Abstract: A method for passivating a biomaterial surface includes modifying proteinaceous material disposed at the biomaterial surface. The passivation may be effectuated by exposing the biomaterial surface to therapeutic electrical energy in the presence of blood or plasma.

Abstract: A method for passivating a biomaterial surface includes modifying proteinaceous material disposed at the biomaterial surface. The passivation may be effectuated by exposing the biomaterial surface to therapeutic electrical energy in the presence of blood or plasma.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring for attachment to an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprises an elongate tube of suturable material comprising a central segment and first and second end segments. An arcuate stiffener is received in the central segment of the tube and extends the length thereof. The arcuate stiffener is circumferentially confined within the central segment to prevent circumferential movement of the stiffener relative to the tube. The first and second end segments of the tube lack a stiffener and are axially deformable.

Abstract: A method for passivating a biomaterial surface includes modifying proteinaceous material disposed at the biomaterial surface. The passivation may be effectuated by exposing the biomaterial surface to therapeutic electrical energy in the presence of blood or plasma.

Abstract: A medical device including elongate probe defining proximal and distal ends and a thermally-transmissive region at its distal end, the elongate probe including a first fluid supply line in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region. A second fluid supply line is provided in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region, the second fluid supply line being connected to the elongate probe separately from the first fluid supply line. An exhaust line in fluid communication with the first and second fluid supply lines.

Abstract: A system and method for conditioning surfaces of a body in vivo includes providing an electrical energy source, coupling the electric energy source to the surface, and delivering electropositive current from the electrical energy source to the surface so as to generate a sub-threshold current density on the surface. In preferred embodiments, the sub-threshold electropositive current density is between about 0.001 and about 1.0 mA/cm2.

Abstract: A method for passivating a biomaterial surface includes modifying proteinaceous material disposed at the biomaterial surface. The passivation may be effectuated by exposing the biomaterial surface to therapeutic electrical energy in the presence of blood or plasma.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing paravalvular leakage upon implantation of a replacement heart valve is provided. The valve assembly includes a tissue or bioprosthetic heart valve attached to an anchoring structure. The anchoring structure includes an inlet rim that is substantially C-shaped in cross section to form a concave landing zone. The anchoring structure self-seats when implanted in the sinus of a patient with the proximal and distal ends of the C-shaped inlet rim pushed against the aorta to effectively prevent paravalvular leakage.

Abstract: A cryoprobe clamp for creating a lesion in a target tissue comprises a housing portion, a handle extending from the housing portion, a clamp assembly including a distal blade and a proximal blade structured for clamping a target tissue therebetween, a trigger mechanism positioned adjacent the handle and operably coupled to the clamp assembly, and an ablation tool extending between the housing portion and the clamp assembly. The distal blade includes receiving means structured to receive a distal portion of the ablation tool, and the proximal blade includes an outer frame surrounding an open window portion. Upon clamping the target tissue between the distal and proximal blades, a lesion formed by the distal end of the ablation tool is visible through the window portion of the proximal blade.

Abstract: A method for passivating a biomaterial surface includes exposing the biomaterial surface to therapeutic electrical energy in the presence of blood or plasma. The biomaterial surface may be removably secured within a chamber of a treatment system, which communicates the therapeutic electrical energy to the biomaterial surface while interfacing the biomaterial surface with blood or plasma.

Abstract: A system for minimizing and/or eliminating coagulative or mineral deposits on respective blood-contacting surfaces of implanted medical devices includes an implantable system having a current generating device that is electrically coupled to at least first and second electrodes for developing a current therebetween. The at least first and second electrodes are disposed across a patient's thoracic cavity in a manner so that a particular implanted medical device having at least a portion thereof that is fabricated from an electrically conductive material is disposed in a path substantially between such electrodes, thereby focusing the generated electrical current at the electrically conductive portion of the implanted medical device for therapeutic treatment thereat.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring for attachment to an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprises an elongate tube of suturable material comprising a central segment and first and second end segments. An arcuate stiff ener is received in the central segment of the tube and extends the length thereof. The arcuate stiffener is circumferentially confined within the central segment to prevent circumferential movement of the stiffener relative to the tube. The first and second end segments of the tube lack a stiffener and are axially deformable.

Abstract: An implant holder for removably retaining an implant during an implantation procedure includes a holder device having a frame defining a chamber. The frame may be configured for removable retention of an implant, such as the flexible bioprosthetic heart valve, substantially within the chamber. The removable retention of the implant to the implant holder maintains the implant in an orientation and shape suitable for implantation.

Abstract: A medical device including elongate probe defining proximal and distal ends and a thermally-transmissive region at its distal end, the elongate probe including a first fluid supply line in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region. A second fluid supply line is provided in fluid communication with the thermally-transmissive region, the second fluid supply line being connected to the elongate probe separately from the first fluid supply line. An exhaust line in fluid communication with the first and second fluid supply lines.

Abstract: A cryoprobe clamp for creating a lesion in a target tissue comprises a housing portion, a handle extending from the housing portion, a clamp assembly including a distal blade and a proximal blade structured for clamping a target tissue therebetween, a trigger mechanism positioned adjacent the handle and operably coupled to the clamp assembly, and an ablation tool extending between the housing portion and the clamp assembly. The distal blade includes receiving means structured to receive a distal portion of the ablation tool, and the proximal blade includes an outer frame surrounding an open window portion. Upon clamping the target tissue between the distal and proximal blades, a lesion formed by the distal end of the ablation tool is visible through the window portion of the proximal blade.

Abstract: The implant has an annularly bent base, whereby the imagined surface enclosed by the base is bent. Preferably the surface enclosed by the base is a symmetrical. It is particularly advantageous if the base is enclosed by a solid material and this is enclosed by a relatively soft material. This offers the possibility of designing fastening clips in the relatively solid material. Such implants are especially suited as heart valve rings.

Abstract: A method and device for reducing paravalvular leakage upon implantation of a replacement heart valve is provided. The valve assembly includes a tissue or bioprosthetic heart valve attached to an anchoring structure. The anchoring structure includes an inlet rim that is substantially C-shaped in cross section to form a concave landing zone. The anchoring structure self-seats when implanted in the sinus of a patient with the proximal and distal ends of the C-shaped inlet rim pushed against the aorta to effectively prevent paravalvular leakage.

Abstract: A system for minimizing and/or eliminating coagulative or mineral deposits on respective blood-contacting surfaces of implanted medical devices includes an implantable system having a current generating device that is electrically coupled to at least first and second electrodes for developing a current therebetween. The at least first and second electrodes are disposed across a patient's thoracic cavity in a manner so that a particular implanted medical device having at least a portion thereof that is fabricated from an electrically conductive material is disposed in a path substantially between such electrodes, thereby focusing the generated electrical current at the electrically conductive portion of the implanted medical device for therapeutic treatment thereat.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis containing electronic circuitry for monitoring valve performance provides information to an implanted transceiver arranged to transmit digital or analog data transcutaneously to an external transceiver. The implanted electronics may be integrally contained within the heart valve prosthesis, or alternatively, may be separately housed in a moisture-proof container within the patient's body but external to the heart. By coupling the implanted transceiver to a pulse generator and electrode combination, electrical stimulating pulses can be applied to the heart upon command from an externally located monitor/transceiver combination.

Abstract: An improved heart valve prosthesis arranged for permanent implantation to replace a defective natural heart valve, wherein the improved prosthesis device includes an annular body or ring designed to retain a pair of rotatable flat plate occluders. The structure of the present invention contains modifications which improve the flow dynamics therethrough, and reduce if not eliminate the formation of eddies or areas of stasis in and along the flow pattern. The annular ring is provided with oppositely disposed pairs of spherical segments which form pivot areas for the occluders, with the occluders being provided with concavities engageable with the spherical segments. Stops are provided for controlling the degree of arcuate travel or rotational skirt of motion. The abutment surfaces are arranged at positions spaced from the axis of rotation so as to improve the distribution of stresses created during closure.