Abstract: Apparatus, usable with a valve disposed between an atrium and a ventricle of a heart, the valve having a first leaflet (S) and at least one opposing leaflet (A,P). The apparatus comprises an augmenter (700) that comprises a flexible pouch (710) and an anchor (780). The pouch has an external surface, an interior, an outside, and a downstream opening that provides fluid communication between the interior and the outside of the pouch. The anchor is coupled to the pouch, and configured to anchor the pouch to the lip of the first leaflet by the anchor being anchored to the first leaflet. The anchoring is such that the downstream opening opens into the ventricle. Responsively to ventricular systole, the pouch inflates via the downstream opening, and the external surface coapts against the opposing leaflet(s).

Abstract: A method for use in the manufacture of a medical implant is provided. A sandwich is formed, the sandwich including a fabric layer; a coating layer comprising a polymer configured to inhibit tissue growth thereon; a binding layer sandwiched between the fabric layer and the coating layer; and at least part of a frame sandwiched between the fabric layer and the binding layer. The sandwich is heated and compressed such that the binding layer binds the fabric layer to the coating layer. Holes are then formed through the sandwich. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: An augmenter (30) for a first leaflet of a heart, the first leaflet having a lip and a root, the valve having a second leaflet. The augmenter comprises a first panel (62), a second panel (64), and an anchor (38) coupled to the first panel. In some applications, the second panel is articulatably coupled to the first panel by an articulatable coupling (66). The augmenter is expandable by increasing an angular disposition between the first panel and the second panel, thereby increasing a dimension of an opening (40) between the panels opposite the articulatable coupling. The augmenter is collapsible by reducing the angular disposition. The anchor is configured to anchor the first panel to the first leaflet such that the articulatable coupling is disposed closer, than the lip and the opening, to the root. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A catheter device includes a tube that has a distal opening that is configured to be transluminally advanced into the subject; and an extracorporeal unit that is coupled to a proximal end of the tube. A series of cartridges is arranged along the extracorporeal unit, each of the cartridges having an initial position in which the cartridge holds a respective anchor. Each of the cartridges is, moveable from the initial position to a deployment position while remaining coupled to the extracorporeal unit. A driver is configured to, for each of the anchors, sequentially, while the respective cartridge is in the deployment position, move the anchor out of the respective cartridge and through the tube toward the distal opening. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant comprises a leaflet-augmentation patch, a patch anchor, and a cord. The patch comprises a flexible sheet, and a frame that supports the flexible sheet. The frame defines a spring configured to tension the cord. The cord couples the patch anchor to the patch in a manner in which anchoring the patch anchor to a first leaflet of a heart valve of a subject positions the patch to coapt with a second leaflet of the valve during ventricular systole. Other embodiments are also described.