Abstract: A method is provided for implanting a valve having at least one valve leaflet within the cardiovascular system of a subject. One step of the method includes preparing a substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve and then providing an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. Next, the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is attached to the expandable support member so that the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve is operably secured within the main body portion of the expandable support member. The expandable support member is then crimped into a compressed configuration and placed at a desired location within the cardiovascular system of the subject. Either before or after placement at the desired location, fluid or blood re-hydrates the substantially dehydrated bioprosthetic valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a cardiac valve includes an annuloplasty ring having an expandable support member with oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes a plurality of wing members extending from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and a valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring therein. The apparatus also includes an energy delivery mechanism for selectively contracting the annuloplasty ring to restrict the valve annulus and correct valvular insufficiency. The energy delivery mechanism includes a detachable electrical lead having distal and proximal end portions. The distal end portion has a securing member for operably attaching the distal end portion to a portion of the expandable support member. The proximal end portion is operably connected to an energy delivery source.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with an expandable stent having oppositely disposed first and second terminal edges. The apparatus has a catheter shaft with a lumen, and an inflatable balloon with oppositely disposed first and second end portions and an internal chamber. The internal chamber is in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter shaft, and receives inflation fluid to inflate the balloon. The balloon has cylindrical inner and outer surfaces that extend between the end portions. The cylindrical inner surface is secured to the catheter shaft at first and second attachment sites adjacent the first and second end portions, respectively. At least one of the first and second end portions of the balloon has a toroidal shape defined by an arcuate end surface that intersects the cylindrical inner and outer surfaces at a common radial plane. A respective one of the attachment sites is located adjacent the one end portion lying adjacent the common radial plane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein. The apparatus includes an intraluminal graft having a tubular body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is for fluidly connecting to an artery to automatically supply retrograde blood for retroperfusion. The tubular body and the distal end are extendable into a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein to be retroperfused. The distal end includes an expandable stent for securing the distal end in the coronary vein.

Abstract: An apparatus for interventional treatment of atherosclerosis at a vascular bifurcation includes structure for receiving a first guidewire and a second guidewire. An exit for the second guidewire is located in a central section of the structure. A first balloon portion is secured to the structure so a proximal end is located adjacent the exit. A second balloon portion is secured to the structure so a distal end is located adjacent the exit. An annular gap is defined between the proximal end of the first balloon portion and the distal end of the second balloon portion. The annular gap, at a radial outermost location relative to the structure, has a width that is equal to or less than a width of the annular gap at a radially innermost location relative to the structure. The apparatus also comprises an expandable stent that is mountable about the first and second balloon portions.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use with an inflow cannula (12) of a ventricular assist device (VAD) (14). The cannula (12) has a first part (30) for connecting with a ventricle (22) of a heart (24) and a second part (32) for connecting with the VAD (14). The apparatus (10) comprises a flexible conduit (60) having oppositely disposed first and second ends (70 and 72) and a main body portion (68) intermediate the ends. The main body portion (68) is movable between a radially collapsed closed condition in which blood flow through the conduit (60) is blocked and a radially expanded open condition in which blood flow through the conduit is unrestricted. A first connector (64) connects the first end (70) of the conduit (60) to the first part (30) of the inflow cannula (12). A second connector (62 and 66) connects the second end (72) of the conduit (60) to the second part (32) of the inflow cannula (12).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for use with an inflow cannula (12) of a ventricular assist device (VAD) (14). The cannula (12) has a first part (30) for connecting with a ventricle (22) of a heart (24) and a second part (32) for connecting with the VAD (14). The apparatus (10) comprises a flexible conduit (60) having oppositely disposed first and second ends (70 and 72) and a main body portion (68) intermediate the ends. The main body portion (68) is movable between a radially collapsed closed condition in which blood flow through the conduit (60) is blocked and a radially expanded open condition in which blood flow through the conduit is unrestricted. A first connector (64) connects the first end (70) of the conduit (60) to the first part (30) of the inflow cannula (12). A second connector (62 and 66) connects the second end (72) of the conduit (60) to the second part (32) of the inflow cannula (12).

Abstract: A method that allows for dry storage of bioprosthetic devices comprising a tissue component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a device comprising a chemically cross-linked animal tissue component; treating the tissue component with an aqueous solution comprising a biocompatible, water soluble, organic molecule comprising a plurality of carbon atoms and a plurality of hydroxyl groups for a time sufficient to allow equilibration between the fluids in the interstices of the tissue component and the aqueous solution; and then sterilizing the treated tissue component using a sterilizing gas or ionizing radiation. The present invention also relates to an implantable tissue component that can be stored dry. The tissue component is chemically-fixed and comprises within the interstices thereof a dimensional stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol and derivatives thereof, a water soluble carbohydrate, and a water soluble gum.

Abstract: A method that allows for dry storage of bioprosthetic devices comprising a tissue component is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a device comprising a chemically cross-linked animal tissue component; treating the tissue component with an aqueous solution comprising a biocompatible, water soluble, organic molecule comprising a plurality of carbon atoms and a plurality of hydroxyl groups for a time sufficient to allow equilibration between the fluids in the interstices of the tissue component and the aqueous solution; and then sterilizing the treated tissue component using a sterilizing gas or ionizing radiation. The present invention also relates to an implantable tissue component that can be stored dry. The tissue component is chemically-fixed and comprises within the interstices thereof a dimensional stabilizer selected from the group consisting of a polyhydric alcohol and derivatives thereof, a water soluble carbohydrate, and a water soluble gum.

Abstract: A conduit assembly is provided for attachment to a Mechanical Circulatory Device (MCD) having an orifice surrounded by an orifice rim and a blood bag for forming a blood chamber in the MCD. The blood bag has an open end extends through the orifice. The conduit assembly comprises a tube, a coupling and a washer. The tube is provided for conducting blood between a patient and the orifice of the MCD. The tube has an orifice end. The coupling attaches the orifice end of the tube to the orifice of the MCD with the open end of the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD. The coupling is movable between a rotatable position wherein the tube is rotatable relative to the MCD, and a locked position wherein the tube is immobile relative to the MCD. The washer is placed between the orifice end of the tube and the blood bag folded over the orifice rim of the MCD.

Abstract: A clampable conduit comprising a generally rigid layer having a first end and a generally flexible tube generally coaxial with the rigid layer. The flexible tube extends axially in a first direction beyond the first end. The conduit also has a generally rigid sleeve moveable between a cover position, wherein the sleeve covers a first part of the flexible tube, and an uncovered position, wherein the sleeve does not cover the first part of a flexible tube to enable clamping of the conduit.

Abstract: A blood pump is disclosed that is useful as ventricle assist or replacement device comprising a housing having a blood chamber and inlet and outlet ports for the ingress and egress of blood to and from the chamber. A deflectable diaphragm comprises a wall of the blood chamber which upon deflection collapses the blood chamber to urge blood from the chamber out the outlet port. A pusher plate is disposed in association with the diaphragm. The pusher plate includes a collapsible guide mechanism which guides the plate from a first fill position to a second eject position. The guide mechanism can comprise a telescopic guide or straight-line linkage which is collapsible to a first fill position to occupy a substantially lesser space in the housing than when extended to second eject position. The guide mechanism avoids the necessity of a projection from the housing to accommodate a stroke of a guide mechanism. The guide mechanism can be independent of or combined with the drive means.