Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of reshaping the right heart and reducing tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides an inflatable device to be deployed in the space between the sternum and the right heart. An injectable medium is injected to the cavity of the device. Once the device is filled, the device is detached from the delivery system, and released inside the body. The inflated device exerts pressure to the right heart, changes the shape of the tricuspid annulus, and allows a better coaptation of the tricuspid leaflets.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices each includes a vascular anchor, an annulus anchor, and at least one tensioning member connecting with the vascular anchor or the annulus anchor. Another aspect of the present teachings provides methods of deploying a vascular anchor at a first treatment location inside the coronary sinus, and deploying an annulus anchor at a second treatment location across the tricuspid annulus. When both the anchors are pulled towards each other, the portion of the annulus between the two anchors is plicated, which improves the coaptation of the tricuspid valve leaflets.

Abstract: A hip replacement method in which includes making an anterior incision and a lateral incision proximate the hip joint. The method next includes preparing a femoral passage directed along an axis of the femoral neck of the femur. An acetabulum reamer coupled to a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage is used to ream the acetabulum. The femoral head is prepared using a tool coupled to a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. An acetabular prosthesis is then installed using a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. A femoral prosthesis is installed using a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. All of the foregoing steps are performed without dislocating the hip joint.

Abstract: A plication lock delivery system that enables a suture lock assembly to be delivered percutaneouly. The plication lock delivery system comprises a lock assembly that secures sutures in place, a control assembly that allows a clinician to engage a suture to a suture lock assembly, apply tension to the sutures to cause tissue plication, and deploy the lock assembly, and a catheter assembly. This plication lock delivery system can be used to repair mitral regurgitation percutaneouly or in an open-heart surgery.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances between two papillary muscles. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances along the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distance between the distance of right ventricle outflow track and the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by changing the right ventricle sphericity index. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the tricuspid valve tethering height.

Abstract: A plication lock delivery system that enables a suture lock assembly to be delivered percutaneously. The plication lock delivery system comprises a lock assembly that secures sutures in place, a control assembly that allows a clinician to engage a suture to a suture lock assembly, apply tension to the sutures to cause tissue plication, and deploy the lock assembly, and a catheter assembly. This plication lock delivery system can be used to repair mitral regurgitation percutaneously or in an open-heart surgery.

Abstract: A fixation device and method for retaining a graft. The device including: an elongate body having a first end and a second end; a transverse passage for retaining a graft retainer element; a first aperture located in the first end, and a second aperture in the second end; the first aperture and second aperture defining respective ends of a longitudinal through path. The method using the fixation device for drawing a graft through a first tunnel defined in a first bone and reining the graft when through.

Abstract: The present teachings provide devices and methods of treating a tricuspid valve regurgitation. Specifically, one aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances between two papillary muscles. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distances along the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the distance between the distance of right ventricle outflow track and the right ventricle wall. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by changing the right ventricle sphericity index. Another aspect of the present teachings provides devices and methods for reshaping and resizing the right ventricle by reducing the tricuspid valve tethering height.

Abstract: The present teachings generally relate to translation catheter systems and method of using thereof in treating defective mitral valves. Specifically, a translation catheter system includes a catheter configured to move substantially laterally along the mitral annulus and the lateral movement of the catheter is substantially continuous and substantially adjustable. Accordingly, a method of using such a translation catheter includes advancing a first wire across the mitral annulus at a first treatment location, delivering a catheter at or near the first treatment location, moving the catheter substantially laterally to a second treatment location, and advancing a second wire across the mitral annulus, where the distance between the first and second treatment locations is substantially adjustable and optionally visualized.

Abstract: A hip replacement method in which includes making an anterior incision and a lateral incision proximate the hip joint. The method next includes preparing a femoral passage directed along an axis of the femoral neck of the femur. An acetabulum reamer coupled to a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage is used to ream the acetabulum. The femoral head is prepared using a tool coupled to a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. An acetabular prosthesis is then installed using a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. A femoral prosthesis is installed using a femoral elongate element installed in the femoral passage. All of the foregoing steps are performed without dislocating the hip joint.

Abstract: A plication lock delivery system that enables a suture lock assembly to be delivered percutaneouly. The plication lock delivery system comprises a lock assembly that secures sutures in place, a control assembly that allows a clinician to engage a suture to a suture lock assembly, apply tension to the sutures to cause tissue plication, and deploy the lock assembly, and a catheter assembly. This plication lock delivery system can be used to repair mitral regurgitation percutaneouly or in an open-heart surgery.

Abstract: A fixation device and method for retaining a graft. The device including: an elongate body having a first end and a second end; a transverse passage for retaining a graft retainer element; a first aperture located in the first end, and a second aperture in the second end; the first aperture and second aperture defining respective ends of a longitudinal through path. The method using the fixation device for drawing a graft through a first tunnel defined in a first bone and reining the graft when through.

Abstract: A graft retainer device and method for substantially retaining a portion of a graft with respect to a bone of a patient. The device comprises a body; and a retaining element for retaining a graft with respect to the body. A surgical screw fastener device can be use with the graft retainer device for pulling a graft through a tunnel defined in the bone. The graft can includes any one or more of the set comprising: a transplant tendon, an artificial tendon, a transplant ligament, and an artificial ligament.

Abstract: A surgical screw fastener device and method for pulling a graft through a first tunnel defined in a first bone. The surgical screw fastener including a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an exterior screw thread located around the body for threadedly engaging a wall of the first tunnel. The device can have a first coupling element at the proximal end of the body, wherein the first coupling element adapted to couple a driver tool. The device can further have a second coupling element for rotatable coupling of a first end of the graft with respect to the device.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in an electrochemical cell, said electrode being in the proportions of a pyramid with the proportions of the pyramidal shape being determined by a specific formula where the height is multiplied by a figure between 1 and 2 to determine the four side lengths and the height is multiplied by a figure between 1.20 and 2.22 to determine the four base lengths. The invention also comprises methods and techniques for adjusting an internal combustion engine and/or electric power generator to allow for the engine to run on hydrogen generated from water using an electrolysis cell. The methods have been developed to reduce the likelihood of hydrogen ignition flame back.

Abstract: The graphic file management system of the present invention provides users with the ability to control the complexity, flow, and quality (performance, ease of use, and scalability) of managing and usage of graphic files across enterprises. In particular, the system of the present invention allows for automated and dynamic repurposing (maintenance, use and manipulation) of large amounts of digital graphic data or files. The system comprises a server which can manipulate graphic files and establishes links to each graphic file, and a database on which the server stores the links. The server can create other formats of a particular graphic file and allows for amendments to graphic files to be tracked.

Abstract: An electrical isolation connector subassembly for interconnecting adjacent tubular drill rods of a drilling system used in drilling bore holes in earth formations, the connector comprising an electrically insulative sleeve being sandwiched between two electrically isolated subassembly components, the sleeve providing an exterior gap between the edges of the spaced apart electrically isolated components, the exterior gap having a width of less than 50 cm.

Abstract: A bicycle frame design using plateframe structural elements for a high performance, full suspension bicycle having the ability to fold up in a package of compact size is provided. The main frame is formed by opposed plate frame elements (1, 2), patterned in the ergonomic dimensions and component arrangements therefrom used for contemporary mountain bikes. The patterned plate frame elements (1, 2) are cut from plate stock in a way that locates and mounts the operative elements in positions required for bike function. Such plate frame structure is of modular, lightweight, and weldless construction. A mechanically simple, lightweight rear shock absorbing system (7, 8, 9) is incorporated. The design routes cables in an internal arrangement, separating them from rider or other attached components or accessories on the inboard side of the plateframe structure. Overall geometry and dimensions of this configuration are adjustable to provide a universal fit for riders of various sizes.