Abstract: An implant (10) includes an expandable, flexible membrane (18) mounted over an expandable stent (12), which is releasably affixed to the balloon portion (14) of a catheter (16). The balloon (14) is inflated, thereby enlarging both the stent (12) and the membrane (18). Thereafter, the balloon (14) is deflated and the catheter (16) removed, leaving the stent (12) and membrane (18) in place. The implant (100) may also include an outer stent (106), surrounding a secured membrane (104).

Abstract: A pericardial strip and surgical stapler assembly, and method of use thereof, in which at least one pericardial strip is releasably attached to the jaws of the stapler by passing the outer ends of the stapler through holes in the strip(s). Preferably, the trailing end(s) of the strip(s) are secured to the proximal ends of the jaws by O-ring(s), suture(s) attached to the trailing end of the strip(s), or opening(s) in the strip(s). When the tissue is cut, the O-ring(s), suture(s), or opening(s) are also cut, thus permitting removal of the stapler and allowing at least a portion of the pericardial strips to remain.

Abstract: An extra-anatomic heart valve apparatus, which may be mounted externally to the heart, includes a heart valve positioned within a generally tubular conduit. An elongated outflow conduit extends from the tubular conduit and terminates in an end spaced from the heart valve. A resilient support and/or corrugations may be added to the outflow conduit to help resist compression of the conduit as well as to facilitate bending thereof.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis (88; 128) having a plurality of leaflets (18, 20 and 22; 138, 140 and 142). The valve (10; 130) is covered with a sheath (90; 172) of natural tissue. The sheath (90; 172) extends from an inflow end (12; 132) of the valve (10; 130) beyond an outflow end (14; 134) of the valve (12; 132) to define a plurality of lobes (98, 100 and 102; 182, 184 and 186). A substantially flexible annular ring (60; 162) may be positioned between the sheath (90; 172) and the heart valve (10; 132) to provide additional stability.

Abstract: A natural tissue heart valve prosthesis mounted in a cloth-covered, generally anatomical stent is disclosed. The prosthesis includes an annular implantation flange attached to the exterior base portion of the stent between the inflow end and the outflow end of the stent base and a pericardium strip attached to at least a portion of the outflow rails of the prosthesis to generally inhibit abrasion between the cusps of the valve and the cloth covering of the stent structure.

Abstract: A perfusion cannula for insertion into an artery having a main channel fluidly connected to an intra-aortic portion and in fluid connection with an aortic perfusion line of a cardiopulmonary by-pass. The cannula includes a first side port to which an extra-aortic balloon pump may be connected or through which an intra-aortic balloon pump may be inserted. Also, there is a blood pressure port which can be connected to a blood pressure monitoring device without removal of the cannula.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described to provide improved cardiac assist by the use of a new form of intraaortic balloon. A single small balloon may be placed in the ascending aorta close to the aortic valve, such placement being effective to produce a substantially stronger augmentation of heart action than with the use of a longer balloon normally placed, for example, in the descending aorta. Multiple small balloons positioned in the aortic arch, with or without a large balloon in the descending aorta, can be used to provide even stronger coronary flows. The external diameter of the balloons in their inflated condition should in all events never be so great as to block the aorta, even when the latter may become contracted.

Abstract: A device and procedure are provided which enable the attachment of a hollow cylindrical atriotomy button to, for example, the atrial appendage. The inventive device, which carries on its end the inner portion of an atriotomy button, is inserted through an incision in the hollow organ. When the device is triggered, the outer portion of the atriotomy button is forced over the inner portion. Sharp points, which are formed on the edge of the inner section, grasp and guide the walls of the incision during the operation of the device so that the walls are effectively clamped between the two button portions. After the button is in place, a cannula can be inserted into the heart through the access button or attached to the outer surface of the outer button portion.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve consists of a tubular membrane having a flexible generally circular inlet end adapted to be attached to the annulus of a heart with one side of the tube held to the heart cavity as by attachment to the papillary muscle while the other side of the tube is formed as an extended single flap adapted to move toward and away from the membrane on the attached side to provide a closed or open valve at the outlet end.