Abstract: An insertion tool for a heart valve includes a solid body portion in a first configuration having a first size and shape. The solid body portion in a second configuration having a second size smaller than the first size; said solid body portion comprises two or more parts; in the first configuration, the solid body portion provides a support portion for supporting a valve to be inserted by the insertion tool, and an insertion surface which protrudes distally from the support portion; the insertion surface is tapered from a small cross-section distally of the support portion to a greater cross section proximally to the support portion; in use the insertion surface elastically expands the periphery of an annulus into which the valve is to be fitted.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve in the form of a flap valve which includes one or more flaps arranged to allow movement of liquid through the valve only in one direction, in which the or each flap is made of a flexible open work structure of a medically acceptable metal such as titanium or a titanium alloy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of regulating fluid flow for a targeted lung region. The method comprises injecting a therapeutic agent into the targeted lung region. The therapeutic agent induces a reaction in lung tissue of the targeted lung region or in a collateral pathway to the lung region to reduce collateral fluid flow into the targeted lung region. In one aspect, the method additionally comprises deploying a bronchial isolation device in the direct pathway to regulate fluid flow to the targeted lung region through the direct pathway. The therapeutic agent can comprise, for example, a sclerosing agent that induces a reaction that causes sclerosis in the lung tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed are various disease indications and treatment methods that benefit from selective lung region isolation. A lung region is bronchially isolated by regulating the flow of fluid to and from the lung region, such as by implanting one or more bronchial isolation devices into one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the lung region. The bronchial isolation devices can comprise, for example, one-way valves, two-way valves, occluders or blockers, ligating clips, glues, sealants, and sclerosing agents.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction is performed by the placement of a device (2) into a branch of the airway (34) to prevent air from entering that portion of lung. This will result in adsorption atelectasis of the distal portion of lung. The physiological response in this portion of lung is hypoxic vaso-constriction. The net effect is for a portion of lung to be functionally removed, i.e. a selected portion of lung is removed from both the circulation and ventilation. The build up of secretions is accommodated by using a valve (5, 15, 29) in the obstructive device, the valve opening upon coughing etc.