Abstract: A method for treating a diseased native valve in a patient includes tracking a positioning tool in a first configuration and a valve delivery device over a tether into a heart where the tether is connected to a spiral anchor in the heart; activating the positioning tool from the first configuration to a second configuration that is stiffer than the first configuration; adjusting, with the positioning tool, a position of the spiral anchor relative to a valve positioned within the delivery device; and deploying a valve from the delivery device to an expanded position within the spiral anchor.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying an anastomotic stent between portions of the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are disclosed. The anastomotic stents are configured to atraumatically engage the tissue walls and to permit the flow of fluid, partially digested food, and food. The stents can be deployed using endoscopic catheter devices, laparoscopic tools, and combinations of both endoscopic tools and laparoscopic tools. Examples of anastomoses include anastomoses between the stomach and a portion of the intestines such as the jejunum. Anastomoses can also be formed between two closed ends of the intestines, such as two closed ends of the colon formed during a colon resection procedure. Anastomoses can also be formed between a fundal pouch formed during a gastric bypass procedure and the jejunum. Laparoscopic tools are disclosed to deploy a stent by selectively removing a radial restraint on a self expanding stent with the restraint removed through the laparoscopic access points.

Abstract: Adjacent tissue layers can be accessed using a catheter device with a distal tip having a conductive portion including a first cutting feature and one or more projections extending from the first cutting feature towards an outer diameter of the distal tip. Electrical energy can be supplied to the conductive portion of the device to cut tissue. A stent can be delivered to form a fluid communication between the adjacent tissue layers.

Abstract: An anastomosis device has first and second components which each having first and second parts. The first and second components are magnetically attracted to one another. The device forms a throughhole when in use. The first parts of the first and second components are positioned radially outward from the second parts relative to the longitudinal axis with the first parts of the first and second components contacting one another and being magnetically attracted to one another. The second parts of the first and second components also being magnetically attracted to one another and are separated by the vessel walls.

Abstract: A catheter for penetrating and dilating a passage from a first body lumen to a second body lumen comprises a catheter body, a tapered dilating tip at a distal end of the catheter body, a reciprocatable needle carried in a central passage of the catheter body, a deployable anchor carried near a distal end of the needle, and an advanceable blade carried in a slot at the distal end of the catheter body and advanceable in a track formed axially along the needle. The catheter can be used to penetrate adjacent luminal walls by first advancing the needle, and advancing the dilator over the needle followed by deploying the anchor, applying proximal tension to hold the adjacent tissue layers together, and then advancing the dilator with the exposed blade to fully dilate the passage.

Abstract: A catheter for penetrating and dilating a passage from a first body lumen to a second body lumen comprises a catheter body, a tapered dilating tip at a distal end of the catheter body, a reciprocatable needle carried in a central passage of the catheter body, a deployable anchor carried near a distal end of the needle, and an advanceable blade carried in a slot at the distal end of the catheter body and advanceable in a track formed axially along the needle. The catheter can be used to penetrate adjacent luminal walls by first advancing the needle, and advancing the dilator over the needle followed by deploying the anchor, applying proximal tension to hold the adjacent tissue layers together, and then advancing the dilator with the exposed blade to fully dilate the passage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for placing a conduit in fluid communication with a target vessel and a source of blood, such as the aorta or a heart chamber. The device may be actuated using one hand to place the conduit. The invention allows air in the conduit to be removed prior to placement of the conduit. The invention deploys the conduit in the target vessel by moving a sheath in a distal direction and then in a proximal direction. A conduit is provided with a reinforcing member to prevent kinking of the conduit, and a structure for preventing blockage of the conduit by tissue. A vessel coupling may be used to secure a conduit to a target vessel so as to preserve native blood flow through the vessel, and the conduit may be placed in fluid communication with a target vessel via a laparoscopic or endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: An anastomosis device has first and second components which each having first and second parts. The first and second components are magnetically attracted to one another. The device forms a throughhole when in use. The first parts of the first and second components are positioned radially outward from the second parts relative to the longitudinal axis with the first parts of the first and second components contacting one another and being magnetically attracted to one another. The second parts of the first and second components also being magnetically attracted to one another and are separated by the vessel walls.