Abstract: Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus includes a stabilizing body that includes features to stabilize an axial position of the tool relative to the annulus, and an attachment device connected to the stabilizing body, the stabilizing body and the attachment device being movable relative to one another under control from a location remote from the tool. The support may have an expandable tubular body having a plurality of struts, a plurality of tissue anchors extending from distally facing apexes in a distal direction post-deployment, wherein axial distal advance of the implantable annulus support causes the plurality of tissue anchors to axially engage tissue, and the implantable annulus support is self-contractible from a radially enlarged engagement configuration for engaging tissue of the mitral valve annulus, to a reduced, deployed configuration for modifying mitral valve annulus geometry.

Abstract: Apparatuses and method of using them, for restoring and reshaping the mitral valve annulus and reduce or restore the lengthwise geometry of the heart. These apparatuses may include two or more support chords each having an anchor at the distal end for connecting to a valve annulus, and an elongate length. The support chords may be held within a thin delivery cannula. Also include a bendable/conformable apical cradles to which the proximal end of the chords may be attached. The attachment to the cradle or sling member may be adjustable, so that the length of the chords may be adjusted from outside of the heart later. Attaching the support chords to the valve annuls and anchoring on either side of the apex region of the heart may reshape both the mitral valve and the ventricle length.

Abstract: A temporary valve and a filtration device can be added to a delivery catheter or guide catheter to improve hemodynamics and provide embolic protection. Both the valve and filter can mount onto the outer diameter of a delivery or guide catheter, which offers several distinct advantages. First, the inner lumen of the delivery or guide catheter remains unaffected, thereby allowing the standard procedure steps to take place without any changes or interruptions, or with minimal changes or interruptions.

Abstract: Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus includes a stabilizing body that includes features to stabilize an axial position of the tool relative to the annulus, and an attachment device connected to the stabilizing body, the stabilizing body and the attachment device being movable relative to one another under control from a location remote from the tool, from one configuration in which the support is held in a pre-attachment contracted state to another configuration in which the support is held in an expanded state for attachment at multiple locations around the annulus by action from the remote location. Among other things, an apparatus includes structural elements, and gripping elements, and configuration elements attached to the respective structural elements and each controllable to permit or prevent the ring from expanding.

Abstract: Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus includes a stabilizing body that includes features to stabilize an axial position of the tool relative to the annulus, and an attachment device connected to the stabilizing body, the stabilizing body and the attachment device being movable relative to one another under control from a location remote from the tool, from one configuration in which the support is held in a pre-attachment contracted state to another configuration in which the support is held in an expanded state for attachment at multiple locations around the annulus by action from the remote location. Among other things, an apparatus includes structural elements, and gripping elements, and configuration elements attached to the respective structural elements and each controllable to permit or prevent the ring from expanding.

Abstract: Among other things, a heart tissue support has a ring-shaped body and gripping elements, each gripping element having a free end that is sharp enough to penetrate heart tissue when pushed against the tissue, and a feature to resist withdrawal of the gripping element from the tissue after the sharp free end has penetrated the tissue. Among other things, a tool to attach a support to a heart valve annulus has splaying elements that spread apart to hold the support in an expanded configuration prior to attachment. Among other things, an apparatus includes polygonal elements connected along corners of the elements to form a ring, the polygonal elements being capable of expanding and contracting, and gripping elements attached to points of the polygonal elements. Among other things, a method includes using a delivery tool to expand a support and a heart valve annulus to one diameter.

Abstract: Among other things, a support for living tissue includes gripping elements to attach to the living tissue and to hold the support securely in place. An annular structure is coupled to the gripping elements. The annular structure adjusts the support between a first configuration for installing the support and a second configuration in which the support is held securely in place after installation. The annular structure is self-supporting in the first and second configurations.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic mitral valve is provided having advantageous hemodynamic performance, nonthrombogenicity, and durability. The valve includes a valve body having an inflow annulus and an outflow annulus. Commissural attachment locations are disposed adjacent the outflow annulus. An anterior leaflet and a posterior leaflet of the valve are shaped differently from one another. The inflow annulus preferably is scalloped so as to have a saddle-shaped periphery having a pair of relatively high portions separated by a pair of relatively low portions. The anterior high portion preferably is vertically higher than the posterior high portion.

Abstract: An article may be isolated by advancing an isolation device disclosed herein to the article, such as a tissue, to be isolated, contacting a terminal edge of the device to a region bordering the article to be isolated, and so applying suction through suction conduits of the device as to seal the article against the terminal edge of the device, thereby isolating the article to be isolated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for minimally invasive replacement of a valve. The system includes a collapsible valve and anchoring structure, devices and methods for expanding the valve anchoring structure, adhesive means to seal the valve to the surrounding tissue, a catheter-based valve sizing and delivery system, native valve removal means, and a temporary valve and filter assembly to facilitate removal of debris material. The valve assembly comprises a valve and anchoring structure for the valve, dimensioned to fit substantially within the valve sinus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for minimally invasive replacement of a valve. The system includes a collapsible valve and anchoring structure, devices and methods for expanding the valve anchoring structure, adhesive means to seal the valve to the surrounding tissue, a catheter-based valve sizing and delivery system, native valve removal means, and a temporary valve and filter assembly to facilitate removal of debris material. The valve assembly comprises a valve and anchoring structure for the valve, dimensioned to fit substantially within the valve sinus.

Abstract: An improved prosthetic mitral valve is provided having advantageous hemodynamic performance, nonthrombogenicity, and durability. The valve includes a valve body having an inflow annulus and an outflow annulus. Commissural attachment locations are disposed adjacent the outflow annulus. An anterior leaflet and a posterior leaflet of the valve are shaped differently from one another. The inflow annulus preferably is scalloped so as to have a saddle-shaped periphery having a pair of relatively high portions separated by a pair of relatively low portions. The anterior high portion preferably is vertically higher than the posterior high portion.