ST. JUDE MEDICAL, CARDIOLOGY DIVISION, INC. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160120632 | VALVE HOLDER AND LOADING INTEGRATION - A device for holding an implantable medical device includes a jar for receiving the implantable medical device, and a ring coupleable to the jar. The ring has a plurality of channels adapted to receive retaining features of the implantable medical device to stabilize the medical device within the jar. | 05-05-2016 |
20160100942 | FLEXIBLE CATHETER AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an outer shaft having a first end and a second end, an inner shaft disposed inside the outer shaft and longitudinally movable relative to the outer shaft, and a distal sheath coupled to the inner shaft and movable with the inner shaft to selectively cover and uncover a compartment for housing the valve. The outer shaft includes a plurality of disks each having at least two hinges to allow articulation of adjacent disks relative to one another, and at least one rib for coupling the adjacent disks to one another. | 04-14-2016 |
20160095703 | FLEXIBLE CATHETERS AND METHODS OF FORMING SAME - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, an outer shaft disposed around the inner shaft and longitudinally moveable relative to the inner shaft, and a distal sheath disposed about a portion of the inner shaft and forming a compartment with the inner shaft, the compartment being adapted to receive the prosthetic heart valve. At least one of the outer shaft or the distal sheath may have a pattern of cutouts formed therein, the pattern including at least one ring around a circumference of the at least one of the outer shaft or the distal sheath, the at least one ring having at least one of the cutouts. | 04-07-2016 |
20160045316 | PROSTHETIC HEART DEVICES HAVING DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES - A prosthetic device for implanting in a patient's heart includes (i) a therapeutic device capable of restoring function to a native heart valve; and (ii) at least one sensor including a body, an inductor coil disposed within the body, and a capacitor in communication with the inductor coil, the at least one sensor being coupled to the therapeutic device, and being configured to monitor proper function of the therapeutic device within the patient's heart. | 02-18-2016 |
20160045310 | COMMISSURE ATTACHMENT FEATURE FOR PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, the stent including a plurality of struts. A plurality of commissure features is disposed on the stent and coupled to selected ones of the struts, each commissure feature including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least one eyelet in the body. The heart valve further includes a collapsible and expandable valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. At least one leaflet is connected to the at least one eyelet and to at least one of the selected ones of the struts via a suture pattern. | 02-18-2016 |
20160030172 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR CRIMP PROFILE - A method of assembling a prosthetic heart valve includes providing a collapsible and expandable stent having an annulus section and an aortic section. The annulus section has a first diameter in a relaxed condition and a second diameter less than the first diameter in a collapsed condition. A constraint is applied to the stent to constrain the annulus section to a predetermined diameter between the first and second diameters. Applying a cuff and/or a plurality of leaflets to the stent in the constrained condition enables less material to be used. The resultant prosthetic valve is therefore able to be collapsed to a smaller diameter for introduction into a patient. | 02-04-2016 |
20160030170 | SELF-ACTUATING SEALING PORTIONS FOR A PARAVALVULAR LEAK PROTECTION - A prosthetic heart valve ( | 02-04-2016 |
20160000561 | TRANSAPICAL PASSIVE ARTICULATION DELIVERY SYSTEM DESIGN - A delivery system ( | 01-07-2016 |
20150351895 | AORTIC GREAT VESSEL PROTECTION - A vessel protector system includes an outer sheath, an inner tube disposed within the outer sheath and moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer sheath and at least one protector coupled to the inner tube, each of the at least one protector having a body formed from a filtering material and extending between a leading end and trailing end coupled to the inner tube, the body having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A snare is coupled to the leading end of the body at one end, and having a second end passing through the interior of the outer sheath, whereby the exertion of a pulling force on the second end of the snare contracts the at least one protector. | 12-10-2015 |
20150327999 | TRANSCATHETER VALVE REPLACEMENT - A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent, a collapsible and expandable valve assembly disposed within the stent and having a plurality of leaflets, and a deformable frame having a first end and a second end. The frame includes braided wires forming a body having a lumen extending therethrough for receiving the stent and the valve assembly, the body having a plurality of diameters from the first end to the second end. | 11-19-2015 |
20150289973 | LEAFLET ABRASION MITIGATION IN PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent extending in a longitudinal direction, the stent being formed of a plurality of struts forming cells and having a plurality of commissure features, a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A valve assembly may be secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. The cuff may be formed of a fabric and a second material different from the fabric, the cuff having commissure peaks and a plurality of midpeaks disposed between the commissure peaks. Each of the leaflets may have a free edge. | 10-15-2015 |
20150282932 | CUFF CONFIGURATIONS FOR PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. The stent is formed of a plurality of struts. A cuff is coupled to the stent. The cuff has one or more features configured to reduce abrasion and/or perivalvular leakage. | 10-08-2015 |
20150265401 | LEAFLET ABRASION MITIGATION - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent extending in a longitudinal direction and having a plurality of commissure features. A valve assembly is secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets. Each of the leaflets has a pair of attachment regions and a free edge extending between the attachment regions. A deflection feature disposed in each attachment region is configured and arranged to prevent the free edges of the leaflets from contacting at least one of the stent or the cuff. | 09-24-2015 |
20150265400 | AORTIC INSUFFICIENCY VALVE PERCUTANEOUS VALVE ANCHORING - An anchoring device for use within a cardiovascular structure includes an expandable ring having a central axis extending in a longitudinal direction. At least one leg extends from the ring in the longitudinal direction. The leg includes a first end connected to the ring and a free end, with at least one anchor connected to the leg. The anchoring device may be used to anchor a transcatheter heart valve within the cardiovascular structure. | 09-24-2015 |
20150250590 | TRANSAPICAL MITRAL CHORDAE REPLACEMENT - A chordae replacement device includes a first anchor for coupling to a native valve leaflet, a second anchor for coupling to heart tissue and a filament adapted for connection between the first anchor and the second anchor so as to limit the movement of the native valve leaflet away from the second anchor. | 09-10-2015 |
20150223820 | MITRAL VALVE TREATMENT DEVICE HAVING LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE - A heart treatment device includes an annuloplasty ring for restoring function to a mitral valve, an occluder configured and arranged for implantation within a left atrial appendage and a connector interconnecting the annuloplasty ring and the occluder. | 08-13-2015 |
20150173899 | Leaflet-Cuff Attachments for Prosthetic Heart Valve - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition, the stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent, the valve assembly including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each of the leaflets having a free edge having a first end and a second end, and a second edge secured to the cuff, the second edge having a first end, a second end, a first folded portion adjacent the first end, a second folded portion adjacent the second end, and an unfolded portion between the first and second folded portions. The first and second folded portions couple the leaflet to ones of the commissure features. | 06-25-2015 |
20150148893 | CUFF STITCHING REINFORCEMENT - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, the stent including a plurality of struts. A cuff may be coupled to the stent so that a flat, bottom edge of the cuff lies adjacent the proximal end of the stent. A pattern of stitches may be circumferentially disposed around the flat bottom edge of the cuff, the pattern of stitches alternating between stitches sewn to the cuff only and stitches sewn to both the cuff and the stent. | 05-28-2015 |
20150142104 | SEALING STRUCTURES FOR PARAVALVULAR LEAK PROTECTION - A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a valve assembly disposed within the stent, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets and a cuff annularly disposed about the stent. The cuff includes a surplus portion capable of forming a sealing structure having a diameter greater than a diameter of the proximal end of the stent when deployed. | 05-21-2015 |
20150134054 | PNEUMATICALLY POWER-ASSISTED TAVI DELIVERY SYSTEM - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve may include an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The handle may include a housing, a piston cylinder, a piston longitudinally slidable within the piston cylinder, the piston and the piston cylinder together defining at least one pressure chamber, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative thereto, and a pneumatic switch adapted to provide a pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber to apply a longitudinal force to the piston. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being operatively connected to the housing, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the piston, the distal sheath being moveable between a closed condition covering the compartment and an open condition uncovering the compartment. Longitudinal movement of the piston may move the distal sheath between the closed and open conditions. | 05-14-2015 |
20150112431 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING A COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. | 04-23-2015 |
20150101171 | ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR LOADING A SELF-EXPANDING COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member and a pusher member. The compression member has a first open end with a first diameter, a second open end with a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a tapered wall between the first open end and the second open end. The pusher member has a base adapted to engage an end of the valve. The pusher member and the compression member are movable relative to one another between an initial position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively far from the first open end of the compression member and an operative position in which the base of the pusher member is relatively close to the first open end of the compression member. Movement of the pusher and compression members from the initial position to the operative position radially compresses the valve. | 04-16-2015 |
20150100119 | VALVE LEAFLET ATTACHMENT IN COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The stent includes a plurality of cells, each cell being formed by a plurality of struts, and a plurality of commissure features. The heart valve further includes a valve assembly secured to the stent and including a cuff and a plurality of leaflets, each leaflet being attached to adjacent commissure features and to the stent struts and/or the cuff. | 04-09-2015 |
20150073539 | ALIGNMENT OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A medical device delivery system includes an inner shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a support shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and an articulating assembly disposed between the inner shaft and the support shaft. The support shaft is sized for insertion into the circulatory system of a patient. The articulating assembly includes a first portion at the distal end of the inner shaft and a second portion at the proximal end of the support shaft. The first portion is pivotable relative to the second portion to change orientation of the support shaft relative to the inner shaft. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073538 | ALIGNMENT OF AN IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE - A transcatheter valve delivery system includes a longitudinal member extending between a proximal end and a distal end, and having a compartment adjacent the distal end for holding a medical device in a collapsed condition. An alignment element is connected to the longitudinal member and is movable relative to the longitudinal member between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the alignment element is configured to urge against an anatomical surface to position the longitudinal member at a desired location relative to the anatomical surface. | 03-12-2015 |
20150045815 | APPARATUS FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR | 02-12-2015 |
20140379002 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet | 12-25-2014 |
20140364940 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY - A clip for use during the loading of a prosthetic heart valve into a delivery device having an operating handle, a catheter assembly having a compartment for receiving the prosthetic heart valve, and an outer shaft joining the catheter assembly to the operating handle. The clip includes a first receiver coupleable to the operating handle of the delivery device and a second receiver coupleable to the outer shaft of the delivery device. The first and second receivers may be arranged orthogonally to one another so that in use the clip orients the catheter assembly substantially orthogonally to the operating handle. | 12-11-2014 |
20140324043 | Electrode Assembly For Catheter System - An electrode assembly for a catheter system has a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. Multiple struts extend coextensively with each other from the proximal end to the distal end of the electrode assembly. Each strut carries an electrode spaced longitudinally from the proximal end of the electrode assembly. The longitudinal spacing of one electrode from the proximal end of the electrode assembly is different from the longitudinal spacing of another electrode from the proximal end of the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is configurable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, with the electrodes being transversely spaced from the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly a greater distance in the expanded configuration than in the collapsed configuration. In the expanded configuration, the electrodes are transversely spaced from the longitudinal axis of the electrode assembly approximately the same distance. | 10-30-2014 |
20140277428 | Thermally-Activated Biocompatible Foam Occlusion Device for Self-Expanding Heart Valves - A structure for sealing a gap between a medical device and adjacent body tissue includes a ring-shaped body formed at least in part of a material that expands from a compressed condition to an expanded condition when heated to a transition temperature and that is adapted to conform to the body tissue in the expanded condition. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277424 | PARAVALVULAR LEAK PROTECTION - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to at least one of the stent and a cuff. The heart valve further includes a conformable band disposed about the perimeter of the stent near the proximal end for filling gaps between the collapsible prosthetic heart valve and a native valve annulus. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277423 | SELF-ACTUATING SEALING PORTIONS FOR PARAVALVULAR LEAK PROTECTION - A prosthetic heart valve for replacing a native valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end and a distal end, and a valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets, the valve assembly being disposed within the stent. The heart valve further includes a plurality of elongated legs each with a first end coupled to the stent and a free end, the elongated legs being configured to transition from an extended configuration to a relaxed configuration. A sealing portion connected to the plurality of legs forms a sealing structure when the legs transition to the relaxed configuration to reduce perivalvular leakage between the implanted valve and surrounding tissue. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277417 | CUFF CONFIGURATIONS FOR PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. The stent is formed of a plurality of struts. A cuff is coupled to the stent. The cuff has one or more features configured to reduce abrasion and/or perivalvular leakage. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277407 | SIMULATED ENVIRONMENT FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE REPAIR - An apparatus for applying liquid pressure to resected tissue may include a fixture, a papillary assembly coupled to the fixture and having first and second spaced apart papillary attachment elements, and a resected mitral valve attached to the fixture. The fixture may have a first chamber, a second chamber, and an internal panel extending between the first and second chambers. The resected mitral valve may be attached to the internal panel and may have a posterior leaflet, an anterior leaflet, and tendinae chordae. The tendinae chordae may each be attached at a first end to the posterior leaflet or the anterior leaflet and at a second end to one of the papillary attachment elements. A first group of the tendinae chordae may be attached to the first papillary attachment element, and a second group of the tendinae chordae may be attached to the second papillary attachment element. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277389 | RADIOPAQUE TRANSCATHETER VALVE AND ANATOMICAL MARKERS - A prosthetic valve assembly for implantation in a patient's circulatory system includes a stent, a valve member coupled to the stent and defining a preferred landing zone relative to anatomical structures in the patient's circulatory system, and at least one marker positioned in a predetermined relationship relative to the landing zone of the valve member, the marker being visually distinguishable from the stent using an imaging technique. By observing the marker, the prosthetic valve assembly may be implanted in the patient so that certain ones of the anatomical structures lie within the landing zone. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276971 | MITRAL VALVE LEAFLET CLIP - A clip used to repair the tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include a shaft having a barb and a plurality of legs connected to the shaft. The plurality of legs may extend away from the barb in a first condition, and may extend towards the barb in a use condition. The clips may be delivered to the heart valve leaflet and applied to the same in a minimally invasive procedure using a transcatheter device. The device may be used to apply a single clip to the leaflet tissue or multiple clips. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276746 | FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING TWO OR MORE SITES ALONG DENERVATION CATHETER - A renal denervation system includes a renal denervation catheter and a flow determining system. The renal denervation catheter includes a plurality of ablation members positioned at a distal end portion thereof. The renal denervation catheter is insertable into a renal artery. The flow determining system includes a processor and first and second flow determining members spaced apart on the renal denervation catheter. The processor is configured to determine a change in blood flow through the renal artery resulting from a renal denervation procedure using the renal denervation catheter in response to input from the first and second flow determining members. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276742 | FEEDBACK SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RENAL DENERVATION UTILIZING BALLOON CATHETER - A renal denervation system includes an ablation catheter and an inflation balloon. The renal denervation catheter is insertable into a renal artery to perform a renal denervation procedure. The inflation balloon is inflatable within the renal artery, wherein one of a blood pressure condition in the renal artery resulting from operation of the inflation balloon and a performance characteristic of the inflation balloon indicates efficacy of the renal denervation procedure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276733 | MEDIGUIDE-ENABLED RENAL DENERVATION SYSTEM FOR ENSURING WALL CONTACT AND MAPPING LESION LOCATIONS - An ablation catheter includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. At least one ablation element is disposed on the body between the proximal end and the distal end and configured to ablate renal tissue to control hypertension. At least one localization sensor is disposed on the body and configured to interact with a magnetic field. The at least one localization sensor aids in determining an appropriate target tissue for ablation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140276643 | MULTILAYERED CATHETER SHAFT CONTAINING POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE POLYMERS - In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a surgical catheter is provided. The present disclosure provides a catheter shaft that includes a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portion comprises a handle operably connected to the distal portion of the elongated structure. The distal portion three radially positioned polymeric layers. At least two of the layers include chemically dissimilar polymers and at least one of the three layers includes functionalized polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). | 09-18-2014 |
20140276124 | QUANTIFICATION OF RENAL DENERVATION VIA ALTERATIONS IN RENAL BLOOD FLOW PRE/POST ABLATION - A renal denervation catheter includes a catheter shaft, at least one ablation member, and a sensor, and is operable to perform a renal denervation procedure. The catheter shaft includes a distal end portion insertable into a renal artery. The at least one ablation member is positioned at the distal end portion of the catheter shaft and operable to ablate renal nerves along a wall of the renal artery. The sensor provides information that correlates to blood flow in the renal artery. A change in blood flow rate in the renal artery resulting from the ablation is indicative of the efficacy of the renal denervation procedure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140257472 | METHOD OF PREPARING A TISSUE SWATCH FOR A BIOPROSTHETIC DEVICE - A method of preparing a tissue swatch comprising one or more desired thicknesses for use in the manufacture of a bioprosthetic device, said method comprising sectioning a sheet of frozen tissue to produce a tissue swatch of said one or more desired thicknesses. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257468 | Valve Holder With Leaflet Protection - An implantation device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a valve holder for maintaining the prosthetic heart valve in a closed configuration and at least one protective sheet coupled to the valve holder, the at least one protective sheet being configured to cover a leaflet of the heart valve during implantation. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257466 | TRANSCATHETER VALVE REPLACEMENT - A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly is disposed within the stent and includes a plurality of leaflets. A collapsible and expandable frame formed of braided wires has a body portion and a lumen extending through the body portion for receiving the stent and the valve assembly. The frame may include features for holding the prosthetic heart valve in place in a patient. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257457 | BALLOON RELEASE MECHANISM FOR TAVI IMPLANT - A delivery system for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction. An elongated sheath surrounds the shaft. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction. A space is defined inside of the sheath and is adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled or collapsed condition. A retainer is positioned at a first end of the space. At least one recess is provided in the retainer and is adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. A selectively activable member is disposed in the compartment between the longitudinal shaft and the medical device. When in an activated state, the member expands radially relative to the shaft, thereby urging the retention member to disengage from the recess. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257362 | FILTERING AND REMOVING PARTICULATES FROM BLOODSTREAM - A system and method to protect blood vessels from blockage by various debris. A vessel protector of the system may include a body formed from a filtering material, the body having a collapsed configuration and a tubular expanded configuration with an open proximal end and an open distal end, a first snare attached to one end of the body, and a first pull-wire connected to the first snare, whereby the exertion of a pulling force on the first pull-wire contracts the first snare and thereby closes the one end of the body. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257341 | PMVR CLIP CONFIGURATIONS FOR MITRAL LEAFLET - A clip for leaflet tissue includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end. In an initial configuration of the clip, the distal end has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the hollow body. The distal end is held in an expanded condition for delivery into a patient. When deployed, the distal end collapses to its initial configuration to grasp onto captured leaflet tissue. | 09-11-2014 |
20140257275 | THERMOCHROMIC POLYVINYL ALCOHOL BASED HYDROGEL ARTERY - A method of creating a thermochromic artificial blood vessel includes physically cross-linking a polyvinyl alcohol solution in a mold shaped to mimic a blood vessel to create an artificial blood vessel. The artificial tissue is then chemically cross-linked with a solution including a chemical cross-linking reagent. A coagulation solution is then applied to the artificial blood vessel to both inhibit the chemical cross-linking and promote physical cross-linking of the artificial blood vessel. The artificial blood vessel can be used to test an ablation catheter. The vessel, when heated by the ablation catheter, changes color and/or transparency at locations where the temperature of artificial blood vessel increases. | 09-11-2014 |
20140249621 | Transapical Mitral Valve Replacement - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having an outflow end and an inflow end, a plurality of commissure features attached to the stent, a plurality of anchoring features disposed on legs of the stent, the plurality of anchoring features being coupleable to a delivery device for repositioning, and a valve assembly disposed within the stent. The anchoring features may be configured to attach to heart tissue to help secure the prosthetic heart valve in an operating position. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249564 | Methods of Repositioning a Transcatheter Heart Valve After Full Deployment - A device for repositioning an implant within a lumen of a subject including (a) a catheter having forward and rearward ends and a collapsible and expansible stop element mounted adjacent the forward end of the catheter, the stop element being adapted to engage a wall of the lumen when expanded and to provide one or more passages extending from a rear side of the stop element to a forward side of the stop element when the stop element is expanded and engaged with the wall of the lumen and (b) one or more snares, each snare having engagement features, the stop element and the snares being constructed and arranged so that the snares can be positioned extending through the one or more passages with their engagement features forward of the stop element. | 09-04-2014 |
20140243969 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE WITH EXPANDABLE MICROSPHERES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a valve assembly mounted to an expandable stent. The prosthetic heart valve includes a cuff coupled to the stent. The cuff includes a pocket formed between an outer side and an inner side of the cuff. The pocket includes a plurality of biocompatible and irreversibly expandable microspheres. After implantation of the prosthetic heart valve into a patient, any gaps existing between the cuff and the native heart valve are exposed to bodily fluid, such as blood. The blood enters the pocket of the cuff through pores in the outer side of the cuff. The blood interacts with the microspheres, causing irreversible expansion of the microspheres. The microspheres expand to fill any gaps between the prosthetic heart valve and the native heart tissue, sealing the gaps and preventing leakage through the gaps. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243964 | SUTURELESS PROSTHETIC DEVICE - A prosthetic device for use in an anatomical orifice or lumen of a patient includes an expandable first stent structure coupled to a valve support structure having at least one leaflet. The stent structure includes a collar provided with at least one groove or opening adapted to engage a tab extending from the valve support structure. Rotation of the stent structure and valve support structure relative to one another assembles the prosthetic valve device. The prosthetic valve device may be used for sutureless treatment of various valvular conditions such as aorta stenosis and mitral valve replacement. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243957 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243860 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - An apparatus for gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet comprises an elongated member and a grasping assembly movable in the elongated member between a retracted position and an extended position. The grasping assembly includes an actuating arm having a proximal end and a distal end. The grasping assembly is attached to the distal end of the activating arm. The grasping assembly is operable to gather and clamp the tissue of the heart valve leaflet such that clamped tissue has a gathered configuration. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243856 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A transcatheter method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include inserting an elongated catheter assembly to a position adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the catheter assembly including a capture tool moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support, and a clamping member moveable between an open position and a closed position. The capture tool may be partially retracted to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. The clamping member may then be moved from the open position toward the closed position so as to clamp a substantial portion of the gathered tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. Subsequently, a clip may be applied from the catheter assembly to the clamped tissue so as to hold the clamped tissue substantially in a gathered configuration. | 08-28-2014 |
20140214158 | SURGICAL HEART VALVE FLEXIBLE STENT FRAME STIFFENER - A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame having annularly spaced commissure portions and an annulus portion disposed near an inflow edge, a fabric covering at least a portion of the frame and a valve assembly connected to the frame at the commissure portions, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. A stiffening member is disposed about the frame to limit ovalization of the frame when a radial force is applied to the frame. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214151 | DELIVERY DEVICE DISTAL SHEATH CONNECTOR - A connector for coupling a distal sheath to an inner shaft of a medical delivery device includes a wedge defining a lumen for accepting the inner shaft of the medical delivery device and a cylindrical ring sized to mate with the wedge. The wedge may be welded or otherwise fixed to the inner shaft. The wedge and the ring are configured to be pressed together and lock a portion of the distal sheath therebetween. | 07-31-2014 |
20140214072 | AORTIC GREAT VESSEL PROTECTION - A vessel protector system includes an outer sheath, an inner tube disposed within the outer sheath and moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer sheath and at least one protector coupled to the inner tube, each of the at least one protector having a body formed from a filtering material and extending between a leading end and trailing end coupled to the inner tube, the body having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A snare is coupled to the leading end of the body at one end, and having a second end passing through the interior of the outer sheath, whereby the exertion of a pulling force on the second end of the snare contracts the at least one protector. | 07-31-2014 |
20140213918 | TISSUE SENSING DEVICE FOR SUTURELESS VALVE SELECTION - A sensing device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, the sensing device including an elongated shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a sensing body coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the sensing body being adapted to fit within a native valve annulus and at least one microelectromechanical sensor attached to the sensing body, the at least one sensing body being capable of measuring a property of tissue. | 07-31-2014 |
20140196750 | PREPARATION METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment is defined, an inner shaft extending through the support shaft and adapted to slide relative to the support shaft along a longitudinal axis thereof, the inner shaft having a lumen therethrough, and a distal sheath operatively connected at a distal end to the inner shaft and slidable therewith. The compartment may receive the valve in an assembled condition, and may be selectively covered and uncovered by the distal sheath. A first flow path may provide flow communication between the lumen of the inner shaft and the compartment. | 07-17-2014 |
20140194718 | CATHETER WITH A MECHANISM FOR OMNI-DIRECTIONAL DEFLECTION OF CATHETER SHAFT - A catheter with a mechanism for omni-directional deflection of a catheter shaft includes a shaft assembly and a controller. The shaft assembly includes a first tubular component that has a preformed curvilinear distal section, a second, substantially straight tubular component with a main axis and an outer shaft. The first and second components are configured for slidable movement therebetween while preserving common rotation so that when the second component is axially moved in a distal direction, the second component deflects the preformed curvilinear section towards the main axis while orientation of the outer shaft is preserved. The controller is configured to effect relative axial movement between the first and second components as well as to effect rotation of the first and second components (and thus also of the preformed curvilinear distal section) without any rotation of the shaft relative to the handle. Varying the deflection of the preformed curvilinear section in combination with variable rotational movement achieves omni-directional distal tip bending. | 07-10-2014 |
20140157570 | Catheter and introducer catheter having torque transfer layer and method of manufacture - The instant invention relates generally to catheters and to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter catheters and introducer catheters having a torque transfer layer that includes at least two flat wires braided into a wire mesh. The flat wires have a width of at least about 0.007 inches and a depth of at least about 0.003 inches. The lumen diameter of the catheter is at least about 6 French. The torque transfer layer provides increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. | 06-12-2014 |
20140148674 | Bendable catheter arms having varied flexibility - In various embodiments, a catheter comprising an expandable electrode assembly or basket is provided. In specific embodiments, the basket is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity at one or more locations within the heart. The basket can comprise a plurality of bendable or deflectable arms. At least one of the arms may have varied flexibility over its length in the form of one or more discontinuities of stiffness or flexibility at an elbow region or other variances in flexibility over the arm's length. Such variance in flexibility may allow the arm to assume a different bent configuration or respond to external factors more positively than possible with an arm having a static or near static flexibility or stiffness over its length. | 05-29-2014 |
20140142408 | Basket catheter having multiple electrodes - Embodiments of the present invention provide a catheter that comprises an elongated catheter body ( | 05-22-2014 |
20140135813 | EMBOLIC PROTECTION DEVICE AND METHODS OF USE - An evacuation sheath assembly and method of reducing or removing a blockage within a vessel without permitting embolization of particulate matter is provided. The evacuation sheath assembly includes a first elongate tubular member, having proximal and distal ends and a main lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with a blood vessel. An expandable member is provided on a distal portion of the tubular member. The evacuation assembly further includes a second elongate tubular member having an inflation lumen configured to be placed in fluid communication with the expandable member and a fluid inflator. The fluid inflator is configured to be placed in fluid communication with the inflation lumen in order to provide a regulated pressure fluid source for inflating the expandable member. | 05-15-2014 |
20140114409 | PROSTHETIC ANATOMICAL DEVICE WITH SEWING CUFF FLANGE AND ANTI-ROTATION FEATURE - A prosthetic anatomical device, such as, for example an annuloplasty prosthesis, is disclosed in which the prosthesis comprises a generally annular core and a cover surrounding the core, with at least a portion of the cover forming a cuff. In some embodiments, the cover may be particularly configured about the core to form the cuff. Various methods and structures for mitigating or retarding movement between the annular core and the fabric cover are also disclosed. | 04-24-2014 |
20140114403 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube, a capture tool moveable in the tube between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support located within a distal portion of the tube, and a clamping member pivotable in the tube between an open position spaced from the tissue support and a closed position adjacent the tissue support. The clamping member may have a flattened clamping portion and a C-shaped portion that defines a pocket therein. An open side of the C-shaped portion may face the tissue support. The capture tool and the clamping member may be operable to gather and clamp tissue between the tissue support and the clamping member, such that the clamped tissue has a gathered configuration. The device may also include a releasable clip adapted to hold the clamped tissue in the gathered configuration. | 04-24-2014 |
20140107772 | ROUGHENED CUFF SURFACE - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. A cuff having an inner surface and an outer surface is made sufficiently rough to promote tissue growth. The prosthetic heart valve further includes a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to at least one of the stent and the cuff. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107768 | SIZING DEVICE AND METHOD OF POSITIONING A PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - A sizing device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent. A microelectromechanical sensor is coupled to the stent, the sensor being capable of collecting information related to the size and stiffness of tissue. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107767 | VALVE HOLDER AND LOADING INTEGRATION - A device for holding an implantable medical device includes a jar for receiving the implantable medical device, and a ring coupleable to the jar. The ring has a plurality of channels adapted to receive retaining features of the implantable medical device to stabilize the medical device within the jar. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107758 | RETAINING CAGE TO PERMIT RESHEATHING OF A TAVI AORTIC-FIRST TRANSAPICAL SYSTEM - A delivery device for an implantable medical device includes an inner shaft extending in a longitudinal direction and an outer shaft surrounding at least a longitudinal portion of the inner shaft. The outer shaft is slidable relative to the inner shaft in the longitudinal direction. A sheath surrounds a longitudinal portion of the outer shaft, the sheath having an outer diameter and being slidable in the longitudinal direction between a first position enclosing the medical device and a second position exposing the medical device to permit full functionality of the medical device. A retaining cage is coupled to the outer shaft, the retaining cage being configured and arrange to collapse the medical device during resheathing. | 04-17-2014 |
20140107639 | RENAL DENERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for denervation comprises introducing a distal portion of a catheter through an interior of a vessel of a patient to a location at or proximate one of a renal pelvis or a calyx. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter body includes the distal portion at the distal end and a catheter lumen from the proximal end to the distal end. Energy is delivered from the distal portion to cause renal denervation, for example, by denervating at least some tissue proximate at least one of the renal pelvis or a renal vessel from a location at or proximate the renal pelvis or the calyx from a location at or proximate the calyx. | 04-17-2014 |
20140094688 | Optic-based contact sensing assembly and system - The invention relates to an optic-based sensing assembly and a system incorporating the assembly and related use of the assembly. In particular, the invention relates to an optic-based catheter assembly and related system used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate environment, such as tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas. | 04-03-2014 |
20140052238 | DELIVERY DEVICE HAVING A CURVED SHAFT AND A STRAIGHTENING MEMBER FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION - A delivery device ( | 02-20-2014 |
20140039608 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A device for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongated direction, a capture tool moveable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, and a tissue securing component disposed at a distal end of the outer tube and adapted to be applied to tissue captured by the capture tool and to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. The capture tool may include two grasping members that are moveable relative to one another in the elongated direction. Each grasping member may have a proximal portion and a plurality of fingers or barbs. The grasping members may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet therebetween and to draw the captured tissue into the outer tube in the gathered configuration. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039607 | MITRAL VALVE LEAFLET CLIP - A device for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongation direction and having an open distal end, a capture tool movable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, and a tissue securing component disposed at a distal end of the outer tube and adapted to be applied to captured tissue of the heart valve leaflet to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. The outer tube may have an inner surface and a lumen extending therethrough. The capture tool may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet and to draw the captured tissue into the outer tube in the gathered configuration. The tissue securing component may be a suture having a looped portion. At least part of the looped portion may extend through a lumen of at least one support tube. | 02-06-2014 |
20140039531 | FLEXIBLE NOSECONE FOR PERCUTANEOUS DEVICE - A for gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an outer tube extending in an elongation direction and having an open distal end, a capture tool movable in the outer tube between a contained position and a use position, a tissue securing component disposed at the open distal end of the outer tube, a nosecone removably assembled over the open distal end of the outer tube in a protective condition, and an actuation member joined to a central portion of the nosecone and extending into a lumen of the outer tube. The capture tool may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet. The nosecone may have a central portion that extends across the open distal end of the outer tube and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion and overlying an outer surface of the outer tube adjacent the open distal end. | 02-06-2014 |
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 |
20140012371 | STENT AND IMPLANTABLE VALVE INCORPORATING SAME - A collapsible stent for an implantable prosthetic valve incorporates leaflet-supporting members having relatively large surface area in comparison to other members defining the remainder of the stent. The leaflet-supporting members may have openings extending through them. The valve leaflets may be attached to the stent so that an attached edge of each leaflet extends along the leaflet-supporting members and is attached to the members by polymer integral with the leaflet overlying the leaflet supporting members and extending into the openings of the leaflet supporting members. The secure attachment resists stress on the leaflets. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012367 | BALLOON SIZING DEVICE AND METHOD OF POSITIONING A PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE - A sizing device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, the sizing device includes a collapsible and expandable balloon having a proximal end, a distal end. At least one microelectromechanical sensor is coupled to the balloon, the at least one sensor being capable of measuring information related to size and stiffness of tissue. | 01-09-2014 |
20140005777 | VALVE CUFF SUPPORT | 01-02-2014 |
20140005776 | LEAFLET ATTACHMENT FOR FUNCTION IN VARIOUS SHAPES AND SIZES | 01-02-2014 |
20140005775 | COMMISSURE ATTACHMENT FEATURE FOR PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE | 01-02-2014 |
20140005771 | LEAFLET IN CONFIGURATION FOR FUNCTION IN VARIOUS SHAPES AND SIZES | 01-02-2014 |
20140005767 | SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN THE RELEASE OF A COLLAPSIBLE STENT FROM A DELIVERY DEVICE | 01-02-2014 |
20140000112 | VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR CRIMP PROFILE | 01-02-2014 |
20130345802 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICES FOR CONTROLLING THE SIZE AND SHAPE OF AN ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE OR LUMEN - 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 he 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. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345796 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AORTIC PROTECTION AND TAVI PLANAR ALIGNMENT - An assembly for guiding a medical apparatus within a patient includes an elongated shaft and a balloon affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. A mesh material may be affixed to the shaft and movable between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. The balloon may project away from the shaft when the balloon is in the expanded condition. The mesh material may project away from the shaft when the mesh material is in the expanded condition. | 12-26-2013 |
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 |
20130325116 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE HAVING A POLYMERIC STENT - A prosthetic heart valve includes annularly spaced commissure portions, each of which includes a tip. The stent is formed from a polymeric material, and is specifically configured to perform similarly to conventional metal stents. A first fabric covers each of the tips, and a second fabric covers the first fabric and remaining exposed portions of the stent. A first layer of tissue covers the second fabric, and a second layer of tissue overlies the second fabric. The second layer of tissue includes leaflet portions that extend inwardly between annularly adjacent ones of the commissure portions. | 12-05-2013 |
20130297013 | HYPOTUBE SHAFT WITH ARTICULATION MECHANISM - A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a shaft, a sheath, and a pull wire. The shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The sheath is attached to the shaft and is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The pull wire is mechanically coupled to the sheath such that movement of the pull wire rotates the sheath relative to the shaft. The sheath may be in a first position relative to the shaft when a distal end of the pull wire is in a first position and may be in a second position when the distal end of the pull wire is in a second position. Deflection of the sheath relative to the shaft enables a prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297012 | DELIVERY SYSTEM DEFLECTION MECHANISM - A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath has a distal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal sheath, and the distal sheath has a proximal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal sheath. The distal end of the proximal sheath and the proximal end of the distal sheath mate so that rotation of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath causes the distal sheath to deflect from coaxial alignment with the proximal sheath. Deflection of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath enables the prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297011 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The operating handle may include a housing defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable in a longitudinal direction within the movement space, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and a coupling assembly rotationally fixed to the deployment actuator. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a compartment is defined and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. Movement of the carriage assembly in the longitudinal direction in the movement space may move the distal sheath between the closed condition and the open condition. The coupling assembly may have an engaged position in which rotation of the deployment actuator moves the carriage assembly, and a disengaged position in which rotation of the deployment actuator does not move the carriage assembly. | 11-07-2013 |
20130297009 | AORTIC BANDS AND METHODS OF USE - A method of testing the performance of a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes wrapping an aortic band around an outer surface of a portion of an aorta, fastening a first end portion of the aortic band to a second end portion of the aortic band, implanting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve in the aorta at an implantation site, and flowing a pressurized fluid through the aorta. The aortic band may be positioned near the sinotubular junction of the aorta. When installed around the aorta, the aortic band reinforces the portion of the aorta so as to be more resistant to radial expansion. | 11-07-2013 |
20130295541 | TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY DEPLOYMENT SIMULATOR - An apparatus for simulation of an anatomical structure may include a left ventricle component having an inlet port configured to receive fluid flow therethrough, an aortic arch component having an outlet port configured to receive fluid flow therethrough, an aortic annulus component attached to and disposed between the left ventricle component and the aortic arch component, and an introducer configured to receive an elongated catheter assembly therethrough. The aortic annulus component may have an inner surface including simulated stenotic nodules. The introducer may be in fluid communication with at least one of the left ventricle component and the aortic arch component. | 11-07-2013 |
20130289699 | AORTIC VALVE HOLDER WITH STENT PROTECTION AND/OR ABILITY TO DECREASE VALVE PROFILE - A valve holder is connectable to a prosthetic valve including a stent having a plurality of commissure posts. The valve includes a base, a plurality of legs extending from the base, and one of several mechanisms for deflecting the plurality of commissure posts radially inward so as to temporarily decrease the overall size of the prosthetic valve. | 10-31-2013 |
20130289698 | RETAINERS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device | 10-31-2013 |
20130282000 | NON-ELECTRIC FIELD RENAL DENERVATION ELECTRODE - A renal denervation device can include an elongated catheter body extending along a longitudinal axis, and an assembly connected to the catheter body. The assembly includes a plurality of heating elements connected to the catheter body. Each heating element has a conductor and a layer of an RF dissipating material such as a polymer overlying the conductor. During operation of the device, the layer of RF dissipating material is disposed between the conductor and body tissues of a subject. The layer of RF dissipating material is substantially thicker than the Debye length within the material in order to reduce the electric field reaching the tissue and to eliminate direct contact of the electrode with the body tissue. | 10-24-2013 |
20130197632 | ADJUSTMENT SUTURE MARKERS FOR ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING - An adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a body in the form of an endless loop having an internal lumen therethrough, an adjustment suture extending through at least a portion of the internal lumen, a first portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a first opening in the body and a second portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a second opening in the body, and a first adjustment marker on the first portion of the suture outside of the body. The suture may be adapted to reduce the length of the body around the loop when tightened. | 08-01-2013 |
20130190859 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING A COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. | 07-25-2013 |
20130166020 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING A COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member, a constricting member, and a spacer which may be used for smaller sized heart valves. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the heart valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the heart valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the heart valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed heart valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. | 06-27-2013 |
20130123911 | TRANSAPICAL COLLAPSIBLE VALVE REFERENCE FIXTURE - A device for positioning a reference element during aortic valve implantation surgery. The device includes a first extension member having a proximal end and a distal end, a connection member adapted to connect the first extension member to a support, and a coupling having a first end connected to the connection member and a second end connected to the proximal end of the first extension member so that the first extension member is moveable in multiple planes relative to the support. At least one reference datum is operatively connected to the distal end of the first extension member and extends in a straight line, the reference datum being moveable between a first position and a second position to enable precise locating of the reference datum during the aortic valve implantation surgery. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123910 | INFLATABLE MINIMALLY INVASIVE SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING AND SECURING AN ANNULAR IMPLANT - A delivery device for an annular implant that includes a balloon expansion mechanism and an annular implant having an adjustable dimension. The balloon expansion mechanism includes an inflation tube attached to a non-occluding balloon collar which is supported by trusses radially extending from a trocar. The annular implant further includes a flexible ring core, contiguous coiled spacers, and anchoring blocks. The flexible ring core is adjusted via a cinching mechanism. The anchoring blocks are spaced along the ring core by the contiguous coiled spacers, which keeps the distance between each pair of anchoring blocks equidistant as the ring core diameter is manipulated by the device user. The annular implant can also include gunbarrel elements housed in the trocar. Each gunbarrel element contains a gunbarrel pusher which drives an attachment element into the annular implant and annular tissue. | 05-16-2013 |
20130123838 | CLOSURE DEVICES, RELATED DELIVERY METHODS AND TOOLS, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible. | 05-16-2013 |
20130073031 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HOLDING ANNULOPLASTY RINGS - Holders for releasably holding annuloplasty rings prior to and during the implantation of the rings employ any of a variety of features relating to such things as holder shape, handle attachment structures, securement of a ring to the holder, and release of the ring from the holder. In one aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and a more rigid connector. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks, wherein the interior surface of the cutting block is made of a higher durometer material than the bracket. The interior surface of the cutting block can be coated with a higher durometer material than the material of the bracket. In another aspect, the holder includes a flexible bracket and cutting blocks made of a higher durometer material than the flexible bracket. | 03-21-2013 |
20120203330 | METHOD OF POST-OPERATIVE ADJUSTMENT FOR MITRAL VALVE IMPLANT - The present invention is directed to a mechanism and procedure for adjusting a cardiac implant during the early post-operative period, such as, for example, the first 2-5 days after surgery. During the implant procedure, an adjustment tool is releasably attached to the adjustable implant. The adjustment tool remains connected to the implant following the procedure and extends from the patient's body to allow for post-operative adjustment under normal beating heart conditions. Once the implant is adjusted, the adjustment tool is configured to release from the implant and be removed from the patient's body without requiring access to the patient's heart. | 08-09-2012 |
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 |
20100234882 | CLOSURE DEVICES, RELATED DELIVERY METHODS AND TOOLS, AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible. | 09-16-2010 |
20100234881 | PFO CLOSURE DEVICES AND RELATED METHODS OF USE - Devices and methods for sealing a passageway formed by a patent foramen ovale (PFO track) in the heart are provided. One method includes providing an abrading device to the PFO track and abrading the tissue within the PFO track. The abraded tissue forming the PFO track is then held together under pressure, either via lowering right atrial pressure or via applying suction to the septum primum to pull it into apposition against the septum secundum. After a sufficient period of time, the pressure is released and the abraded tissue heals to form a robust seal over the PFO track. Additionally, several devices are provided which can be placed into the PFO track to apply adhesive to the walls of the PFO track. The devices may or may not be left within the PFO track. If the devices are not left within the PFO track, the walls of the PFO track, covered with adhesive, are brought into apposition with one another and adhered together. If the device is left within the PFO track, the device is flattened from an expanded configuration to a flattened configuration, and the walls of the PFO track, adhering to the outer surface of the device, are pulled toward each other as the device flattens. The device may also include interior structure to hold the device in a flattened configuration. | 09-16-2010 |