Abstract: An annuloplasty structure includes a contracting member. A fastener is configured to receive the contracting member therethrough, the fastener including a housing and a clamping structure disposed therein. The fastener has an open state in which the contracting member can pass through the fastener, and is biased toward assuming a closed state in which the clamping structure clamps onto the contracting member disposed through the fastener. A stop is coupled to the fastener in a manner that maintains the fastener in the open state. A tool includes static and dynamic cutting elements, and is configured to (a) apply tension to the contracting member by pulling the contracting member proximally through the fastener, (b) lock the tension in the contracting member by pulling the stop proximally out from the fastener, and (c) sever the contracting member by moving the dynamic cutting element. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for use with a heart of a subject includes advancing a tool distally along a flexible elongate contracting member, toward an anchor implanted at the heart. Tension is applied to the contracting member such that the contracting member slides proximally through a fastener disposed at the heart while a stop coupled to the fastener maintains the fastener in an open state. Using the tool, the stop is pulled proximally (i) away from the fastener, such that the fastener responsively clamps to the contracting member, thereby locking the tension in the contracting member, and (ii) against a cutting element of the tool such that the cutting element moves in a manner that severs the contracting member. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant comprises a leaflet-augmentation patch, a patch anchor, and a cord. The patch comprises a flexible sheet, and a frame that supports the flexible sheet. The frame defines a spring configured to tension the cord. The cord couples the patch anchor to the patch in a manner in which anchoring the patch anchor to a first leaflet of a heart valve of a subject positions the patch to coapt with a second leaflet of the valve during ventricular systole. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implantable device or implant is configured to be positioned within a native heart valve to allow the native heart valve to form a more effective seal. In some implementations, the implantable device or implant, or one or more portions thereof, can be configured to expand and/or contract. For example, the implantable device or implant can narrow during delivery and expand on implantation on the native heart valve.

Abstract: A method for use with a heart of a subject includes advancing a tool distally along a flexible elongate contracting member, toward an anchor implanted at the heart. Tension is applied to the contracting member such that the contracting member slides proximally through a fastener disposed at the heart while a stop coupled to the fastener maintains the fastener in an open state. Using the tool, the stop is pulled proximally (i) away from the fastener, such that the fastener responsively clamps to the contracting member, thereby locking the tension in the contracting member, and (ii) against a cutting element of the tool such that the cutting element moves in a manner that severs the contracting member. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are provided including a contracting member fastener. The contracting member fastener can surround the contracting member and include a clamping structure that is biased toward assuming a closed state to clamp onto the contracting member passed therethrough. A stop can be removably coupled to the fastener and maintain the fastener in an open state. A contracting-member-uptake tool can include static and dynamic cutting elements and graspers configured to pull stop proximally such that the stop pushes against and moves the dynamic cutting element with respect to the static cutting element in order to facilitate severing of the contracting member. Other applications are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are provided including a contracting member fastener. The contracting member fastener can surround the contracting member and include a clamping structure that is biased toward assuming a closed state to clamp onto the contracting member passed therethrough. A stop can be removably coupled to the fastener and maintain the fastener in an open state. A contracting-member-uptake tool can include static and dynamic cutting elements and graspers configured to pull stop proximally such that the stop pushes against and moves the dynamic cutting element with respect to the static cutting element in order to facilitate severing of the contracting member. Other applications are also provided.