Abstract: A medical apparatus and method suitable for remodeling a mitral valve annulus adjacent to the coronary sinus. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having a proximal region and a distal region. Each of the proximal and distal regions is dimensioned to reside completely within the vascular system. The elongate body may be moved from a first configuration for transluminal delivery to at least a portion of the coronary sinus to a second configuration for remodeling the mitral valve annulus proximate the coronary sinus. A forming element may be attached to the elongate body for manipulating the elongate body from the first transluminal configuration to the second remodeling configuration. Further, the elongate body may comprise a tube having a plurality of transverse slots therein.

Abstract: A stent includes a central portion of helically wound undulations formed of struts, cylindrical end portions, and transition zones between the helical portion and the cylindrical portions. According to a first aspect of the invention, the torsional flexibility of the stent is maximized by having bridges connecting adjacent winding be interrupted by the maximum possible number of undulations. In a preferred design, each winding includes nineteen undulations around the circumference, bridges are provided every five undulations. According to a second aspect of the invention, uniform opening of the transition zone is achieved by altering the width, and thereby the flexibility, of a series of struts in accordance with their lengths. Specifically, the long transition zone struts are made wider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substitution infusion fluid for hemofiltration of a specific composition. The use of said substitution infusion fluid significantly reduces the risk of the occurrence of abnormalities in a patient undergoing pure hemofiltration. The invention also relates to process for pure hemofiltration of blood wherein said substitution infusion fluid is used. The invention also relates to a matching citrate anticoagulation fluid of a specific composition. The invention also relates to a process for pure hemofiltration of blood wherein said substitution infusion fluid is used in combination with said citrate anticoagulation fluid. The use of said substitution infusion fluid in combination with said citrate anticoagulation fluid significantly further reduces the risk of the occurrence of abnormalities in a patient undergoing pure hemofiltration.

Abstract: A device for treatment of atrioventricular regurgitation comprises a suturing means. The suturing means has such dimensions as to be introducible, via blood vessels leading to the heart, to two leaflets of the atrioventricular valve between an atrium and a corresponding ventricle of the heart. Further, the suturing means is designed for binding together the two leaflets in a position along the free edges of the leaflets. As a result, the closing of the valve is improved.