Abstract: Apparatus and methods are directed at stabilizing somatic implants. A site within a body is selected that has a first region having a tight and/or changing curvature bordered by a second region or regions having minimal or constant curvature.

Abstract: Methods of reinforcing annulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc include the implantation of a support member also functioning as a barrier to resist damage to the tissue or herniation of tissue outside the disc. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device is compressible and may be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a cannula.

Abstract: A novel system for performing a heart valve annuloplasty. The system involves the use of a plication band. In one embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by constriction of the plication band itself. More particularly, each plication band enters the tissue at two or more points which are spaced from one other by a distance which is dictated by the geometry of the plication band. Subsequent constriction of the plication band causes these points to move toward each other, thereby constricting the tissue trapped between these points and thus reducing the overall circumference of the valve annulus. In a second embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by linking multiple plication bands to one other, using a linkage construct, and then using a shortening of the length of the linkage construct between each plication band so as to gather the tissue between each plication band, whereby to reduce the overall circumference of the valve annulus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures with out cardiac bypass. The devices include various embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have one or more cannulae which provide access for surgical tools for effecting repair of the cardiac valves. A cannula may have filters of various configurations encircling the distal region of the cannula, which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The temporary valve devices may also have one or more cannulae which guide the insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel. In one embodiment, the temporary valve is a disc of flexible, porous, material that acts to filter blood passing therethrough. A set of valve leaflets extend peripherally from the disc.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are directed at stabilizing somatic implants. A site within a body is selected that has a first region having a tight and/or changing curvature bordered by a second region or regions having minimal or constant curvature. An apparatus that has a flexible portion and one or more relatively rigid portions may then be implanted such that the flexible portion is situated in the first region and the rigid portion lies in the second region whereby the implant will remain dynamically stable and resist migration.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for delivering medical devices, such as implants, to desired tissue sites, such as the intervertebral disc. In one aspect, an intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive and that provides precise access to the desired site is provided. In some aspects, the device and method are adapted to deliver, position and expand implants that are initially oriented and compressed for minimally invasive, yet precise and effective implantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices and methods for delivering medical devices, such as implants, to desired tissue sites, such as the intervertebral disc. In one aspect, an intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive and that provides precise access to the desired site is provided. In some aspects, the device and method are adapted to deliver, position and expand implants that are initially oriented and compressed for minimally invasive, yet precise and effective implantation.

Abstract: A novel system for performing a heart valve annuloplasty. The system involves the use of a plication band. In one embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by constriction of the plication band itself. More particularly, each plication band enters the tissue at two or more points which are spaced from one other by a distance which is dictated by the geometry of the plication band. Subsequent constriction of the plication band causes these points to move toward each other, thereby constricting the tissue trapped between these points and thus reducing the overall circumference of the valve annulus. In a second embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by linking multiple plication bands to one other, using a linkage construct, and then using a shortening of the length of the linkage construct between each plication band so as to gather the tissue between each plication band, whereby to reduce the overall circumference of the valve annulus.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. An intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive, actively guided, and provides direct and consistent access to the inner surface of the posterior anulus, which will not unintentionally exit the posterior anulus and cause harm to the spinal cord, is provided.

Abstract: A method for deploying an aortic valve prosthesis includes the steps of: making a first opening leading to the left atrium; passing the valve prosthesis through the opening and into a cardiac chamber of the left side of the heart using a first manipulation instrument; making a second opening in the arterial system and advancing one end of a second manipulation instrument through the arterial opening and into the cardiac chamber; securing the second manipulation instrument to the valve prosthesis; and using the second manipulation instrument to retract at least a portion of the valve prosthesis out of the cardiac chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. An intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive, actively guided, and provides direct and consistent access to the inner surface of the posterior anulus, which will not unintentionally exit the posterior anulus and cause harm to the spinal cord, is provided. A method for lateral probe advancement in bodily tissue, including an intervertebral disc, is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to intervertebral disc devices and methods and instrumentation for intervertebral disc procedures. An intervertebral disc repair and diagnostic device that is minimally invasive, actively guided, and provides direct and consistent access to the inner surface of the posterior anulus, which will not unintentionally exit the posterior anulus and cause harm to the spinal cord, is provided.

Abstract: A novel system for performing a heart valve annuloplasty. The system involves the use of a plication band. In one embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by constriction of the plication band itself. More particularly, each plication band enters the tissue at two or more points which are spaced from one other by a distance which is dictated by the geometry of the plication band. Subsequent constriction of the plication band causes these points to move toward each other, thereby constricting the tissue trapped between these points and thus reducing the overall circumference of the valve annulus. In a second embodiment, the annulus of the valve is reduced by linking multiple plication bands to one other, using a linkage construct, and then using a shortening of the length of the linkage construct between each plication band so as to gather the tissue between each plication band, whereby to reduce the overall circumference of the valve annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow A method for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system includes inserting the apparatus into the vascular system, allowing blood and debris carried therein to flow through the entrapment mechanism, and removing the apparatus and accumulated debris from the vascular system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are directed at stabilizing somatic implants. A site within a body is selected that has a first region having a tight and/or changing curvature bordered by a second region or regions having minimal or constant curvature.

Abstract: A catheter for use in vasculature or other body lumen includes a fluid injection bypass tube, leading to a elastically compressible pump bulb. Upon compression of the pump bulb, fluid such as contrast solution is injected through a one-way valve, into the catheter manifold lumen, and ultimately to the distal end of the catheter lumen, and into the patient vasculature. The one-way valve between the pump bulb and the catheter lumen has a threshold pressure to prevent unintended aspiration of fluid from the pump bulb during aspiration of fluid from the catheter itself.

Abstract: Devices for implantation into an intervertebral disc can include a membrane support member to augment a disc having a defect. A defect in the annulus of a disc can be repaired using a prosthesis such as a barrier. The barrier can include a sealant and an enlarger. The barrier can be implanted into the disc using a delivery cannula, an advancer and at least one control filament to control the positioning of the barrier. A stiffening element can be included within the barrier to impart stiffness to the barrier. The support member can also be connected to an anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are directed at stabilizing somatic implants. A site within a body is selected that has a first region having a tight and/or changing curvature bordered by a second region or regions having minimal or constant curvature.

Abstract: Reinforcement of annulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc can be achieved through implantation of a support member also functioning as a barrier to resist damage to the tissue or herniation of tissue outside of the disc. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device is compressible and may be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a cannula.

Abstract: Methods of reinforcing annulus fibrosis tissue within an intervertebral disc include the implantation of a support member also functioning as a barrier to resist damage to the tissue or herniation of tissue outside the disc. The device may be anchored to the surrounding tissue. The device is compressible and may be delivered in a minimally invasive manner through a cannula.