Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis and a method for implanting the prosthesis in a heart are disclosed. The prosthesis includes a tubular body a coupled to a prosthetic valve. A fabric may be disposed on an outer surface of the tubular body. The method includes partially deploying the tubular body from a catheter to at position distal of a distal edge of a native valve leaflet, and moving the catheter such that the deployed outflow end portion of the tubular body engages the distal edge of the native valve leaflet and lifts the native valve leaflet in the proximal direction towards an atrial chamber of the heart. Then, the tubular body can be fully deployed such that the native valve leaflet is captured between the outflow end portion and the inflow end portion.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve system and a method of implanting a replacement heart valve in a patient. The replacement heart valve system includes a radially self-expandable tubular body and a valve including a plurality of leaflets coupled to the tubular body. The tubular body includes interconnected struts defining circumferential rows of cells, and has an outflow end and an inflow end that flares radially outward so as to have a larger outer diameter than that of the outflow end. A first row of proximal-most cells formed at the inflow end includes circumferentially adjacent cells that are disconnected from each other so as to be spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. A method of implanting the replacement heart valve includes delivering from a delivery catheter the tubular body, and expanding the tubular body such that the proximal-most cells are disposed against the native heart valve annulus.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis and a method for implanting the prosthesis in a heart are disclosed. The prosthesis includes a tubular body a coupled to a prosthetic valve. A fabric may be disposed on an outer surface of the tubular body. The method includes partially deploying the tubular body from a catheter to at position distal of a distal edge of a native valve leaflet, and moving the catheter such that the deployed outflow end portion of the tubular body engages the distal edge of the native valve leaflet and lifts the native valve leaflet in the proximal direction towards an atrial chamber of the heart. Then, the tubular body can be fully deployed such that the native valve leaflet is captured between the outflow end portion and the inflow end portion.

Abstract: A catheter member for interacting with a circumferential tissue structure includes: an elongate primary catheter having at least one inner lumen and extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second elongate secondary catheters, each having an inner lumen, and each positionable in an inner lumen of the primary catheter to be moveable relatively thereto and exposable therefrom; and a first flexing mechanism to provide a distal end portion of the first and/or second secondary catheter with a tendency to assume a first secondary bent shape. The distal end portion of the first and/or second secondary catheters is provided so as to be able to be flexed by the first flexing mechanism to form an arm portion substantially transverse to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the primary catheter so as to assume the first secondary bent shape when exposed from a distal end portion of the primary catheter.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve system and a method of implanting a replacement heart valve in a patient. The replacement heart valve system includes a radially self-expandable tubular body and a valve including a plurality of leaflets coupled to the tubular body. The tubular body includes interconnected struts defining circumferential rows of cells, and has an outflow end and an inflow end that flares radially outward so as to have a larger outer diameter than that of the outflow end. A first row of proximal-most cells formed at the inflow end includes circumferentially adjacent cells that are disconnected from each other so as to be spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. A method of implanting the replacement heart valve includes delivering from a delivery catheter the tubular body, and expanding the tubular body such that the proximal-most cells are disposed against the native heart valve annulus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: A catheter member for interacting with a circumferential tissue structure includes: an elongate primary catheter having at least one inner lumen and extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second elongate secondary catheters, each having an inner lumen, and each positionable in an inner lumen of the primary catheter to be moveable relatively thereto and exposable therefrom; and a first flexing mechanism to provide a distal end portion of the first and/or second secondary catheter with a tendency to assume a first secondary bent shape. The distal end portion of the first and/or second secondary catheters is provided so as to be able to be flexed by the first flexing mechanism to form an arm portion substantially transverse to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the primary catheter so as to assume the first secondary bent shape when exposed from a distal end portion of the primary catheter.

Abstract: A catheter member for interacting with a circumferential tissue structure includes: an elongate primary catheter having at least one inner lumen and extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second elongate secondary catheters, each having an inner lumen, and each positionable in an inner lumen of the primary catheter to be moveable relatively thereto and exposable therefrom; and a first flexing mechanism to provide a distal end portion of the first and/or second secondary catheter with a tendency to assume a first secondary bent shape. The distal end portion of the first and/or second secondary catheters is provided so as to be able to be flexed by the first flexing mechanism to form an arm portion substantially transverse to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the primary catheter so as to assume the first secondary bent shape when exposed from a distal end portion of the primary catheter.

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: An implant for implantation around a circumferential tissue structure in a heart, includes a flexible elongated component having a longitudinal axis and a first distal end portion, a second distal end portion and an intermediate portion extending between the first and second distal end portions, and an inner lumen extending longitudinally between the first and second distal end portions and through the intermediate portion; and a locking member for allowing the first distal end portion to be fixedly connected to the second distal end portion so as to provide the elongated component as a closed loop. The first distal end portion is provided with a first distal opening which connects the inner lumen with an outside of the component. The second distal end portion is provided with a second distal opening which connects the inner lumen with the outside of the component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus.

Abstract: A system for implanting a heart valve includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end and a preformed groove disposed at an outer surface of the tubular body between the inflow end and the outflow end. The preformed groove extends at least partially around the tubular body and has a circumferential opening facing radially outward of the tubular body. A valve is disposed within and is attached to the tubular body, and an elongate outer member is configured to form a loop encircling the preformed groove so as to guide portions of native valve leaflets and/or chords into the preformed groove. The outflow end of the tubular body includes a frustoconical shape that slopes radially outward from the preformed groove toward the outflow end when the outflow end but not the inflow end has been released from a delivery catheter.

Abstract: A system for implanting a heart valve includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and an outflow end and a projection extending from a side surface of the tubular body toward the inflow end. The system further includes a valve disposed within and attached to the tubular body, and may include fabric that forms a pouch between the tubular body and the projection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modifying a heart valve annulus in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. A helical anchor is provided, having a memory set to a coiled shape or state. The helical anchor is further configured to self-revert from a substantially straight state to the coiled state. The helical anchor is loaded within a needle that constrains the helical anchor to the substantially straight state. The needle is delivered to the valve annulus and inserted into tissue of the annulus. The helical anchor is then deployed from the needle (e.g., the needle is retracted from over the helical anchor). Once deployed, the helical anchor self-transitions toward the coiled shape, cinching engaged tissue of the valve annulus.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve comprises a collapsible and expandable support frame comprising a longitudinal axis. The frame comprises a first circumferential undulating structure defining an outflow end of the frame, and a second circumferential undulating structure spaced apart from the first circumferential undulating structure. The frame also comprises a plurality of struts longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the frame, and connecting the first circumferential undulating structure to the second circumferential undulating structure. Each strut of the plurality of struts comprises a first end terminating at a trough of the first circumferential undulating structure, and a second end terminating at a peak of the second circumferential undulating structure. The prosthetic heat valve also comprises a biological tissue valve coupled to the frame.