Abstract: An apparatus for at least partially repairing a regurgitant heart valve includes at least one subvalvular device defining a longitudinal axis and including a subvalvular portion located adjacent a subvalvular cardiac wall adjacent to the heart valve. An anchor portion is adjacent to, and is longitudinally spaced from, the subvalvular portion. A connector neck is interposed longitudinally between, and is attached to both of, the subvalvular portion and the anchor portion. The connector neck penetrates longitudinally through at least one of a base of the first valve leaflet and an annulus of the heart valve at a manufactured puncture site. A fastener is selectively connected to the at least one subvalvular device. The fastener penetrates through at least one of the first and second valve leaflets to maintain the at least one leaflet in a predetermined position with respect to the at least one subvalvular device.

Abstract: An apparatus for partially supporting a leaflet of a regurgitant heart valve includes at least one subvalvular device including a subvalvular supporting portion and an anchor portion. The subvalvular supporting portion and anchor portion are each at least partially formed from at least one of braided mesh strands of a first configuration, braided mesh strands of a second configuration, a balloon, a plurality of longitudinally extending struts, and a plurality of laterally extending struts. A connector neck is interposed longitudinally between, and is attached to both of, the subvalvular supporting portion and the anchor portion. The connector neck penetrates longitudinally through at least one of a base of the leaflet and an annulus of the heart valve at a manufactured puncture site.

Abstract: An apparatus for partially supporting a leaflet of a regurgitant heart valve includes at least one subvalvular device including a subvalvular supporting portion and an anchor portion. The subvalvular supporting portion and anchor portion are each at least partially formed from at least one of braided mesh strands of a first configuration, braided mesh strands of a second configuration, a balloon, a plurality of longitudinally extending struts, and a plurality of laterally extending struts. A connector neck is interposed longitudinally between, and is attached to both of, the subvalvular supporting portion and the anchor portion. The connector neck penetrates longitudinally through at least one of a base of the leaflet and an annulus of the heart valve at a manufactured puncture site.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for remotely monitoring physiologic cardiovascular data are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for the delivery of the sensor to the epicardial surface of the heart. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide for a memory device capable of receiving the physiologic cardiovascular data collected by the sensors and transmitting such data wirelessly to a remote location.

Abstract: A device, system and method for providing tissue and organ restriction. Embodiments of an implantable magnetic device are described with respect to restricting gastric capacity while avoiding nutritional deficiencies and other complications. Further, a delivery device is described for facilitating the delivery of the magnetic device to a targeted site. Additionally, methods are described for delivering the magnetic devices to a stomach.

Abstract: The disclosure of the present application includes assemblies, systems, and methods for preventing endoleak and migration. In an embodiment of an assembly for delivering a magnetic glue-like substance, the assembly comprises a catheter defining a catheter, a needle positioned within the catheter, and a needle wire, whereby a magnetic glue-like substance may be injected through a needle wire to a target site.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating cardiovascular diseases includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions for positioning in a blood vessel. The proximal end portion of the expandable support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members is for engaging at least a portion of an antrum of a cardiac chamber surrounding the blood vessel. At least a portion of the expandable support member is treated with at least one therapeutic agent for eluting into the blood vessel, the cardiac chamber, and/or cardiac tissue. The expandable support member is made of wire-mesh, and at least a portion of the expandable support member may be made of a bioabsorbable material.

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 modifying the annulus of a cardiac valve to reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve includes a first annuloplasty ring having a first diameter and being disposed about a first aspect of the annulus of the cardiac valve. The apparatus also includes an elongate flexible body having proximal and distal end portions and being insertable into the first annuloplasty ring. The elongate flexible body has an adjustable mechanism for selectively adjusting the elongate flexible body from a first relaxed configuration to a second tensioned configuration. The first annuloplasty ring is adaptable to obtain a second smaller diameter and to cause the annulus of the cardiac valve to be modified and reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve when the elongate flexible body obtains the second tensioned configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for remodeling the annulus of a cardiac valve includes a first elongate flexible member having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion interconnected by a main body portion. The distal end portion is steerable from the proximal end portion and advanceable to one side of the cardiac valve annulus via a percutaneous approach. The distal end portion includes a terminal end and a connecting section spaced apart by a predetermined length. The connecting section has a structure for disconnecting from the main body portion, in addition to a structure for interconnecting with the terminal end to form a ring of a predetermined shape adjacent the one side of the cardiac valve annulus. The distal end portion further includes a mechanism for attaching to the cardiac valve annulus so that, when the ring is formed, the distal end portion contracts and thereby remodels the annulus of the cardiac valve.

Abstract: A stentless bioprosthetic graft for repairing a first native heart valve and a second native heart valve in a heart. The bioprosthetic graft includes a harvested homograft having a harvested mitral valve portion, a harvested distal aorta, and an extension portion made of a biocompatible material. The harvested distal aorta further includes a harvested aortic valve, a harvested aortic root, and at least a portion of a harvested atrial wall. The harvested mitral valve portion is for suturing place of the first native heart valve, and the harvested distal aorta is for suturing to a partial section of the second native heart valve. The extension portion is sutured to the homograft and is for suturing to the left atrial wall of the heart to close an incision in the left atrial wall following implantation of the harvested mitral valve portion and the harvested distal aorta of the homograft.

Abstract: An apparatus for replacing a cardiac valve having at least two native valve leaflets includes an expandable support member with oppositely disposed first and second ends and a main body portion extending between the ends. The first and second ends respectively include a plurality of upper and lower wing members respectively having first and second magnetic components. The wing members extend from the main body portion and are spaced circumferentially thereabout. Secured within the main body portion is a prosthetic valve having at least two valve leaflets. The second end further includes at least two strut members spaced apart from each other and attached to at least one commissural section of the prosthetic valve. The magnetic components are magnetically attracted to one another so that, when the apparatus is placed in the valve annulus, the wing members are pulled toward one another to secure the prosthetic valve in the annulus.

Abstract: A stentless bioprosthetic valve includes at least one piece of biocompatible material comprising a bi-leaflet conduit. The conduit has a distal end, a proximal end defining a first annulus for suturing to the valve annulus of a heart, and leaflets extending between the proximal and distal ends. The distal end defines a second annulus having a profile substantially similar to a first annulus profile, at which the leaflets terminate. The second annulus is sutured to free edges of the leaflets of the native mitral valve that remain intact following resection of the native mitral valve. Therefore, the native chordae tendineae continue to provide prolapse prevention and left ventricular muscle support functions in addition to maintaining continuity between the valve annulus and the papillary muscles. The second annulus is spaced from the papillary muscles. A method for replacing the native mitral valve with a stentless bioprosthetic valve is also provided.

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 and method for replacing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed first and second ends, a main body portion extending between the ends, and a prosthetic valve within the main body portion. The main body portion has an annular shape for expanding into position in the annulus of the valve. The first and second ends include a plurality of upper and lower wing members movable from a collapsed condition into an extended condition for respectively engaging a first section of cardiac tissue surrounding the valve and for engaging a portion of the native valve leaflets to pin the leaflets back against the annulus. The second end further includes at least two strut members spaced apart from each other. A respective one of the strut members is attached to at least one commissural section of the prosthetic valve to prevent prolapse of the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing both the native mitral valve and the native aortic valve in a heart with a stentless bioprosthetic graft is provided. The bioprosthetic graft comprises a harvested homograft that includes a mitral valve portion and an aortic valve portion, and an extension portion made of a biocompatible material. The extension portion is sutured to the homograft and is for suturing to the left atrial wall of the heart to close an incision in the left atrial wall following implantation of the mitral valve portion and the aortic valve portion of the homograft.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically retroperfusing a coronary vein includes an intraluminal cannula having a main body portion extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion is for connecting to an artery outside of the pericardium to automatically supply oxygenated blood from the artery for retroperfusion. The main body portion and the distal end portion are insertable through a vein that is fluidly connected with the coronary vein and into the coronary vein. An expandable stent is attached to the distal end portion for expanding radially into engagement with the interior wall of the coronary vein to secure the distal end portion at a desired location within the coronary vein. Occluding structure for at least partially occluding the coronary vein is provided at the distal end to decrease the back-flow of blood into the right atrium during retroperfusion. The cannula includes passages that allow a limited amount of blood to bypass the occluding structure.