Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure include systems and devices for delivering an annuloplasty implant and anchor delivery apparatus to a valve annulus. The systems and devices of the disclosure are configured to dispense and secure or anchor the implant to the valve annulus. Various implants of the disclosure include one or more cinching members that can be tensioned to reshape the valve annulus. Methods of deploying the implant, securing the implant to the valve annulus and reshaping the valve annulus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tether subassembly, which may be employed by a tool that deploys an implantable medical device, includes a test segment for verification of adequate fixation of the device at an implant site. When the device is located in proximity to a distal opening of the tube, a tether first length extends through an attachment structure of the device and within an elongate tube of the tool, a tether second length extends alongside the tether first length within the tube, and the test segment is located in proximity to the distal opening. The test segment is configured so that only a tug force, applied to the tether first length, and greater than or equal to a predetermined force, can pull the test segment through an aperture, either of the delivery tool or of the device. The predetermined force corresponds to a minimum adequate fixation force for the device.

Abstract: A tool of an interventional medical systems system includes a core configured to be temporarily attached to the implantable medical device, as the tool deploys the device to expose a fixation member of the device for engagement with tissue at a target implant site; the core is then employed to verify adequate fixation of the deployed device via a tug test. An operator determines that the device is adequately fixed by the engaged fixation member, if a tug force that is applied to the core modifies the temporary attachment between the core and the device, to allow release of the device from the temporary attachment. A tether, which is fixedly attached to the core, may be employed to create the temporary attachment between the core and the device, or the temporary attachment may be created by a snap fit formed between the core and the attachment structure of the device.

Abstract: A tether subassembly, which may be employed by a tool that deploys an implantable medical device, includes a test segment for verification of adequate fixation of the device at an implant site. When the device is located in proximity to a distal opening of the tube, a tether first length extends through an attachment structure of the device and within an elongate tube of the tool, a tether second length extends alongside the tether first length within the tube, and the test segment is located in proximity to the distal opening. The test segment is configured so that only a tug force, applied to the tether first length, and greater than or equal to a predetermined force, can pull the test segment through an aperture, either of the delivery tool or of the device. The predetermined force corresponds to a minimum adequate fixation force for the device.

Abstract: A tool of an interventional medical systems system includes a core configured to be temporarily attached to the implantable medical device, as the tool deploys the device to expose a fixation member of the device for engagement with tissue at a target implant site; the core is then employed to verify adequate fixation of the deployed device via a tug test. An operator determines that the device is adequately fixed by the engaged fixation member, if a tug force that is applied to the core modifies the temporary attachment between the core and the device, to allow release of the device from the temporary attachment. A tether, which is fixedly attached to the core, may be employed to create the temporary attachment between the core and the device, or the temporary attachment may be created by a snap fit formed between the core and the attachment structure of the device.