Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve devices for percutaneous replacement of native heart valves and associated systems and method are disclosed herein. A prosthetic heart valve device configured in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present technology can include an anchoring member having an upstream portion configured to engage with tissue on or near the annulus of the native heart valve and to deform in a non-circular shape to conform to the tissue. The device can also include a mechanically isolated valve support coupled to the anchoring member and configured to support a prosthetic valve. The device can further include an atrial extension member extending radially outward from the upstream portion of the anchoring member and which is deformable without substantially deforming the anchoring member. In some embodiments, the upstream portion of the anchoring member and the extension member may be deformed while the valve support remains sufficiently stable.

Abstract: A total artificial heart having a rotor with an impeller, wherein the rotor is mounted within a pump housing on a hollow shaft. The rotor is magnetically driven to produce rotary motion of the impeller for pumping blood. The motor is disposed within the pump housing such that axial translation within the housing acts as a shuttle valve to alternate flow between pulmonary and systemic circulation.

Abstract: A connection system implantable within a living body having an exterior skin includes a male connector and a female connector. The male connector includes a shaft extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft having an exterior surface surrounding the axis, at least one shaft contact carried on the shaft and exposed at the exterior surface, and a retaining element mounted to the shaft. The female connector includes a structure defining a bore extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end, at least one bore contact mounted to the structure and exposed within the bore and a catch element mounted to the structure. The catch and retaining elements allow the shaft to be inserted into the bore to align the contacts. A locking element rotatably locks the shaft in the bore. A method of implanting the system is also provided.

Abstract: A device for measuring heart valve for sizing a heart valve reinforcement ring, includes a handle having a first shaft and a second shaft; an inner ring coupled to the first shaft; an outer ring coupled to the second shaft; and a trigger mechanism configured and arranged to force the inner ring and outer ring together wherein an outer surface of the inner ring engages an inner surface of the outer ring; the inner surface of the outer ring and the outer surface of the inner ring having reciprocal mating surfaces configured and arranged to grip sutures therebetween when coupled together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprothesis, comprising a body containing a metallic material, and comprising at least one functional element that is fastened to the body and has a material composition in at least a portion of its volume that differs from the material of the body, the material composition preferably including radio-opaque and/or x-ray opaque material. To effectively prevent accelerated degradation due to the formation of a local cell of the material of the body and the functional element, the at least one functional element includes a first layer at least in the region of its surface where it is bonded to the body, the first layer primarily containing at least one metal oxide. Furthermore, the manufacture of an implant of this type is described.

Abstract: An implant having a preferably hollow cylindrical basic structure. A nonwoven fabric is disposed in and/or on the basic structure, the nonwoven fabric preferably comprising biocompatible thermoplastic polyurethane and/or a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactic acid; polycaprolactone, and a copolymer thereof, and/or a polymer including polyphosphazene. At least in at least one section of the implant, preferably at the proximal and/or distal ends of the implant, fastening means are provided or the nonwoven fabric is treated such that, at least in the expanded state of the implant, the protrusion of nonwoven fabric sections from the implant is significantly reduced. Furthermore, a method for producing such an implant is provided.

Abstract: A system for improving cardiac function is provided. A foldable and expandable frame having at least one anchoring formation is attached to an elongate manipulator and placed in a catheter tube while folded. The tube is inserted into a left ventricle of a heart where the frame is ejected from the tube and expands in the left ventricle. Movements of the elongate manipulator cause the anchor to penetrate the heart muscle and the elongate manipulator to release the frame. The installed frame minimizes the effects of an akinetic portion of the heart forming an aneurysmic bulge. Devices and methods are described herein which are directed to the treatment of a patient's heart having, or one which is susceptible to heart failure, to improve diastolic function.

Abstract: 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. The sewing ring may have a compliant insert having a celled construction defined by outer walls and inner ribs. A method of implantation, and a method of assembly of the heart valve is also provided.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve, and associated methods therefore, configured to replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally non-rigid and/or expanded/expandable form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices comprising a stent; and a coating on said stent comprising a polymer and an active agent, wherein the active agent comprises at least one of: extracellular matrix and an extracellular matrix component. Provided herein are methods of preparing a device comprising a stent and a coating on said stent; said method comprising: providing a stent; and forming a plurality of layers on said stent; wherein the coating comprises a polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least a portion of the active agent comprises at least one of extracellular matrix and an extracellular matrix component.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to devices and related methods for isolating a treatment region in a human body from fluid pressure. In various embodiments, an implantable device for isolating a treatment region in a human body from fluid pressure comprises a first elongated segment, and a second elongated segment, and one or more branch segments in fluid communication with one of the first elongated segment and the second elongated segment. The elongated segments have a combined cross section that is substantially conformable to an intraluminal cross section of a body lumen into which they are implanted. A method of installing an implantable medical device into the body of a patient comprises deploying a first elongated segment, deploying a second elongated segment, and deploying one or more branch segments in a target region of a vasculature.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchor may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart.

Abstract: Heart valve prostheses are provided for replacing a cardiac valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame including a first portion and a second portion. In the collapsed configuration, the first portion is positioned adjacent to the second portion. In the expanded configuration, the first portion moves to be positioned within an interior area of the second portion.

Abstract: A device for improving the function of a heart valve has a first and a second shape. The device comprises two contact points, and the device in the first shape exhibits a distance between the two contact points essentially corresponding to a distance between two commissures of the heart valve and the device in the second shape exhibits an increased distance between the contact points. The device is in the first shape arranged for insertion to the heart valve to establish a contact between the contact points and the commissures. The device is transferable from the first shape to the second shape, and the device is in the second shape arranged for extending in abutment with valve tissue throughout a cycle of heart action. The device may change the shape of the heart valve by stretching it between the commissures for improving the ability of the heart valve to close.

Abstract: A multi-component stent-graft system includes a first stent-graft, and second, third, and fourth branching stent-grafts. The first stent-graft is shaped so as to define, when in a radially-expanded state, proximal and distal superior first lateral openings facing in a first radial direction, and a distal inferior first lateral opening facing a second radial direction generally opposite the first radial direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing biologic tissues are described. For example, this document provides electrospinning systems and culturing techniques to make biologic heart valve leaflets and fibrosa layers of native valve leaflet having nanofibrous substrate layer(s). In some implementations, a tri-layered leaflet with circumferentially, randomly, and radially oriented nanofibers that mimics morphologies of native leaflets.

Abstract: An aortic arch device that is a unitary tube of graft material having a crimped unstented portion and a stented portion, a collar at the junction of the crimped unstented portion and the stented portion, at least one fenestration or lateral opening in the graft material to accommodate arteries in the aortic arch. Branches may extend from the fenestrations.

Abstract: Several unique intra-cardiac pressure vents, placement catheters, methods of placement and methods of treating heart failure are presented. The intra-cardiac pressure vents presented remain partially open under normal intra-cardiac pressures to allow sufficient flow from the left atrium to the right atrium to enable the relief of elevated left atrial pressure and resulting patient symptoms, and also limit the amount of flow from the right atrium to the left atrium by closing when the pressure in the right atrium exceeds the pressure in the left atrium by a predetermined amount.