Abstract: A sequentially deployed prosthetic cardiac valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. A first anterior tab is disposed on an anterior portion of the frame. A posterior tab is on a posterior portion of the self-expanding frame. The frame may be designed so that any portion may expand sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first anterior tab and a portion of the posterior tab may partially self-expand first. Next, the first anterior tab may fully self-expand before the posterior tab fully self-expands. The posterior tab may fully self-expand next followed by the ventricular skirt, or the ventricular skirt may self-expand next followed by full expansion of the posterior tab.

Abstract: A biopsy needle sterilant device includes a sterilant pouch holding a sterilant and a sterilant actuation mechanism in fluid communication with the sterilant pouch. Actuation of the sterilant actuation mechanism delivers the sterilant from the sterilant pouch toward a target tissue. Actuation may be performed manually without requiring an external power source. The sterilant device may be coupled to a biopsy needle guide or an ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A method for delivering a prosthetic valve to a patient's heart having a native valve with a plurality of valve leaflets includes providing a delivery device with a prosthetic valve, advancing the delivery device toward the native valve, and expanding a portion of the prosthetic valve to form a flanged region that is upstream of the valve leaflets. One or more tabs on the prosthetic valve are released so that they expand outward to a position that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. The position of the prosthetic valve is adjusted relative to the valve leaflets and rapid pacing is applied to the patient's heart so that the valve leaflets move inward toward the prosthetic valve or the delivery device. The tabs are further released to allow the tabs to move into their final positions.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprises a self-expanding frame which includes a self-expanding atrial skirt that forms a flanged region, a self-expanding ventricular skirt, and a first self-expanding tab coupled with the ventricular skirt. A receptacle for receiving a valve leaflet is formed by the area bounded by an outer surface of the atrial skirt, an outer surface of the ventricular skirt, and an inner surface of the first tab. The receptacle has a window for receiving the valve leaflet that is defined by a gap between an edge of the flange and a tip of the first tab. The gap is maximized when the tip of the first tab is unconstrained and a base of the first tab is at least partially constrained. The gap is minimized when the tip of the first tab and its base are unconstrained.

Abstract: A sequentially deployed prosthetic cardiac valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. A first anterior tab is disposed on an anterior portion of the frame. A posterior tab is on a posterior portion of the self-expanding frame. The frame may be designed so that any portion may expand sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first anterior tab and a portion of the posterior tab may partially self-expand first. Next, the first anterior tab may fully self-expand before the posterior tab fully self-expands. The posterior tab may fully self-expand next followed by the ventricular skirt, or the ventricular skirt may self-expand next followed by full expansion of the posterior tab.

Abstract: A sequentially deployed prosthetic cardiac valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. A first anterior tab is disposed on an anterior portion of the frame. A posterior tab is on a posterior portion of the self-expanding frame. The frame may be designed so that any portion may expand sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first anterior tab and a portion of the posterior tab may partially self-expand first. Next, the first anterior tab may fully self-expand before the posterior tab fully self-expands. The posterior tab may fully self-expand next followed by the ventricular skirt, or the ventricular skirt may self-expand next followed by full expansion of the posterior tab.

Abstract: A method for delivering a prosthetic valve to a patient's heart having a native valve with a plurality of valve leaflets includes providing a delivery device with a prosthetic valve, advancing the delivery device toward the native valve, and expanding a portion of the prosthetic valve to form a flanged region that is upstream of the valve leaflets. One or more tabs on the prosthetic valve are released so that they expand outward to a position that is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the prosthetic valve. The position of the prosthetic valve is adjusted relative to the valve leaflets and rapid pacing is applied to the patient's heart so that the valve leaflets move inward toward the prosthetic valve or the delivery device. The tabs are further released to allow the tabs to move into their final positions.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implanting in a patient's native valve has a self-expanding frame that comprises a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an anterior portion, and a posterior portion. The self-expanding frame has an expanded configuration adapted to engage tissue at a treatment site, and a collapsed configuration adapted to be delivered to the treatment site. The expandable frame also comprises a self-expanding atrial skirt near the second end, a self-expanding ventricular skirt near the first end, a self-expanding annular region disposed between first and second ends, a first self-expanding anterior tab disposed on the anterior portion, and a self-expanding foot coupled to the posterior portion and extending radially outward. The foot has an outer surface for engaging the tissue thereby facilitating anchoring of the prosthetic valve and minimizing or preventing rotation of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve comprises a self-expanding frame which includes a self-expanding atrial skirt that forms a flanged region, a self-expanding ventricular skirt, and a first self-expanding tab coupled with the ventricular skirt. A receptacle for receiving a valve leaflet is formed by the area bounded by an outer surface of the atrial skirt, an outer surface of the ventricular skirt, and an inner surface of the first tab. The receptacle has a window for receiving the valve leaflet that is defined by a gap between an edge of the flange and a tip of the first tab. The gap is maximized when the tip of the first tab is unconstrained and a base of the first tab is at least partially constrained. The gap is minimized when the tip of the first tab and its base are unconstrained.

Abstract: A sequentially deployed prosthetic cardiac valve includes a self-expanding frame having an atrial skirt, a ventricular skirt, and an annular region disposed therebetween. A first anterior tab is disposed on an anterior portion of the frame. A posterior tab is on a posterior portion of the self-expanding frame. The frame may be designed so that any portion may expand sequentially in any desired order. For example, a portion of the first anterior tab and a portion of the posterior tab may partially self-expand first. Next, the first anterior tab may fully self-expand before the posterior tab fully self-expands. The posterior tab may fully self-expand next followed by the ventricular skirt, or the ventricular skirt may self-expand next followed by full expansion of the posterior tab.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating the stability of the shoulder joint of a human subject includes a rotatable, elbow-holding assembly that has sensors and associated processing components for producing an indication of the rotational angle of the long axis of the humerus of the subject relative to a reference. Sensors measure muscle activity as the humerus is rotated. Changes in the muscle activity measurement are processed to produce an indication of the changes in the subject's apprehension as the humerus is moved. The apparatus may include a clock that indicates the times when muscle activity occurs. The levels of muscle activity may be recorded at different times and indicated to the operator. Pressure can be applied in a direction normal to the long axis of the humerus, and sensors produce an indication of the level of the applied pressure and corresponding apprehension of the subject. Also available is an indication of the level of muscle activity that occurs when such pressure is applied.