Abstract: A prosthetic valve including an inner frame, an outer frame, and a connection assembly interconnecting the frames. The inner frame defines an interior volume for receiving a valve structure within the interior volume. The outer frame surrounds the inner frame. The inner and outer frames are each configured to be transitionable between compressed and expanded conditions. The prosthetic heart valve provides a initial deployed state in which the inner and outer frames are in the expanded condition, and a radial shape of the outer frame is adjustable via the connection assembly to a final deployed state. A shape of the outer frame can be adjusted upon implant to enable radial anchoring at the native annulus, while addressing possible non-uniformities of the native annulus and possible anatomical concerns such as LVOT obstruction.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to centering devices for use with a valve delivery system and methods of delivering a valve prosthesis within a vasculature. A valve centering catheter is configured for use with a valve delivery system. The valve centering catheter includes a circumferential centering device at a distal portion thereof, and the circumferential centering device defines a central opening there-through when in an expanded configuration. The circumferential centering device is annular or has a C-shaped cross-section. The valve delivery system is tracked through the vasculature until the valve prosthesis is positioned through the central opening of the expanded circumferential centering device. The valve centering catheter may alternatively include a longitudinal centering device which acts as a marker for depth control during delivery of a valve delivery system, which may include an integral circumferential centering device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for presenting performer data are disclosed. Performer data, such as athlete information, may be presented in response to a simple query such as an athlete's jersey number. Performer data may be ranked based on a proximity factor relating to location and time in relation to a user performing the query.

Abstract: A heart valve therapy system including a delivery device and a stented valve. The delivery device includes an outer sheath, an inner shaft, an optional hub assembly, and a plurality of tethers. In a delivery state, a stent frame of the prosthesis is crimped over the inner shaft and maintained in a compressed condition by the outer sheath. The tethers are connected to the stent frame. In a partial deployment state, the outer sheath is at least partially withdrawn, allowing the stent frame to self-expand. Tension in the tethers prevents the stent frame from rapidly expanding and optionally allowing recapture. Upon completion of the stent frame expansion, the tethers are withdrawn.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to methods of delivering a valve prosthesis to an annulus of a native valve of a heart, the native valve having chordae tendineae. A chordae management catheter is positioned within a ventricle of the heart, the chordae management catheter having a displacement component at a distal end thereof. The displacement component has an annular shape and defines a central lumen therethrough. The displacement component is radially expanded to push chordae tendineae within the ventricle radially outward. A valve delivery system is introduced into the ventricle of the heart via a ventricular wall of the heart. The valve delivery system has the valve prosthesis at a distal portion thereof. The valve delivery system is advanced through the central lumen of the radially expanded displacement component towards the annulus of the native valve of the heart. The valve prosthesis is deployed into apposition with the annulus of the native valve.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate methods of delivering a valve prosthesis to an annulus of a native valve of a heart. A valve delivery system is introduced into a ventricle of the heart via a ventricular wall of the heart. The valve delivery system has a displacement component at the distal portion thereof. The valve prosthesis is in a delivery configuration and the displacement component is in a delivery state in which the displacement component has a first outer diameter. While the valve prosthesis is in the delivery configuration, the displacement component of the valve delivery system is radially expanded into an expanded state in which the displacement component has a second outer diameter greater than the first outer diameter. The valve delivery system is advanced towards the annulus of the native valve of the heart with the displacement component in the expanded state to displace chordae tendineae.

Abstract: A heart valve therapy system including a delivery device and a stented valve. The delivery device includes an outer sheath, an inner shaft, an optional hub assembly, and a plurality of tethers. In a delivery state, a stent frame of the prosthesis is crimped over the inner shaft and maintained in a compressed condition by the outer sheath. The tethers are connected to the stent frame. In a partial deployment state, the outer sheath is at least partially withdrawn, allowing the stent frame to self-expand. Tension in the tethers prevents the stent frame from rapidly expanding and optionally allowing recapture. Upon completion of the stent frame expansion, the tethers are withdrawn.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes genetically-modified plants having enhanced tolerance to multiple abiotic stressors, such as extreme temperatures (heat or cold) and/or drought. Abiotic stress tolerance is enhanced by ectopic expression of a heterologous glutaredoxin. Abiotic stress tolerance (particularly drought) is also enhanced by inhibited function, activity, or expression of an endogenous glutaredoxin. Methods of producing such genetically-modified plants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing system for sealing a valve component in a radially expanded deployed configuration includes a valve component and an expandable sealing component. The valve component includes a frame and a prosthetic valve coupled to the frame. The frame defines a central passage with the prosthetic valve disposed therein. The expandable sealing component includes a sealing frame and a skirt coupled to the sealing frame. The expandable sealing component is configured to be inserted in a compressed configuration within the central passage of the valve component with the valve component in the radially expanded deployed configuration. The expandable sealing component is configured to be radially expanded partially within the valve component, with a first portion disposed within the valve component and a second portion disposed longitudinally outside the valve component. The sealing frame may include a first ring and a second ring.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal and a saw blade cartridge. The saw has a head to which the blade cartridge is releasably mounted and a clamping assembly that releasably hold the cartridge to the head. The blade cartridge includes a blade bar, a blade head mounted to the bar and at least one drive rod that actuates the blade head. A rib projects from the blade bar to stiffen the cartridge. The rib extends over the blade bar so as to extend both proximally and distally relative to where the clamp assembly bears against the blade bar. The rib reduces skiving of the cartridge when a load is applied to either the top or bottom surface of the blade bar.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to centering devices for use with a valve delivery system and methods of delivering a valve prosthesis within a vasculature. A valve centering catheter is configured for use with a valve delivery system. The valve centering catheter includes a circumferential centering device at a distal portion thereof, and the circumferential centering device defines a central opening there-through when in an expanded configuration. The circumferential centering device is annular or has a C-shaped cross-section. The valve delivery system is tracked through the vasculature until the valve prosthesis is positioned through the central opening of the expanded circumferential centering device. The valve centering catheter may alternatively include a longitudinal centering device which acts as a marker for depth control during delivery of a valve delivery system, which may include an integral circumferential centering device.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a delivery system for a transcatheter valve prosthesis, the delivery system having an integral centering mechanism to circumferentially center both the delivery system and the valve prosthesis within a vessel at the target implantation site. The centering mechanism may include expandable wings that may be selectively aligned with openings formed through a sidewall of an outer shaft of the delivery system, a coiled wing that may be selectively exposed through an opening formed through a sidewall of an outer shaft of the delivery system, a plurality of elongated filaments extending through a plurality of lumens of an outermost shaft of the delivery system that may be selectively deployed or expanded, an outer shaft that includes at least one pre-formed deflection segment formed thereon, a tool having a deployable lever arm, and/or a plurality of loops deployable via simultaneous longitudinal and rotational movement.

Abstract: The delivery systems disclosed herein can create simultaneous movement of an inner and an outer sheath of the delivery system. The delivery systems can generally include a handle assembly and a delivery catheter. In certain embodiments, the inner shaft and the outer sheath can be slidably controlled by a control element in the handle. The handle assembly can include a housing with a thumbwheel acting as the control element. In certain embodiments, movement of the inner shaft and the outer sheath can be caused via a gear-type system. In certain embodiments, the handle assembly can include a rotatable housing. A control element can rotate the housing, which can cause a first boss associated with the outer sheath and a second boss associated with the inner shaft to move in opposite directions.

Abstract: A heart valve therapy system including a delivery device and a stented valve. The delivery device includes an outer sheath, an inner shaft, an optional hub assembly, and a plurality of tethers. In a delivery state, a stent frame of the prosthesis is crimped over the inner shaft and maintained in a compressed condition by the outer sheath. The tethers are connected to the stent frame. In a partial deployment state, the outer sheath is at least partially withdrawn, allowing the stent frame to self-expand. Tension in the tethers prevents the stent frame from rapidly expanding and optionally allowing recapture. Upon completion of the stent frame expansion, the tethers are withdrawn.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes genetically-modified plants having enhanced tolerance to multiple abiotic stressors, such as extreme temperatures (heat or cold) and/or drought. Abiotic stress tolerance is enhanced by ectopic expression of a heterologous glutaredoxin. Abiotic stress tolerance (particularly drought) is also enhanced by inhibited function, activity, or expression of an endogenous glutaredoxin. Methods of producing such genetically-modified plants are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical sagittal and a saw blade cartridge. The saw has a head to which the blade cartridge is releasably mounted and a clamping assembly that releasably hold the cartridge to the head. The blade cartridge includes a blade bar, a blade head mounted to the bar and at least one drive rod that actuates the blade head. A rib projects from the blade bar to stiffen the cartridge. The rib extends over the blade bar so as to extend both proximally and distally relative to where the clamp assembly bears against the blade bar. The rib reduces skiving of the cartridge when a load is applied to either the top or bottom surface of the blade bar.

Abstract: The delivery systems disclosed herein can create simultaneous movement of an inner and an outer sheath of the delivery system. The delivery systems can generally include a handle assembly and a delivery catheter. In certain embodiments, the inner shaft and the outer sheath can be slidably controlled by a control element in the handle. The handle assembly can include a housing with a thumbwheel acting as the control element. In certain embodiments, movement of the inner shaft and the outer sheath can be caused via a gear-type system. In certain embodiments, the handle assembly can include a rotatable housing. A control element can rotate the housing, which can cause a first boss associated with the outer sheath and a second boss associated with the inner shaft to move in opposite directions.

Abstract: An animal mouse toy for cats, comprising: a main body having an oblong shape which includes: a front region having an underside portion and a front portion, wherein the underside portion and the front portion are each substantially V-shaped; a rear region; and a middle region disposed between the front portion and the rear portion. A tail member extends outwardly from the rear region. The animal mouse toy includes a forward motion system which includes a motor device, a power module, an on/off switch, and at least one wheel. The animal mouse toy further includes a forward motion maintenance system which includes: a weight device coupled to the underside of the main body; and a plurality of elongated members extending outwardly from opposing sides of the front region and oriented substantially orthogonal thereto. A container is included on the main body for catnip and/or other objects.