Abstract: A prosthetic valve assembly for use in replacing a deficient native valve comprises a replacement valve supported on an expandable valve support. If desired, one or more anchor may be used. The valve support, which entirely supports the valve annulus, valve leaflets, and valve commissure points, is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the assembly is properly positioned. The anchor engages the lumen wall when expanded and prevents substantial migration of the valve assembly when positioned in place. The prosthetic valve assembly is compressible about a catheter, and restrained from expanding by an outer sheath. The catheter may be inserted inside a lumen within the body, such as the femoral artery, and delivered to a desired location, such as the heart.

Abstract: A device, particularly useful for reconstructing heart valves, that includes: an implant having an elongate, deformable structure so that it can assume an elongate shape for insertion into the body of the patient through a small-diameter passage, approximately 1 to 2 cm, and a curved shape adapted for creating the annuloplasty, and a tubular instrument able to receive the implant at least partially within itself, which is sufficiently rigid to allow insertion of the implant into the body of the patient through the passage; this instrument has an opening at its distal part enabling access to implant, means for rotationally locking the implant relative thereto, means for holding implant relative thereto, and means for detecting its angular orientation inside the body of the patient.

Abstract: This invention features a device (1) comprising at least one radially expansible segment (7, 8) with, in the expanded state, a transversal cross section substantially greater than the transversal cross section of one of the secondary ducts (3); one segment (6) with, in the expanded state, a truncated shape, corresponding to the shape of the bifurcation at the flared transition zone (11) which separates the main duct (2) from the secondary ducts (3), and a flexible link (9) between these two segments (6, 7), enabling their adjustment relative to each other, according to the orientation of the secondary duct (3) receiving the said segment (7) relative to the flared transition zone (11).

Abstract: A removable intravascular filter system traps emboli and other solid materials in connection with intravascular medical procedures such as the placement of a stent or a catheter balloon. The system involves a hollow guidewire and an actuating wire movable within the guidewire to actuate the filter membrane. Embodiments of the filter system include biased closed and biased open filter configurations, and are easily routed through a patient's artery and deployed. Optionally, the actuating wire can be removed and a substitute wire can be inserted into the hollow guidewire. Control mechanisms can help the operator limit movement of the actuating wire during deployment and/or collapse of the filter membrane. Preferred filter membranes are configured to maximize both blood flow and emboli capture.

Abstract: The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1, M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.

Abstract: The invention comprises a surgical instrument including an external tube (2) and two elongated members (4) positioned in said tube (2), each of which includes a distal end (10a) for capturing one of the two tissue zones (M1,M2) to be attached. The instrument (1) may further comprise a catching member (22, 25) for each tissue (M1, M2) to be attached; a rod (15, 16) linked to each catching member (22, 25) enabling tension to move axially, said rod (15, 16) being separable from said catching member (22, 25) when a tension is exerted on it beyond a certain threshold; and a member (17a) forming a stop for locking axially each catching member (22, 25) during said tension.

Abstract: A removable intravascular filter system traps emboli and other solid materials in connection with intravascular medical procedures such as the placement of a stent or a catheter balloon. The system involves a hollow guidewire and an actuating wire movable within the guidewire to actuate the filter membrane. Embodiments of the filter system include biased closed and biased open filter configurations, and are easily routed through a patient's artery and deployed. Optionally, the actuating wire can be removed and a substitute wire can be inserted into the hollow guidewire. Control mechanisms can help the operator limit movement of the actuating wire during deployment and/or collapse of the filter membrane. Preferred filter membranes are configured to maximize both blood flow and emboli capture.

Abstract: This invention features a device (1) comprising: at least one radially expansible segment (7, 8) with, in the expanded state, a transversal cross section substantially greater than the transversal cross section of one of the secondary ducts (3); one segment (6) with, in the expanded state, a truncated shape, corresponding to the shape of the bifurcation at the flared transition zone (11) which separates the main duct (2) from the secondary ducts (3), and a flexible link (9) between these two segments (6, 7), enabling their adjustment relative to each other, according to the orientation of the secondary duct (3) receiving the radially expandable segment (7) relative to the flared transition zone (11).

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically laying up veneer sheets for the manufacture of continuous veneer panels composed of a plurality of stacked sheets, optionally glued on their top face. The apparatus includes a frame, a conveyor for receiving the veneer sheets transversely and for successively feeding said veneer sheets in a timed manner into the apparatus, the conveyor having an alignment device for aligning the sheets and having lug members for pushing against the back transverse edge of each of said sheets, thereby urging said sheets forward. The conveyor running on a track having a upward trajectory portion and an inverted trajectory portion so that the sheets are gradually flipped top face down. The sheets are maintained against the conveyor by vacuum hoods mounted behind and between the conveyor. When reaching their inverted position, the sheets transfer onto a suction box having suction feet substantially straddling the inverted portion of the conveyor.

Abstract: A prosthetic ring includes a core enclosed in a textile sheath, the sheath being sutured to the heart or the aorta of a patient. The core includes at least one relatively rigid portion and one portion that is relatively flexible compared to the rigid portion. The cross-sectional diameter of the core varies along the circumference of the ring, decreasing from a maximum at the rigid portion to a minimum at the flexible portion, giving the ring sufficient flexibility to accommodate heart wall movement.