Abstract: A hybrid heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The hybrid heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve member having a peripheral sealing ring and an expandable stent frame projecting from an inflow end, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. The stent frame may be plastically-expandable and may have a thin fabric layer covering its entirety as well as secondary sealing structures around its periphery to prevent paravalvular leaking. Other sealing solutions include interactive steps at the time of valve implant to establish seals around the stent and especially between the stent and the sealing ring of the valve member.

Abstract: A hybrid heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The hybrid heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve member having a peripheral sealing ring and an expandable stent frame projecting from an inflow end, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. The stent frame may be plastically-expandable and may have a thin fabric layer covering its entirety as well as secondary sealing structures around its periphery to prevent paravalvular leaking. Other sealing solutions include interactive steps at the time of valve implant to establish seals around the stent and especially between the stent and the sealing ring of the valve member.

Abstract: A tether protection device can comprise an inflatable member configured to be positioned over an opening in a target tissue. The inflatable member can comprise a central portion defining an opening extending through the inflatable member, the opening of the inflatable member being configured to allow for a plurality of tethers extending from the opening in the target tissue to be disposed at least partially therein. A fluid port can be associated with the inflatable member, the inflatable member being configured to be inflated via the fluid port to an initial inflation state in which the plurality of tethers is allowed to move freely within the opening of the inflatable member, and a first inflation state in which at a portion or the central portion is collapsed around and in contact with the plurality of tethers.

Abstract: A hybrid heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The hybrid heart valve includes a substantially non-expandable, non-compressible prosthetic valve member having a peripheral sealing ring and an expandable stent frame projecting from an inflow end, thereby enabling attachment to the annulus without sutures. The stent frame may be plastically-expandable and may have a thin fabric layer covering its entirety as well as secondary sealing structures around its periphery to prevent paravalvular leaking. Other sealing solutions include interactive steps at the time of valve implant to establish seals around the stent and especially between the stent and the sealing ring of the valve member.