Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus comprises a clip including a proximal end received within a capsule. The clip includes a clip locking member biased to engage a first locking structure of the capsule to lock the clip in the capsule in a closed configuration. The apparatus also comprises a tension member releasably coupling the clip to a proximal end of the device which, during use, remains accessible to a user. The tension member is coupled to the clip by a joint designed to release when subject to a predetermined load to separate the clip from the device, release of the joint releasing the locking member to engage the first locking structure.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for repair of a heart valve leaflet includes an elongated catheter assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the catheter assembly. A capture mechanism having a first free end and a second free end is rotatably coupled to a distal end of the tip. A plication mechanism has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and extends between the first free end and the second free end of the capture mechanism when in the open configuration. The device may also include a clip housing at a proximal end of the tip configured to hold a clip therein.

Abstract: Release mechanism for medical device includes a bushing having a proximal end, a distal end and a channel extending therethrough. Plurality of extend proximally from the distal end are biased toward a release configuration in which engagement surfaces at distal ends thereof retract radially into the channel. A core pin insertable through the channel applies a radially expansive pressure to move the arms radially outward to a locking configuration. Engagement surfaces of the first and second arms connect to a retaining surface of a tissue treatment device containing capsule, which extends at an angle relative to the engagement surfaces selected so that a first portion of a force transmitted along an axis of the bushing moves the arms radially inward toward the release configuration before a second portion of the force exceeds a threshold level associated with the removal of a tissue treatment device from gripped tissue.

Abstract: Release mechanism for medical device includes a bushing having a proximal end, a distal end and a channel extending therethrough. Plurality of extend proximally from the distal end are biased toward a release configuration in which engagement surfaces at distal ends thereof retract radially into the channel. A core pin insertable through the channel applies a radially expansive pressure to move the arms radially outward to a locking configuration. Engagement surfaces of the first and second arms connect to a retaining surface of a tissue treatment device containing capsule, which extends at an angle relative to the engagement surfaces selected so that a first portion of a force transmitted along an axis of the bushing moves the arms radially inward toward the release configuration before a second portion of the force exceeds a threshold level associated with the removal of a tissue treatment device from gripped tissue.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: A device 10 for gathering tissue in a patient includes an elongated catheter 14 and a capture assembly 13 at a distal portion of the catheter. The capture assembly has a closed side 18 and a door 20 rotatable between an open condition and a closed condition. The closed side 18 of the capture assembly 13 and the door 20 in the closed condition may collectively define a tissue capturing compartment 19. Movement of the door 20 from the open condition to the closed condition adjacent the tissue may capture a portion 44 of the tissue in the tissue capturing compartment 19. A clip may then be applied from the capture assembly 13 to the captured tissue 44 to hold the tissue substantially in a gathered configuration.

Abstract: A device 10 for gathering tissue in a patient includes an elongated catheter 14 and a capture assembly 13 at a distal portion of the catheter. The capture assembly has a closed side 18 and a door 20 rotatable between an open condition and a closed condition. The closed side 18 of the capture assembly 13 and the door 20 in the closed condition may collectively define a tissue capturing compartment 19. Movement of the door 20 from the open condition to the closed condition adjacent the tissue may capture a portion 44 of the tissue in the tissue capturing compartment 19. A clip may then be applied from the capture assembly 13 to the captured tissue 44 to hold the tissue substantially in a gathered configuration.

Abstract: A device 10 for repairing mitral valve leaflets 2, 3 includes a jaw mechanism 15 that may be positioned adjacent a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The jaw mechanism 15 may move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting a first jaw relative 16 to a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 may include a rivet 28 that may move from a stored position to an application position projecting away from the first jaw 16 when the jaw mechanism 15 is moved from the closed to the open position. Closing the jaws 16, 18 about a valve leaflet 2, 3 causes the rivet 28 to pierce the leaflet. The jaw mechanism 15 may then be rotated to wind the leaflet 2, 3 thereabout and again pierce the leaflet. The rivet 28 may then be released from the jaw mechanism 25 and the device 10 removed from the patient.

Abstract: A device 10 for repairing mitral valve leaflets 2, 3 includes a jaw mechanism 15 that may be positioned adjacent a mitral valve leaflet 2, 3. The jaw mechanism 15 may move between an open position and a closed position by pivoting a first jaw relative 16 to a second jaw 18. The first jaw 16 may include a rivet 28 that may move from a stored position to an application position projecting away from the first jaw 16 when the jaw mechanism 15 is moved from the closed to the open position. Closing the jaws 16, 18 about a valve leaflet 2, 3 causes the rivet 28 to pierce the leaflet. The jaw mechanism 15 may then be rotated to wind the leaflet 2, 3 thereabout and again pierce the leaflet. The rivet 28 may then be released from the jaw mechanism 25 and the device 10 removed from the patient.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An introducer (10) with a steerable distal tip section (17) is disclosed. The steerable distal tip section may comprise an articulation support member comprising a laser-cut pattern of symmetrical elongated apertures in which the shape of each aperture is defined by at least three radii, a central radii being the largest and two end radii being smaller. This pattern of apertures can minimize ovaling of the cross-sectional shape of introducer shaft over the length of the deflectable section. The introducer can articulate in multiple planes. A tension pull wire can allow the introducer to resist directional bias.

Abstract: Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

Abstract: A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube extending in a longitudinal direction and a capture tool moveable in the elongated tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated tube may have at least one slot extending generally in the longitudinal direction from a distal end of the elongated tube. The at least one slot may have an open end at the distal end of the elongated tube and a closed end remote therefrom. The capture tool may be operable to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet into the at least one slot. The gathered tissue may have a pleated configuration.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device includes a clip including first and second arms distal ends of which are biased apart and a core member including first and second portions connected to one another via a frangible link. The first portion includes a first protrusion for engaging a cut-out in the first arm. The frangible link is fractured when subjected to a load of at least a predetermined level deploying the clip. The device also includes a capsule slidably housing the core member and a proximal portion of the clip.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A device for repair of a heart valve leaflet includes an elongated catheter assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, and a tip at the distal end of the catheter assembly. A capture mechanism having a first free end and a second free end is rotatably coupled to a distal end of the tip. A plication mechanism has an open configuration and a closed configuration, and extends between the first free end and the second free end of the capture mechanism when in the open configuration. The device may also include a clip housing at a proximal end of the tip configured to hold a clip therein.