Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve. The device and method is directed to an anchor portion for engagement with the heart wall and an expandable valve portion configured for deployment between the mitral valve leaflets. The valve portion is expandable for preventing regurgitation through the mitral valve while allowing blood to circulate through the heart. The expandable valve portion may include apertures for reducing the stagnation of blood. In a preferred configuration, the device is preferably configured to be delivered in two-stages wherein an anchor portion is first delivered and the valve structure is then coupled to the anchor portion. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming an anchor portion wherein a disposable jig is used to mold the anchor portion into a three-dimensional shape for conforming to a heart chamber.

Abstract: A method of using a device to improve the function of a heart valve is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes positioning a prosthetic insert member between leaflets of mitral valve. The insert member has an elongated cross-sectional profile for conforming to gap between leaflets of a mitral valve. The device also includes an anchoring member for attachment to heart tissue for maintaining the insert member in the mitral valve. The insert member is used to plug the gap between the leaflets of the mitral valve and thereby reduce undesirable regurgitation while allowing the leaflets to function in a substantially normal manner. An anchoring member secures the prosthetic insert member to a heart wall. The anchoring member preferably includes a plurality of tissue penetrating hooks or prongs.

Abstract: A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises a leaflet coaptation member, a connecting member, and an anchor suitable for anchoring the apparatus to the interventricular septum. The leaflet coaptation member coapts with the native mitral valve leaflets during systole when disposed therebetween, thereby reducing mitral valve regurgitation. During diastole, the native leaflets release coaptation with the leaflet coaptation member, permitting blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

Abstract: A method of using a device to improve the function of a heart valve is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes positioning a prosthetic insert member between leaflets of mitral valve. The insert member has an elongated cross-sectional profile for conforming to gap between leaflets of a mitral valve. The device also includes an anchoring member for attachment to heart tissue for maintaining the insert member in the mitral valve. The insert member is used to plug the gap between the leaflets of the mitral valve and thereby reduce undesirable regurgitation while allowing the leaflets to function in a substantially normal manner. An anchoring member secures the prosthetic insert member to a heart wall. The anchoring member preferably includes a plurality of tissue penetrating hooks or prongs.

Abstract: A method of using a device to improve the function of a heart valve is disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, the method includes positioning a prosthetic insert member between leaflets of mitral valve. The insert member has an elongated cross-sectional profile for conforming to gap between leaflets of a mitral valve. The device also includes an anchoring member for attachment to heart tissue for maintaining the insert member in the mitral valve. The insert member is used to plug the gap between the leaflets of the mitral valve and thereby reduce undesirable regurgitation while allowing the leaflets to function in a substantially normal manner. An anchoring member secures the prosthetic insert member to a heart wall. The anchoring member preferably includes a plurality of tissue penetrating hooks or prongs.

Abstract: The invention is a method for reducing regurgitation through a mitral valve. The device and method is directed to an anchor portion for engagement with the heart wall and an expandable valve portion configured for deployment between the mitral valve leaflets. The valve portion is expandable for preventing regurgitation through the mitral valve while allowing blood to circulate through the heart. The expandable valve portion may include apertures for reducing the stagnation of blood. In a preferred configuration, the device is preferably configured to be delivered in two-stages wherein an anchor portion is first delivered and the valve structure is then coupled to the anchor portion. In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of forming an anchor portion wherein a disposable jig is used to mold the anchor portion into a three-dimensional shape for conforming to a heart chamber.

Abstract: A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises a leaflet coaptation member, a connecting member, and an anchor suitable for anchoring the apparatus to the interventricular septum. The leaflet coaptation member coapts with the native mitral valve leaflets during systole when disposed therebetween, thereby reducing mitral valve regurgitation. During diastole, the native leaflets release coaptation with the leaflet coaptation member, permitting blood flow from the left atrium into the left ventricle.

Abstract: A method for reducing regurgitation in a mitral valve using a blood flow controlling apparatus. The blood flow controlling apparatus comprises an anchoring means, preferably arranged to anchor the apparatus to a wall of the left ventricle. The blood flow controlling apparatus further comprises a valve means configured to expand in a direction transverse to blood flow. The valve means is preferably positioned within a native mitral valve and expands for making contact with the mitral valve leaflets during ventricular systole, thereby preventing blood from regurgitating back through the mitral valve into the left atrium. When blood flows from the left atrium to the left ventricle during ventricular diastole, the valve means collapses for allowing blood to pass freely through the mitral valve.

Abstract: A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises an elongate body having two states. In a first of these states the elongate body is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape adapting to the shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the elongate body is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.

Abstract: A method for treatment of mitral annulus dilatation comprises reducing the circumference of the mitral valve annulus. The method further comprises inserting an elongate body into the coronary sinus in the vicinity of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve, fixing the position of the elongate body relative to the coronary sinus, and changing the shape of the elongate body in order to remodel the mitral valve annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture in a body vessel has a sealing member (10) comprising a flexible tubing (11) having an internal passageway (14). The tubing (11) is provided at an open distal end (15) thereof with an elastic expansion member (16) for self-expanding said open distal end (15) to an expanded configuration; and a pursing member (20) which is arranged to purse said flexible tubing (11).

Abstract: An instrument for introducing a vascular aid into a vessel during surgery comprises two L-shaped elements, first releasable means for locking the two L-shaped elements so as to form a T-shaped element having a stem and two oppositely directed arms, and second releasable means for connecting said vascular aid along said arms. The free ends of the arms each have a notch and the second releasable means comprises a thread to be passed through each of said notches and around said vascular aid and the adjacent arm. As a result, the vascular aid may be introduced into the vessel through a longitudinal incision therein. The first and second releasable means may then be released and the two L-shaped elements may be retracted from the vessel.

Abstract: A stent delivery system comprises a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, and a self expanding stent device having a compressed state and an expanded state and being positioned along the catheter and close to the distal end thereof. The stent delivery system further comprises a capsule enclosing the self-expanding stent device in its compressed state along substantially the whole length thereof. The capsule has an open distal end and a proximal end fixed to the catheter. Further, the capsule has at least one perforation extending longitudinally of said capsule from the distal end substantially to the proximal end thereof. The stent delivery system also comprises a balloon positioned within the capsule so as to break the capsule along said at least one perforation when inflated, whereby the stent device may expand to its expanded state, Thereafter the catheter with the broken capsule may be withdrawn from a duct in which the catheter has been introduced to a desired position.

Abstract: Autotransfusion apparatus is disclosed for employing a patient's blood as a source for providing a transfusion, and which can also supply anticoagulant and diluting solution to the blood collected from a patient. The apparatus including a cardiotomy reservoir for collecting the patient's blood, a blood filter for separating a filtrate from the blood, a blood retention bag for retaining the treated blood and from which the blood can be returned to the patient by gravity.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an opening in a first blood vessel in open position during a surgical procedure for suturing the opening in the first blood vessel to an opening in a second blood vessel. The device comprises: an elongate slender barrel with a straight longitudinal axis from the handle end to the tip end, a groove extending the length of the barrel, the groove ending in a slanting open cavity at the tip end, and a leaf spring clampattached to the barrel to clamp the blood vessel to the posterior convex surface of the tip.