Abstract: A method of treating a mitral valve without open-heart surgery is disclosed. An expandable prosthesis comprises an anchoring portion and an occluding member coupled to the anchoring portion. The prosthesis is loaded into a distal end of a delivery catheter and advanced through a femoral vein and through a pre-made puncture in an atrial septum. The occluding member is then positioned in the mitral valve and the anchoring portion is positioned in the left atrium for maintaining the occluding member between the leaflets of the mitral valve. After deployment, the occluding member prevents blood from flowing from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole.

Abstract: A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve. The device and method is directed to an anchor portion for engagement with the heart wall and an expandable valve portion configured for deployment between the mitral valve leaflets. The valve portion is expandable for preventing regurgitation through the mitral valve while allowing blood to circulate through the heart. The expandable valve portion may include apertures for reducing the stagnation of blood. In a preferred configuration, the device is preferably configured to be delivered in two-stages wherein an anchor portion is first delivered and the valve structure is then coupled to the anchor portion. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming an anchor portion wherein a disposable jig is used to mold the anchor portion into a three-dimensional shape for conforming to a heart chamber.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium.

Abstract: A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises an anchoring means, preferably arranged to anchor the apparatus to a wall of the left ventricle. The blood flow controlling apparatus further comprises a valve means configured to expand in a direction transverse to blood flow. The valve means is preferably positioned within a native mitral valve and expands for making contact with the mitral valve leaflets during ventricular systole, thereby preventing blood from regurgitating back through the mitral valve into the left atrium. When blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle during ventricular diastole, the valve means collapses for allowing blood to pass freely through the mitral valve.

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 system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.

Abstract: A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. The pocket member is positioned within the mitral valve, between the leaflets so that an open end of the pocket member is positioned within the left ventricle. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood debris deflector, for preventing embolization during a surgical procedure, and methods for insertion and removal of the deflector. The method can include the steps of advancing an embolic deflection device through a first side branch vessel and into the main vessel, manipulating the deflection device such that it covers the opening to a second side branch vessel, and inverting the deflection device to remove the device from a patient.

Abstract: A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises an anchoring means, preferably arranged to anchor the apparatus to a wall of the left ventricle. The blood flow controlling apparatus further comprises a valve means configured to expand in a direction transverse to blood flow. The valve means is preferably positioned within a native mitral valve and expands for making contact with the mitral valve leaflets during ventricular systole, thereby preventing blood from regurgitating back through the mitral valve into the left atrium. When blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle during ventricular diastole, the valve means collapses for allowing blood to pass freely through the mitral valve.

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 system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.

Abstract: A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), each of which tension members are adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, each of said tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) having a first end (21b, 22b, 23b, 24b) and a second end (21a, 22a, 23a, 24a); and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the first ends (21b, 22b, 23b, 24b) of said tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to said muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart.

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: Disclosed are methods and devices for applying pressure to an adjacent tissue structure, such as the annulus of the mitral valve. An adjustable implant is provided with an elongate control line having a distal end connected to the implant and a proximal end spaced apart from the implant. The device enables post implantation adjustment, by accessing the proximal end of the control line and manipulating the control line to adjust the implant.

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 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 valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (4) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) is secured to the projecting apices (4). The valve prosthesis (9) can be compressed around the balloon means (13) of the balloon catheter (11) and be inserted in a channel, for instance in the aorta (10). When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly the balloon means (13) is inflated thereby expanding the stent and wedging it against the wall of the aorta. The balloon means is provided with beads (14) to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloon means during insertion and expansion. The valve prosthesis (9) and the balloon catheter (11) make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation comprising opening the thoracic cavity.