Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: A variety of new ways can be used for associating antimicrobial elemental metal with a medical article. The associated antimicrobial metal reduces the risk of infection associated with the medical use of the medical article. New medical articles are produced by some of these new approaches. Some of the methods involve ways of adjusting the dissociation rate of associated elemental metal such that desired degrees of antimicrobial activity can be achieved over selected periods of time.

Abstract: A variety of new ways can be used for associating antimicrobial elemental metal with a medical article. The associated antimicrobial metal reduces the risk of infection associated with the medical use of the medical article. New medical articles are produced by some of these new approaches. Some of the methods involve ways of adjusting the dissociation rate of associated elemental metal such that desired degrees of antimicrobial activity can be achieved over selected periods of time.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring includes an elongated main body having a generally partial shape extending between first and second ends. An elongated secondary body also includes first and second ends which couple to, respectively, the first and second ends of the main body. A first cut zone couples the first end of the main body to the first end of the secondary body. A second cut zone couples the second end of the main body to the second end of the secondary body. The annuloplasty ring may be selectively formed generally into a partial annuloplasty ring shape by severing the first and second cut zones and removing the secondary body.

Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: The present invention includes a metallic coating on portions of the prosthesis to enhance the overall acceptability of the implantable device or fabric/sutures used to implant the prosthesis. The preferred metal is silver, which is applied to surfaces which are exposed to the heart tissue. The silver-treated portions of these devices inhibit or greatly reduce colonization of endocarditis-causing bacteria without impacting the overall biocompatibility of the device.

Abstract: A holder for engaging a heart valve prosthesis during implantation includes a holder body and stem. The stem is adapted to receive a handle used to manipulate the prostheses during implantation. The stem is moveable between a standard implantation position and a low profile delivery position.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector is provided for use in temporary repair of broken fiber optic cables. The connector comprises a ceramic plug having a front end and a rear end and a passageway extending through the plug with the passageway sized to snugly receive a buffer stripped optical fiber therethrough in a manner such that the fiber extends out the front end of the plug. The passageway has a size proximate the rear end thereof to permit a portion of buffer covered optical fiber to received therein and thus serves, at the narrow portion of the passageway, as a stop limiting the amount of forward movement of the fiber. A plug support serves to support the rear end of the ceramic plug and includes a passageway coextensive with the plug passageway.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for field restoration of severed fiber optic cables containing multiple optical fiber conductors therein. The system includes two hermetically sealable restoration connector containers having lids to permit access to the interior thereof. The containers are interconnected by at least one fiber optic cable containing multiple optical fibers extending therein with each fiber of the cable terminated by respective fiber optic connectors which are mounted on adapters in a panel in the respective containers for interconnection to temporary connectors used in field restoration. A plurality of temporary connectors are arranged within the respective containers and each container includes a hermetically sealable opening for passing a severed cable with the fiber ends extending therefrom into the container or by the individual fibers can be rapidly terminated by the temporary connectors and the ends projecting from the temporary connectors flush cleave with the end face thereof.