Abstract: Embodiments of a method for implanting a prosthetic valve at the native mitral valve region of the heart, the prosthetic valve including a main body that is radially compressible to a radially compressed state and self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state. The prosthetic apparatus also comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body with a leaflet-receiving space between the anchor and an outer surface of the main body to receive a native valve leaflet. Apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for treating a deficient mitral valve include an expandable spacer configured for placement between the native leaflets of the mitral valve, the spacer anchorable to a wall of the ventricle. Methods and apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for treating a deficient mitral valve include an expandable spacer configured for placement between the native leaflets of the mitral valve, the spacer anchorable to a wall of the ventricle. Methods and apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic are also described.

Abstract: A process for forming a catheter balloon includes subjecting a tubular parison in a mold to molding fluid pressure. The resulting catheter balloon includes a balloon portion having two ends and tubular leg portions extending from either end. The ends of the balloon portion are tapered to the tubular leg portions. The tapered ends have alternating elongate areas of greater and lesser resistance to deformation displaced circumferentially about the tapered ends. The elongate areas of greater and lesser resistance to deformation can include ridges which are either longitudinal or spiraled or rods imbedded in the body of the balloon. While in the mold, the tubular legs are drawn axially sufficiently to form permanent creases in the tapered ends. This drawing may be sufficient to cause the material of the tapered ends to exceed the yield strength, particularly with the balloon material in a malleable state.

Abstract: A process for forming a catheter balloon includes subjecting a tubular parison in a mold to molding fluid pressure. The resulting catheter balloon includes a balloon portion having two ends and tubular leg portions extending from either end. The ends of the balloon portion are tapered to the tubular leg portions. While in the mold, the tubular leg portions are drawn axially sufficiently to form permanent creases in the tapered ends. This drawing may be sufficient to cause the material of the tapered ends to exceed the yield strength, particularly with the balloon material in a malleable state. Anomalies on tapered parts of the mold may include ribs or spiral ribs to assist in the creasing process.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus for treating a deficient mitral valve include an expandable spacer configured for placement between the native leaflets of the mitral valve, the spacer anchorable to a wall of the ventricle. Methods and apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method for implanting a prosthetic valve at the native mitral valve region of the heart, the prosthetic valve including a main body that is radially compressible to a radially compressed state and self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state. The prosthetic apparatus also comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body with a leaflet-receiving space between the anchor and an outer surface of the main body to receive a native valve leaflet. Apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of prosthetics configured for implanting in at the native mitral valve region of the heart include a main body that is radially compressible to a radially compressed state and self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state. The prosthetic apparatus also comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body with a leaflet-receiving space between the anchor and an outer surface of the main body to receive a native valve leaflet. Methods and apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of prosthetics configured for implanting in at the native mitral valve region of the heart include a main body that is radially compressible to a radially compressed state and self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state. The prosthetic apparatus also comprises at least one ventricular anchor coupled to the main body and disposed outside of the main body with a leaflet-receiving space between the anchor and an outer surface of the main body to receive a native valve leaflet. Methods and apparatus for delivering and implanting the prosthetic valve are also described.

Abstract: A single lumen balloon-tipped micro catheter, wherein the distal portion of the shaft is reinforced and extends into the balloon to eliminate abrupt transitions in stiffness in the balloon region. The balloon may be formed of a thermoplastic polyisoprene rubber such as hydrogenated polyisoprene which has superior performance and manufacturing attributes.