the use of an adjustable bridge implant system - Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial adjustability and retrievability years after implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize an adjustable bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100036485 | Assembly For Placing A Prosthetic Valve In A Duct In The Body - The present invention is an assembly comprising a prosthetic valve to be implanted; a radially expandable stent comprising at least one zone intended to be expanded to allow the stent, in the expanded state, to bear against the wall of the body duct to be fitted with the valve, this bearing making it possible to immobilize this stent with respect to this wall; and means for mounting the valve with respect to the stent, making it possible to connect the valve to the stent in such a way that the placement of the stent allows the valve to be mounted in the body duct, and expansion means such as a balloon catheter being provided to trigger expansion of the stent at the implantation site. According to the invention, the valve and the stent are designed in such a way that, at the moment when the stent is expanded, the valve is situated outside the zone or zones of the stent that are subjected to said expansion means. The invention thus consists in separating the valve and said zone or zones to be expanded, so that the expansion of the stent can be effected with an expansion force suitable for perfect anchoring of this stent in the wall of the body duct to be fitted with the valve, and without any risk of destruction or damage of the valve. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100049314 | TRANSCATHETER CORONARY SINUS MITRAL VALVE ANNULOPLASTY PROCEDURE AND CORONARY ARTERY AND MYOCARDIAL PROTECTION DEVICE - A protective device or bridge ( | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100049315 | ANNULOPLASTY WITH ENHANCED ANCHORING TO THE ANNULUS BASED ON TISSUE HEALING - Methods, delivery systems and engaging apparatuses for the placement and treatment of an insufficient or stenotic cardiac valve, such as the mitral valve are disclosed. One such method is based on a two step procedure, where during the first step the engaging apparatus is brought to the valve annulus using a delivery system which permits continued normal blood flow. In some preferred embodiments, this is implemented with a balloon and other preferred embodiments it is implemented using a multi-pronged structure that is collapsible like an umbrella frame. The second step is performed after the engaging apparatus has been integrated into the annular wall by natural processes of tissue healing and remodeling. In the second step the engaging apparatus is tightened leading to tightening of the valve annulus and correction of existing valvular insufficiency. Optionally, an artificial valve may be anchored to the engaging apparatus during the same or subsequent procedure to correct either valvular insufficiency or stenosis. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100063586 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR ALTERING THE GEOMETRY OF THE HEART | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100087919 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VALVE ANNULUS REMODELING - Systems and methods for remodeling the annulus of a valve are disclosed. At least some embodiments disclosed herein are useful for resizing the mitral valve annulus in a safe and effective way. Such remodeling can be used to treat mitral valve regurgitation. At least some of the disclosed embodiments adjust the size of a valve annulus using magnetic forces. Other embodiments may include mechanisms for the manual adjustment of the annulus. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100114308 | METHOD FOR THERAPY OF HEART VALVES WITH A ROBOT-BASED X-RAY DEVICE - A method or workflow for heart valve replacement, or more precisely emplacement of a prosthetic heart valve, using minimally invasive procedures includes imaging of the patient's heart during the procedure using a multi-access articulated x-ray imaging robot that allows a radiation detector carried by the robot to be moved in arbitrary paths around a patient in order to generate multiple projection exposures of the relevant region of the patient during the procedure. The imaging system is used to generate two dimensional image data during movement of the catheter and prosthetic heart valve into place and to generate three dimensional image data of the prosthetic heart valve within the patient's heart. The two dimensional image data and the three dimensional image data are registered and superimposed for use in positioning of the prosthetic heart valve. Additional imaging may be performed once the prosthetic heart valve is in position. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100137980 | Annular Prosthesis for a Mitral Valve - An annular prosthesis for a mitral valve that may include a posterior half-ring and an anterior half-ring coupled to each other on a first transverse plane which defines a maximum width section of the prosthesis. The ratio between the distance between the anterior half-ring and the posterior half-ring, as measured along a second plane, perpendicular to the first plane and equidistant to the couplings, and the maximum width of the prosthesis is lower than ¾. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100145440 | Device And Method For Improving Function Of Heart Valve - A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises a first loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a first side of the heart valve, and a first flange unit being connected to said first loop-shaped support. The flange unit is configured to be arranged against said annulus when said first loop-shaped support is abutting said heart valve. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100152845 | Annuloplasty Device Having Shape-Adjusting Tension Filaments - A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a flexible annuloplasty ring, a plurality of anchoring members and a tensioning filament attached to the flexible ring. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a flexible annuloplasty ring to the annulus of a mitral valve, and adjusting the lengths of segments of the tension filament attached to the flexible ring in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve close completely during ventricular contraction. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100161047 | ADJUSTABLE PARTIAL ANNULOPLASTY RING AND MECHANISM THEREFOR - Apparatus is provided that is configured to be implanted in a body of a subject, comprising an implant structure having first and second portions thereof, a spool coupled to the implant structure in a vicinity of the first portion thereof, and a flexible member coupled at a first end thereof to the spool, and not attached at a second end thereof to the spool. The flexible member, in response to rotation of the spool in a first direction thereof, is configured to be wound around the spool, and, responsively, to pull the second end of the flexible member toward the first end of the implant structure, and responsively to draw the first and second portions of the implant structure toward each other. Other embodiments are also described. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100168847 | Device and Method for Modifying the Shape of a Body Organ - An intravascular support device includes a support or reshaper wire, a proximal anchor and a distal anchor. The support wire engages a vessel wall to change the shape of tissue adjacent the vessel in which the intravascular support is placed. The anchors and support wire are designed such that the vessel in which the support is placed remains open and can be accessed by other devices if necessary. The device provides a minimal metal surface area to blood flowing within the vessel to limit the creation of thrombosis. The anchors can be locked in place to secure the support within the vessel. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100204785 | TWO-STAGE COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES AND ANCHORING SYSTEMS - Prosthetic heart valve apparatus is adapted for delivery into a patient in a circumferentially collapsed condition, followed by circumferential re-expansion at the implant site in the patient. The apparatus includes an annular anchoring structure that can be implanted in the patient first. The apparatus further includes an annular valve support structure, which supports a flexible leaflet structure of the valve. The support and leaflet structures are initially separate from the anchoring structure, but they can be implanted in the patient by interengagement of the support structure with the already-implanted anchoring structure. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100211166 | ACTIVELY-ENGAGEABLE MOVEMENT-RESTRICTION MECHANISM FOR USE WITH AN ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURE - Apparatus is provided, including a locking mechanism, an implant, and a flexible strip within the implant having a plurality of recesses. A perimeter of the strip shortens and expands when the first end of the strip is advanced bidirectionally with respect to a second end of the strip. The locking mechanism includes a moveable recess-engaging portion, a mechanical support removably coupled to the recess-engaging portion, and a force applicator which maintains the recess-engaging portion in a position in which the recess-engaging portion is not disposed in any of the recesses. Upon decoupling of the mechanical support from the recess-engaging portion, the force applicator restricts motion of the plurality of recesses of the strip with respect to the second end of the strip, by facilitating positioning of the recess-engaging portion in one of the plurality of recesses. Other embodiments are also described. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100241222 | DEVICE FOR REPAIRING MITRAL VALVE INSUFFICIENCY - A device is associated with the conventional prosthetic ring, which is permanently attached to the natural ring of the mitral valve and consists of two pieces attached to each other in a sliding arrangement, which form a positioning mechanism. One of the pieces has an essentially T-shaped form for its temporary attachment to the conventional prosthetic ring during the surgical operation, and it has a handle which sticks out from the piece on the side facing out from the prosthetic ring; and the other piece is in the form of an arc with a curvature corresponding to the opening of the mitral valve, and possesses an orifice at the mid-point of the arc, into which the trunk of the T-shaped piece is inserted in order to slide the arc-shaped piece in relation to the T-shaped piece and fix it temporarily over one of the edges of the mitral valve in order to perform the repair of the same. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100280607 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RINGS - Adjustable annuloplasty rings for repair of a mitral or tricuspid valve which incorporate at least two separate parts that are adjustably interconnectable to create a ring the circumference of which can be changed in dimension. Rings having interconnections at spaced-apart lateral locations, which interconnections allow bidirectional movement to either shorten or lengthen the ring at either such location, afford a surgeon opportunity to make further adjustments to the dimensions of the annuloplasty ring after its initial partial securing to the heart valve tissue and thereby adjust the AP diameter of the valve being repaired. The mating interconnections at two lateral locations on the ring can be constructed so as to allow hinged movement about an axis defined by the interconnections to permit hinged movement between the two separate parts. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20110009957 | PERCUTANEOUS MITRAL ANNULPLASTY WITH CARDIAC RHYTHM MANAGEMENT - A minimally invasive method of performing mitral annuloplasty is disclosed. An implantable device is positioned within the coronary sinus and tightened around the mitral annulus. Mitral valve regurgitation is monitored before, during, and/or after the tightening step. An on-going drug therapy may be determined, taking into account post-implantation hemodynamic function. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110022168 | POST-OPERATIVE ADJUSTMENT TOOL, MINIMALLY INVASIVE ATTACHMENT APPARATUS, AND ADJUSTABLE TRICUSPID RING - An implantable device system for controlling the dimensions of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implantable devices are disclosed which employ various mechanisms for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive procedures and permit final adjustments to the dimensions of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022169 | Annuloplasty Device for Tricuspid Valve Repair - Annuloplasty device for implantation adjacent an annulus of a tricuspid valve, the annulus comprising anterior, posterior and septal aspects adjacent anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, respectively, of the tricuspid valve, the device comprising: a ring body comprising: an anterior portion, a posterior portion and a septal portion shaped to conform to, and for implantation adjacent, the anterior, posterior and septal aspects of the annulus, respectively; and first and second end portions that are more flexible than a remainder of the ring body to provide a gradual transition from the remainder of the ring body to tissue of the tricuspid valve annulus; wherein the ring body is curvilinear, with substantially no flat portions, and forming a shape. Related devices, kits and sizer devices. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110034999 | DEGENERATIVE VALVULAR DISEASE SPECIFIC ANNULOPLASTY RINGS - Annuloplasty rings optimally sized to take into account more of the common degenerative valve pathologies. Each ring has a structural ring body with a shape that complies with predicted shapes of degenerative valvular diseases, such as fibroelastic deficiency (FED), Marfan's or Barlow's. The predicted shapes are obtained through careful echocardiographic and intraoperative measurements, and often differ for different annulus orifice sizes. For instance, in mitral rings the larger rings have larger minor axis and oblique axis dimensions relative to their major axis dimensions, and are more circular as opposed to D-shaped. The rings may also be three-dimensional and the relative heights around the rings may change for different sized rings. A mitral ring may have a higher anterior saddle relative to a posterior saddle, with the relative heights varying across the ring sizes. The ring may have varying flexibility around the ring periphery which also changes for different ring sizes. A bulge on the sewing cuff forms a step on the outflow side for ease of suturing, which may be indicated by a suture line. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110035000 | Tissue Shaping Device - In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. Such tissue shaping device can include an expandable proximal anchor; a proximal anchor lock adapted to lock the proximal anchor in an expanded configuration; an expandable distal anchor; a distal anchor lock adapted to lock the distal anchor in an expanded configuration; and a connector disposed between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor, the connector having a substantially non-circular cross-section. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110054597 | MITRAL CERCLAGE ANNULOPLASTY APPARATUS - A mitral cerclage annuloplasty apparatus comprises a tissue protective device and a knot delivery device. The tissue protective device comprises a first protective tube and a second protective tube. The knot delivery device comprises a tube wherein a loose knot is looped around its distal end through a hole and wherein tight knot is formed when the distal end of the tube is cut open. Alternatively, the knot delivery device comprises an inner tube and outer tube. The inner tube is insertable and rotatable inside the outer tube. When the tubes are in a closed position by rotating either the outer tube or the inner tube, a hole is created near its distal end. When the tubes are in open position by rotating either the outer tube or the inner tube, the hole joins the opening of the outer tube and lengthens. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110060407 | METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR CARDIAC VALVE REPAIR - Disclosed are methods, systems, and devices for the endovascular repair of cardiac valves, particularly the atrioventricular valves which inhibit back flow of blood from a heart ventricle during contraction. The procedures described herein can be performed with interventional tools, guides and supporting catheters and other equipment introduced to the heart chambers from the patient's arterial or venous vasculature remote from the heart. The interventional tools and other equipment may be introduced percutaneously or may be introduced via a surgical cut down, and then advanced from the remote access site through the vasculature until they reach the heart. | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110066235 | Endoventicular device for the treatment and correction of cardiomyopathies - The invention consists in a device that concerns the optimization of the cardiac geometry in patients with heart failure. The device comprises one or more elastic elements in the radial direction towards the inside of the ventricle and plastic deformation in a direction that is transversal to the said ventricle, the element being equipped with means for attaching it to the internal wall of the ventricle. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110066236 | ANNULOPLASTY SYSTEM AND SURGICAL METHOD - An annuloplasty system for repairing incompetent heart valves is provided. This system includes a substantially circular valve reinforcing device adapted to be surgically implanted into around a heart valve annulus; anchoring means for attaching the substantially circular valve reinforcing device to the heart valve, wherein attaching the substantially circular valve reinforcing device to the heart valve annulus reduces the circumference of the heart valve annulus by plicating annular tissue underneath the valve reinforcing device; and constricting means for, if necessary, reducing the circumference of the substantially circular valve reinforcing device, wherein reducing the circumference of the substantially circular valve reinforcing device further reduces the circumference of the heart valve annulus. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20110071626 | Device and Method for the Surgical Treatment of Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation - A device for the treatment of ischemic mitral regurgitation of a damaged left ventricle having an opposing papillary muscles displaced laterally or axially relative to the mitral annulus. The device includes a lateral limb configured to extend between opposing papillary muscles of a left ventricle and first and second axial limbs extending from spaced points on the lateral limb to form an essentially U-shaped configuration. The first and second axial limbs are configured to extend between the lateral limb and a mitral annulus. A method for the treatment of mitral regurgitation comprises extending a first segment of the lateral limb of the device across opposing sides of a ventricle near opposing papillary muscles. The segment of the first lateral limb is shortened as needed to put the first and second papillary muscles into a substantially normal lateral position relative to the mitral annulus and the length of the segment of the first lateral limbs is fixed. The method further includes extending a segment of the first axial limb between the lateral limb and the mitral annulus and extending a segment of the second axial limb between the lateral limb and the mitral annulus. The first and second axial limb segments are then shortened, as needed, to put opposing papillary muscles into a substantially normal axial position relative to the mitral annulus and the lengths of the segments of the first and second axial limbs are fixed. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110093065 | Mitral and Tricuspid Annuloplasty Rings - A mitral annuloplasty ring with an inner core and an outer band located therearound. The ring has an anterior region, a posterior region opposite the anterior region, and two side regions therebetween. A cross-sectional width dimension of the outer band is greater in the posterior region of the ring than in the anterior region. A cross-sectional width dimension of a semi-flexible core is thinner in the anterior and posterior regions than in the side regions so that the mitral ring is more rigid in bending in the anterior-posterior direction. A tricuspid annuloplasty ring of the invention has an inner core and an outer band located therearound. The inner core has an anterior region separated across a gap from a septal region, and a posterior region. A cross-sectional width dimension of the outer band is greater in the septal region than either the anterior or posterior regions. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110130830 | AORTIC RING AND ANCILLARY DEVICE FOR IMPLANTING IT - Aortic ring ( | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110137410 | FOLDABLE HINGED PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a prosthetic valve that is designated for implantation at a patient's native heart valve, including a valve ring having a plurality of ring segments, each of the segments being hingedly coupled to an adjacent segment at a pivot joint. The valve ring is placed adjacent to a surface of the native heart valve, the prosthetic valve having been coupled to the valve ring. In an expanded state thereof, the valve ring defines a ring, all of the pivot joints being disposed in a plane that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the ring. The valve ring is foldable into a shape that has a generally circular cross-section that defines and surrounds at least in part a central lumen, by folding the segments with respect to each other, at the pivot joints. Other embodiments are also described. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110153009 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF A CARDIAC VALVE - An apparatus for repairing a cardiac valve includes an annuloplasty ring having an expandable support member with oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes a plurality of wing members extending from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and a valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring therein. The apparatus also includes an energy delivery mechanism for selectively contracting the annuloplasty ring to restrict the valve annulus and correct valvular insufficiency. The energy delivery mechanism includes a detachable electrical lead having distal and proximal end portions. The distal end portion has a securing member for operably attaching the distal end portion to a portion of the expandable support member. The proximal end portion is operably connected to an energy delivery source. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110190879 | Devices and Methods for Treating a Heart - Devices and related methods of use are provided for improving heart function. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device includes a ring-like structure configured to be secured to a heart valve; at least one elongate member extending from the ring-like structure, wherein an end of the elongate member is configured to be secured to heart geometry other than a heart valve; and an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously altering a dimension of the ring-like structure and a length of the elongate member. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110202130 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LONG TERM ADJUSTMENT OF AN IMPLANTABLE DEVICE - The present invention is directed to methods and systems for adjusting an implant, such as a mitral valve ring, over the long term without having to enter a patient's body. The long term adjustment system can include a magnet, or other magnetic material, that is functionally connected to the adjustment mechanism of an adjustable implant. The long term adjustment system can be activated by placing an activating magnet near the area of the patient's body where the adjustable implant is located and positioning the activating magnet so that an attractive force is generated between the activating magnet and the magnet that is functionally connected to the adjustable implant. Due to the attractive force between the two magnets, rotation of the magnet outside the patient's body will adjust the size and/or shape of the implant. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110218622 | INDUCTION ACTIVATION OF ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RINGS AND OTHER IMPLANTABLE DEVICES - Systems and methods to adjust an adjustable medical device that is implanted subcutaneously within the body of a patient. The adjustable medical device is coupled to an adjustment mechanism configured to, when powered, effect a desired adjustment to the adjustable medical device. The adjustment mechanism is electrically coupled to a receiving coil configured to resonate at a desired frequency such that an electric current induced in the receiving coil powers the adjustment mechanism. An induction activation system is configured to utilize magnetic resonance to wirelessly activate the adjustable medical device assembly, from outside the patient's body, through a skin barrier of the patient. The induction activation system comprises a power source and a delivery coil. The power source creates an alternating electrical signal. The delivery coil is electrically coupled to the power source and configured to resonate in response to the alternating electrical signal created by the power source, and thereby generate a resonating magnetic field. The delivery coil is tuned to have a resonant frequency that is the same as a frequency of the alternating electrical signal created by the power source. The receiving coil can also be tuned to resonate at the resonant frequency of the delivery coil. When the delivery coil is positioned near the patient's body, such that the receiving coil is within the magnetic field generated by the delivery coil, an electric current is induced in the receiving coil to drive the adjustment mechanism and thereby effect an adjustment of the adjustable medical device. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110257740 | SELECTIVELY ADJUSTABLE CARDIAC VALVE IMPLANTS - Methods and devices are provided for support of a body structure. The devices can be adjusted within the body of a patient in a minimally invasive or non-invasive manner such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The energy may include, for example, acoustic energy, radio frequency energy, light energy and magnetic energy. Thus, as the body structure changes size and/or shape, the size and/or shape of the annuloplasty rings can be adjusted to provide continued reinforcement. In certain embodiments, the devices include a first body member including a first shape memory material configured to transform the annuloplasty ring from a first configuration having a first size of a dimension to a second configuration having a second size of the dimension. The second size is less than said first size in septal lateral distance. The devices also include a second body member including a second shape memory material configured to transform the annuloplasty ring from the second configuration to a third configuration having a third size of the dimension, wherein the second size is less than the third size in septal lateral distance. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110257741 | IMPLANTS AND METHODS FOR RESHAPING HEART VALVES - Tissue shaping methods and devices are provided for reinforcing and/or remodeling heart valves. In certain embodiments, magnetic tissue shaping devices are implanted in tissue adjacent heart valve leaflets. The devices are mutually attractive or repulsive so as to remodel the heart tissue and improve heart valve function. In certain other embodiments, one or more tissue shaping devices including shape memory material are implanted in a patient's body within or on tissue adjacent a heart valve leaflet. The shape memory material can be activated within the patient in a less invasive or non-invasive manner, such as by applying energy percutaneously or external to the patient's body. The shape memory tissue shaping devices are implanted in a first configuration and then activated to remember a second configuration that displaces tissue so as to remodel the heart valve geometry and improve heart valve function. In certain other embodiments, a brace is crimped to the base of a heart valve leaflet to support the leaflet and improve valve closure. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110264208 | Prosthetic Heart Valve Devices and Methods of Valve Repair - A mechanism for adjusting the chordae connecting the leaflets of a mitral valve to the papillary muscles in order to restore normal functioning of the mitral valve. The devices or mechanisms can correct problems associated with both prolapsed leaflets and restricted leaflets to allow the leaflets to properly coapt, thereby preventing or minimizing regurgitation. In accordance with the invention, the mechanisms or devices used for adjusting the chordae can be delivered and implanted in a minimally invasive and/or percutaneous manner, such as via transapical methods, transfermoral methods, or trans-septal methods. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110276130 | Mitral Valve Ring for Treatment of Mitral Valve Regurgitation - An active bodily ring having a housing adapted to be sutured to a bodily component and a loop disposed in the housing, the loop capable of actively expanding and compressing during the bodily components normal function. The housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber containing the loop and the second chamber providing a region capable of being sutured to the bodily component. In one embodiment, the housing can be a crimped-fabric housing. In another embodiment, the housing can be a woven-fabric housing having elastic properties. The housing can be made from polyester. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20120010701 | AORTIC ANNULOPLASTY RING - An annuloplasty ring to resize a dilated aortic root during valve sparing surgery includes a scalloped space frame having three trough sections connected to define three crest sections. The annuloplasty ring is mounted outside the aortic root, and extends in height between a base plane and a spaced apart commissure plane of the aortic root. At least two adjacent trough sections are coupled by an annulus-restraining member or tether that limits the maximum deflection of the base of the annuloplasty ring. In use, the tether is preferably located in proximity to the base plane of the aortic root. The annuloplasty ring is movable between a first, substantially conical configuration occurring during a diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle, and a second, substantially cylindrical configuration occurring during a systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120022644 | PARTIALLY-ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURE - Apparatus and methods are described including an annuloplasty structure configured for implantation along an annulus of an atrioventricular valve of a heart of a subject. The structure includes a coiled element comprising at least one first portion thereof which is flexible and longitudinally compressible, and at least one second portion thereof in series with the first portion, the second portion being flexible and less longitudinally compressible than the first portion. Other applications are also described. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120035722 | Mitral Prosthesis and Methods for Implantation - A mitral valve prosthesis and methods for implanting the prosthesis transapically (i.e., through the apex of the heart), transatrially (i.e., through the left atrium of the heart), and transseptally (i.e., through the septum of the heart). The prosthesis generally includes a self-expanding frame and two or more support arms. A valve prosthesis is sutured to the self-expanding frame. Each support arm corresponds to a native mitral valve leaflet. At least one support arm immobilizes the native leaflets, and holds the native leaflets close to the main frame. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035723 | PROSTHESIS FOR MITRAL ANNULOPLASTY - A prosthesis ( | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120071970 | PHYSIOLOGIC TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid valve repairs to provide annular support after reconstructive valve surgery. The ring maintains an optimal annular dimension to prevent excessive dilatation of the natural valve annulus while adapting to the dynamic motion of the tricuspid annulus during the cardiac cycle. An exemplary ring features a waveform contour and may be constructed of a titanium core having a varying cross-section for selective flexibility for good Z-axis or out-of plane movement. The “waveform” contour and selective flexibility of the different segments of this ring are designed to adapt to the complex motion of the annulus. This reduces the stress on the anatomical structures and therefore minimizes the risk of arrhythmia and ring dehiscence. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120078359 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING SUPPORT - A support for an adjustable annuloplasty ring generally includes a body and a groove. The body has a first end, a second end and an outer surface. The body may also include an inner surface defining a longitudinal bore. The outer surface is configured to slidably receive an annuloplasty ring and a length of adjustable suture. The groove is formed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the body and is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the suture. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078360 | PROSTHETIC DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REPLACING HEART VALVES - Exemplary embodiments provide a valve prosthesis for deployment at an annulus of a heart valve. The valve prosthesis includes a series of connected loops that form a looped structure for placement in the annulus. The loops include a first set of fastening mechanisms that extends radially outward over the annular ring and fasten the valve prosthesis to the atrium. The loops also include a second set of fastening mechanisms that extends radially outward at the annular ring and fasten the valve prosthesis to the annular ring. The loops optionally include a third set of fastening mechanisms that extends radially outward under the annular ring and fasten the valve prosthesis to the ventricle. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120123531 | PERCUTANEOUS TRANSCATHETER REPAIR OF HEART VALVES - Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for repairing heart valves through percutaneous transcatheter delivery and fixation of annuloplasty rings to heart valves. An annuloplasty ring includes an outer hollow member including a plurality of segments. Adjacent segments cooperate with one another to change the outer hollow member from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry. The annuloplasty ring also includes an internal anchor member located at least partially within the outer hollow member. The internal anchor member includes a plurality of anchors configured to attach the annuloplasty ring to tissue of a heart valve annulus. The internal anchor member is configured to move the plurality of anchors with respect to a plurality of windows in the outer hollow member to selectively deploy the plurality of anchors through the respective windows. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123532 | Devices and Methods for Reducing Mitral Valve Regurgitation - A mitral valve annulus reshaping device includes at least a portion that is formed of a biocompatible shape memory alloy SMA having a characteristic temperature, A | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120136436 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY DEVICES AND ADJUSTMENT MECHANISMS THEREFOR - Apparatus is provided including an implant structure ( | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120143324 | Aortic Valve Devices - The present disclosure provides aortic valve prosthetic devices that are constructed in an elliptical shape, or are expandable to an elliptical shape for improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. The devices can be surgically implanted, or they can be implanted percutaneously through an insertion catheter. The expandable devices can be self-expanding or expanded by an inflatable balloon to an elliptical cross section geometry. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120150290 | BEATING HEART BUTTRESS AND IMPLANTATION METHOD TO PREVENT PROLAPSE OF A HEART VALVE - An apparatus and method for mitigating prolapsed are disclosed. The apparatus includes a contact member and an elongated rod that can be used to hold the contact member in position for coapting with a patient's native leaflets. A similarly configured sizing apparatus can also be used to facilitate implantation. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120172983 | METHODS OF REPAIRING AN ABNORMAL MITRAL VALVE - The present invention refers to an annular prosthesis for mitral valve. In one of its embodiments the annular prosthesis for mitral valve is made up of a posterior half-ring and an anterior half-ring coupled to each other on a first transverse plane which defines a maximum width section of the prosthesis, characterised in that the ratio between the distance between said anterior half-ring and said posterior half-ring, as measured along a second plane, perpendicular to said first plane and equidistant to said couplings, and said maximum width of the prosthesis is lower than 3/4. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120179247 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A REGURGITANT HEART VALVE - An apparatus is provided for treating regurgitation of blood flow through a diseased heart valve. The diseased heart valve includes an annulus, anterior and posterior valve leaflets, and a subvalvular apparatus. The apparatus includes a substantially annular support member and at least one infra-annular support member securely connected thereto. The substantially annular support member has at least a first intermediate portion, a second intermediate portion, and a posterior end portion extending between the first and second intermediate portions. The posterior end portion is dimensioned for attachment to a posterior portion of the annulus of the diseased heart valve. The at least one infra-annular support member is securely connected to the substantially annular support member at a first location. The at least one infra-annular support member is dimensioned to extend below at least one of the posterior and anterior valve leaflets and across or behind at least one subvalvular structure. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120197392 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING WITH SUBCUTANEOUS ACTIVATION PORT - Annuloplasty rings are employed to treat heart valve defects, such as regurgitation. Synching the heart tissue to the ring restores the valve opening to its approximate original size and operating efficiency. Adjustable annuloplasty rings allow for a proper degree of synching both during open heart surgery and over the patient's lifetime. A subcutaneous port may be coupled to an adjustable annuloplasty ring such that an external activation energy generator can be used to heat the adjustable annuloplasty ring and thereby adjust the size of the annuloplasty ring. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120209379 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING AND ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable annuloplasty device is described. In some embodiments, the device includes a body member having a surface that conforms at least partially to a cardiac valve annulus. The body member comprises a shape-memory member that transforms from a first configuration to a second configuration in response to an applied energy. In some embodiments, the device further includes a first electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers energy to the shape-memory member, and a second electrode assembly, coupled to the shape-memory member, that transfers at least a portion of the energy away from the shape-memory member. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120215305 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING AND ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable implantable medical device and adjustment device are described. In some embodiments, the adjustment device includes a lead with a distal end modified to permit better engagement and securement to the described implantable devices. In some embodiments, the contact of the lead is bent. Some embodiments include a coil that engages and secures the lead to the implantable device. Some embodiments include a suture line to aid in securing the lead to the implantable device. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120221101 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING ACTIVATION SYSTEM - An adjustable annuloplasty device is described. The device includes a body member comprising a shape memory material, the body member configured to be placed at or near a base of a valve of a heart. The device further includes a hysteretic material configured to undergo magnetic hysteresis in response to a first activation energy, the hysteretic material being in thermal communication with the shape memory material. The body member may have a first size of a body member dimension in a first configuration and a second size of the body member dimension in a second configuration. When the body member is in position in the heart, a change from the first configuration to the second configuration changes a size of a dimension of the annulus of the valve. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120226349 | Mitral Valve Repair - Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a mitral valve of a heart of a subject. The apparatus includes a P1-anchor, a P2-anchor, and a P3-anchor, that are anchored to tissue in a vicinity of, respectively, P1, P2 and P3 segments of a posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, a tether being fixedly coupled to the P2-anchor, and slidably coupled to the P1 and P3 anchors. A cardiac-site anchor anchors the tether to an anchoring location that is at a cardiac site that is anterior and inferior to the posterior leaflet. Other embodiments are also described. | 09-06-2012 |
| 20120239143 | Non-Axisymmetric Aortic Valve Devices - The present disclosure provides aortic valve prosthetic devices that are constructed in a non-axisymmetric shape, or are expandable to a non-axisymmetric shape for improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. The devices can be surgically implanted, or they can be implanted percutaneously through an insertion catheter. The expandable devices can be self-expanding or expanded by an inflatable balloon to a non-axisymmetric cross-section geometry. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120253457 | COMPRESSIBLE HEART VALVE ANNULUS SIZING TEMPLATES - Compressible heart valve annulus sizing templates suitable for minimally-invasive or otherwise reduced accessibility surgeries. The sizing templates may be folded, rolled, or otherwise compressed into a reduced configuration for passage through an access tube or other such access channel. Once expelled from the access tube the sizing templates expand to their original shape for use in sizing the annulus. The templates may be formed of an elastomeric polymer material such as silicone, a highly elastic metal such as NITINOL, or both. Grasping tabs or connectors for handles permit manipulation from outside the body. A NITINOL wireform may be compressed for passage through an access tube and expelled from the distal end thereof into a cloth cover to assume a sizer shape. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120296420 | Annuloplasty Ring with Piercing Wire and Segmented Wire Lumen - An annuloplasty device having an expandable member, a plurality of lobes, and a piercing wire is herein disclosed. In some embodiments, the lobes extend radially outwardly from the expandable member. The lobes each have a wire lumen disposed therethrough, and the piercing wire is extendable through the wire lumen of each lobe to secure the device to adjacent heart tissue. In some embodiments, the expandable member comprises an inflatable medical balloon. In addition, a method of implanting an annuloplasty device is disclosed. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120323317 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS ANCHORING DEVICE AND METHODS - Apparatus and methods for securing heart valve repair or replacement prostheses in or near the heart. The apparatus and methods are particularly well suited for traditional surgery or minimally invasive surgery. The invention secures a heart valve repair or replacement prosthesis in place while lowering surgical exposure. The invention improves the ease of implantation because it reduces the number of surgical knots a clinician would normally tie in the limited space in and around the heart. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120330411 | CLOSED BAND FOR PERCUTANEOUS ANNULOPLASTY - An implantable structure includes a flexible sleeve, having first and second sleeve ends, and a contracting assembly, which is configured to longitudinally contract the sleeve, and includes a contracting mechanism, which is disposed longitudinally at a first site of the sleeve, and a longitudinal contracting member, having (a) a first member end, (b) a second member end, which is coupled to the sleeve longitudinally at a second site longitudinally between the first site and the second sleeve end, exclusive, and (c) a first member end portion, which is coupled to the contracting mechanism. The sleeve is arranged in a closed loop, such that first and second portions of the sleeve together define a longitudinally overlapping portion of the sleeve. The implantable structure is configured such that the contracting assembly longitudinally applies a longitudinal contracting force only between the first and the second sites, and not along the overlapping portion. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120330412 | PHYSIOLOGICALLY HARMONIZED TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends that are upturned in the inflow direction to help avoid unnecessary leaflet abrasion. The free ends are separated across a gap that is large enough to reduce the risk of passing sutures through the conductive system of the heart, yet not too large that support of the septal leaflet of the tricuspid annulus is degraded. The ring may have four sequential segments looking from the inflow side and extending in a clockwise direction from a free end located adjacent the antero septal commis sure after implant. The ring may define an inflow bulge in the first segment and/or an inflow bulge in the fourth segment that help the ring conform to the natural bulges created by the adjacent aorta, thereby reducing stress and the potential for ring dehiscence. Desirably, the ring has variable flexibility, either gradual and/or between or within different segments. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130006352 | HEART VALVE REPAIR DEVICES AND METHODS - Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130013059 | ANNULOPLASTY RING SYSTEM - An annuloplasty ring system for repairing an atrioventricular cardiac valve includes an external support ring ( | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130018459 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR USING TENSION - Apparatus is provided including a first tissue-engaging element, a first flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the first tissue-engaging element, and a first flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to the first flexible longitudinal member at a second end portion of the first flexible longitudinal member. Apparatus includes a second tissue-engaging element, a second flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first end portion thereof to at least a portion of the second tissue-engaging element, and a second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling element coupled to the second flexible longitudinal member at a second end portion of the second flexible longitudinal member, the first and second flexible-longitudinal-member-coupling elements being couplable to couple together the first and second flexible longitudinal elements. Other applications are also described. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130030523 | ANNULOPLASTY RINGS AND METHODS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - An annuloplasty ring, configured for implantation in the annulus of a heart valve, comprising multiple segments each of which are geometrically shaped from a three dimensional perspective to conform to the anatomic shape of the valve annulus. In one embodiment, the annuloplasty ring is configured to facilitate a reduction of tension on heart valve tissue and eliminate a substantial portion of potential pressure or force that may be applied to the atrioventricular node by the annuloplasty ring when implanted. In another embodiment, at the annuloplasty ring is configured to include an assembly that facilitates selective adjustment of a segment's respective length and/or shape. The adjustment of the length of one of the ring segment's results in an adjustment of at least one angle between at least one set of other ring segments, thereby causing an adjustment to the geometric characteristics of the ring. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130066420 | ADJUSTABLE IMPLANT SYSTEM - Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130131792 | ACTIVELY-ENGAGEABLE MOVEMENT-RESTRICTION MECHANISM FOR USE WITH AN ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURE - A method is provided, including providing an implant shaped to define a lumen and a flexible strip disposed at least in part within the lumen, and a plurality of recesses, the implant including a locking mechanism to which first and second ends of the strip are coupled such that the strip defines a closed loop which shortens when the first end is advanced through the locking mechanism in a first direction, and expands when the first end is advanced in a second opposite direction; advancing the first end in first and second opposing directions with respect to the second end; maintaining a recess-engaging portion in a position in which the recess-engaging portion is not disposed in any of the recesses during the advancing; and restricting the advancing by facilitating active positioning of the recess-engaging portion in one of the recesses. Other embodiments are also described. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130197632 | ADJUSTMENT SUTURE MARKERS FOR ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING - An adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a body in the form of an endless loop having an internal lumen therethrough, an adjustment suture extending through at least a portion of the internal lumen, a first portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a first opening in the body and a second portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a second opening in the body, and a first adjustment marker on the first portion of the suture outside of the body. The suture may be adapted to reduce the length of the body around the loop when tightened. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130204361 | SEMI-FLEXIBLE ANNULOPLASTY RING - An annuloplasty ring for attachment to an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprises an elongate tube of suturable material comprising a central segment and first and second end segments. An arcuate stiff ener is received in the central segment of the tube and extends the length thereof. The arcuate stiffener is circumferentially confined within the central segment to prevent circumferential movement of the stiffener relative to the tube. The first and second end segments of the tube lack a stiffener and are axially deformable. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130211513 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPAIRING A MITRAL VALVE - A method for repairing a mitral valve, the method comprising:
| 08-15-2013 |
| 20130253643 | COLLAPSIBLE VALVE PROSTHESIS - A collapsible valve prosthesis includes an armature and a set of prosthetic valve leaflets supported by the armature. The armature is expandable from a contracted condition to an expanded condition for anchoring at an annulus of a natural valve site, and includes a tubular intra-annular portion defining a blood flow lumen having an inflow side and an outflow side. The tubular intra-annular portion supports the prosthetic valve leaflets in the blood flow lumen and is provided with outward formations for coupling with the natural valve site. The armature includes an over-annular portion linked to the intra-annular portion to extend collar-like over the annulus of the natural valve site at the inflow side of the blood flow lumen. The armature may also include an under-annular portion to extend collar-like at the outflow side of the blood flow lumen. The prosthesis may permit mitral valve replacement (MVR) without removing the native valve leaflets and the chordae tendineae. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130304201 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF A CARDIAC VALVE - An annuloplasty ring for repairing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion of the support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and the valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring in the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded into full contact engagement with the annulus of the cardiac valve by an inflatable balloon. Methods for repairing a cardiac valve using the annuloplasty ring are also provided. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130331933 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH NON-EXPANDING STENT POSTS AND RETRIEVAL FEATURES - A frame structure for a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve. The frame structure includes an annular annulus portion that is configured for implanting in or near a patient's native heart valve annulus. This annulus portion of the frame structure may include a plurality of annularly spaced commissure post structures interconnected by connecting structures. The commissure post structures may be more resistant to annular collapse than the connecting structures. In the case of a prosthetic aortic valve, the frame structure may also include an annular aortic portion. The aortic portion may include a plurality of attachment points (for tethers) closest to the annulus portion. Such attachment points and tethers can facilitate re-collapse of a partly deployed valve in the event of a need to reposition or remove the valve. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20140025164 | Disk-Based Valve Apparatus and Method for the Treatment of Valve Dysfunction - The present invention comprises a novel and safer mechanism of deployment using a self-positioning, self-centering, and self-anchoring method. To embody the present invention, a disk-based valve apparatus allowing the repositioning and retrieval of the implantable valve while working on a dysfunctional valve structure is disclosed. The disk-based valve apparatus may comprise one or more disks, either proximal or distal, a valve-housing component and a valve component. The one or more disks may be either proximal or distal, may be either connected to each other or disconnected from each other and may either be symmetrical or have different shapes and dimensions. The disk-based valve apparatus may be self anchoring, such as anchored by pressure from the one or more disk, or may be anchored using any anchoring. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140031929 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING THE INTERNAL CIRCUMFERENCE OF AN ANATOMIC ORIFICE OR LUMEN - An implantable device for controlling the circumference of internal anatomic passages corrects physiologic dysfunctions resulting from a structural lumen which is either too large or too small. Implants area disclosed which employ various means for adjusting and maintaining the size of an orifice to which they are attached. Systems permit the implants to be implanted using minimally invasive producers and permit final adjustments to the circumference of the implants after the resumption of normal flow of anatomic fluids in situ. Methods are disclosed for using the implants to treat heart valve abnormalities, gastroesophageal abnormalities, anal incontinence, and the like. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140031930 | CARDIAC IMPLANT CONFIGURED TO RECEIVE A PERCUTANEOUS PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE IMPLANTATION - The invention is a cardiac implant, and associated methods therefore, configured to repair and/or replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded/changed form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The implant may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace/repair a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally non-rigid and/or expanded/expandable form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon. The implant may be configured to have a generally D-shaped configuration when initially implanted, but to assume a generally circular form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140039615 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR SURGICAL AND PERCUTANEOUS REPAIR OF HEART VALVE LESIONS - The devices and methods relate to surgical and percutaneous repair of heart valve regions. The devices may be structured to conform to the desired shape of a specific patient. The devices may include a frame and an artificial body onto which leaflets of the valve may coapt or rest. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140052243 | SUTURELESS ANCHORING DEVICE FOR CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - A device for anchoring a prosthetic heart valve on biological tissue, includes first and second anchoring assemblies, mutually couplable to secure biological tissue therebetween. The anchoring assemblies include at least one pair of complementary arched portions having anchoring formations for anchoring on the biological tissue. The anchoring formations include integral extensions of the anchoring assemblies extending radially outwardly of one of the anchoring assemblies. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140052244 | SUTURELESS ANCHORING DEVICE FOR CARDIAC VALVE PROSTHESES - A device for anchoring on biological tissue a prosthetic heart valve, includes first and second anchoring assemblies mutually couplable to secure biological tissue therebetween. The anchoring assemblies include at least one pair of complementary arched portions having anchoring formations for anchoring on the biological tissue. The anchoring formations include integral extensions of the anchoring assemblies extending radially outwardly of one of the anchoring assemblies. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140058505 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING SIZING INDICATOR - An adjustment tool enables manipulation of a prosthetic anatomical device such as an annuloplasty ring. The tool includes a compression member which is operative for retarding rotation of the adjustment shaft to preclude inadvertent rotation thereof during use of the tool by the surgeon. A locking device is associated with the adjustment tool to enable the releasable attachment of the tool to the anatomical device during its adjustment by manipulation of the tool. The locking device is oriented into operative and inoperative positions by the engagement and disengagement of locking elements. A scale may be provided on the adjustment tool to assist a surgeon in determining the size or amount of adjustment to the size of the anatomical device during its adjustment. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140067055 | ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY FOR AN ADJUSTABLE PROSTHETIC VALVE DEVICE - An adjustment assembly for an adjustable prosthetic valve device includes a gearbox housing formed from two gearbox shells coupled to one another and held together by two gearbox sleeves each having an internal cavity adapted to accommodate respective lateral portions of the gearbox shells when the gearbox shells are coupled to one another. A gear assembly, including a center gear and two driven gears, is supported within the gearbox housing. Gear teeth of each of the driven gears engage gear teeth of the center gear such that rotation of the center gear causes rotation of the driven gears. At least one of the driven gears is adapted to engage a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation thereof to another part of the adjustable prosthetic valve device to accomplish an adjustment to the size and/or shape of the adjustable prosthetic valve device. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140114409 | PROSTHETIC ANATOMICAL DEVICE WITH SEWING CUFF FLANGE AND ANTI-ROTATION FEATURE - A prosthetic anatomical device, such as, for example an annuloplasty prosthesis, is disclosed in which the prosthesis comprises a generally annular core and a cover surrounding the core, with at least a portion of the cover forming a cuff. In some embodiments, the cover may be particularly configured about the core to form the cuff. Various methods and structures for mitigating or retarding movement between the annular core and the fabric cover are also disclosed. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140142695 | CONTRACTIBLE ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURES - Apparatus is provided including an implantable structure ( | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140155997 | Collapsible-expandable prosthetic heart valves with structures for clamping native tissue - A prosthetic heart valve is designed to be circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into the patient. At the implant site the valve re-expands to a larger circumferential size, i.e., the size that it has for operation as a replacement for one of the patient's native heart valves. The valve includes structures that, at the implant site, extend radially outwardly to engage tissue structures above and below the native heart valve annulus. These radially outwardly extending structures clamp the native tissue between them and thereby help to anchor the prosthetic valve at the desired location in the patient. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140277421 | DYNAMIC ANNULOPLASTY RING SIZER - A dynamic, adjustable annuloplasty ring sizer can include an adjustable ring replica, which can be adjusted through a range of sizes corresponding to available prosthetic annuloplasty repair ring sizes. Actuation of an adjustment trigger on a handle portion of the ring sizer can displace tension wires that extend through a malleable shaft and through a plurality of articulating segments that form the ring replica. Displacement of the tension wires causes flexion of the joints between adjacent articulating segments, thereby reducing the overall size of the ring replica. Releasing the tension wires can allow an elastic extension wire to act on the ring replica, enlarging the ring replica to its maximum, at-rest size. In this manner, the appropriate size of annuloplasty ring prosthesis can be determined with a single device, without requiring a plurality of static ring sizers that require individual insertion and placement for the conventional trial-and-error sizing methods. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277422 | PROSTHESIS WITH OUTER SKIRT - A prosthesis can be configured to grasp intralumenal tissue when deployed within a body cavity and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the body cavity, and an outer skirt positioned annularly around an exterior of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the outer skirt can extend outward from the frame and be secured to an outwardly extending anchor on the frame to create an axial barrier to fluid flow exterior to the frame when deployed within the body cavity. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140324164 | TECHNIQUES FOR PERCUTANEOUS MITRAL VALVE REPLACEMENT AND SEALING - Apparatus is provided for use with a native valve of a heart of a subject, the apparatus including (1) an annular upstream support portion, configured to be transluminally placed against an atrial surface of the native valve; (2) a tissue-engaging element that includes a coupling portion configured to be transluminally coupled to tissue in a ventricle of the heart; (3) an elastically-stretchable holding element, configured to secure the upstream support portion against the atrial surface by elastically coupling the coupling portion to the upstream support portion; and (4) a prosthetic valve, configured to be transluminally delivered to the native valve and intracorporeally coupled to the upstream support portion subsequently to the securing of the upstream support portion against the atrial surface. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140336756 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE INTERNAL CIRCUMFERENCE OF AN ANATOMIC ORIFICE OR LUMEN - An implantable device is provided for controlling at least one of shape and size of an anatomical structure or lumen. An implantable device has an adjustable member configured to adjust the dimensions of the implantable device. An adjustment tool is configured to actuate the adjustable member and provide for adjustment before, during and after the anatomical structure or lumen resumes near normal to normal physiologic function. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20150012087 | IMPLANT HAVING MULTIPLE ROTATIONAL ASSEMBLIES - An annuloplasty ring is secured around an annulus of a heart valve of a subject by securing an anterior-configured portion of the annuloplasty ring, a posterior-configured portion of the annuloplasty ring, a first commissural portion of the annuloplasty ring, and a second commissural portion of the annuloplasty ring, to respective portion of the annulus. Subsequently, and while the heart is beating, the first commissural portion of the annuloplasty ring is moved inferiorly with respect to another portion of the annuloplasty ring by rotating a respective first adjusting mechanism of the annuloplasty ring structure, and the second commissural portion of the annuloplasty ring is moved inferiorly with respect to the other portion of the annuloplasty by rotating a respective second adjusting mechanism of the annuloplasty ring structure. Other embodiments are also described. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150081014 | IMPLANT AND ANCHOR PLACEMENT - A method for performing an annuloplasty includes positioning an annuloplasty ring structure along an atrial surface of an annulus of a heart valve. While a distal portion of a tube is longitudinally advanced through a channel of the ring structure, it faces a first portion of tissue of the annulus. A first tissue anchor is anchored to the first portion of tissue, from within the channel, while the distal end of the tube faces the first portion of the tissue. After moving the distal portion of the tube to a second portion of the structure, the second portion of the structure is anchored to a second portion of tissue by anchoring a second tissue anchor to the second portion of the tissue while the distal end of the tube faces the second portion of the tissue. Other embodiments are also described. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150142105 | RECONFIGURING TISSUE FEATURES OF A HEART ANNULUS - Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus includes a stabilizing body that includes features to stabilize an axial position of the tool relative to the annulus, and an attachment device connected to the stabilizing body, the stabilizing body and the attachment device being movable relative to one another under control from a location remote from the tool, from one configuration in which the support is held in a pre-attachment contracted state to another configuration in which the support is held in an expanded state for attachment at multiple locations around the annulus by action from the remote location. Among other things, an apparatus includes structural elements, and gripping elements, and configuration elements attached to the respective structural elements and each controllable to permit or prevent the ring from expanding. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150148898 | Anti-Paravalvular Leakage Component for a Transcatheter Valve Prosthesis - A transcatheter valve prosthesis includes an expandable tubular stent, a prosthetic valve within the stent, and an anti-paravalvular leakage component coupled to and encircling the stent which includes a plurality of self-expanding struts and an annular sealing membrane. Each strut has a first end coupled to a distal end of the stent and a second end not coupled to the stent. Each anti-paravalvular leakage component is moveable between a compressed configuration and a deployed configuration. In the compressed configuration, each strut extends distally away from the distal end of the stent. In the deployed configuration, each strut extends proximally away from the distal end of the stent. In an embodiment hereof, the deployed strut has a C-shape and is twisted such that the C-shape lies in a plane substantially along or tangential with the outer surface of the stent. In another embodiment hereof, the deployed strut is rolled-up and extends radially away from the outer surface of the stent. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150289976 | Devices, Systems, and Methods for Reshaping a Heart Valve Annulus, Including the Use of a Bridge Implant Having an Adjustable Bridge Stop - Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial adjustability and retrievability years after implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize an adjustable bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150328000 | REPLACEMENT MITRAL VALVE WITH ANNULAR FLAP - A prosthesis can be configured to grasp intralumenal tissue when deployed within a body cavity and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the body cavity, and an annular flap positioned around an exterior of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the annular flap can extend outward from the frame and have a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150335428 | Device And Method For Improving The Function Of A Heart Valve - A device for improving the function of a heart valve comprises: a support member formed from a shape memory material, and a restraining member providing a restraining action on a course of the support member. The support member may abut one side of the valve conforming to the shape of the valve annulus upon said shape memory material assuming an activated shape while the restraining member restrains the course of the support member. The restraining action is removable for allowing the support member to assume a desired, altered course. The restraining member may be biodegradable to be degraded within a patient or may be detachable from the support member to be withdrawn. The support member according to another embodiment presents a shape change in that an increased cross-section is associated with a shortened length of the support member. The support member according to yet another embodiment has a first and a second activated shape. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150351908 | A System For Cardiac Valve Repair - A medical system for repairing a mitral valve comprising a catheter ( | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150351909 | DEVICES FOR REMODELING A VALVE ANNULUS AND VENTRICLE - Devices and related methods of use are provided for improving heart function. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a device includes a ring-like structure configured to be secured to a heart valve; at least one elongate member extending from the ring-like structure, wherein an end of the elongate member is configured to be secured to heart geometry other than a heart valve; and an adjustment mechanism for simultaneously altering a dimension of the ring-like structure and a length of the elongate member. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160000560 | NON-AXISYMMETRIC AORTIC VALVE DEVICES - The present disclosure provides aortic valve prosthetic devices that are constructed in a non-axisymmetric shape, or are expandable to a non-axisymmetric shape for improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. The devices can be surgically implanted, or they can be implanted percutaneously through an insertion catheter. The expandable devices can be self-expanding or expanded by an inflatable balloon to a non-axisymmetric cross-section geometry. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160008130 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY APPARATUS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160015513 | ADJUSTABLE ENDOLUMENAL IMPLANT FOR RESHAPING THE MITRAL VALVE ANNULUS - Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160015515 | METHOD OF RECONFIGURING A MITRAL VALVE ANNULUS - Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal or transapical navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The size and/or shape of the implant may then be adjusted, pulling mitral annulus tissue radially inwardly, and restrained in the adjusted configuration to improve mitral valve function. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160015518 | DYNAMIC ANNULOPLASTY RING SIZER - A dynamic, adjustable annuloplasty ring sizer can include an adjustable ring replica, which can be adjusted through a range of sizes corresponding to available prosthetic annuloplasty repair ring sizes. Actuation of an adjustment trigger on a handle portion of the ring sizer can displace tension wires that extend through a malleable shaft and through a plurality of articulating segments that form the ring replica. Displacement of the tension wires causes flexion of the joints between adjacent articulating segments, thereby reducing the overall size of the ring replica. Releasing the tension wires can allow an elastic extension wire to act on the ring replica, enlarging the ring replica to its maximum, at-rest size. In this manner, the appropriate size of annuloplasty ring prosthesis can be determined with a single device, without requiring a plurality of static ring sizers that require individual insertion and placement for the conventional trial-and-error sizing methods. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160030175 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THERAPY OF MITRAL VALVE - Devices and methods are described for treating a mitral valve defect. The device described includes features that allow the device to conform to the actual pathology of the valve, rather than attempting to replicate a healthy valve (which the patient does not have). In this way, the device allows the patient's actual value to work as well as possible, given the valve's diseased condition. The actual pathology of the valve is accommodated by providing for multiple dimensions of adjustability of the device, including adjustability of the size (e.g., diameter) of the device as well as adjustability of the elevation or inclination of one portion of the device (e.g., the portion supporting the posterior leaflet) with respect to another portion of the device. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160045312 | Sensors for Prosthetic Heart Devices - An implantable device system includes an implantable device, such as an annuloplasty ring, for controlling at least a shape and/or size of a heart valve annulus. The implantable device includes an arcuate body and an adjustment system configured to adjust the shape and/or size of the arcuate body. An adjustment tool is configured to be coupled to the adjustment system so that the adjustment tool can be used to activate and control adjustment of the arcuate body. A sensor system is configured to be coupled to the implantable device. The sensor system includes a first sensor configured to measure physiological data at an inflow portion of the valve annulus when the implantable device is implanted into the valve annulus, and a second sensor configured to measure physiological data at an outflow portion of the valve annulus when the implantable device is implanted into the valve annulus. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160045313 | ANNULUS RINGS WITH SUTURE CLIPS - Disclosed herein are annular prosthetic devices, such as annuloplasty rings, that include suture clips integrated into or mounted within an annular frame. The clips can quickly secure to sutures to obviate the need to tied knots in the sutures during implantation. Embodiments comprise an annular frame having an open central region and a plurality of suture clips spaced angularly apart around the frame. Each of the suture clips can comprise two opposing tabs that extend toward each other such that the suture clip forms a gripping region between ends of the tabs and the gripping region is configured to grip a suture inserted through the suture clip between the two tabs. The annular frame and the plurality of suture clips can be formed from a single piece of flat material with the suture clip tabs being formed by laser cutting the piece of flat material, or the suture clips can be movable along a track formed in the annular frame. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160081798 | TENSIONING DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE - A tensioning device is provided comprising a locking device. The locking device comprises a locking enclosure comprising a groove and a locking pin comprising teeth. The tensioning device further comprises a suture comprising first and second portions. The first and second portions of the suture and the locking pin are positioned within the groove of the locking enclosure and the locking pin is movable within the groove between a first, outer position in which the teeth are disengaged from the suture so that the locking device is movable along the first and second portions of the suture and a second, inner position in which the teeth are engaged with the suture so that the locking device is not movable along the suture. Methods for treating mitral valve regurgitation are also provided. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160089238 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE FOR TREATING MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - An implantable device for treating mitral valve regurgitation, the device being configured to expand from a compressed state into an expanded state. The device comprises a stent element consisting of (i) an atrial anchoring stent-portion, and (ii) a valve-carrying stent-portion being fixedly connected with one another, and a valve-element. The atrial anchoring stent-portion has a balloon-like shape and the valve-carrying stent-portion has a cylindrical shape, such, that the valve-carrying stent-portion is positioned intra-annular without contacting the annulus of a native mitral valve. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160113767 | IMPLANT HAVING MULTIPLE ROTATIONAL ASSEMBLIES - Apparatus includes an annuloplasty structure, including: (i) a tubular body portion that is configured to be disposed at an annulus of a valve of a heart, and is shaped to define a perimeter; (ii) a flexible member, disposed within the tubular body portion; (iii) a first adjustment mechanism, attached to the tubular body portion and to the flexible member such that reversible actuation of the first adjustment mechanism reversibly adjusts a first dimension of the body portion by adjusting tension of the flexible member; (iv) a second adjustment mechanism, coupled to the tubular body portion, and reversibly actuatable to reversibly adjust a second dimension of the body portion. The apparatus further includes one or more elongate tools, reversibly couplable to the first and second adjustment mechanisms, and configured to independently actuate the first and second adjustment mechanisms by applying force thereto while the heart is beating. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160143734 | ADJUSTABLE IMPLANT SYSTEM - Systems and methods treat a heart valve using a magnetically adjustable annuloplasty ring attached to or near a cardiac valve annulus. A changing magnetic field may be used to selectively increase or decrease a circumference of, or otherwise modify the shape of, the implanted annuloplasty ring. The adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a tubular body member, one or more adjustable members, and an internal magnet within the tubular body member. The tubular body member and the one or more adjustable members form a ring shape. The internal magnet is configured to rotate in response to a rotating external magnetic field. The internal magnet is coupled to the one or more adjustable members to change a dimension of the ring shape as the internal magnet rotates. A system for treating a heart valve may include an external adjustment device having one or more external magnets to generate the rotating external magnetic field. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160158011 | INTRACARDIAC DEVICE TO CORRECT MITRAL REGURGITATION - A device structured to suppress mitral regurgitation by restricting prolapse of a mitral valve leaflet and including a base correspondingly dimensioned to the mitral valve and including a central portion, structured to allow blood flow there through and a peripheral portion or ring connected to the central portion in substantially surrounding relation thereto. An operative position of the base includes the central portion disposed in overlying, movement restricting relation to at least one of the valve leaflets and the ring concurrently anchored adjacent or directly to the native annulus of the mitral valve. The physical characteristics of the base facilitate its movement with and conformance to the mitral valve during diastole and systole cycles of the heart. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160158013 | PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVE - A prosthetic mitral valve with a compressible and expandable stent that, when expanded, is circumferentially oval, elliptical, or D-shaped, with a major axis and a minor axis ratio of from about 3:4 to about 4:5. Embodiments of the stent comprise three commissure posts disposed towards an outflow end and three curved cusp regions between adjacent commissure posts. Three flexible leaflets are attached to the commissure posts in a tri-foil configuration. Embodiments of the prosthetic mitral valve include an atrial ring disposed at the inflow end of the stent. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160374806 | TISSUE SHAPING DEVICE - Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160374807 | TISSUE SHAPING DEVICE - Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160374808 | TISSUE SHAPING DEVICE - Devices for treating mitral valve regurgitation, including a distal expandable anchor, a proximal expandable anchor, and a fixed length connecting member extending from the proximal expandable anchor to the distal expandable anchor, where at least one of the proximal and distal anchors includes first and second arm segments that extend from one end of the device toward the connecting member and the other anchor when in a collapsed delivery configuration, and where the at least one of the proximal and distal anchors that comprises the first and second arm segments has an expanded configuration in which the first and second arm segments extend radially outwardly such that the first and second arm segments extend away from one another toward the connector, and meet one another at a location axially spaced from the end of the device. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160374809 | TISSUE SHAPING DEVICE - An anchor anchors a therapeutic device having an elongated body within a body lumen. The anchor includes a fixation member carried on the device which is adjustable from a first configuration that permits placement of the device in the body lumen to a second configuration that anchors the device within the body lumen. The anchor further includes a lock that locks the fixation member in the second configuration. The fixation member may be locked in any one of a plurality of intermediate points between the first configuration and a maximum second configuration. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160374810 | TISSUE SHAPING DEVICE - An anchor anchors a therapeutic device having an elongated body within a body lumen. The anchor includes a fixation member carried on the device which is adjustable from a first configuration that permits placement of the device in the body lumen to a second configuration that anchors the device within the body lumen. The anchor further includes a lock that locks the fixation member in the second configuration. The fixation member may be locked in any one of a plurality of intermediate points between the first configuration and a maximum second configuration. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20180021133 | SYSTEM FOR TRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR | 01-25-2018 |
| 20220133477 | ANNULUS RINGS WITH SUTURE CLIPS - Disclosed herein are annular prosthetic devices, such as annuloplasty rings, that include suture clips integrated into or mounted within an annular frame. The clips can quickly secure to sutures to obviate the need to tied knots in the sutures during implantation. Embodiments comprise an annular frame having an open central region and a plurality of suture clips spaced angularly apart around the frame. Each of the suture clips can comprise two opposing tabs that extend toward each other such that the suture clip forms a gripping region between ends of the tabs and the gripping region is configured to grip a suture inserted through the suture clip between the two tabs. The annular frame and the plurality of suture clips can be formed from a single piece of flat material with the suture clip tabs being formed by laser cutting the piece of flat material, or the suture clips can be movable along a track formed in the annular frame. | 05-05-2022 |
