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 locker for securing one or more tensioning members and a method of using the same is described. The locker includes a locker body having a passageway through which tensioning members extend. A movable member is coupled to the locker body and traverses the passageway. The movable member is movable between a latent position within the passageway in which the one or more tensioning members are movable relative to the locker body and an activated position within the passageway in which the one or more tensioning members are locked relative to the locker body. A hub surrounds the locker body such that the locker body is retractable with respect to the hub. Retraction of the locker body causes the movable member to move distally from the first position to the second position.

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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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: 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.