Abstract: An implantable device to be positioned within a heart valve, using a delivery system comprising catheters. The device can include leaflet anchors for attaching to valve leaflets. One or more tethers can be slackened to allow the anchors to move relatively apart and/or relatively away from a spacer. The one or more tethers can be pulled to move the anchors closer to one another or and/or closer to the spacer.

Abstract: A kit for manufacture of a tissue anchor comprises (a) a helical tissue-engaging element, including a helical portion, and a transverse bar extending from an end of the helical portion, across a chord of a circular projection of the helical portion, and (b) a head, comprising first and second arms, each of the first and second arms including: (A) a root portion; and (B) a transverse portion extending from the root portion, each terminating at an arm end, such that the arm ends of the transverse portions of the first and second arms are directed away from each other, and the transverse portions are substantially parallel to one another; and (iv) a gap formed between the transverse portions of the first and second arms, substantially parallel to the transverse portions of the first and second arms. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant includes a tether and a series of anchors. Each anchor includes (i) a tissue-engaging element, (ii) a head that is slidably coupled to the tether and that includes a lock that is biased to lock in a manner that locks the head to the tether, and (iii) a push-button operatively coupled to the lock. A delivery tool includes a flexible tube that is transluminally advanceable to the heart, and a driver. The driver is configured to, for each of the anchors sequentially, (i) advance the anchor through the flexible tube to the heart while the lock is maintained unlocked by the flexible tube constraining the push-button, (ii) anchor the anchor to tissue of the heart, and (iii) release the push-button by deploying the head out of the flexible tube, the lock responsively locking. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Valve repair devices are disclosed herein. The valve repair devices are configured to reduce or inhibit regurgitant blood flow through a native heart valve. The valve repair devices are configured to be positioned within the native heart valve orifice and attached to the native heart valve. The device can be connected to leaflets of the native valve by a variety of different types of paddles.

Abstract: An implant comprises a leaflet-augmentation patch, a patch anchor, and a cord. The patch comprises a flexible sheet, and a frame that supports the flexible sheet. The frame defines a spring configured to tension the cord. The cord couples the patch anchor to the patch in a manner in which anchoring the patch anchor to a first leaflet of a heart valve of a subject positions the patch to coapt with a second leaflet of the valve during ventricular systole. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Assembly methods for installing a valvular structure to an expandable annular frame of a prosthetic heart valve are described. The valvular structure has a multiple leaflets, each with a pair of tabs. Each tab of the leaflet has upper and lower portions. Commissures formed by paired tabs of adjacent leaflets are coupled to corresponding commissure windows to support the valvular structure within the frame. Each commissure window has upper and lower openings separated from each other by a crossbar and may have an H-shape. The upper and lower tab portions extend through the upper and lower openings, respectively, of the corresponding commissure window. One or more wedge members coupled to the tab portions can prevent the leaflet tab from passing back through the commissure window, thereby retaining the valvular structure to the annular frame.

Abstract: Expandable sheaths are disclosed herein. In some aspects, the sheath comprises at least one plurality of struts arranged to form an expandable cylindrical frame such that the formed frame is kink resistant. The disclosed frames are configured to expand from a first diameter d1 in an unexpanded position to a second diameter d2 an expanded position upon passage of a medical device, while maintaining the kink resistance. Also disclosed are methods of making the same.