Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: An atherectomy device containing cannula systems having lumens adapted for insertion of a blood filter and an atherectomy catheter useful for performing atherectomy directly on a patient's cardiovascular tissue. Other embodiments include a lumen for arterial perfusion useful in providing oxygenated blood to the aorta during cardiopulmonary bypass. The distal end of the atherectomy catheter includes an assembly with a pincer, a loop with or without a mesh, laser, hydraulics, or other suitable mechanism adapted for removing atheroma from a cardiac or vascular tissue. Methods of using the systems for vascular atherectomy are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for assisting with contraction of the heart muscle. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more flexible strips are attached to the surface of the heart, each strip having a plurality of electromagnets alternating with a plurality of permanent magnets. The electromagnets are electrically coupled to a control device and a power supply for generating current in the electromagnets. The control device controls the current in the electromagnets in such a way that the electromagnets are periodically activated to attract the adjacent permanent magnets to assist with contraction of the heart muscle. In some embodiments a sensor is provided for sensing the sinus rhythm so that the control device can activate the electromagnets based on the sensed sinus rhythm.

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilation is disclosed, wherein the device comprises two states. In a first of these states the device is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the device is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: A device for reshaping a cardiac valve (26), which is elongate and has such dimensions as to be insertable into a cardiac vessel (24). The device has two states, in a first state (K) of which the device has a shape that is adaptable to the shape of the vessel (24), and to the second state (k?) of which the device is transferable from said first state (K). Further, the device comprises a fixing means (22,23;22a,23a) for fixing the ends of the device within the vessel (24), when the device is first positioned therein, a shape-changing member (20;20a) for transferring the device to the second state (K?) by reshaping it, and a delay means (21;21a) for delaying said reshaping until the fixing of the ends of the device has been reinforced by keeping said device in said first state (K) until the delay means (21;21a) is resorbed.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for performing closed-chest surgical intervention within an internal cavity of a patient's heart or great vessel. A scope extending through a percutaneous intercostal penetration in the patient's chest is used to view an internal portion of the patient's chest. An internal penetration is formed in a wall of the heart or great vessel using cutting means introduced through a percutaneous penetration in an intercostal space in the patient's chest. An interventional tool is inserted through the internal penetration to perform a surgical procedure under visualization using the scope. A cutting tool is introduced into the patient's left atrium from a right portion of the patient's chest to remove the patient's mitral valve. A replacement valve is then introduced through an intercostal space in the right portion of the chest and through the internal penetration in the heart, and the replacement valve is attached in the mitral valve position.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of performing mitral annuloplasty is disclosed. An implantable device is positioned within the coronary sinus and tightened around the mitral annulus. Mitral valve regurgitation is monitored before, during, and/or after the tightening step. An on-going drug therapy may be determined, taking into account post-implantation hemodynamic function.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for determining the amount of change required in a coronary sinus to reduce valve regurgitation. The device includes a distal tube having a distal anchor at a distal end portion of the distal tube, a proximal tube having a proximal anchor at a distal end portion of the proximal tube, and an adjustor to move the distal tube relative to the proximal tube. The proximal tube and the distal tube together form a telescoping elongate body adapted to fit within the coronary sinus, and the device includes a scale to measure the movement of the distal anchor relative to the proximal anchor.