Abstract: Adjustable, flexible mitral and tricuspid annuloplasty rings having internal drawstrings that emerge from the rings on the annular faces so that the drawstring knots are out of the bloodstream, the drawstrings being contained in clearly marked channels, the mitral ring having a curved semi-flexible stiffener member in the anterior segment to maintain intertrigonal distance during implantation, the plane of the anterior segment lying at an angle of about 30.degree.-75.degree. to the plane of the posterior segment, arcing up across the anterior leaflet to prevent outflow tract obstruction.

Abstract: A method of removing plaque from vessels by at least partially isolating a portion of a vessel which is partially occluded by plaque from the remainder of the vessel, forcing a slurry to flow in contact with the plaque in the vessel to abrade the plaque, and withdrawing the slurry from the vessel, and apparatus for carrying out the method, are disclosed.

Abstract: A coronary artery retraction clip consisting of a single piece of stainless steel wire formed into a uniquely shaped spring, partially covered with a soft, polymer coating to provide a non-slip surface allowing the clip to be readily gripped with surgical forceps, or the gloved hand is disclosed.

Abstract: A cardiac sling for supporting the heart during surgery a support a polymeric film net of interconnecting ribs of polymeric material for applying, in use, sufficient pressure to the portions of the surface of the heart adjacent the ribs to prevent hemorrhage from the anastomotic site of bypass grafting is disclosed.

Abstract: A single patient use disposable cardiac insulator to aid myocardial preservation during cardio-pulmonary bypass procedures which thermally insulates the myocardium from the pericardial cavity is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved vessel occluder that is suitable for use in coronary artery surgery, comprising two smooth bullet shaped occluders, thermoformed from extruded tubing, affixed to the each end of a monofilament, which is looped and passed through a length of radiopaque soft plastic tubing which acts as a simple holder is disclosed.

Abstract: A packaged prosthesis and a system and method for washing prosthetic and other implants with a biologically compatible wash solution prior to implantation, which allows for complete washing of valve and graft tissue to remove preservatives used to store the tissue grafts and or treat the same, having containers containing the wash solution, a sterile filter in fluid communication with these containers, a valve to the sterile filter to control the flow of wash solution from the containers to the sterile filter and a wash chamber, in fluid communication with the sterile filter, for positioning the prosthesis or tissue implant to permit wash solution to flow freely over and wash the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A packaged prosthesis and a system and method for washing prosthetic and other implants with a biologically compatible wash solution prior to implantation, which allows for complete washing of valve and graft tissue to remove preservatives used to store the tissue grafts and or treat the same, having containers containing the wash solution, a sterile filter in fluid communication with these containers, a valve to the sterile filter to control the flow of wash solution from the containers to the sterile filter and a wash chamber, in fluid communication with the sterile filter, for positioning the prosthesis or tissue implant to permit wash solution to flow freely over and wash the same are disclosed.