Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for providing access to a functioning vascular system of a patient, the apparatus comprising: a main body having sidewalls defining an interior region and an exterior region, a bottom end and a top end; a base being formed at the bottom end of the main body, securing means being configured on the base so as to allow attachment and formation of a seal between the base and the functioning vascular system of the patient, and the base being configurable to provide a passageway from the interior region of the main body to the functioning vascular system of the patient; and a cover being formed at the top end of the main body, wherein the cover provides a barrier between the interior region and the exterior region at the top end of the main body.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart comprising a tube having proximal and distal ends, and a central lumen, a tubular frame having proximal and distal ends, and a central lumen, the tubular frame, comprising a plurality of radially-extending members, being disposed on an outside wall of the tube, the distal end of the tube being everted around the distal end of the tubular frame and extending proximally along the tubular frame and over the radially-extending members, and a valve member attached to the tube.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart comprising a tube having proximal and distal ends, and a central lumen, a tubular frame having proximal and distal ends, and a central lumen, the tubular frame, comprising a plurality of radially-extending members, being disposed on an outside wall of the tube, the distal end of the tube being everted around the distal end of the tubular frame and extending proximally along the tubular frame and over the radially-extending members, and a valve member attached to the tube.

Abstract: A fixation band for affixing a prosthetic heart valve to tissue having proximal and distal annular portions positionable relative to one another, the proximal and distal annular portions each having a proximal and distal sides, the proximal side of the distal annular portion and the distal side of the proximal annular portion being oriented toward one another, and a prosthetic heart valve being attachable to one of the distal side of the distal annular portion and the proximal side of the proximal annular portion; staples configured between the distal side of the proximal annular portion and the proximal side of the distal annular portion; and a compression device operative between the proximal and distal annular portions for selectively positioning the proximal and distal annular members toward one another for compressing the staples therebetween and deploying the staples into tissue so as to affix the prosthetic heart valve to tissue.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system that ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter inserted into the interior of the left atrial appendage that may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature or constricting element on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set the ligature or constricting element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A surgical fastener clip for proximating tissue, the clip providing an undeflected state in which the clip comprises a center portion, a first leg, and a second leg. The center portion has a perimeter defining a circle-like shape. The legs project outwardly relative to the perimeter from a point of departure to a tip. Extension of each of the legs relative to the perimeter defines an identical wind direction that is either clockwise or counterclockwise. The clip optionally includes a linear cross-member extending across the perimeter. The surgical clip can be formed by a wire that is partially wound onto itself in a spiral-like fashion, with the center portion and the legs being co-planar in the undeflected state. During use, the clip is rotated, drawing tissue into the center portion. Systems incorporating the clip are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow. A method for filtering and entrapping debris generated during a percutaneous heart procedure includes deploying a filter mechanism orthogonal to the axis of an artery and performing a percutaneous heart procedure. in the vascular accumulated debris from the vascular system.

Abstract: A novel catheter-based system which ligates the left atrial appendage (LAA) on the outside of the heart, preferably using a combination of catheters and/or instruments, e.g., a guide catheter positioned inside the left atrial appendage which may assist in locating the left atrial appendage and/or assist in the optimal placement of a ligature on the outside of the appendage, and a ligating catheter and/or instrument outside the heart in the pericardial space to set a ligating element at the neck of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Apparatus for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system of a patient, the apparatus including a filter to allow blood to flow therethrough and to restrict passage of debris, wherein the filter captures debris carried in a first direction of blood flow. The apparatus further includes an entrapment mechanism which allows passage of debris and blood therethrough, in the first direction of blood flow and prevents debris passage in a second direction. The entrapment mechanism and filter allow blood and debris therethrough in the first direction of blood flow. The entrapment mechanism prevents debris flow in the second direction of blood flow. A method for filtering and entrapping debris in the vascular system includes inserting the apparatus into the vascular system, allowing blood and debris carried therein to flow through the entrapment mechanism, and removing the apparatus and accumulated debris from the vascular system.

Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.

Abstract: Device and method for sub-xiphoid ablation of patient tissue. A sub-xiphoid access clamp has a handle, an elongate neck coupled to the handle and first and second opposing jaws. The first and second opposing jaws have first and second opposing relief segments being generally co-planar and concave with respect to one another to form a void therebetween, and first and second opposing elongate ablation elements positioned along the first and second opposing jaws and distal of the first and second opposing relief segments relative to the handle. The first and second opposing jaws are articulate between a closed position and an open position to admit, at least in part, a second portion of tissue of the patient within the void created by the first and second opposing relief segments while the first portion of tissue is positioned between the first and second ablation elements in the closed position.