Abstract: Interfaces for delivery systems for delivering and deploying prosthetic heart valves. A prosthetic valve may be secured to a patient's native diseased valve by a spiral-shaped anchor that encircles an outer periphery of the prosthetic valve. In some examples, the interface provides a releasable connection between the anchor and a tether that guides placement of the anchor with respect to the patients native valve. Once the anchor is properly positioned, the prosthetic valve may be positioned and expanded within the patient's native valve and the anchor. The tether-anchor interface can release the anchor from the tether, leaving the anchor and valve prosthesis secured in place within the heart.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a spiral anchor to a diseased native valve of a heart includes an anchor control catheter and an anchor guide extending from the anchor control catheter. The anchor guide includes a flexible configuration and a rigid configuration. The anchor guide in the rigid configuration includes a proximal section, a middle section, and a distal section. The proximal section includes a straight central axis and extends from the anchor control catheter, the middle section spirals axially and radially outwards from the central axis, and the distal section curves concentrically about the central axis in a plane that is perpendicular to the central axis.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods related to heart valve prostheses. The prosthesis includes an anchor and a frame. The anchor is shaped to encircle chordae and/or leaflets of a native heart valve. The frame is configured to sit within the anchor and the native valve such that the anchor encircles and anchors the frame in place. At least a portion of the anchor is configured to be visible using surgical visualization techniques during delivery of the prosthesis within the heart. The anchor can include an echogenic portion configured to enable viewing of the echogenic portion with ultrasound during delivery of the prosthesis.

Abstract: Delivery systems and methods for delivering a valve anchor and a valve prosthesis to a native valve annulus are provided. The anchor can be deployed near the native valve annulus with a tether attached thereto. A portion of the tether can be positioned inferior to the deployed anchor in an inverted configuration for advantageous positioning for adjusting the anchor position and/or deployment of the valve prosthesis. A positioning tool can be tracked over the tether and used to properly position the anchor. The positioning tool can be configured to transition to a stiffened state that includes one or more bends configured to allow efficient positioning of the deployed anchor and to provide room for deploying the valve prosthesis. Once the anchor is properly positioned, the valve prosthesis can be deployed within the native valve annulus and within the valve anchor.

Abstract: A device for treating a diseased native valve in a patient is provided, the device including a frame structure and a plurality of leaflets. The device can further include a spiral anchor configured to extend around an outer circumference of the frame structure, the spiral anchor comprising a spiral portion and a proximal portion that extends radially outwards relative to a circumference of the spiral portion. Other embodiments and methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A tissue anchor for securing an implantable device to tissue such as soft tissue. The anchor includes a tissue-engaging portion having a tissue-engaging configuration which enhances, improves, increases, etc., the engagement, grasp, purchase, etc. of the anchor with the body tissue in which the anchor is implanted. In some embodiments, the tissue-engaging portion cinches or pinches or compresses tissue between sections of the tissue-engaging portion to grab onto or otherwise engage tissue. In some embodiments, a section of the tissue-engaging portion expands or otherwise extends away from the other portions of the anchor to increase engagement of the anchor with the tissue. In some embodiments, a section of the tissue-engaging portion may flare outwardly to drive further into tissue in a direction transverse to other portions of the anchor.