Abstract: The present technology is directed to adjustable shunting systems having a shunting element, a shape memory actuator, and a lumen extending therethrough for transporting fluid. The shape memory actuator can have a plurality of struts proximate the shunting element and a plurality of projections extending from the plurality of struts. In operation, the shape memory actuator can be used to adjust a geometry of the lumen. In some embodiments, the system is configured such that (a) any strain in the shape memory actuator is concentrated in the struts, and/or (b) the struts experience greater resistive heating than the projections when an electrical current is applied to the actuator.

Abstract: A method for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus. The deployment step may include engaging an outer surface of the heart valve with a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the expansion of the heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment step may include an umbrella structure that forces the valve outward into its fully expanded configuration. Alternatively, a gear shaft that engages one or more gear tracks on the valve may be utilized to regulate expansion of the valve. A stabilization balloon may be used to axially and radially locate the deployment mechanism relative to the site of implantation.

Abstract: A method for replacing native valve function of a diseased aortic valve in a patient is provided. The method comprises: (a) guiding a catheter system having a balloon through the vasculature of the patient; (b) guiding an artificial heart valve assembly through the vasculature of the patient; (c) while the catheter system is in the patient's vasculature, positioning the artificial heart valve assembly about the balloon of the catheter system; (d) delivering the artificial heart valve assembly to the region of the diseased aortic valve; (e) while the patient's heart is beating, expanding the artificial heart valve assembly in the region of the diseased aortic valve; and (f) withdrawing the catheter system from the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A system for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus includes a deployment mechanism that engages the valve and regulates the rate of expansion of both the proximal and distal ends thereof. The heart valve may be a rolled-type valve and the deployment mechanism may include a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers that engage the outer layer of the head valve. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the unwinding of the rolled heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment mechanism may include an umbrella structure that forces the rolled valve outward into its fully expanded configuration. Alternatively, a gear shaft that engages one or more gear tracks on the valve may be utilized to regulate expansion of the valve.

Abstract: A system for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve includes a deployment mechanism that engages the valve and regulates the rate of expansion of both the proximal and distal ends thereof. The deployment mechanism may include a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers that engage the end portions of the heart valve. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the expansion of the heart valve such that the proximal and distal ends radially expand at the same rate. A stabilization balloon may be used to axially and radially locate the deployment mechanism relative to the site of implantation. Methods of operation of the delivery and deployment mechanism include regulating the rate of self-expansion of the valve and forcing the valve outward into its fully expanded configuration utilizing the same or different means.

Abstract: Storage containers for expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The containers permit an expandable valve to be stored in its expanded configuration and then converted to its contracted configuration while still in the container. A mechanism incorporated into the container facilitates the conversion. For example, the container may have a base and a lid, and a crank manipulable from outside. The lid actuates a key within the container that engages the valve to perform the contraction. If the valve is a spirally wound type of expandable valve, the key may be attached to an inner side edge and rotated to wind the valve into a tight spiral. A drain in the container may facilitate removal of a preservative solution so that the valve can be seen during the contraction process, or so that the valve can be rinsed while still within the container.

Abstract: A system for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus includes a deployment mechanism that engages the valve and regulates the rate of expansion of both the proximal and distal ends thereof. The heart valve may be a rolled-type valve and the deployment mechanism may include a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers that engage the outer layer of the heart valve. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the unwinding of the rolled heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment mechanism may include an umbrella structure that forces the rolled valve outward into its fully expanded configuration. Alternatively, a gear shaft that engages one or more gear tracks on the valve may be utilized to regulate expansion of the valve.

Abstract: Storage containers for expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The containers permit an expandable valve to be stored in its expanded configuration and then converted to its contracted configuration while still in the container. A mechanism incorporated into the container facilitates the conversion. For example, the container may have a base and a lid, and a crank manipulable from outside. The lid actuates a key within the container that engages the valve to perform the contraction. If the valve is a spirally wound type of expandable valve, the key may be attached to an inner side edge and rotated to wind the valve into a tight spiral. A drain in the container may facilitate removal of a preservative solution so that the valve can be seen during the contraction process, or so that the valve can be rinsed while still within the container.