Abstract: A system including an anchor for docking a prosthetic valve at a native valve of a heart can have a first end, a second end, and a central axis extending between the first and second ends, and defines an inner space coaxial with the central axis. The valve prosthesis can include a protective layer or annular ring that surrounds a bottom edge of the second frame end. The protective layer or annular ring can include two layers, and the two layers can be different materials.

Abstract: An implant and method for repairing and/or replacing functionality of a native mitral valve are in various embodiments configured to reduce or eliminate mitral regurgitation and residual mitral valve leakage. A coiled anchor with a central turn that reduces in size upon implantation is used to approximate the amount of reduction in the size and the reshaping of the native mitral annulus to reduce valve leakage. A clip can be further applied to the native valve leaflets to reduce the size of the native mitral annulus and leakage therethrough. A prosthetic heart valve can be implanted in the coiled anchor to replace and further improve functionality of the valve. In some cases, the prosthetic valve can be implanted in a clipped valve, where the clip is detached from one of the native valve leaflets to provide space for the prosthetic valve to expand.

Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: Thermal pads for incorporation into systems and compression garments may be used for various medical or other purposes. The pads include thermal fluid channels and the ability to flex and elastically stretch in multiple directions for conformance to the individual user. Cooling systems include recirculation of the thermal fluid for temperature control purposes. Methods include hot and cold contrast type therapy for a variety of purposes.

Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for docking a heart valve prosthesis. A system includes a helical anchor (30) formed as multiple coils (32) adapted to support a heart valve prosthesis (10) with coil portions (32) positioned above and below the heart valve annulus (12). A seal (50) is coupled with the helical anchor (30) and includes portions extending between adjacent coils (32) for preventing blood leakage through the helical anchor (30) and past the heart valve prosthesis (10). An expansible helical anchor (30) is formed as multiple coils (32) adapted to support a heart valve prosthesis (10). At least one of the coils (32) is normally being at a first diameter, and is expandable to a second, larger diameter upon application of radial outward force from within the helical anchor (30).

Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing a heart valve. An expansible helical anchor is formed as multiple coils to support a valve prosthesis. At least one of the coils is expandable to a second, larger diameter upon application force from within the anchor. A gap is defined between adjacent coils sufficient to prevent engagement by at least one of the adjacent coils with the native heart valve. An expansible heart valve prosthesis is provided and is configured to be delivered into the anchor and expanded inside the coils into engagement. This moves the coil from the first diameter to the second diameter while securing the anchor and prosthesis together. The system further includes a seal on the expansible heart valve prosthesis configured to engage the helical anchor and prevent blood leakage past the heart valve prosthesis after implantation of the heart valve prosthesis in the helical anchor.

Abstract: An implant and method for repairing and/or replacing functionality of a native mitral valve are in various embodiments configured to reduce or eliminate mitral regurgitation and residual mitral valve leakage. A coiled anchor with a central turn that reduces in size upon implantation is used to approximate the amount of reduction in the size and the reshaping of the native mitral annulus to reduce valve leakage. A clip can be further applied to the native valve leaflets to reduce the size of the native mitral annulus and leakage therethrough. A prosthetic heart valve can be implanted in the coiled anchor to replace and further improve functionality of the valve. In some cases, the prosthetic valve can be implanted in a clipped valve, where the clip is detached from one of the native valve leaflets to provide space for the prosthetic valve to expand.

Abstract: A system for ablating internal heart tissue in an ablation pattern on a surface of the tissue within the heart. The system includes an ablation catheter with a distal end having an ablating tip portion operative to allow selective ablation of tissue. A guiding device is engageable with the ablation catheter and includes a tissue anchoring portion operable to engage with tissue proximate to the tissue to be ablated so as to temporarily anchor the guiding device relative to the tissue. Engagement of the guiding device with the ablation catheter operates to assist with guiding the ablating tip portion in moving along the pattern. Various devices and methods of use are further disclosed.

Abstract: Prosthetic mitral heart valves and anchors for use with such valves are provided that allow for an improved implantation procedure. In various embodiments, a helical anchoring device is formed as a coiled or twisted anchor that includes one or more turns that twist or curve around a central axis. Curved arms attached to the frame of the valve guide the helical anchoring device into position beneath the valve leaflets and around the mitral valve annulus as it exits the delivery catheter, and the expandable prosthetic mitral valve is held within the coil of the anchoring device. The anchoring device and the valve can be delivered together, simplifying the valve replacement procedure.

Abstract: Various systems, devices and methods associated with the placement of a dock or anchor (72) for a prosthetic mitral valve (120). The anchor (72) may take the form of a helical anchor having multiple coils (104, 108) and/or a stent-like structure. Various methods include different levels of minimal invasive procedures for delivering the prosthetic valve anchor (72) and prosthetic valve (120), as well as tissue anchors for plication or other purposes to the mitral valve position in the heart (14).