Abstract: A device and method for treating cardiac valve regurgitation. The device includes a tubular member including a lumen there through and a locking mechanism and a compression device carried on the tubular member. The compression device is transformable to a compression configuration in response to axial displacement and is locked in the compression configuration by the locking mechanism. The method includes positioning the compression device adjacent a cardiac valve and applying an axial displacement to the compression device to transform the compression device into a compression configuration and locking the compression device in the compression configuration to apply a compressive force to the cardiac valve.

Abstract: A device comprising a reference ring that may be temporarily disposed in abutment with the inferior perimeter surface of a heart valve to aid non-optical visualization of the valve annulus. The reference ring is elastically transformable between a straight delivery configuration and a generally circular or helical deployment configuration. The reference ring may include an inflatable portion that can be temporarily expanded on the inferior side of the valve annulus to deform the valve annulus into a temporary ledge or shelf for apposition with an annuloplasty ring. A system comprising a delivery catheter including a lumen with an exit port, the reference ring being slidably positionable within the lumen and being extendable from the exit port.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter for use during the therapeutic intervention of a cerebral blood vessel for flushing away fluid and debris from the area of the therapeutic intervention is provided. The catheter carries an inflatable occlusion balloon capable of being formed into a funnel with the larger end of the funnel facing distally. The funnel-shaped occlusion balloon seals the walls of the vessel to establish retrograde flow of blood. The peripheral walls of the funnel meet the vessel walls at an oblique angle and channel fluid and debris flowing proximally into the funnel to efflux ports at the base of the funnel.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the pressure in a tracheal cuff used with a tracheal tube to seal the walls of the trachea with respect to the tube, the cuffed tracheal tube being of the type used with an automatic respirator which cycles between an inhalation mode and an exhalation mode.