Abstract: A valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient. The valve repair device includes a paddle, a gripping member, and an indicator. The paddle and/or the gripping member are movable to form an opening or capture region between the gripping member and the paddle. The indicator is configured to indicate whether a leaflet of the native valve is inserted into the opening or capture region between the paddle and the gripping member to at least a minimum insertion depth.

Abstract: An implant for use at a heart of a subject includes a contraction wire. The contraction wire extends from a first portion of the implant, to which a first wire-end of the contraction wire is attached, to a second portion of the implant. An adjustment mechanism, including a pulley system including a first pulley and a second pulley, is coupled to the contraction wire. Actuation of an actuator increases the distance between the first and second pulleys, thereby drawing the contraction wire into the adjustment mechanism and drawing the first portion and the second portion closer together. 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 annuloplasty structure includes a flexible sleeve and an elongate contraction wire. The sleeve has a first sleeve-end-portion, a second sleeve-end-portion, and a circumferential wall that defines a longitudinal lumen between the first and second sleeve-end-portions. The contraction wire has a first wire-end and a second wire-end, the first wire-end being attached to the sleeve at the first sleeve-end-portion. The wire extends, in association with the circumferential wall, from the first sleeve-end-portion to the second sleeve-end-portion. The wire is arranged with respect to the sleeve such that increasing a longitudinal proportion of the wire that is disposed within the lumen longitudinally contracts the sleeve. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage container for an expandable prosthetic heart valve that crimps the valve upon opening the container and removal of the valve from the container. The container includes a housing sized to receive the heart valve in its expanded configuration and a crimping mechanism. The crimping mechanism is incorporated into the container and engages the heart valve so as to operably convert the heart valve from its expanded configuration to its smaller crimped configuration upon opening the container and removing the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage container for an expandable prosthetic heart valve that crimps the valve upon opening the container and removal of the valve from the container. The container includes a housing sized to receive the heart valve in its expanded configuration and a crimping mechanism. The crimping mechanism is incorporated into the container and engages the heart valve so as to operably convert the heart valve from its expanded configuration to its smaller crimped configuration upon opening the container and removing the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage container for an expandable prosthetic heart valve that crimps the valve upon opening the container and removal of the valve from the container. The container includes a housing sized to receive the heart valve in its expanded configuration and a crimping mechanism. The crimping mechanism is incorporated into the container and engages the heart valve so as to operably convert the heart valve from its expanded configuration to its smaller crimped configuration upon opening the container and removing the valve.

Abstract: An implant comprises a first fabric and a second fabric. The first fabric comprises first fibers, disposed in a first orientation, and second fibers interwoven with the first fibers and disposed in a second orientation that is different to the first orientation. The second fabric comprises third fibers, and fourth fibers interwoven with the third fibers. The second fabric is attached to the first fabric in a manner in which: the first and second fabrics collectively form a body portion of the implant, the third fibers are disposed in a third orientation that is different to the first and second orientations, and the fourth fibers are disposed in a fourth orientation that is different to the first, second, and third orientations. The body portion is configured to be secured to an upstream surface of a native valve of a heart of a subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage container for an expandable prosthetic heart valve that crimps the valve upon opening the container and removal of the valve from the container. The container includes a housing sized to receive the heart valve in its expanded configuration and a crimping mechanism. The crimping mechanism is incorporated into the container and engages the heart valve so as to operably convert the heart valve from its expanded configuration to its smaller crimped configuration upon opening the container and removing the valve.

Abstract: An annuloplasty structure includes a flexible sleeve and an elongate contraction wire. The sleeve has a first sleeve-end-portion, a second sleeve-end-portion, and a circumferential wall that defines a longitudinal lumen between the first and second sleeve-end-portions. The contraction wire has a first wire-end and a second wire-end, the first wire-end being attached to the sleeve at the first sleeve-end-portion. The wire extends, in association with the circumferential wall, from the first sleeve-end-portion to the second sleeve-end-portion. The wire is arranged with respect to the sleeve such that increasing a longitudinal proportion of the wire that is disposed within the lumen longitudinally contracts the sleeve. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a storage container for an expandable prosthetic heart valve that crimps the valve upon opening the container and removal of the valve from the container. The container includes a housing sized to receive the heart valve in its expanded configuration and a crimping mechanism. The crimping mechanism is incorporated into the container and engages the heart valve so as to operably convert the heart valve from its expanded configuration to its smaller crimped configuration upon opening the container and removing the valve.