Abstract: A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.

Abstract: A system (1) for altering the geometry of a heart (100), comprising an annuloplasty ring; a set of elongate annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24), adapted for forming a link between said ring (10) and a papillary muscle, and a first set of papillary anchors (30) for connecting each of the tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) to the papillary muscle; and where said annuloplasty ring (10) has at least one aperture (12, 13); where each of said annulus-papillary tension members (21, 22, 23, 24) are extendable through said ring (10) through said apertures (11, 12, 13), and through an atrium to an exterior side of said atrium, such that the distance of each link between the annulus and the muscles is adjustable from a position exterior to the heart while the heart is beating.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis (9) for implantation in the body by use of catheter (11) comprises a stent made from an expandable cylinder-shaped thread structure (2,3) comprising several spaced apices (4). The elastically collapsible valve (4) is mounted on the stent as the commissural points (5) of the valve (6) are secured to the projecting apices (4).The valve prosthesis (9) can be compressed around the balloon means (13) of the balloon catheter (11) and be inserted in a channel, for instance in the aorta (10). When the valve prosthesis is placed correctly the balloon means (13) is inflated thereby expanding the stent and wedging it against the wall of aorta. The balloon means is provided with beads (14) to ensure a steady fastening of the valve prosthesis on the balloon means during insertion and expansion.The valve prosthesis (9) and the balloon catheter (11) make it possible to insert a cardiac valve prosthesis without a surgical operation comprising opening the thoracic cavity.