Abstract: A system is for use at a heart valve having an annulus and leaflets coupled to the annulus. The system comprises a tensile member, and first and second anchors, each anchor comprising multiple flat, flexible anchor elements. The system further comprises one or more catheters, configured to (i) transluminally anchor the first anchor and the second anchor to the annulus across the valve from each other such that the tensile member extends from the first anchor, over at least one of the leaflets, to the second anchor, and (ii) subsequently, apply tension to the tensile member by sliding the tensile member through the first anchor in a manner that (a) for each of the first and second anchors, draws the anchor elements together and against the annulus, and (b) draws the first anchor and the second anchor toward each other. Other embodiments are also described.

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 distal end of a guide catheter is transvascularly advanced into a left ventricle of a heart of a subject. While the distal end of the guide catheter remains disposed in the left ventricle, a first tissue anchor of an implant is deployed from the distal end of the guide catheter. Subsequently, the guide catheter is retracted while progressively exposing the implant. Subsequently, a second tissue anchor of the implant is anchored to a posterior annulus of a mitral valve of the heart by deploying at least part of the second anchor within a left atrium of the heart, such that the implant extends from the first tissue anchor, over an atrial side of a posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, and to the second tissue anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant comprising an elongate member configured to be anchored to tissue of a heart, and to move between an elongate configuration and a shortened configuration and a tensioning member. The tensioning member can define a first segment and a second segment such that the first segment extends between a first tensioning-member end and a turn of the tensioning member, and the second segment extends between the turn and the second tensioning-member end. The tensioning member extends along the elongate member such that the elongate member can slide relative to the tensioning member and such that applying tension to the tensioning member causes the elongate member to move from the elongate configuration to the shortened configuration, which can cause the implant to reshape an annulus of a heart valve.

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: A distal end of a guide catheter is transvascularly advanced into a left ventricle of a heart of a subject. While the distal end of the guide catheter remains disposed in the left ventricle, a first tissue anchor of an implant is deployed from the distal end of the guide catheter. Subsequently, the guide catheter is retracted while progressively exposing the implant. Subsequently, a second tissue anchor of the implant is anchored to a posterior annulus of a mitral valve of the heart by deploying at least part of the second anchor within a left atrium of the heart, such that the implant extends from the first tissue anchor, over an atrial side of a posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, and to the second tissue anchor. Other embodiments are also described.

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: 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 and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

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: 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: A system is provided for delivering respective anchors into spaced apart locations along an annulus of a mitral valve. The system includes a first catheter member having a first lumen formed therein for receiving a first guide wire and also includes a second catheter member that is configured to move between an expanded position and a collapsed position relative to the first catheter member. The second catheter member has a lumen formed therein for receiving a second guide wire when the second catheter member is in the expanded position. The second catheter member is fixedly connected to the first catheter member by a first connector (that defines first and second living hinges) which is configured to deploy under a select condition to automatically cause the second catheter member to move to the expanded position.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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 and methods for accessing body tissue are disclosed. The systems and methods can include an introducer assembly for percutaneous access to a body lumen. The assembly can include a needle and an over-the-needle guidewire. The needle and the guidewire can be inserted into body tissue and the guidewire advanced into the body tissue relative to the needle. The needle can be removed after advancing the guidewire.

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: 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. One of the methods includes positioning at least two discrete, flat first anchor elements along a first side of a tissue of the mitral valve annulus in stacked relationship and at least two other discrete, flat first anchor elements along the second side of the tissue of the mitral valve annulus in stacked relationship.