Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the native aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating is disclosed. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the aortic valve. An introducer is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer until a prosthetic heart valve positioned thereon is located within the aortic valve. The prosthetic heart valve is then radially expanded within the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer sheath is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A prosthetic heart valve is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer sheath using a delivery catheter. After positioning the prosthetic heart valve in the native aortic valve, the prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded in the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A method of delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus while a patient's heart is beating. The method includes accessing the left ventricle through an intercostal incision and forming a puncture in the left ventricle. A guidewire is advanced into the left ventricle and through the native aortic valve. An introducer sheath is passed over the guidewire and into the left ventricle. A prosthetic heart valve is advanced over the guidewire and through the introducer sheath using a delivery catheter. After positioning the prosthetic heart valve in the native aortic valve, the prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded in the aortic valve annulus for replacing the function of the native aortic valve.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a balloon catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve through an introducer in an antegrade fashion to the aortic annulus. The balloon catheter passes through an introducer that accesses the left ventricle through its apex and a small incision in the chest wall. The balloon catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to the distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A slider in a deflection handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment. The method includes using two concentric rings of purse-string sutures around the puncture in the left ventricular apex to maintain a good seal around instruments passed therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preventing or eliminating blood coagulation or thrombus during use of an intravenous anti-thrombotic sensor are disclosed. The method further comprises for providing antimicrobial into the infusion fluid source. An anti-thrombotic sensor is also disclosed that comprises a coating of a complex of a non-heparin anti-thrombotic agent and an alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium cationic salt.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic mitral valve assembly is disclosed. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly includes a stent and valve combination. The prosthetic mitral valve assembly is provided with an anchoring portion adapted to be positioned in the left atrium. In one embodiment, the anchoring portion includes at least one anchoring arm sized for placement in a pulmonary vein. The stent is radially expandable so that it can expand into position against the walls of the left atrium and accommodate a wide range of anatomies. Contact between the stent and the native tissue in the left atrium reduces paravalvular leakage and prevents migration of the stent once in place.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve assembly and method of inserting the same is disclosed. In certain disclosed embodiments, the prosthetic mitral valve assembly includes a stent and valve combination. The stent is designed so that the anchoring portion is positioned above the annulus of the mitral valve and in the left atrium. The stent is radially expandable so that it can expand into position against the walls of the left atrium and accommodate a wide range of anatomies. Contact between the stent and the native tissue in the left atrium reduces paravalvular leakage and prevents migration of the stent once in place.