Abstract: Docking devices for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can include a coiled docking anchor and a retrieval suture. The docking device and retrieval suture can be configured for improved retention and retrieval of the docking device after deployment. The docking devices can have an end portion with a central axis. The retrieval suture can be connected to the end portion such that a line of force applied by applying tension to the retrieval suture is substantially aligned with the central axis.

Abstract: A docking device for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can include a coil comprising a plurality of turns and having a proximal end and distal end. The docking device can further include a first covering disposed around and covering the coil from the distal end to the proximal end of the coil, and a second covering disposed over the first covering. A distal end and proximal end of the second covering are spaced away from a distal end and proximal end, respectively, of the first covering.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to devices, systems, and methods for delivery systems including nose cones. A delivery system may include a handle and an elongate shaft coupled to the handle. The delivery system may include a nose cone having a distal opening at a distal end and a proximal opening at a proximal end, the proximal opening configured to receive the distal end of the elongate shaft. Projections or threads may couple the nose cone to the distal end of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: Methods and tools for implanting prosthetic heart valves and modifying leaflets of an existing valvular structure in a subject are disclosed herein. Prior to or during implantation of the prosthetic heart valve within the existing valvular structure, each tool can be provided in the ascending aorta (or equivalent thereof) of a subject and can be used to pierce, lacerate, slice, tear, cut or otherwise modify a leaflet or commissure of the existing valvular structure. The existing valvular structure can be a native aortic valve or other native heart valve, or a previously-implanted prosthetic heart valve. The modification can avoid, or at least reduce the likelihood of, issues that leaflets of the existing valvular structure might otherwise cause once the prosthetic heart valve has been fully installed, for example, obstruction of blood flow to the coronary arteries and/or improper valve mounting due to a non-circular cross-section.

Abstract: An assembly can comprise a prosthetic valve comprising a radially expandable and compressible frame and a rotatable screw connected to the frame, where the screw comprises a screw head having an annular bore with internal threads, and where the screw is rotatable to radially expand the frame. The assembly further comprises a delivery apparatus releasably coupled to the screw, the delivery apparatus comprising a first shaft and a first head disposed at an end of the first shaft, the first head comprising external threads configured to engage with the internal threads of the screw head, and a second shaft that is coaxial with and surrounds the first shaft, the second shaft comprising a second head disposed at an end of the second shaft. The second head is configured to releasably engage with an exterior surface of the screw head and rotate the screw.

Abstract: An expandable sheath is disclosed herein, which has a first polymeric layer and a braided layer positioned radially outward of the first polymeric layer. The braided layer includes a plurality of filaments braided together. The expandable sheaths further include a resilient elastic layer positioned radially outward of the braided layer. The elastic layer is configured to apply radial force to the braided layer and the first polymeric layer. The expandable sheath further includes a second polymeric layer positioned radially outward of the elastic layer and bonded to the first polymeric layer such that the braided layer and the elastic layer are encapsulated between the first and second polymeric layers. Methods of making and using the devices disclosed herein are also disclosed, as are crimping devices that may be used in methods of making the devices disclosed herein.

Abstract: An assembly can comprise a radially expandable and compressible annular frame, at least one linear actuator assembly coupled to the frame and at least one locking mechanism coupled to the frame. The linear actuator can be configured to apply a distally directed force and/or a proximally directed force to the frame to radially expand or compress the frame. The locking mechanism can comprise a first sleeve member connected to the frame at a first location, a second sleeve member having internal threads and being connected to the frame at a second location, and a first screw configured to engage the internal threads of the second sleeve member to retain the frame in a radially expanded state.

Abstract: Various mechanically expandable prosthetic heart valves, as well as deliver apparatus, delivery assemblies, and methods for implanting such prosthetic heart valves. In one example, a prosthetic heart valve includes a mechanically expandable frame, a valve structure, and an actuator. The frame includes a plurality of struts and is movable between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. The valve structure includes a plurality of leaflets. The actuator is coupled to the frame and comprises an actuation lumen, a locking member, and a locking element. The actuation lumen is circumferentially spaced and axially parallel to the locking member. The actuation lumen is configured for receiving an axially movable actuation shaft that can move the frame between the radially compressed state and the radially expanded state. The locking element is rotatably coupled to the locking member and is configured to lock the frame at a desired state.

Abstract: An expandable sheath is disclosed herein, which has a first polymeric layer and a braided layer positioned radially outward of the first polymeric layer. The braided layer includes a plurality of filaments braided together. The expandable sheaths further include a resilient elastic layer positioned radially outward of the braided layer. The elastic layer is configured to apply radial force to the braided layer and the first polymeric layer. The expandable sheath further includes a second polymeric layer positioned radially outward of the elastic layer and bonded to the first polymeric layer such that the braided layer and the elastic layer are encapsulated between the first and second polymeric layers. Methods of making and using the devices disclosed herein are also disclosed, as are crimping devices that may be used in methods of making the devices disclosed herein.

Abstract: Valvular implants and blood vessel closure devices herein are configured to be positioned in the heart and to block regurgitant blood flow from the heart into blood vessels supplying blood to the heart. The valvular implants can have a cover, a membrane, a valve, a resilient frame, and/or other features. Some valvular implants can have anchors to be positioned in the blood vessels, such as in pulmonary veins, and can anchor the implant to the heart wall. Various embodiments of covers and/or membranes act as valves contracting and expanding, to alternately permit and block blood flow. The valvular implants can cover one or more blood vessels, such as one, two, three, or four pulmonary veins, and can also be configured and implanted to block an appendage to the heart, such as the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Docking devices for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can include a coiled docking anchor and a retrieval suture. The docking device and retrieval suture can be configured for improved retention and retrieval of the docking device after deployment. The docking devices can have an end portion with a central axis. The retrieval suture can be connected to the end portion such that a line of force applied by applying tension to the retrieval suture is substantially aligned with the central axis.

Abstract: An assembly can comprise a radially expandable and compressible annular frame, at least one linear actuator assembly coupled to the frame and at least one locking mechanism coupled to the frame. The linear actuator can be configured to apply a distally directed force and/or a proximally directed force to the frame to radially expand or compress the frame. The locking mechanism can comprise a first sleeve member connected to the frame at a first location, a second sleeve member having internal threads and being connected to the frame at a second location, and a first screw configured to engage the internal threads of the second sleeve member to retain the frame in a radially expanded state.

Abstract: Docking devices for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can include a coiled docking anchor and a retrieval suture. The docking device and retrieval suture can be configured for improved retention and retrieval of the docking device after deployment. The docking devices can have an end portion with a central axis. The retrieval suture can be connected to the end portion such that a line of force applied by applying tension to the retrieval suture is substantially aligned with the central axis.

Abstract: An assembly can comprise a radially expandable and compressible annular frame, at least one linear actuator assembly coupled to the frame and at least one locking mechanism coupled to the frame. The linear actuator can be configured to apply a distally directed force and/or a proximally directed force to the frame to radially expand or compress the frame. The locking mechanism can comprise a first sleeve member connected to the frame at a first location, a second sleeve member having internal threads and being connected to the frame at a second location, and a first screw configured to engage the internal threads of the second sleeve member to retain the frame in a radially expanded state.

Abstract: An expandable sheath is disclosed herein, which has a first polymeric layer and a braided layer positioned radially outward of the first polymeric layer. The braided layer includes a plurality of filaments braided together. The expandable sheaths further include a resilient elastic layer positioned radially outward of the braided layer. The elastic layer is configured to apply radial force to the braided layer and the first polymeric layer. The expandable sheath further includes a second polymeric layer positioned radially outward of the elastic layer and bonded to the first polymeric layer such that the braided layer and the elastic layer are encapsulated between the first and second polymeric layers. Methods of making and using the devices disclosed herein are also disclosed, as are crimping devices that may be used in methods of making the devices disclosed herein.

Abstract: Docking devices for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can include a coiled docking anchor and a retrieval suture. The docking device and retrieval suture can be configured for improved retention and retrieval of the docking device after deployment. The docking devices can have an end portion with a central axis. The retrieval suture can be connected to the end portion such that a line of force applied by applying tension to the retrieval suture is substantially aligned with the central axis.

Abstract: An assembly can comprise a radially expandable and compressible annular frame, at least one linear actuator assembly coupled to the frame and at least one locking mechanism coupled to the frame. The linear actuator can be configured to apply a distally directed force and/or a proximally directed force to the frame to radially expand or compress the frame. The locking mechanism can comprise a first sleeve member connected to the frame at a first location, a second sleeve member having internal threads and being connected to the frame at a second location, and a first screw configured to engage the internal threads of the second sleeve member to retain the frame in a radially expanded state.

Abstract: Anchoring or docking devices configured to be positioned at a native valve of a human heart and to provide structural support for docking a prosthetic valve therein. The docking devices can have coiled structures that define an inner space in which the prosthetic valve can be held. The docking devices can have enlarged end regions with circular or non-circular shapes, for example, to facilitate implantation of the docking device or to better hold the docking device in position once deployed. The docking devices can be laser-cut tubes with locking wires to assist in better maintaining a shape of the docking device. The docking devices can include various features to promote friction, such as frictional cover layers. Such docking devices can have ends configured to more securely attach the cover layers to cores of the docking devices.