Abstract: A tissue anchor includes an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a barb mounted to the elongated body adjacent the proximal end for movement between a retracted position and an extended position in which the barb projects outwardly from the elongated body. An anchoring system includes an implantable device with a tissue contacting surface facing in a proximal direction, the tissue anchor having its distal end engageable with the implantable device and its proximal end adapted to project proximally beyond the tissue contacting surface to grip a living tissue, and a second resilient element that is mounted between the distal end of the anchor and the implantable device, the second resilient element being adapted to bias the anchor distally relative to the implantable device. Tooling and methods of insertion and removal are provided.

Abstract: A holder for a housing of an electronic device includes an extruded metal portion adapted to receive the housing and a securement element that is either mounted to the extruded metal portion or integral with the extruded metal portion. The securement element is adapted to secure the housing in the extruded metal portion.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) within the heart includes one or more tools, each having a body with a passage. Each tool body can be engaged with an anchor ring assembly secured to the heart. A coring tool can be advanced through the passage in a tool body and used to from a hole in the heart wall, and then valve actuating elements carried on the tool can be used to close a valve incorporated in the anchor ring assembly. A VAD can be passed into the heart through a passage in a tool body after opening the valve. The procedure can be performed while the heart continues to beat, without gross blood loss.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a percutaneous skin connector including a base and a cap. The base has a channel extending through it and a plurality of base magnets are positioned around the channel and exposed at a base surface. A skirt which allows tissue ingrowth extends from the base to further secure the base to the patient. The connector also includes a cap with a bore extending through it and a plurality of cap magnets positioned around the bore and exposed at a cap surface. The base magnets and cap magnets attract and align the cap surface to the base surface. The connector further includes a release mechanism adapted to at least partially separate the cap from the base when the cap is rotated relative to the base and out of alignment with the base.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a connector ring assembly to attach a VAD to a heart. The assembly includes a clamp which can rotate completely about the annular wall in a first state and is fixed relative to the annular wall in a second state. The clamp transitions from the first state to the second state via an actuator. The actuator can be configured with an axis of rotation generally parallel to the opening of the annular wall, thereby allowing manipulation of the actuator through the same surgical accessway as that used to implant the connector ring assembly. At least one embodiment provides a connector flange separately from an annular wall to provide greater access to the connector flange during implantation. The annular wall and clamp are attached to the connector flange after the flange is fixed to the heart.

Abstract: A mounting ring for a ventricular assist device or other device used in the heart includes a plate adapted to be secured to the exterior of the heart by rigid anchors such as hook, pin, or screw. When hooks are used, they can be pivotally mounted to the plate so that the hooks can rotate from retracted positions to advanced positions. A tool can be included in a mounting ring kit to move the hooks from their retracted positions to their advanced positions so that the hooks secure the plate to the heart. Preferably, all of the hooks are advanced simultaneously. The VAD or other device is then secured to the plate. The plate can be mounted to the heart in less time than required to install a traditional mounting ring by suturing to the heart.

Abstract: An access port includes a first and a second resilient element, each having a first face and a second face. A first slit and a second slit are defined in the first and second resilient elements, respectively. The first face of the first resilient element abuts the first face of the second resilient element. The lengthwise direction of the second slit is transverse to the lengthwise direction of the first slit. The first and second resilient elements are configured to assume at least a first position wherein the first and second slits are substantially closed, thereby preventing a passage of a fluid therebetween and at least a second position wherein a member projects through the first and second slits, thereby allowing the member to pass through the access port.

Abstract: A multiconductor snake wiring system which uses a flexible bus structure with taps for providing connections to the components is disclosed. An automated facility for manufacturing the snake wiring system is also described. A compact multilayer wiring structure for connecting the components and a unique process for manufacturing the wiring structure are also disclosed.