Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a flexible annuloplasty ring, a plurality of anchoring members and a tensioning filament attached to the flexible ring. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a flexible annuloplasty ring to the annulus of a mitral valve, and adjusting the lengths of segments of the tension filament attached to the flexible ring in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral valve close completely during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation comprises tensioning device that can be deployed using a delivery catheter. The device includes tension member linking a proximal anchor and distal anchor. The device is constructed from a material having suitable elastic properties such that the device applies a constant tension force between the anchors, while stretching or flexing in response to a heartbeat when positioned across a chamber of a heart. The anchors may include a plurality of arms. In some embodiments, the arms may also flex in response to a heart beat. When positioned across the left ventricle of a heart, the device can reduce the lateral distance between the walls of the ventricle and thus allow better coaption of the mitral valve leaflets thereby reducing mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation comprises tensioning device that can be deployed using a delivery catheter. The device includes tension member linking a proximal anchor and distal anchor. The device is constructed from a material having suitable elastic properties such that the device applies a constant tension force between the anchors, while stretching or flexing in response to a heartbeat when positioned across a chamber of a heart. The anchors may include a plurality of arms. In some embodiments, the arms may also flex in response to a heart beat. When positioned across the left ventricle of a heart, the device can reduce the lateral distance between the walls of the ventricle and thus allow better coaption of the mitral valve leaflets thereby reducing mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A catheter-based, annulus reduction device and system for cardiac valve repair and method of using the same. The system is usable for treating mitral valve regurgitation and comprises a catheter, a reduction ring carried within the catheter, the reduction ring including a plurality of exit ports formed in a side wall of the reduction ring and filament received in the reduction ring. The filament includes a plurality of radially extendible barbs corresponding to the sidewall openings. The reduction ring carrying the filament is deployed adjacent a mitral valve annulus and the filament is translated relative to the reduction ring to deploy the barbs through the exit ports and into the annulus and to further translate the reduction ring with deployed barbs to reshape the annulus.

Abstract: System (10) for treating a dilated heart valve includes a dilivery device. Tension device (12) is slidably received within the lumen of delivery device (14) for delivery to and deployment at the treatment area. Delivery device (14) includes a plurality of arranged catheters including an inner catheter (26) within the lumen of an outer catheter (22). Tension device (12) includes a first anchor (16) attached to a second anchor (18).

Abstract: A system and method for treating a dilated heart valve by elongating a papillary muscle. The system comprises a delivery catheter 110 and a holding catheter 130. The system further comprises a muscle elongation device 200 including at least two clamping rings 210, 215 slidably connected by at least one connecting rod 220. The muscle elongation device 200 is delivered to a papillary muscle 560 associated with the dilated heart valve, where it is released from the delivery catheter 110 and the clamping rings 210, 215 wrap about and engage the papillary muscle. The muscle tissue is cut between the clamping rings 210, 215, which then move away from each other to a predetermined position, thus permitting the papillary muscle to elongate.

Abstract: A cardiac valve annulus compressor comprises a generally cylindrical main body having plain and barbed ends and an actuator portion. Barbs disposed on the barbed end are engageable with the valve annulus. The length of the circumference of the barbed end is responsive to movement of the actuator portion. The annulus compressor can be delivered percutaneously or surgically. A cardiac valve annulus compressor system and methods of use are also taught.

Abstract: A securing apparatus is used to secure an electronic component, such as a thermoelectric cooler in a thermoelectric cooling system. The securing apparatus includes a clamping mechanism that clamps the electronic component between a first plate, such as a heat sink plate, and a second plate, such as a mounting plate. The clamping mechanism applies compression forces to the electronic component to secure the electronic component without using shear forces capable of damaging the electronic component. The clamping mechanism preferably provides thermal isolation between the heat sink plate and the mounting plate.