Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes of preparing heterogeneous graft material from animal tissue. Specifically, the invention relates to the preparation of animal tissue, in which the tissue is cleaned and chemically cross-linked using both vaporized and liquid cross-linking agents, resulting in improved physical properties such as thin tissue and lowered antigenicity, thereby increasing the ease of delivering the tissue during surgery and decreasing the risk of post-surgical complication, respectively.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery apparatus and method for deployment of a mitral valve replacement.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved devices and methods for deploying and sealing a prosthetic cardiac valve, including (i) a mitral valve with a cuff or atrial sealing gasket formed from tissue or fabric-covered wire or laser cut metal originating from one end of an expandable stent, wherein such cuff or gasket is contoured to fill the zone of coaptation between the commissures of the native valve, (ii) an articulating cuff comprised of a series of radially extending tines having a loop terminus to improve sealing a prosthetic mitral valve against hemodynamic leaking, methods of fitting a prosthetic valve with such an articulating cuff wherein such cuff is contoured to fill the zone of coaptation between the commissures of the native valve, and/or (iii) an expandable leaflet assembly comprising tissue or fabric leaflets extending to cover a wire frame of three or more repeating arches.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis, collared or uncollared, which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing nutrient absorption in the small intestine wherein a medical device is passed through the esophagus, and positioned in the small intestine to treat the interior mucosal surface of the small intestine, causing a reduced capacity for nutrient absorption in the treated segment. In one embodiment, the device contains an element that isolates the segment to be treated and allows for the delivery and removal of treatment agents and neutralizing agents.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A housing for a prosthetic valve comprises a first housing portion having a conduit end opening and a valve end opening, a second housing portion having a conduit end opening, a valve end opening and a threaded outer surface adjacent the valve end opening, a first conduit coupled to the conduit end opening of the first housing portion, a second conduit coupled to the conduit end opening of the second housing portion, and a connecting member having a threaded inner surface. The threaded outer surface of the second housing portion is structured to mate with the threaded inner surface of the connecting member to couple the first housing portion to the second housing portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes of preparing heterogeneous graft material from animal tissue. Specifically, the invention relates to the preparation of animal tissue, in which the tissue is cleaned and chemically cross-linked using both vaporized and liquid cross-linking agents, resulting in improved physical properties such as thin tissue and lowered antigenicity, thereby increasing the ease of delivering the tissue during surgery and decreasing the risk of post-surgical complication, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to the design and function of a compressible valve replacement prosthesis which can be deployed into a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter delivery system. The design as discussed focuses on the deployment of a device via a minimally invasive fashion and by way of example considers a minimally invasive surgical procedure preferably utilizing the intercostal or subxyphoid space for valve introduction. In order to accomplish this, the valve is formed in such a manner that it can be compressed to fit within a delivery system and secondarily ejected from the delivery system into the annulus of a target valve such as a mitral valve or tricuspid valve.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes of preparing heterogeneous graft material from animal tissue. Specifically, the invention relates to the preparation of animal tissue, in which the tissue is cleaned and chemically cross-linked using both vaporized and liquid cross-linking agents, resulting in improved physical properties such as thin tissue and lowered antigenicity, thereby increasing the ease of delivering the tissue during surgery and decreasing the risk of post-surgical complication, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes of preparing heterogeneous graft material from animal tissue. Specifically, the invention relates to the preparation of animal tissue, in which the tissue is cleaned and chemically cross-linked using both vaporized and liquid cross-linking agents, resulting in improved physical properties such as thin tissue and lowered antigenicity, thereby increasing the ease of delivering the tissue during surgery and decreasing the risk of post-surgical complication, respectively.

Abstract: A conduit protector for temporarily minimizing the surface friction on an outside surface of an implant includes a curvilinear sheet formed into a generally cylindrical shape having a first axial edge and a second axial edge, a connecting member coupling the first axial edge of the curvilinear sheet to the second axial edge of the curvilinear sheet, and a release member structured for separating the first axial edge of the curvilinear sheet from the second axial edge of the curvilinear sheet. An inside surface of the curvilinear sheet may have an inner diameter approximately equal to an outer diameter of the outside surface of the implant.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved cutting tool to reliably and safely cut a circular hole through the wall of a body vessel. Unlike prior art, the vessel cutting tool can measure the thickness of the vessel wall before cutting the hole, measure the depth of tool penetration during cutting, and control the rate of rotational cutting relative to the rate of axial movement. Also, the invention provides other benefits not previously offered by prior art inventions. For instance, in one embodiment of the invention an electric motor is used to cut the hole. In another embodiment, the anchor element forms an immediate low profile device within the vessel and by acting as a protective separator, the anchor prevents unwanted vessel tissue from inadvertently being cut by the rotating cutter. In yet another embodiment, an adhesive is used in place of the anchor element to provide an adhesive bond to secure the cutting tool to the vessel.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertable proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertable compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a cross-linker. The proteinaceous substrate includes one or more proteins and an adhesion modifier, and may also include one or more of: a plasticizer, a carbohydrate, or other modification agent. In certain embodiments, the cross-linker is a heat-treated dialdehyde, e.g., heat-treated glutaraldehyde. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.