Abstract: Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make a steep and controlled access path into a vascular lumen is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make a steep and controlled access path into a vascular lumen is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a first annular prosthesis for implantation within a tissue annulus, a second valve prosthesis, and a plurality of magnets on the first and second prostheses to secure the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis. In one embodiment, the magnets are arranged to allow the second prosthesis to be secured to the first prosthesis in a predetermined angular orientation. During use, the first annular prosthesis is implanted into the annulus, and the second valve prosthesis is inserted into the annulus. The magnets orient the second prosthesis relative to the first prosthesis to align the second prosthesis with the first prosthesis in a predetermined angular orientation; and secure the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis in the predetermined angular orientation.

Abstract: Described here are devices, methods, and kits for forming one or more tracts in tissue. The tracts may be formed in any suitable or desirable tissue, and may seal relatively quickly without the need for a supplemental closure device. In some variations, the methods may comprise advancing a tissue-piercing member along a predetermined path of a tract-forming device to form one or more tracts in tissue (e.g., a vessel wall). The tract or tracts may, for example, provide access for one or more tools.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot is inserted through a penetration and actuated extend the foot carrying suturing attachment cuffs. Needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn along the needle paths and through the tissue tract to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot is inserted through a penetration and actuated extend the foot carrying suturing attachment cuffs. Needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn along the needle paths and through the tissue tract to form a loop of suture across the puncture. The articulating foot may be realigned with the shaft and withdrawn proximally through the tissue tract without dilating the tissue tract.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for suturing of body lumens allow the suturing of vascular puncture sites located at the distal end of a percutaneous tissue tract. An elongated articulated foot near a distal end of a shaft is inserted through the penetration and actuated so that the foot extends along the lumenal axis. The foot carries suturing attachment cuffs, and needles are advanced from the shaft through the vessel wall outside of the penetration and into engagement with the needle cuffs after the foot has been drawn proximally up against the endothelial surface of the blood vessel. The cross-section of the shaft within the tissue tract can be minimized by laterally deflecting the needles as they leave the shaft, while tapered depressions within the foot can guide the advancing needles into engagement with the cuffs. The cuffs lockingly engage the needles and can be withdrawn proximally along the needle paths and through the tissue tract so as to form a loop of suture across the puncture.

Abstract: Devices and methods for biological tissue closure are disclosed. Arteriotomy closure and hemostasis devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can provide a lateral tension across an opening in the tissue and apply energy to seal the tissue is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices and methods for biological tissue closure are disclosed. Arteriotomy closure and hemostasis devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can provide a lateral tension across an opening in the tissue and apply energy to seal the tissue is disclosed. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for forming one or more tracts in tissue. The tracts may be formed in any suitable or desirable tissue, and may seal relatively quickly without the need for a supplemental closure device. In some variations, the methods may comprise clamping at least a portion of a tissue and advancing a tissue-piercing member through the clamped tissue to form a tract. The tract may, for example, provide access for one or more tools.

Abstract: Described here are methods and devices for forming tracts in tissue. Some of the devices comprise an elongate member, a suction member coupled to a distal portion of the elongate member, and a tissue-piercing member slidably housed within the elongate member for forming a tract in tissue. Other devices comprise more than one suction member. Methods for forming tracts in tissue are also described here. In some methods, a device is advanced adjacent tissue, where the device comprises one or more suction members and a tissue-piercing member. Suction is applied so that the tissue is drawn against the one or more suction members, and a tissue-piercing member is advanced in a first direction through the drawn tissue to form a tract in or through the tissue. Kits incorporating one or more of the devices described here, in conjunction with one or more tools or the like, are also described here.

Abstract: Devices and methods for accessing and closing vascular sites are disclosed. Self-sealing closure devices and methods are disclosed. A device that can make both steeply sloping and flat access paths into a vascular lumen is disclosed. The device can also form arteriotomies with sections cleaved between a vessel's intima and adventitia. Methods for using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described here are methods for forming one or more tracts in tissue. The tracts may be formed in any suitable or desirable tissue, and may seal relatively quickly without the need for a supplemental closure device. In some variations, the methods comprise advancing a tissue-locating member adjacent to a tissue wall, deforming at least a portion of the tissue wall with the tissue-locating member, and advancing a tissue-piercing member through the deformed tissue to form the tract, where the tract provides access for one or more tools. Also described here are methods of forming tracts through rotated or tented tissue. Any of the methods described here may also be used with tissue having at least one irregular surface.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of closing a puncture in a blood vessel wall, including: positioning a suture placement device in a tissue tract and into a puncture in the blood vessel wall, the placement device having a length of suture with a first end, a second end and a bight between the first and second ends with the bight being prearranged on the device to define a pre-tied knot when the first end of the suture passes through the bight; advancing the first end of the length of suture in a distal direction from the device through a first penetration in the blood vessel wall adjacent to the puncture; guiding the suture length from the first penetration across a proximal side of the puncture to a second penetration adjacent to the puncture opposite the first penetration; and advancing the suture length in a proximal direction through the second penetration, through the device, and through the bight so that the two ends of the suture length are accessible external to the tissue tract for securing the suture across the puncture to