Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring system for repairing an atrioventricular cardiac valve includes an external support ring (2), an inner adjustable ring (4), a sliding pushing element (6) mounted between the external and inner rings (2, 4), and actuating element designed to control the pushing element (6). The pushing element (6) is designed, when actuated by the actuating element, to slide between the external ring (2) and the inner ring (4) and to press on the inner ring (4) by using the external ring (2) as a support, in such a way that a precise part of the inner ring (4) is deformed without modifying the perimeter of the inner ring (4).

Abstract: A self expanding cannula with improved drainage properties based upon its greater length is provided, along with methods of using the cannula in cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: An artificial contractile structure generally devised to be used in the medical field to assist the functioning of an organ, includes a support (2) and one or more fibers (5) fixed thereto. The fibers are made of a contractile material which can be activated by an activator so as to provide the structure in a rest or activated position, the activated position being defined with fibers of reduced length compared to their length in the rest position. The structure is adapted to be placed around a hollow part of an organ to be contracted. The fibers are distributed along the support in order to be able to reduce the volume of the hollow part, when the fibers are contracted. The fibers and the activator are designed so that the temperature of fluids or tissues surrounding the organ does not increase above 40° C., preferably 39° C., and more preferably 38° C.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring system for repairing an atrioventricular cardiac valve includes an external support ring (2), an inner adjustable ring (4), a sliding pushing element (6) mounted between the external and inner rings (2, 4), and actuating element designed to control the pushing element (6). The pushing element (6) is designed, when actuated by the actuating element, to slide between the external ring (2) and the inner ring (4) and to press on the inner ring (4) by using the external ring (2) as a support, in such a way that a precise part of the inner ring (4) is deformed without modifying the perimeter of the inner ring (4).

Abstract: An artificial contractile structure generally devised to be used in the medical field to assist the functioning of an organ, includes a support (2) and one or more fibers (5) fixed thereto. The fibers are made of a contractile material which can be activated by an activator so as to provide the structure in a rest or activated position, the activated position being defined with fibers of reduced length compared to their length in the rest position. The structure is adapted to be placed around a hollow part of an organ to be contracted. The fibers are distributed along the support in order to be able to reduce the volume of the hollow part, when the fibers are contracted. The fibers and the activator are designed so that the temperature of fluids or tissues surrounding the organ does not increase above 40° C., preferably 39° C., and more preferably 38° C.

Abstract: A self expanding cannula with improved drainage properties based upon its greater length is provided, along with methods of using the cannula in cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract: Artificial contractile tissue including a structure (b,f) and several fibers (a,g) of variable length which are fixed at their ends to the structure (b,f). The fibers (a,g) are made of a contractile material which can be activated by an activator in such a way as to provide a tissue in a rest or in an activated position, the rest position being defined with non-rectilinear fibers (a,g) and the activated position being defined with fibers (a,g) of reduced length; the transition from the rest towards the activated position or vice-versa being defined by a fiber movement along a lateral direction which is perpendicular with respect to the fiber length.

Abstract: Stent-valves (e.g., single-stent-valves and double-stent-valves), associated methods and systems for their delivery via minimally-invasive surgery, and guide-wire compatible closure devices for sealing access orifices are provided.

Abstract: Method and device to convert movement of human body part such as heart, diaphragm, skeletal muscles, etc. into electrical energy using smart materials like electroactive polymers, piezoelectric materials or other materials which passive deformation produces electric signals.

Abstract: The hot-gas engine comprises a cylinder, a working piston which together with a cylinder cover delimits a cylinder space designed to accommodate a working medium, a displacement piston which divides the cylinder space into a first and a second working space, as well as a heating device for heating device for heating up the working medium contained in the first working space, and a cooling device for cooling the heated working medium. The working spaces are connected so as to be communicating by way of a regenerator arranged in the displacement piston. The heating device comprises a heating area on the end wall of the working piston, and a heating arrangement associated with the working piston. The cooling device comprises an injection device for feeding liquefied working medium into the first working space. This design provides improved heat supply to the working medium contained in the cylinder, and further provides direct cooling of said working medium.

Abstract: A cannula having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends is provided. The diameter of the lumen of the cannula can be varied to take into account differences in the diameter of access and target vessels during cannulation. The cannula is further characterized by at least one mechanism that, upon actuation, serves to alter the conformation of the cannula between a normal profile conformation and a low profile conformation. The normal profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion, which is smaller than the lumen diameter both proximal and distal to the point of insertion, with the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion also expandable to the diameter of the cannulated vessel of the patient. The low profile conformation is characterized by the cannula having a lumen diameter at the point of insertion that is greater than the lumen diameter distal to the point of insertion.

Abstract: An artificial contractile tissue and a cardiac assist device and method, in which a spatial arrangement of contractile elements defining a three-dimensions contractile web is driven in a reversible contraction in order to determine a controlled contraction of the web in at least one direction.