Abstract: The present invention relates to minimally invasive methods and apparatus for performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes creating a first plication in the tissue near a mitral valve of a heart, using at least a first plication element, and creating a second plication in the tissue near the mitral valve such that the second plication is substantially coupled to the first plication. In another aspect, an apparatus for performing annuloplasty includes a distal catheter portion having a sidewall defining a lumen, anchor delivery structure disposed in the lumen, and al least one anchor supported on the anchor delivery structure. The anchor delivery structure is movable from a first position wherein the anchor is disposed within the lumen, to a second position wherein the anchor is moved through an opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.

Abstract: Methods of repairing the mitral valve and reducing mitral regurgitation. One method includes securing a first tissue anchor to a position on a posterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve and a second tissue anchor to a position on an anterior portion of the annular tissue of the mitral valve. At least one tensile member spans between the first and second tissue anchors and across the orifice of the mitral valve. When tension is applied to the at least one tensile member, the posterior portion of the annular tissue is pulled toward the anterior portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a steerable guide catheter includes a handle and an elongated shaft extending outwardly away from and being coupled to the handle. The shaft has a distal end opposite the handle. The shaft further has a first preformed curved section at the distal end and a second preformed curved section that is located proximal to the first preformed curved section. The two preformed curved sections can be fabricated as part of a molding process whereby the two preformed curved sections are effectively “baked in” the catheter shaft. The guide catheter also has a steering mechanism for controllably steering at least the first preformed curved section at the distal end. The steering mechanism is coupled between the handle and elongated shaft and being configured such that actuation of the steering mechanism causes the first preformed curved section to be bent in at least two planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.

Abstract: A tissue anchoring system includes a tissue anchor member that is suitable for anchoring against tissue. The system also includes a tensioning member operatively connected to the anchor member such that the anchor member can slide relative to the tensioning member, the tensioning member capable of being pulled to cause the anchor member to move relative to the tensioning member into a position seated against the tissue. A hand operated deployment catheter is operable to extend and deploy the anchor member therefrom. The deployment catheter includes a rotatable member about which the tensioning member is routed and a clutch assembly for limiting tension within the tensioning member to prevent the deployed anchor from being pulled through the tissue.

Abstract: A catheter based medical device is provided for a percutaneous surgical procedure that provides forward-looking visualization and delivery of a medical device. The catheter includes a carriage at its distal end and an ultrasonic transducer is supported by the carriage. A conduit that has its proximal end disposed within the catheter and the conduit passes through the sidewall of the catheter proximate to the distal end of the catheter so that the distal end of the conduit is disposed on an exterior of the sidewall of the catheter. A medical device is deliverable through the lumen of the conduit and the ultrasonic transducer provides visualization of the medical device distally of the transducer.

Abstract: Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a minimally invasive method of performing annuloplasty. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for performing annuloplasty includes accessing a left ventricle of a heart to provide a discrete plication element to the left ventricle, and engaging the plication element to tissue near a mitral valve of the heart. Engaging the plication element includes causing the plication element to gather a portion of the tissue to create a plication. In one embodiment, accessing the left ventricle of the heart to provide the plication element includes accessing the left ventricle of the heart using a catheter arrangement.

Abstract: A device for treating mitral regurgitation including an anchor which features one or more reinforcing bars, ribbon and suture.

Abstract: A tissue anchor includes an anchor member formed from a generally flexible material. An activation member, which may be a tensioning member, causes proximal and distal end portions of the anchor member to move toward each other into a shortened configuration suitable for anchoring against the tissue. The tissue anchor can optionally be deployed and activated using a catheter device.

Abstract: Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: Suture cutters and methods of cutting suture in a surgical procedure. The suture cutter may include an actuator, an intermediate cannula portion and a movable cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may be operatively coupled to the actuator and include a cutting element. An adjustably sized cutting window receives the suture. The adjustably sized cutting window may be bound on at least one side with the cutting element for cutting the suture received inside the cutting window. Actuation moves the cutting assembly to cut the suture.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems, devices and methods may employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.

Abstract: A locker for securing one or more tensioning members includes a locker body having a first aperture, a second aperture, and a passageway extending therebetween. A pin is coupled to the locker body so as to traverse the passageway and is movable between a latent condition wherein the tensioning members are movable with respect to the locker body, and an activated condition wherein the tensioning members are prevented from moving relative to the locker body. A method of using a suture locker includes delivering the suture locker to a surgical site via a catheter assembly and actuating the pin so as to move the locker from the latent condition to the activated condition.

Abstract: Catheter based systems and methods for securing tissue including the annulus of a mitral valve. The systems and methods employ catheter based techniques and devices to plicate tissue and perform an annuloplasty.