Abstract: Disclosed are a system, device, and method for controlling a differential fluid pressure between chambers in a heart. The device includes an implantable pop-off valve that may be secured between two chambers of a heart, such as the left and right atriums. The pop-off valve is normally in a closed position. If a differential fluid pressure across the device exceeds a pre-determined value, the pop-off valve is arranged to open to enable blood flow between the two chambers of the heart. When it is determined that the differential fluid pressure is substantially below the pre-determined value, the pop-off valve is configured to close. The system and method further discloses means for implanting the device into a septal region of the heart.

Abstract: A blood pressure control system regulates blood pressure of a patient. The system includes a pressure sensor that senses blood pressure of a patient, a processor that determines if the blood pressure sensed by the pressure sensor is above a target pressure, and a blood flow regulator that reduces venous return blood flow in response to the processor determining that the sensed blood pressure is above the target pattern. The system may alternatively be employed for acutely reducing blood pressure in response to detected congestive heart failure episodes.

Abstract: The invention provides a device, assembly, and method for transoral endoscopic restoration of a gastroesophageal flap valve. The invention also provides a self-steering and self-closing tissue fixation device for tissue fixation, and an invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering tissue. The restoration device includes a longitudinal member arranged for transoral placement into a stomach, a tissue shaper carried on the longitudinal member that causes stomach tissue to assume a shape related to a gastroesophageal flap, and a tissue fixation device that maintains the shaped stomach tissue in a shape approximating a gastroesophageal flap. The tissue shaper may include a mold. The device may include the invaginator device for gripping and maneuvering esophageal tissue to aid restoration of the gastroesophageal flap, and may include the tissue fixation device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for use in endovascular and intraoperative procedures providing arterial blood flow for perfusion of ischemic myocardium. Aspects of the present invention provide a conduit between a non-coronary sinus of the aorta and a coronary vein. The conduit traverses a portion of the right atrium and the coronary sinus, and is located entirely within the heart and aorta. Arterial blood flows from the aorta through the conduit and into the coronary venous circulation towards the ischemic region of the heart. All procedures described herein may be performed endovascularly, and further may be performed while the patient's heart is beating.