Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel heavy duty, weather and shock resistant retractable lanyard. In one aspect of the disclosure, the retractable lanyard comprises dual independently retractable lanyard cords that share a common axis. In another aspect of the disclosure, the retractable lanyard employs a multi-piece reader arm pivotally connected to a reader arm bracket to assist the lanyard in operating under heavier loads. In another aspect of the disclosure, the lanyard may employ deeper tracks on the spool's track system to allow the reader arm to stay in contact with the tracks when the lanyard cord is under heavier loads. In another aspect of the disclosure, the lanyard comprises a robust power spring that allows it to retract under heavier loads.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD.

Abstract: Holders for releasably holding annuloplasty rings prior to and during the implantation of the rings employ any of a variety of features relating to such things as holder shape, handle attachment structures, securement of a ring to the holder, and release of the ring from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter assembly includes a deflectable body manipulatable by a rotating actuator of a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a sliding member having a threaded portion including a first threaded portion having a first pitch and a second threaded portion having a second pitch, where the first pitch is different than the second pitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a cardiac support device (CSD) on a heart. The apparatus includes a body, a deployment mechanism on the body for supporting the CSD in an open position for placement on the heart, and a release mechanism coupled to the deployment mechanism for releasably mounting the CSD to the deployment mechanism. The release mechanism includes a release element for releasably engaging the CSD, and a release actuator coupled to the release element for actuating the release element to release the CSD.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter assembly includes a deflectable body manipulatable by a rotating actuator of a housing assembly. The housing assembly includes a sliding member having a threaded portion including a first threaded portion having a first pitch and a second threaded portion having a second pitch, where the first pitch is different than the second pitch.

Abstract: Holders for releasably holding annuloplasty rings prior to and during the implantation of the rings employ any of a variety of features relating to such things as holder shape, handle attachment structures, securement of a ring to the holder, and release of the ring from the holder.