| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 623200360 | Femoral stem structure | 14 |
| 20080208330 | Devices and a Kit for Improving the Function of a 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 second loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a second side of the heart valve opposite to said first side, whereby a portion of the valve tissue is trapped between the first and second supports. An outer boundary of the second support is greater than an outer boundary of the first support. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080221673 | MEDICAL IMPLANT WITH REINFORCEMENT MECHANISM - An improved medical implant for treating mitral regurgitation is provided. The medical implant comprises proximal and distal anchors connected by a bridge. The medical implant is configured to be delivered into a coronary sinus using a minimially invasive procedure. The bridge is preferably made of a shape memory material which is biased to contract after the implant is delivered. The medical implant further comprises a reinforcement mechanism configured to limit stresses and strains along the length of the bridge. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement mechanism is fixed to a plurality of attachment points along the bridge, thereby preventing excessive elongation between any two attachment points. A resorbable material is preferably disposed within gaps along the length of the bridge to temporarily maintain the bridge in an elongated condition. After the proximal and distal anchors are secured in the coronary sinus, the resorbable material gradually resorbs, thereby creating tension in the bridge which applies a force along the mitral valve annulus. The reinforcement mechanism ensures that stresses and strains and distributed evenly while the bridge is in tension. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080228265 | TISSUE ANCHORS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS, AND DEVICES - Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228266 | PLICATION ASSISTANCE DEVICES AND METHODS - Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228267 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR INTRODUCING ELEMENTS INTO TISSUE - Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080234815 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR CARDIAC ANNULUS STABILIZATION AND TREATMENT - Devices and methods generally provide enhanced stabilization, exposure and/or treatment of a cardiac valve annulus. Methods generally involve introducing a stabilizing member beneath one or more leaflets of a heart valve to engage the annulus at an intersection between the leaflets and the interior ventricular wall of the heart. Force is then applied to the stabilizing member to stabilize and/or expose the valve annulus. In some embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a series of hydraulically driven tethered anchors, such as hooks or clips, for engaging and cinching valve annulus tissue to decrease the diameter of a regurgitant valve. Alternatively, other treatments may be delivered by a stabilizing member, such as radiofrequency energy, drugs, bulking agents or shape memory stents. A second stabilizing member may also be introduced above the leaflets for further stabilization. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080255661 | Medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency or stenosis - A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta with a catheter. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has a plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and an expanded mode when it is implanted. The endoprosthesis may be introduced into a patient's body and expanded via a catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter has first and second slide mechanisms configured to independently manipulate first and second sleeve elements to sequentially expand the endoprosthesis from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255662 | MINIMALLY-INVASIVE CARDIAC-VALVE PROSTHESIS - A cardiac-valve prosthesis is adapted for percutaneous implantation. The prosthesis includes an armature adapted for deployment in a radially expanded implantation position, the armature including a support portion and an anchor portion, which are substantially axially coextensive with respect to one another. A set of leaflets is coupled to the support portion. The leaflets can be deployed with the armature in the implantation position. The leaflets define, in the implantation position, a flow duct that is selectably obstructable. The anchor portion can be deployed to enable anchorage of the cardiac-valve prosthesis at an implantation site. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080262609 | SEGMENTED RING PLACEMENT - Apparatus is provided for repairing a valve of a patient, the valve including an annulus and at least first and second leaflets. The apparatus includes at least a first discrete segment and a second discrete segment of an annuloplasty structure, each segment being shaped to provide a respective lateral wall, each lateral wall being shaped to define at least one lumen of the respective segment. The apparatus further includes at least a first and a second control wire, each control wire configured for sliding advancement through both the first and second segments. The first control wire is configured to control a relative disposition of a first end of the first segment and a first end of the second segment. The second control wire is configured to control a relative disposition of a second end of the first segment and a second end of the second segment. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080275551 | INWARDLY-BOWED TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends and at least one inward bow to help reduce chordal tethering. The ring may have segments corresponding to the anterior, posterior and septal leaflets, with inward bows located adjacent one, two or all leaflets. Convex corners separate the concave inward bows, with inflection points therebetween. The ring has a semi-rigid inner body covered by fabric or a suture interface such as silicone and fabric. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080288060 | Treating Valvular Insufficiency - In a method of treating valvular insufficiency in a patient, a plurality of filaments ( | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288061 | Solid Construct Mitral Spacer - A heart valve implant according to one embodiment may include a shaft extending generally along a longitudinal axis of the heart valve implant having at least one anchor configured to be coupled to a first end of the shaft. A spacer may include a plurality of individual segments each including at least one passageway configured to be disposed about the shaft. The plurality of individual segments may define an outer surface of the spacer which is configured to interact with at least a portion of at least one cusp of a heart valve to at least partially restrict a flow of blood through the heart valve in a closed position. The plurality of individual segments may each having a length and at least one cross-section dimension no larger than an internal cross-section of a lumen of a delivery catheter. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080288062 | DEVICE FOR SHRINKING OR REINFORCING THE VALVULAR ORIFICES OF THE HEART - A device for shrinking and/or reinforcing the heart valve orifices includes a thick link ( | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080294249 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF REGURGITATING HEART VALVES - A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension of the valve. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080294250 | Method and System for Treatment of Regurgitating Heart Valves - A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension on of the valve. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20090024212 | A METHOD FOR PERFORMING INTRAVASCULAR CARDIAC SURGERY - For the treatment of an insufficient cardiac valve or a cardiac valve with a stenosis, a device is provided that comprises a micro axial pump ( | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090024213 | Method and Apparatus for External Stabilization of the Heart Valves and Myocardium - The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart. Such devices also include an extension thereto for the treatment of localized myocardial defects, scars and damage. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090036979 | 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 ends; wherein the ring body is curvilinear, with substantially no flat portions, forming a shape, and the ends are configured such that when the device is implanted, the first end will be located near the junction of the septal and anterior aspects of the annulus and the second end will be located near the septal aspect of the annulus. Related methods. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090043381 | Atrioventricular valve annulus repair systems and methods including retro-chordal anchors - Methods, devices and systems are disclosed to treat atrioventricular valve regurgitation accessed through the vasculature, and by standard and minimally invasive surgical techniques. Isolated leaflet fixation and annulus treatment systems are developed. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090043382 | Mitral Spacer - A heart valve implant may include a shaft and an anchor configured to be coupled to an end of the shaft. A spacer may be coupled to a portion of the shaft and comprise a plurality of individual segments including a first and at least a second individual segment. The first segment may be coupled to the shaft. The second segment may be coupled to at least a portion of an exterior surface of the first segment and may have at least one cross-section dimension which is greater than an internal cross-sectional dimension of a delivery lumen. Additional segments may be coupled to an inner, adjacent segment. The segments may include a collapsible body portion to facilitate percutaneously delivery through a lumen. The segments may define an outer surface of the spacer configured to interact with at least a portion of at least one cusp of a heart valve to at least partially restrict a flow of blood through the heart valve in a closed position. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090048668 | System and Method for Implanting a Heart Implant - A method and system according to one embodiment may include a plurality of apparatus configured to percutaneously deliver a heart valve implant. The method and system may include an implant comprising an anchor configured to engage cardiac tissue, a shaft coupled to the anchor, and a valve body coupled to the shaft. The method and system may further include at least partially collapsing the heart valve implant and percutaneously inserting the heart valve implant into a heart. The percutaneously inserted implant may be secured within the heart and may then be expanded. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090105814 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLICATING TISSUE IN A MINIMALLY INVASIVE MEDICAL PROCEDURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - A system and method for the treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by reshaping the mitral valve annulus using one or more plications of annular or adjacent tissue each fixed by a retainer is described. The system includes four devices to achieve such percutaneous direct plication annuloplasty. The first is a crossing catheter having a prolapseable or curved tip. 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 the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a “C” shaped retainer with deformable ends is deployed by the plication device in order to retain the plicated tissue in the plicated form. A transseptal approach may be used to plicate and retain tissue on the atrial side of the mitral valve to achieve a reduction in mitral valve regurgitation. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090105815 | PUSH-IN RETAINER SYSTEM FOR USE IN THE DIRECT PLICATION ANNULOPLASTY TREATMENT OF MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - A system for using a barbed tubular 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 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 placations in the subvalvular region of the mitral valve annulus. Fourth, a barbed tubular retainer 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 barbed tubular retainer that is attached to its distal end over the outside of the plication device. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090132036 | 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 apparatus includes an annular support member and at least one posterior leaflet support member. The annular support member has an anterior end portion, a posterior end portion, and oppositely disposed first and second intermediate portions extending between the end portions. The at least one posterior leaflet support member is securely connected to the annular support member and is dimensioned to extend across a portion of a free edge of a posterior valve leaflet. The posterior leaflet support member comprises an arcuate center portion integrally formed with and extending between first and second end portions. The arcuate center portion has a concave shape relative to the anterior end portion. At least one of the first and second end portions is securely attached to the posterior end portion. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090157176 | ANNULOPLASTY RINGS FOR CORRECTING DEGENERATIVE VALVULAR DISEASES - A set of annuloplasty rings progressively sized to take into account more of the common pathologies. The proportional shapes of each ring as the orifice size changes vary. For instance, the larger rings have larger minor axis dimensions relative to their major axis dimensions. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090171457 | APPARATUS FOR RESTORING AORTIC VALVE AND TREATMENT METHOD USING THEREOF - The present invention is an apparatus designed to effectuate restoration of normal aortic valvular function where there is aortic valvular regurgitation either primary or secondary to diseases of the aorta such as aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection, rheumatic aortic disease annuloaortic ectasia and etc. is present. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090177276 | 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. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090177277 | IMPLANTATION SYSTEM FOR ANNULOPLASTY RINGS - Methods for reconfiguring an atrioventricular heart valve may use systems comprising a partial or complete fenestrated annuloplasty ring proportioned to reconfigure a heart valve that has become in some way incompetent, and a plurality of staples which may have pairs of legs that are sized and shaped for association with the ring at spaced locations along its length. These systems permit relative axial movement between the staples and the ring, whereby a patient's heart valve can be reconfigured in a manner that does not deter subtle shifting of the native valve components. Shape-memory alloy material staples may have legs with free ends that interlock following implantation. One alternative is to use flexible rings that will bend in the plane of the ring as the heart beats. Other alternative systems use linkers of shape-memory material having hooked ends to interengage with staples or other implanted supports which, following implantation, decrease in effective length and pull the staples or other supports toward one another so as to create desired curvature of the reconfigured valve. These linkers may be separate from the supports or may be integral with them and may have a variety of shapes and forms. Various of these systems may be implanted non-invasively using a delivery catheter. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090187241 | VALVE FRAME - The disclosure relates to frames suitable for prosthetic implantable valves, and methods of treatment with such frames, to regulate blood flow and to be compliant in percutaneous delivery and, upon implantation, configured to conform to the changing shape of the body vessel or vein. The frames include at least one anchoring member attached to a support member at one or more attachments, and a valve member, preferably a monocuspid valve leaflet, attached to the support member. Preferred frames include two anchoring members with the support member in between the anchoring members. The support member preferably has a semielliptical shape and extends diagonally to sealingly contact the wall of the body vessel. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090192606 | Holder Devices for Annuloplasty Devices Having a Plurality of Anterior-Posterior Ratios - Described is an adjustable annuloplasty device holder possible of having a plurality of different anterior-posterior ratios, the holder comprising a member having an anterior segment and a posterior segment that are shaped to hold an anterior portion and a posterior portion, respectively, of an annuloplasty device, wherein the anterior segment has a given size and the posterior segment is adjustable in order to change the anterior-posterior ratio of the holder to accommodate annuloplasty devices having a plurality of different anterior-posterior ratios. Also described is a method of using such an adjustable annuloplasty holder device. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090210051 | UNIVERSAL ANNULOPLASTY SYSTEM - A holder for an annuloplasty ring is disclosed. It comprises a plurality of linked-together suture platforms, wherein said holder comprises an upper face, a lower face, and a closed peripheral edge with means for accommodating and supporting said suture platforms of said annuloplasty ring. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090259307 | SEGMENTED RING PLACEMENT - Apparatus is provided for repairing a valve of a heart of a patient which includes an annulus and at least first and second leaflets. The apparatus includes an annuloplasty structure, a plurality of tissue anchors, and a plurality of flexible longitudinal guide members removably coupled to the structure. Each of the guide members is configured to facilitate anchoring of the annuloplasty structure to the annulus of the patient by a respective one of the anchors. The guide members are configured to be advanced toward the annulus simultaneously with the annuloplasty structure. Other embodiments are also described. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090264995 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND FOR VALVE REPAIR - Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band having an elongate and arcuate body. The elongate and arcuate body has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is displaced from the plane containing the first end and the second end. The transvalvular band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets and the central portion is displaced towards the left ventricle relative to the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion. The ventricular direction displacement moves coaption to an earlier point in the cardiac cycle. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090264996 | Set of Annuloplasty Devices with Varying Anterior-Posterior Ratios and Related Methods - Described is a set of at least two annuloplasty devices having a particular size that corresponds to an inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance of a heart valve annulus, wherein the at least two annuloplasty devices have different anterior-posterior ratios. Also, described is a kit for annuloplasty repair of a heart valve annulus including a plurality of annuloplasty devices each comprising one of a plurality of different sizes, wherein the different sizes each correspond to a different inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance of a heart valve annulus, and for each of the plurality of different sizes there are at least two devices each having the same size but having different anterior-posterior ratios. Additionally, a method of choosing an annuloplasty device for implantation in a valve annulus is described. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090287303 | PHYSIOLOGICALLY HARMONIZED TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A prosthetic 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 desirably 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 tricuspid 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 commissure 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, so as to adapt or harmonize its 3-dimensional shape to each individual patient and, therefore, to significantly reduce the constraints on the annulus and adjacent structures, particularly the leaflets and the conduction tissue. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090299470 | Quick-Release Annuloplasty Ring Holder - A holder for an annuloplasty ring having a template defining a proximal face opposite the distal face, and a peripheral edge about which the annuloplasty ring conforms. The annuloplasty ring anchors to the template using one or more flexible filaments. The template includes a single cutting well on its proximal face over which the flexible filament is suspended. Desirably, the single cutting well is located adjacent the peripheral edge so as to be away from any handle connections for ease of access. The flexible filament emerges above the proximal face of the template at only one location at the cutting well, thus presenting a one cut quick-release structure that is highly visible to the surgeon. The annuloplasty ring may have a relatively rigid inner core surrounded by a suture-permeable cover, and the peripheral edge may be formed by a lower axial wall and an upper radial ledge that projects outward from the rigid inner core but not quite as far as a sewing margin of the ring. The ring and holder may be for mitral annuloplasty rings and generally have a D shape in plan view, and may be three-dimensional with upward anterior and posterior bows. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090319038 | CONNECTION SYSTEMS FOR TWO PIECE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis and a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus. The prosthesis includes an annular member, a flexible core at least partially defining a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member, a rail ring disposed between the flexible core and the annular member, and a plurality of guide rails extending from the rail ring through respective openings in the flexible core. A fabric covering covers the prosthesis, and the guide rails extend through respective openings in the fabric covering. The prosthetic valve includes a frame including receptacles for receiving respective guide rails. After implanting the prosthesis within a biological annulus, the prosthetic valve is advanced along the guide rails until retention elements on the guide rails engage the receptacles to secure the prosthetic valve relative to the prosthesis. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20100010625 | MITRAL VALVE ANNULOPLASTY RING HAVING AN OFFSET POSTERIOR BOW - A mitral heart valve annuloplasty ring having a posterior bow that conforms to an abnormal posterior aspect of the mitral annulus. The ring may be generally oval having a major axis and a minor axis, wherein the posterior bow may be centered along the minor axis or offset in a posterior section. The ring may be substantially planar, or may include upward bows on either side of the posterior bow. The ring may include a ring body surrounded by a suture-permeable fabric sheath formed of a plurality of concentric ring elements or bands. The posterior bow is stiff enough to withstand deformation once implanted and subjected to normal physiologic stresses. A method of repairing an abnormal mitral heart valve annulus having a depressed posterior aspect includes providing a ring with a posterior bow and implanting the ring to support the annulus without unduly stressing the attachment sutures. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100016958 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CARDIAC VALVE REPAIR - The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100023121 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - A medical device in cardiac surgery for replacement of the diseased native heart valves in humans increases thromboresistance of heart valve prosthesis. A heart valve prosthesis comprising an annular housing with the inner surface defining the blood flow I through the valve prosthesis and leaflets mounted within the annular housing with the possibility to pivot around the reference axis between an open position which allows the passage of the direct blood flow I, and a closed position which restricts the blood backflow II. Each leaflet has an upstream surface facing the direct blood surface I, a downstream surface facing the blood backflow II, a coaptation surface, and a side surface. Console projections radially oriented are provided at the inner surface of the housing, and each leaflet has a slot which corresponds to the projection. The inner surface of the housing is mainly cylindrical, and the downstream surface of each leaflet is in the form of the crossing cylindrical and conical surfaces. The upstream surface of each leaflet is in the form of the cylindrical surface. Higher thromboresistance of the heart valve prosthesis is achieved through elimination of the elements which introduce disturbances into the blood flow and reduction of the number of hinged joints. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100030329 | Annuloplasty Prosthesis - An annuloplasty prosthesis includes a bowed core ( | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030330 | Device and method for mitral valve repair - Devices and methods for reshaping a mitral valve annulus are provided. One device according to the invention is configured for deployment in the right atrium and is shaped to apply a force along the atrial septum. The device causes the atrial septum to deform and push the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve in a posterior direction for reducing mitral valve regurgitation. Another embodiment of a device is deployed in the left ventricular outflow tract at a location adjacent the aortic valve. The device may be expandable for urging the anterior leaflet toward the posterior leaflet. Another embodiment of the device includes a first anchor, a second anchor, and a bridge, with the bridge having sufficient length to reach from the coronary sinus to the right atrium and/or superior or inferior vena cava. In a further embodiment a device includes a middle anchor positioned on the bridge between the distal and proximal anchors. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100070028 | TISSUE PLICATION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ITS USE - A device for treating mitral regurgitation including an anchor which features one or more reinforcing bars, ribbon and suture. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100076549 | Annuloplasty Ring Configured to Receive a Percutaneous Prosthetic Heart Valve Implantation - The invention is an annuloplasty ring, and associated methods therefore, configured to reshape a native heart valve annulus to correct heart valve function, and also configured to be reshaped into a generally circular form in order to receive and/or support a prosthetic heart valve. The annuloplasty ring may be configured to have a generally D-shaped configuration when initially implanted to correct native valve function, but to assume a generally circular form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076550 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND FOR VALVE REPAIR - Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band having an elongate and arcuate body. The elongate and arcuate body has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is displaced from the plane containing the first end and the second end. The transvalvular band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets and the central portion is displaced towards the left ventricle relative to the first anchoring portion and the second anchoring portion. The ventricular direction displacement moves coaption to an earlier point in the cardiac cycle. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076551 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TREATMENT OF REGURGITATING HEART VALVES - A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension of the valve. Other specifically configured annuloplasty rings can also be utilized. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100121437 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND AND CHORDAE CUTTING FOR ISCHEMIC AND DILATED CARDIOMYOPATHY - Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets, to inhibit prolapse into the left atrium. At least one marginal chordae is severed, to permit leaflet closure against the band. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100131057 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND FOR AORTIC VALVE REPAIR - Aortic regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the aortic annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the aortic valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100152844 | ANNULOPLASTY RING WITH DIRECTIONAL FLEXIBILITIES AND RIGIDITIES TO ASSIST THE MITRAL ANNULUS DYNAMICS - A prosthetic ring with directional flexibilities and rigidities for use in minimally invasive or standard mitral valve repair includes an anterior segment, a posterior segment, a left lateral segment, and a right lateral segment. The anterior and posterior segments each have an arch, and the arch of the posterior segment is more pronounced than the arch of the anterior segment. The prosthetic ring is formed in a continuous D shape, with an inner body that generally comprises a flexible or semi-flexible material, such as polyethylene or nitinol or other biocompatible material. The inner core, when made of a plastic material, may be reinforced by arched strips of nitinol in the anterior and posterior segments. The lateral segments are thin and fully flexible to allow passive deformation that follows the normal physiological dynamics of the native annulus during the cardiac cycle. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100168845 | Semi-Rigid Annuloplasty Ring and Band - An annuloplasty ring comprising an elongate tube of suturable material formed into a ring. A stiffener configured to prevent axial compression and radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a first circumferential segment of the ring. An axial support configured to prevent axial compression of the ring and to permit radial deformation of the ring is received in the tube in a second circumferential segment of the ring. The first circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to a posterior portion of a mitral valve annulus with the first circumferential portion configured to extend between the right and the left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. The second circumferential segment of the ring may correspond to an anterior portion of a mitral valve annulus and the second circumferential segment is configured to extend between the right and left fibrous trigones of the mitral valve annulus upon installation. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100168846 | ANNULOPLASTY RING HOLDER - An annuloplasty ring holder including a head having an upper surface and an annuloplasty ring receiving surface facing opposite the upper surface. The annuloplasty ring holder also includes means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The means for attaching an annuloplasty ring to the annuloplasty ring receiving surface may include one or more suture guides operatively associated with the head and configured to position one or more sutures to removably associate an annuloplasty ring with the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. The head may include a central hub and more than one spoke radiating out from the central hub. If the head is thus configured, each spoke will include a portion of the annuloplasty ring receiving surface. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100174365 | MITRAL ANNULOPLASTY RING - A mitral annuloplasty ring composed of a D-shaped annular structure and made of rigid or semi-rigid material, a coating of the annular structure made of inert tissue and suited to be fixed with sutures to the heart tissues, and a pair of movable and sliding metal or plastic strips positioned in a folded conformation inside the annular structure and having a first end fixed to a rectilinear or circular portion of the annular structure and a second end resting on a curved portion of the annular structure. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100179651 | MULTI-PLANAR TRICUSPID ANNULOPLASTY RING - A multi-planar annuloplasty ring for implantation adjacent to the tricuspid valve with a gap adjacent to the apex of the triangle of Koch. The anterior part of the ring body extending from the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure down to a lower plane at the anteroposterior commissure. During this course it is curved upwards. The posterior part of the ring body extends downward towards the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure in a relatively straight course. The septal part of the ring body extending from the lowest point at the posteroseptal commissure upwards towards the highest point at the anteroseptal commissure. During this course it is curved upward. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100185278 | Apical Papillary Msucle Attachment for Left Ventricular Reduction - This invention relates to devices and methods for the therapeutic changing of the geometry of the left ventricle of the human heart. Specifically, the invention relates to the apical introduction of an anchoring device to align the papillary muscles. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100191327 | CONFORMABLE PROSTHESES FOR IMPLANTING TWO-PIECE HEART VALVES AND METHODS FOR USING THEM - A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a valve prosthesis. The annular prosthesis includes an annular ring for dilating tissue within a biological annulus and a conformable sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member. The valve prosthesis includes a frame and a valve component. The annular ring is introduced into the biological annulus to dilate tissue surrounding the biological annulus and the sewing cuff conforms to tissue above the biological annulus. Fasteners are directed through the sewing cuff to secure the annular prosthesis to the biological annulus. The annular prosthesis may include a baleen element for biasing fabric on the annular ring outwardly to enhance sealing against the biological annulus. A valve prosthesis is then advanced into the sinus cavity, and secured relative to the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may enhance a seal between the valve prosthesis and annular prosthesis. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100217385 | One-Way Replacement Valve - Artificial valves for use as a venous valve or a heart valve are disclosed. The valve includes a frame including a platform and a valve material coupled to the frame. The valve material is a plurality of filaments or a flap. The valve material is coupled to the frame such that in response to a force in a first direction, e.g. blood flow, the valve material extends in the direct of the force to allow blood to flow past the valve material. In absence of the force in the first direction, the valve material rests against the platform to block blood flow in a direction opposite the first direction. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100262233 | Mitral Valve Coaptation Plate For Mitral Valve Regurgitation - A method and apparatus directed to the repair of regurgitant mitral valves. Mitral valve regurgitation occurs due to miscoaptation of mitral valve leaflets. The mitral valve repair apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a tongue plate which is supported by a suture ring. The apparatus is inserted into the mitral valve orifice with the suture ring sutured to the mitral valve annulus placing the tongue plate between the two mitral valve leaflets. When the mitral valve opens, blood flows through the orifices of the apparatus. When the mitral valve closes, the two miscoaptated mitral valve leaflets cover the orifices on the apparatus and the tongue plate blocks the hole formed by leaflets and seals the leaky flow. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100312333 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR REPLACING A DISEASED CARDIAC VALVE - An apparatus is provided for replacing a native cardiac valve. The native cardiac valve has at least one leaflet and is surrounded by a native cardiac valve annulus having superior and inferior aspects. The apparatus comprises a barbell-shaped, expandable anchoring member including first, second, and main body portions extending between the end portions. The main body portion includes a channel defined by inner and outer surfaces. Each of the first and second end portions has a diameter greater than the diameter of the main body portion. The first and second end portions are sized to respectively contact the superior and inferior aspects of the native cardiac valve annulus when the expandable anchoring member is in an expanded configuration. The apparatus also includes an expandable support member operably disposed within the main body portion of the expandable anchoring member, and a prosthetic cardiac valve secured within the expandable support member. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100312334 | HOLDERS FOR PROSTHETIC AORTIC HEART VALVES - A holder for a flexible leaflet prosthetic aortic heart valve that is less bulky than earlier holders and minimizes obstructions to vision and working space around the valve to facilitate implantation thereof. The holder may have a central hub and three outwardly extending legs that connect directly and exclusively to tips of the commissures of the aortic heart valve for better tactile feedback when parachuting and seating the valve in the annulus. The legs are sized so that they do not overlap the commissure tips and therefore afford a better view of the sewing ring adjacent the commissures. The legs may be narrow in the midsection or split into two rails to increase visibility of the valve leaflets. The hub may be vaulted axially upward relative to the outer ends of the legs to further increase visibility of the valve. A more secure engagement between the central hub and a delivery handle is also provided to ensure the holder/handle connection does not become loose during suture placement through the sewing ring and fewer handle revolutions are required to screw in and unscrew the handle from the holder. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100318183 | System For Improving The Function Of A 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 second loop-shaped support, which is configured to abut a second side of the heart valve opposite to said first side, whereby a portion of the valve tissue is trapped between the first and second supports. An outer boundary of the second support is greater than an outer boundary of the first support. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318184 | 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. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100324669 | CATHETER-BASED ANNULOPLASTY USING VENTRICULARLY POSITIONED CATHETER - The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100324670 | SADDLE-SHAPED MITRAL VALVE ANNULOPLASTY PROSTHESES WITH ASYMMETRY, AND RELATED METHODS - A mitral valve annuloplasty prosthesis (ring or C) has a generally saddle shape, i.e., portions of the prosthesis that are or will be adjacent the anterior and posterior commissures of the valve are relatively low as compared to at least some other portions of the prosthesis that are or will be between the commissures. However, the saddle shape is asymmetrical, in that the portion that is or will be adjacent the posterior commissure is lower than the portion that is or will be adjacent the anterior commissure. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20110004300 | PERCUTANEOUS AORTIC VALVE - The present invention provides a valve configured for insertion on the proximal and distal sides of a heart valve annulus to replace the heart valve of a patient. The valve comprises a first substantially annular portion adapted to be positioned on a proximal side of the annulus of a patient and a second substantially annular portion adapted to be positioned on a distal side of the annulus of a patient, wherein at least one of the first and second substantially annular portions is movable towards the other portion to a clamped position to clamp around the annulus. The second portion has a flow restricting portion extending therefrom and is movable between a first position to permit the flow of blood and a second position to restrict the flow of blood. In one embodiment, the valve has a suture joining the first and second portions to draw the first and second portions into closer proximity and a cinch member to secure the suture to maintain the first and second portions in the clamped position. In another embodiment, the first and second portions are connected by a first segment which biases the first and second portions toward the clamped position. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110034998 | ANNULOPLASTY TUBES - A mitral valve annuloplasty tube and method for implanting the same to treat mitral valve regurgitation by establishing new mitral valve annulus. The method comprising of cutting and detaching the leaflets of a mitral valve and displacing them to a different location, preferably to an upstream location of the blood flow, in order to compensate for the height of the valve prolapse. The displacement zone being filled with the present annuloplasty tube. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110087323 | Apparatus for Mitral Lifting Annuloplaty - Provided is a mitral annuloplasty band having a size that allows it to be inserted into the ventricle and a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in a longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the ratio of the width and height is in a range of 1:2 to 1:8. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110118832 | Annuloplasty Device - An annuloplasty device ( | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110166649 | ANNULOPLASTY DEVICES AND METHODS OF DELIVER THEREFOR - Apparatus is provided, including a tube ( | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110184511 | TRICUSPID RING - A prosthetic tricuspid remodeling annuloplasty ring having two free ends can be configured to be stiff in the XY plane and relatively flexible along the Z axis. A tricuspid ring can be provided with a substantially elliptical shape in the XY plane, and a saddle shape in the Z direction. Disclosed tricuspid rings can include an inner core, an elastomeric interface, and an outer fabric covering. In some embodiments, the inner core can include a plurality of stacked layers of different materials. In some embodiments, the inner core can be formed of a single material and sized specifically to create a tricuspid ring that has a greater stiffness in the XY plane than along the Z axis. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110184512 | VALVE APTATION ASSIST DEVICE - An apparatus including a tether, and an aptation device coupled to the tether at a position corresponding to a location to contact cusps of an atrioventricular valve during systole, wherein the tether and aptation device are suitable for percutaneous delivery to a patient. An apparatus including a support annulus comprising a length corresponding to a circumference of one of an interior portion of an atrium and an atrioventricular valve annulus; and an aptation device coupled to the support annulus corresponding to a location to contact cusps of an atrioventricular valve during at least one of systole when the support annulus is seated in one of an atrium and an atrioventricular valve annulus, wherein the support annulus and aptation device are suitable for percutaneous delivery to a patient. Also, a method of introducing an aptation device to contact cusps or leaflets of an atrioventricular valve. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110224786 | 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. | 09-15-2011 |
| 20110238169 | ANNULOPLASTY DEVICE - Devices, systems, and methods associated with annuloplasty are described herein. One or more annuloplasty devices include a number of longitudinal filaments moveable between an introductory configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the number of longitudinal filaments are one or more lengths, and a shell, wherein the shell contains the number of longitudinal filaments and a curable polymer to maintain the annuloplasty device in a deployed configuration. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238170 | HEART VALVE ANNULOPLASTY PROSTHESIS SEWING CUFFS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - An annuloplasty prosthesis for a heart valve has a sewing cuff added to the conventional structure. The sewing cuff is preferably an extension of the fabric cover that is provided around the core of the prosthesis. The sewing cuff preferably extends radially outwardly from cross sections of the remainder of the prosthesis. Methods of making such a sewing cuff are also disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110238171 | MITRAL ANNULOPLASTY RINGS WITH SEWING CUFF - 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. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110301704 | Annuloplasty Rings for Repair of Abnormal Mitral Valves - A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a minor axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P | 12-08-2011 |
| 20120010700 | Method for implanting prosthetic valve - A method for implanting a prosthetic valve apparatus in a novel location which replaces the function of a native diseased valve. The prosthetic valve apparatus includes a one way valve and an expandable valve seating. anchoring and securing apparatus in a newly created orifice near or at the center of the anterior valve leaflet. The prosthetic valve apparatus also causes the sealing of the native valve and thus results in a solution for paravalvular leakage and regurgitation. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120022643 | Set of Annuloplasty Devices with Varying Anterior-Posterior Ratios and Related Methods - Described is a set of at least two annuloplasty devices having a particular size that corresponds to an inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance of a heart valve annulus, wherein the at least two annuloplasty devices have different anterior-posterior ratios. Also, described is a kit for annuloplasty repair of a heart valve annulus including a plurality of annuloplasty devices each comprising one of a plurality of different sizes, wherein the different sizes each correspond to a different inter-trigonal or inter-commissural distance of a heart valve annulus, and for each of the plurality of different sizes there are at least two devices each having the same size but having different anterior-posterior ratios. Additionally, a method of choosing an annuloplasty device for implantation in a valve annulus is described. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120035721 | TEMPORARY SUB-VALVULAR CHECK VALVE - A temporary subvalvular check valve has a collar and an expandable seal structure connected by pivotable struts that together support flexible leaflets. The check valve can be introduced along a tool shaft and positioned in a chamber or vasculature by expanding the seal structure against an adjacent wall. Cardiac function is augmented during valve procedures, such as valve excision, valve implantation, or valve leaflet replacement, by placing the temporary check valve just upstream of the valve being treated. The temporary check valve is collapsible so that it can be inserted through a small incision or port in the apex of the heart or through the aorta, into the ventricular cavity. Such a system thus does not require arrest or pacing of the heart and will allow such valve repair or replacement procedures to be done without concern for time or compromise to the patients' physiology. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120041550 | Methods and Apparatus for Endovascular Heart Valve Replacement Comprising Tissue Grasping Elements - A method for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve including the following steps: endovascularly delivering an anchor and a replacement valve supported within the anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in a collapsed delivery configuration, the anchor having grasping elements adapted to grasp tissue in a vicinity of the heart valve; expanding the anchor, thereby rotating the grasping elements; and grasping the tissue with the rotating grasping elements. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120059458 | Cardiac Valve Support Structure - Cardiac valve supports and their methods of use. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120078358 | Devices and Methods for Heart Valve Treatment - Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120083880 | Intra-Annular Mounting Frame For Aortic Valve Repair - The present disclosure provides an intra-annular mounting frame that is roughly elliptical in shape and has outward flaring posts, which provides improved results in the repair of defective aortic valves. Also disclosed are surgical methods for implanting the elliptical intra-annular mounting frame. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120095552 | 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. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120136435 | Reduced Dehiscence Annuloplasty Ring - A prosthetic remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid or mitral valve repairs to provide support after annuloplasty surgery. The annuloplasty ring includes a relatively rigid core extending around an axis that is discontinuous to define two free ends. A suture-permeable interface surrounding the core includes floppy regions adjacent both free ends of the core. Sutures are used to attach the annuloplasty ring to the annulus, including at least one suture through each of the floppy regions to secure the free ends of the ring and minimize the risk of ring dehiscence, or pull through of the sutures through the annulus tissue. The floppy regions may project from each free end into the gap toward each other, be radially enlarged such as paddle-like extensions, or may comprise outwardly lateral extensions at the free ends of the core. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120143321 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANNULOPLASTY RING - 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. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120143322 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL ANNULOPLASTY RING - 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. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120143323 | METHOD FOR ALTERING THE GEOMETRY OF THE HEART | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120165930 | SYSTEM FOR MITRAL VALVE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT - Systems for mitral valve repair are disclosed where one or more mitral valve interventional devices may be advanced intravascularly into the heart of a patient and deployed upon or along the mitral valve to stabilize the valve leaflets. The interventional device may also facilitate the placement or anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve implant. The interventional device may generally comprise a distal set of arms pivotably and/or rotating coupled to a proximal set of arms which are also pivotably and/or rotating coupled. The distal set of arms may be advanced past the catheter opening to a subannular position (e.g., below the mitral valve) and reconfigured from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed securement configuration. The proximal arm members may then be deployed such that the distal and proximal arm members may grip the leaflets between the two sets of arms to stabilize the leaflets. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120179246 | MITRAL VALVE CERCLARGE ANNULOPLASTY APPRATUS AND METHOD THEREOF - A mitral cerclage annuloplasty apparatus comprises a tissue protective device and a cap device having a cerclage suture disposed within a first protective tube and a second protective tube, the proximal portions of the two tubes being attached side-by-side longitudinally to define a stem portion, the distal portions of the two tubes being separated thereafter, and a cap device that covers the stem portion wherein the stem portion and the cap device interlock, so that once the cerclage suture is knotted on the outer surface of the cap device, cap device can be pulled outwardly to enhance and maintain tension applied to the mitral annulus thus successfully treating the mitral regurgitation. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120185040 | DEVICES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR RETAINING A NATIVE HEART VALVE LEAFLET - Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120203336 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT SUSPENSION OF AN IMPLANTABLE SCAFFOLDING CONTAINING AN ORIFICE FOR PLACEMENT OF A PROSTHETIC OR BIO-PROSTHETIC VALVE - In a surgical method for improving cardiac function, an implantable scaffold Or valve support device is inserted inside a patient's heart and attached to the heart in a region adjacent to a natural mitral or other heart valve. The scaffold or valve support device defines an orifice and, after the attaching of the scaffold or valve support device to the heart, or temporary support while native valve leaflets and/or subvalvular structures are captured, a prosthetic or bio-prosthetic valve seated in the orifice, and the native valve may be retracted into the scaffold/replacement assembly to create a gasket for sealing the complex. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120215304 | DEGENERATIVE VALVULAR DISEASE SPECIFIC ANNULOPLASTY RING SETS - 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. 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. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120245678 | Device And A Method For Augmenting Heart Function - A device, a kit and a method are presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The basis for the presented innovation is an augmentation of the physiologically up and down movement of the mitral valve during each heart cycle. By means of catheter technique, minimal surgery, or open heart surgery implants are inserted into the left ventricle, the mitral valve annulus, the left atrium and adjacent tissue in order to augment the natural up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving towards the apex of said heart in systole and/or away from said apex in diastole. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120296419 | Annuloplasty Ring with Anchors Fixed by Curing Polymer - Annuloplasty rings and methods for inserting annuloplasty rings are herein disclosed. The annuloplasty ring has a ring shell and a plurality of anchoring fasteners for anchoring the ring shell to adjacent hear tissue. To maintain the shape of the annuloplasty ring upon attachment of the ring to the patient's heart, a hardening polymer is inserted into the ring shell, which is permitted to cure, thereby providing support for the annuloplasty ring and the patient's heart valve. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120316643 | 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. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120330410 | CLOSURE ELEMENT FOR USE WITH AN ANNULOPLASTY STRUCTURE - Apparatus and methods are described including an implant structure configured to treat a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, the implant structure including a sleeve having a lumen and at least one end, the at least one end being shaped so as to define an opening. A closure element is disposed in a vicinity of the at least one end, the closure element being configured to facilitate closure of the opening. A contracting mechanism is coupled to the implant structure and configured to contract at least a contraction-facilitated portion of the implant structure. Other applications are also described. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130030522 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR HEART TREATMENTS - A method and device for treating a heart by assisting one or more heart chambers to expand during diastole. The method comprises providing a plurality of anchoring members; providing an elongate member and a release mechanism connected to the elongate member, the release mechanism being configured to releasably engage with each of the plurality of anchoring members; the elongate member being configured to store energy exerted by a heart chamber during systole, and release the stored energy during diastole to assist the heart chamber to return to an uncompressed state; selecting one of the plurality of anchoring members; positioning the elongate member transverse a chamber of the heart; and engaging the release mechanism with the selected anchoring member so as to releasably attach the elongate member to the selected anchoring member. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130046380 | TRICUSPID VALVE REPAIR USING TENSION - Apparatus is provided including a stent, which is configured to assume compressed and expanded states. The stent includes one or more elongated members, and two or more rings, which are coupled together by the one or more elongated members and by no other elements of the stent. The rings define respective planes that are generally perpendicular to the elongated members when the stent is in its expanded state. A longitudinal member, having a proximal end and a distal end, is coupled to the stent at the proximal end of the longitudinal member. A tissue anchor is coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal member. Other applications are also described. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130053951 | PROSTHETIC BAND, IN PARTICULAR FOR REPAIRING A MITRAL VALVE - Prosthetic band ( | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130103142 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND FOR AORTIC VALVE REPAIR - Aortic regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the aortic annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the aortic valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130116780 | IMPLANT HAVING MULTIPLE ROTATIONAL ASSEMBLIES - Apparatus is provided, comprising (1) an annuloplasty structure, shaped to define a perimeter, and configured to be disposed at the annulus of the native valve of the patient; (2) a first adjusting mechanism, coupled to the annuloplasty structure, and configured to adjust the perimeter; (3) at least one longitudinal flexible member, having a first end portion, and a second end portion that is configured to be coupled to tissue of the ventricle of the heart of the patient; and (4) at least a second adjusting mechanism, coupled to the annuloplasty structure such that the second adjusting mechanism is slidable around at least part of the perimeter, coupled to the first end portion of the longitudinal flexible member, and configured to adjust a distance between the second adjusting mechanism and the second end portion of the longitudinal flexible member. Other embodiments are also described. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130131791 | CATHETER-BASED ANNULOPLASTY USING VENTRICULARLY POSITIONED CATHETER - The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130150958 | ANNULOPLASTY BAND FOR A SIMPLIFIED APPROACH TO MITRAL VALVULOPLASTY FOR DEGENERATIVE DISEASES - A device for repair of heart valves, and more particularly an improved annuloplasty band which is constituted by a semirigid open band includes a sheath and a generally curved stiffening semirigid element disposed within the sheath which extends from a first end adjacent the antero-lateral trigone to a second end adjacent the postero-medial trigone defining a non flat (not coplanar) compound C-curve shape so as to mime both in anterior and posterior side a saddle shape. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130178931 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS - The invention relates to a heart valve prosthesis comprising biological material or plastic material, having a suture or knot which comprises an X-ray visible material and the position of which identifies the valve plane. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130184814 | METHODS OF IMPLANT OF A HEART VALVE WITH A CONVERTIBLE SEWING RING - A sewing ring for prosthetic heart valves that is connected and configured to pivot outward. A biocompatible fabric covering surrounds at least a portion of the sewing ring, and the ring may be exclusively connected to a stent with the fabric. The sewing ring may be generally planar and of uniform thickness, or may be of varying thickness. The fabric may be used to encompass both the stent and the sewing ring, and may be a single piece. A seam may be provided in the fabric as a discrete pivoting line. The sewing ring may be convertible between bi-stable positions. The ring may extend outward in a frusto-conical shape so as to enable inversion between a position facing the inflow end of the valve and a position facing the outflow end of the valve. A method of implantation, and a method of assembly of the heart valve is also provided. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130190863 | METHOD TO REDUCE MITRAL REGURGITATION BY CINCHING THE COMMISSURE OF THE MITRAL VALVE - Methods of repairing the mitral valve and reducing mitral regurgitation. One method includes securing a first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve and a second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve. At least one tensile member spans between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve. When tension is applied to the at least one tensile member, the posterior portion of the annular tissue is pulled toward the anterior portion. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130190864 | ANNULOPLASTY PROSTHESES AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUES - An annuloplasty prosthesis is provided that includes a skeleton and a sleeve. The skeleton comprises a rigid posterior bar segment, which has first and second bar ends. The sleeve (a) comprises a flexible and substantially non-extensible fabric material, (b) covers the rigid posterior bar segment, (c) includes a first portion that extends at least 20 mm beyond the first bar end and a second portion that extends at least 25 mm beyond the second bar end, and (d) has a plurality of visually-sensible fiducial designators at respective longitudinal locations distributed along at least a portion of the sleeve, which fiducial designators are arranged to indicate a longitudinal center of the rigid posterior bar segment. The prosthesis is rigid along the rigid posterior bar segment, and is flexible or semi-rigid along at least 75% of the first portion of the sleeve and along at least 75% of the second portion of the sleeve. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130211512 | FLEXIBLE ANNULOPLASTY RING - An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. In addition, selective placement of point-welds or other such control points locally control other parameters such as the amount and direction of displacement as the ring undergoes external loading. Cable with well-placed control points result in a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as for example 1 cm×1 cm, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle and allowing for asymmetrical deflection to be designed into the product. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130268069 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REDUCING MITRAL VALVE REGURGITATION - In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130289719 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE FOR HEART VALVE REINFORCEMENT AND REMODELING PROCEDURES - A prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring is disclosed, which includes a ring body sized and dimensioned to fit an annulus of a heart valve. The ring body has an inner surface. A plurality of suture engaging features is on the inner surface of the ring body. A method of reinforcing a heart valve is also disclosed. Sutures are provided around an annulus of a heart valve. The proper size of the heart valve is determined by inserting a prosthetic ring around the annulus of the heart valve. The fit of the prosthetic ring is tested by attaching the sutures to the suture engaging features of the prosthetic ring. The fit of the prosthetic ring is adjusted by manipulating the sutures about the suture engaging features. The sutures are tied, securing the prosthetic ring in place. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130289720 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE FOR HEART VALVE REINFORCEMENT AND REMODELING PROCEDURES - A prosthetic heart valve reinforcement ring is disclosed. The prosthetic includes an outer ring sized and dimensioned to fit around an annulus of a heart valve and an inner ring configured and arranged to couple to the outer ring. The inner ring and the outer ring have complimentary mating formations configured and arranged to grip sutures therebetween. A method of reinforcing heart valve is also disclosed. Sutures are provided around an annulus of a heart valve. The sutures are corralled within an outer sizing ring. The outer sizing ring is placed around the annulus of the heart valve. An inner sizing ring is inserted within the outer ring, locking the sutures. The sutures are adjusted and the heart valve is tested for a proper fit. The outer sizing ring is removed and a prosthetic ring is placed over the inner sizing ring, locking the sutures. The sutures are tied. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130325118 | 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. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20140005779 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HEART VALVE SURGERY | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140018916 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR MODULATION OF HEART VALVE FUNCTION - Methods and devices for modulating heart valve function are provided. In the subject methods, a heart valve is first in structurally modified. Blood flow through the structurally modified heart valve is then monitored, and the heart is paced in response to the monitored blood flow. Also provided are devices, systems and kits that find use in practicing the subject methods. The subject methods find use in a variety of applications. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140039614 | Stent-Valves For Valve Replacement and Associated Methods and Systems for Surgery - Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves) and associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery are provided. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140058504 | INSTRUMENT OF PATTERNING CUSP FOR CARDIAC VALVE RECONSTRUCTION AND COMPONENT THEREOF - In a case of repairing an aortic valve by forming a valve cusp with a biomembrane, the shape and the size of a valve cusp can be determined easily. An instrument including a valve cusp sizer for measuring the size of the valve cusp and a template for scribing lines for the shape of a valve cusp conforming to the measured size of the valve cusp, in which the valve cusp sizer has a plurality of differently-sized sizer blocks attached to each of the top ends of grip members respectively and each sizer block has an arcuate surface formed by cutting each of differently-sized circular cylinders at an angle conforming to the central angle for the commissure portions and, the template is formed with a scribing portion including a substantially semi-circular valve cusp base forming portion. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140067054 | Heart Valve Sealing Devices - This disclosure pertains generally to prosthetic devices and related methods for helping to seal native heart valves and prevent or reduce regurgitation therethrough, as well as devices and related methods for implanting such prosthetic devices. In some cases, a spacer having a single anchor can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, a spacer having dual anchors can be implanted within a native heart valve. In some cases, devices can be used to extend the effective length of a native heart valve leaflet. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140081393 | METHOD FOR ALTERING THE GEOMETRY OF THE HEART | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140094906 | TISSUE ANCHORS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS, AND DEVICES - Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140128970 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140172084 | Epicardial Clip - An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart. The epicardial clip includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140214160 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS WITH COLLAPSIBLE VALVE AND METHOD OF DELIVERY THEREOF - A valve prosthesis is adapted to operate in conjunction with native heart valve leaflets. The prosthesis includes an annulus and a skirt extending from the annulus. The skirt may be configured to be positioned through a native heart valve annulus, and the skirt may be movable between an open configuration permitting blood flow through the skirt and a closed configuration blocking blood flow through the skirt in cooperation with opening and closing of the native heart valve leaflets. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140222143 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR TREATING A HEART VALVE INSUFFICENCY - A medical device for treating a heart valve insufficiency, with an endoprosthesis which can be introduced into a patient's body and expanded to secure a heart valve prosthesis in the patient's aorta. In an embodiment, the endoprosthesis has at plurality of positioning arches configured to be positioned with respect to a patient's aorta and a plurality of retaining arches to support a heart valve prosthesis. The endoprosthesis includes a first collapsed mode during the process of introducing it into the patient's body and a second expanded mode when it is implanted. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140236290 | 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. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236291 | VALVE REPLACEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Systems and methods for medical interventional procedures, including approaches to valve implant. In one aspect, the methods and systems involve a modular approach to treatment. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140243968 | SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR REPAIR OF HEART VALVE LESIONS - The systems and devices and methods relate to surgical and percutaneous repair of heart valve regions. The systems and devices are structured to conform to the desired shape of a specific patient. The devices may include a mounting structure and a valve support onto which leaflets of the valve may coapt or rest. The devices may be structured to be mounted directly onto a leaflet of the valve. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140277420 | MULTI-STRANDED HEAT SET ANNULOPLASTY RINGS - An annuloplasty repair segment for heart valve annulus repair. In one embodiment a multi-stranded cable replaces solid core wire for both the tricuspid and mitral valves. Cable allows for greater deployment flexibility for minimally-invasive surgical (MIS) implant, while still maintaining the required strength and similar tensile properties of solid-core wire. Stranded cable provides a MIS annuloplasty ring with sufficient flexibility in the x-y plane to allow a surgeon to squeeze the ring into a small incision, such as being able to pass through an 18Fr or smaller catheter, while maintaining structural rigidity under forces exerted on the implanted ring by the cardiac cycle. The particular shape of the annuloplasty ring is fixed using a heat setting process. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140309732 | BLOOD FLOW CONTROLLING APPARATUS - A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises a leaflet coaptation member, a connecting member, and an anchor suitable for anchoring the apparatus to the interventricular septum. The leaflet coaptation member coapts with the native mitral valve leaflets during systole when disposed therebetween, thereby reducing mitral valve regurgitation. During diastole, the native leaflets release coaptation with the leaflet coaptation member, permitting blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140324163 | Device And Method For Improving Fixation Of A Medical Device - 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. A first flange unit is may be configured as a fabric sleeve covering the loop-shaped support. A portion of the fabric sleeve forms a flange that is attached to the annulus when said first loop-shaped support is abutting said heart valve. The flange is provideable by folding at least a portion of said sleeve over itself for forming a double layer of opposing fabrics thereof, such that said sleeve comprises a flange portion extending from said first loop-shaped support configured to overlap a surface of and form a collar around, at least a portion of said annulus. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140330373 | Reinforced Prosthetic Tissue Valves - A prosthetic atrioventricular valve that includes a continuous tubular member having proximal and distal ends, the tubular member comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) material, and a reinforcement member disposed in the tubular member lumen and attached to the distal end of the tubular member, the reinforcement member comprising at least two elongated linear members that are configured to connect the joined tubular and reinforcement members to a cardiovascular structure. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140350670 | Device And A Method For Improving The Function Of A Heart Valve - A medical device is disclosed that reinforces weakened or degenerated areas of at least a portion of a leaflet ( | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140364945 | ANNULOPLASTY DEVICE - Annuloplasty devices and methods for using the same are provided. Aspects of the devices include an at least partially annular body having at least one integrated tissue securing region. Also provided are methods of implanting the devices, as well kits for practicing the same. The devices, kits and methods find use in a variety of different applications, including cardiac valve repair applications. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20150051698 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CHORDAL REPLACEMENT - Described is a prosthetic device and methods for repairing a mitral valve having an annulus, leaflets, and chordae tendinae. The device comprises an elongate band including a plurality of reference elements that are located along the elongate band and protrude inwardly with respect thereto towards a center of the annulus, the plurality of reference elements being adapted to receive a corresponding plurality of artificial cords that are tied onto the reference elements and the plurality of reference elements adapted to be cut or removed in order to release the tied artificial cords. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150073547 | BALLOON MITRAL SPACER - A heart valve implant according to one embodiment may include a shaft and an anchor disposed on one end of the shaft, the anchor configured to engage tissue. The heart valve implant may further include an expandable member disposed over at least part of the shaft, the expandable member comprising a resiliently deformable internal layer and a resiliently deformable external layer disposed over the internal layer, the expandable member defining a chamber and being configured to receive an inflation medium in the chamber to expand the expandable member, the expandable member further configured to deform upon contact with at least a portion of at least one leaflet of a heart valve to at least partially conform to the shape of the leaflet. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150094803 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR TREATING A REGURGITANT HEART VALVE - An apparatus is provided for treating regurgitation of blood flow through a diseased heart valve, which includes an annulus, anterior and posterior valve leaflets, and a subvalvular apparatus. The apparatus includes a substantially annular support member, at least one infra-annular support member securely connected thereto, and at least one anchoring element associated with the at least one infra-annular support member. The at least one anchoring element is configured to securely receive a prosthetic chordae tendineae for attachment to a papillary muscle. The posterior end portion is dimensioned for attachment to a posterior portion of the diseased heart valve annulus. The at least one infra-annular support member is securely connected to the substantially annular support member. 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. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150119981 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER TREATMENT OF VALVE REGURGITATION - The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance devices for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, and one or more of the following: transseptal sheath, anchor delivery catheter, implant delivery catheter, and clip delivery catheter; and methods for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150127099 | METHODS OF IMPLANTING AN ANNULOPLASTY RING FOR REDUCED DEHISCENCE - A prosthetic remodeling annuloplasty ring for use in tricuspid or mitral valve repairs to provide support after annuloplasty surgery. The annuloplasty ring includes a relatively rigid core extending around an axis that is discontinuous to define two free ends. A suture-permeable interface surrounding the core includes floppy regions adjacent both free ends of the core. Sutures are used to attach the annuloplasty ring to the annulus, including at least one suture through each of the floppy regions to secure the free ends of the ring and minimize the risk of ring dehiscence, or pull through of the sutures through the annulus tissue. The floppy regions may project from each free end into the gap toward each other, be radially enlarged such as paddle-like extensions, or may comprise outwardly lateral extensions at the free ends of the core. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150134057 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REPAIRING A MITRAL VALVE - Apparatus, the apparatus comprising: an anchor, the anchor comprising: an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end, and a first side and a second side; a through-hole formed in the body intermediate the distal end and the proximal end and extending through the body from the first side to the second side, the through-hole being sized to receive a spanning suture; a proximal slot formed in the first side of the body and communicating with the through-hole, the proximal slot being sized to receive a spanning suture; and a distal slot formed in the second side of the body and communicating with the through-hole, the distal slot being sized to receive a spanning suture; at least a portion of the proximal slot being axially aligned with at least a portion of the distal slot so that the proximal slot, the through-hole and the distal slot together form an axial passageway extending from the distal end of the elongated body to the proximal end of the elongated body, with the axial passageway being sized to receive a spanning suture. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150313713 | Exchangeable System for Minimally Invasive Beating Heart Repair of Heart Valve Leaflets - Improved methods and apparatuses for heart valve repair in a beating heart of a patient utilize an exchangeable heart valve repair system. Heart valve repair system can include a port adapted to be seated in the heart wall and a catheter slidable within the port. The catheter can be selectively locked relative to the port for insertion into the heart and unlocked once the port is seated to allow the catheter to move distally towards target tissue. System elements can be selectively removed from and replaced within port to deploy repair devices while port maintains a seal while elements are and are not inserted. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150320558 | 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. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150328001 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DEVICES, PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension. The anchoring member and the valve support are configured to move from the low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration in which the first portion of the anchoring member at least partially adapts to the non-circular annulus of the native mitral valve and the first region of the valve support is spaced inwardly from the first portion of the anchoring member relative to the longitudinal dimension of the anchoring member such that a shape of the first region of the valve support is at least partially independent of a shape of the first portion of the anchoring member. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150328002 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DEVICES, PROSTHETIC MITRAL VALVES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Devices and methods for implantation at a native mitral valve having a non-circular annulus and leaflets. One embodiment of the device includes a valve support having a first region configured to be attached to a prosthetic valve with a plurality of prosthetic leaflets and a second region. The device can further include an anchoring member having a longitudinal dimension and including a first portion configured to contact tissue at the non-circular annulus, a second portion configured to be attached to the valve support, and a lateral portion between the first portion and the second portion. The second portion of the anchoring member is attached to the second region of the valve support while in a low-profile configuration in which the anchoring member and the valve support are configured to pass through vasculature of a human. The lateral portion is transverse to the longitudinal dimension. The anchoring member and the valve support are configured to move from the low-profile configuration to an expanded configuration in which the first portion of the anchoring member at least partially adapts to the non-circular annulus of the native mitral valve and the first region of the valve support is spaced inwardly from the first portion of the anchoring member relative to the longitudinal dimension of the anchoring member such that a shape of the first region of the valve support is at least partially independent of a shape of the first portion of the anchoring member. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150335427 | DEVICE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY OF THE MITRAL VALVE - An annuloplasty device for plastic surgery of the mitral valve to be implanted in subjects affected by valvular heart diseases causing stenosis and/or insufficiency, including at least one curved body, to be implanted coplanar with the native mitral annulus, characterized in that the curved body has at least two portions extended in different planes with respect to that in which the curved body lies, adapted to assist the heart surgeon in the operations of repair of the mitral apparatus of a patient affected by stenosis and/or insufficiency, the curved body having at least two descending portions to be inserted inside the mitral orifice, adapted to provide a grip for the anchoring of a prolapsed leaflet and/or of a biological tissue biocompatible with the human organism and/or of tendinous elements, when the device is applied to the damaged mitral apparatus of a patient. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150359632 | DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR TREATING A REGURGITANT HEART VALVE - In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for treating a regurgitant heart valve in a subject can include a flexible, elongated body having a central chordae support portion disposed between first and second arms. The first and second arms can include first and second lumens, respectively, extending longitudinally therethrough. A method of treating a regurgitant heart valve in a subject is also provided. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150374493 | HEART VALVE REPAIR DEVICES FOR PLACEMENT IN VENTRICLE AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR IMPLANTING HEART VALVE REPAIR DEVICES - Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a ventricular winding having a generally spiral shape, wherein the device is free of any atrial stabilizing 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 ventricular winding and turning the ventricular winding such that the chords move closer to the center of the ventricular winding. The ventricular winding draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing. A delivery system for maneuvering and releasing a heart valve repair device comprises an applicator tube and internal rod. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160038282 | HEART VALVE PROSTHESIS WITH COLLAPSIBLE VALVE AND METHOD OF DELIVERY THEREOF - A prosthesis including a frame configured for positioning at or near a native heart valve annulus, shaped and sized to prevent the frame element from shifting downstream of the native heart annulus, and at least two frame extensions attached to the frame at a first end proximal to the frame, the frame extensions configured and circumferentially arranged to extend between native heart valve leaflets, wherein the frame is configured for positioning at or near the native heart valve annulus with minimal interfering with opening and closing of the native heart valve leaflets, and the frame extensions are at least as long as the native heart leaflets, and are configured to extend between the native heart valve leaflets without interfering with opening and closing of the native heart valve leaflets. Related apparatus and methods are also described. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160045314 | CARDIAC VALVE COMMISSURE BRACE - A brace for mounting to an annulus of a cardiac valve, the brace comprising: first and second bottom gripping wings for gripping the annulus; first and second top gripping wings for gripping the annulus; and a support bridge that connects the top wings to the bottom wings; wherein the brace is deformable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration and in the delivery configuration the top wings are oriented substantially back to back along an axis and the bottom wings are oriented substantially back to back along the same axis, and in the deployed configuration the first top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them and the second top and bottom gripping wings face each other to grip the annulus between them. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160095705 | Medical System For Annuloplasty - A medical system ( | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160143735 | TRANSVALVULAR INTRAANNULAR BAND FOR VALVE REPAIR - Aortic regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the aortic annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the aortic valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160166730 | Biocompatable Annular Prostheses and Methods for Forming Same | 06-16-2016 |
| 20080200988 | Metallic Bearings for Joint Replacement - An orthopedic prosthesis comprising a first component having a soft metal bearing surface and a second component having a hard metal bearing surface, in particular a hip prosthesis comprising a spherical bearing member, a femoral stem, and a modular neck configured for interposition between the spherical bearing member and the stem, together with an acetabular implant having a concave bearing surface configured for articulation with the spherical bearing member. One of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a soft metal bearing surface, the soft metal bearing surface having a hardness of at least about 20 Rc, while the other one of the spherical bearing member and the concave bearing surface comprises a hard metal bearing surface, the hard metal bearing surface having a hardness greater than the soft metal bearing surface by at least about 15 Rc. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20090005876 | TIBIAL TRAY ASSEMBLY HAVING A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A tibial tray assembly includes a platform having a stem extending downwardly from a bottom surface and a stem extension couple to the an end of the stem. The stem extension is electrically insulated from the stem. The tibial tray assembly also includes a wireless communication device configured to transmit data using the stem extension as an antenna. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090088862 | STEM EXTENSION AND ADAPTOR FOR USE WITH A KNEE ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANT - An orthopaedic implant includes a knee prosthetic component, adaptor, and stem extension. The adaptor includes a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The first mounting end is coupled to the knee prosthetic component, and the second mounting end is coupled to the stem extension. The first mounting end of the adaptor defines a first axis, and the second mounting end of the adaptor defines a second axis. The first axis is offset from and parallel to the second axis when viewed in a first anatomical plane. Additionally, the first axis and second axis define an angle therebetween when viewed in a second anatomical plane. In some embodiments, the second mounting end may be movable with respect to the first mounting end. In other embodiments, the adaptor may be integral with the stem extension. Additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptor may be embodied as multi-piece adaptor. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20100152859 | Femoral Implant For Hip Arthroplasty - A prosthetic femoral implant for use in hip arthroplasty comprises an elongate femoral stem. In addition, the femoral implant comprises a femoral neck having a central axis, a first end integral with the femoral stem, and a second end distal the femoral stem. A transverse cross-section of the femoral neck includes a medial-lateral axis and an anterior-posterior axis. Moreover, a reference circle bisected by the medial-lateral axis and passing through the medial-most point and the lateral-most point has a diameter equal to a maximum medial-lateral width W | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100222891 | MODULAR IMPLANT SYSTEM WITH FULLY POROUS COATED SLEEVE - A modular knee implant system allows a surgeon to select between several different styles of distal femoral implant components and several different styles of stem extensions while also allowing for use of a metaphyseal component. The metaphyseal component can be a universal one that is usable with all of the styles of distal femoral implant components through use of an adapter. A second adapter allows for use of stem extensions with different types of connectors with the metaphyseal component. A separate metaphyseal component could also be provided with a distal Morse taper post to mate with a distal femoral component having a proximal Morse taper bore. The metaphyseal component may have an outer surface that is configured to maximize contact area with the patient's bone, and may have a surface finish over a substantial part of its overall length that is conducive to bone ingrowth. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20110054626 | STEM EXTENSION AND ADAPTOR FOR USE WITH A KNEE ORTHOPAEDIC IMPLANT - An orthopaedic implant includes a knee prosthetic component, adaptor, and stem extension. The adaptor includes a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The first mounting end is coupled to the knee prosthetic component, and the second mounting end is coupled to the stem extension. The first mounting end of the adaptor defines a first axis, and the second mounting end of the adaptor defines a second axis. The first axis is offset from and parallel to the second axis when viewed in a first anatomical plane. Additionally, the first axis and second axis define an angle therebetween when viewed in a second anatomical plane. In some embodiments, the second mounting end may be movable with respect to the first mounting end. In other embodiments, the adaptor may be integral with the stem extension. Additionally, in some embodiments, the adaptor may be embodied as multi-piece adaptor. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110082560 | PROSTHETIC BODY FOR AN UPPER LEG PROSTHETIC - The invention relates to a prosthetic body for an upper leg prosthetic comprising a shaft ( | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110160867 | PATIENT-SPECIFIC TOOLS AND IMPLANTS - A method for preparing a femoral neck for receiving a neck implant includes obtaining image data of a proximal femoral bone and femoral neck of a patient by a medical imaging method and constructing a three-dimensional image model of the proximal femoral bone and neck of the patient using the image data. The method further includes identifying a three-dimensional cortical boundary surface at an interface between cortical and cancellous bone of the patient using the image model. A patient-specific broach having a three-dimensional cutting surface closely matching and complementary to the cortical boundary surface of the patient using the image model is designed and manufactured. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20120245700 | Load bearing implants - A bio-compatible femoral stem is made from a bio-compatible titanium alloy or cobalt-chromium alloy, each of which have an elastic modulus far greater than that of natural bone. When the implant heals within a bone cavity, the implant essentially carries substantially the entire load. Transfer of load to the surrounding bone tissue is lost or resorbed due to lack of use after implant healing. Flexing a stiff implant applies a very large load at the implant distal end. The bone cortex is thereby allowed to thicken due to excessive load, causing thigh pain long after implant healing. The femoral implant has a bone ingrowth coating on the proximal end, allowing firm attachment of the implant in the bone cavity. The distal end has a central aperture and a helical machined groove that permits flexing of the distal portion of the femoral implant stem. This flexing is occurs in a manner similar to surrounding bone tissue, preventing thigh pain. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20140094923 | Femoral Prosthesis with Insertion/Extraction Feature - A femoral prosthesis system is provided which includes femoral prosthesis and an instrument for inserting/extracting the femoral prosthesis. The femoral prosthesis includes a stem and a neck portion. The stem includes a proximal end portion which defines a proximal stem axis. The neck portion is located proximally of the proximal end portion. The neck portion includes a proximal surface and an insertion/extraction cavity which extends distally from the proximal surface. The insertion/extraction cavity is configured to couple with the insertion/extraction instrument. The insertion/extraction cavity defines an insertion/extraction cavity axis which, when projected onto a coronal plane including the proximal stem axis, is not parallel with the proximal stem axis. The insertion/extraction instrument includes a distal end portion configured to couple with the insertion/extraction cavity. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140236309 | Variable Prosthesis - The present teachings are directed to a shoulder prosthesis having an adjustable radial offset and/or angular inclination provided by relative rotation of an adapter interdisposed between a stem and a head. In one example, a prosthesis has a stem having a first longitudinal axis. The prosthesis can also include an adaptor including a first taper. The first taper can have a first taper axis. The prosthesis can include a head supported by the adaptor. The head can be selectively oriented and then coupled to the first taper and the combination can be selectively orientated and the coupled to the stem. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140277550 | PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS AND METHODS FOR JOINT LINE ACCESS - A method for joint line assembly of an orthopaedic prosthesis assembly includes inserting a tapered post of a first prosthetic component into a tapered bore of a second prosthetic component along a longitudinal axis to secure the first prosthetic component to the second prosthetic component. A shaft of a fastener is advanced along the longitudinal axis through a threaded passageway defined in the second prosthetic component and into the first prosthetic component. The threaded passageway has a greater diameter than a diameter of the shaft. The end of the shaft is threaded into a threaded aperture defined in the first prosthetic component. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140277551 | PROSTHETIC COMPONENTS WITH SECONDARY RETENTION - An implantable orthopaedic knee prosthesis assembly includes a femoral component, a stem component, a fastener, and a retention device. The femoral component is configured to be implanted into a distal end of a femur of a patient and includes a stem post having a proximal tapered bore, a distal passageway, and a threaded passageway connecting the proximal tapered bore and the distal passageway. The stem component is configured to taper fit to the femoral component and includes a bore formed therein extending proximally and a threaded aperture defined at a proximal end of the bore. The head of the fastener is configured to be received in the distal passageway, whereas the proximal end of the shaft of the fastener is configured to be positioned in the threaded aperture. The retention device is received in the threaded passageway and prevents the proximal end of the fastener from reentering the threaded passageway. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20150142124 | REINFORCING IMPLANT FOR AN ELONGATED BONE, IN PARTICULAR FEMUR - A reinforcing implant anchors shafts of two prostheses which are arranged opposite each other on an elongated bone, in particular a femur. The implant has a generally elongated shaft-like shape and a receiving sleeve at both ends for a respective anchoring shaft and a disconnectable coupling piece lying between the receiving sleeves for a rigid connection. In this manner, a force bridge is formed between the two anchoring shafts so that the bone is no longer subjected to the force transmission in particular in the sensitive intermediate region between the two anchoring shafts. | 05-21-2015 |
