Abstract: Endoluminal and other as implantable prostheses are fabricated in electrospinning apparatus including a target and an applicator. A solution comprising a polymer and a solvent is directed to the target with a first electrical potential between the target and the applicator to produce a first set of fibers. The same or another solution is continued to be delivered through the applicator onto the target while applying a second electrical potential to produce a second set of fibers having a second solvent fraction, and the same or different solution may be delivered while applying a third potential difference to produce a laminated structure having at least three layers. By properly controlling the electrical potentials and solvent fractions, an adhesive layer can be formed to serve a glue or adhesive between the inner and outer layers, and a stent or other scaffold may be positioned between the inner and outer layers to form a covered stent or graft.

Abstract: Endoluminal and other as implantable prostheses are fabricated in electrospinning apparatus including a target and an applicator. A solution comprising a polymer and a solvent is directed to the target with a first electrical potential between the target and the applicator to produce a first set of fibers. The same or another solution is continued to be delivered through the applicator onto the target while applying a second electrical potential to produce a second set of fibers having a second solvent fraction, and the same or different solution may be delivered while applying a third potential difference to produce a laminated structure having at least three layers. By properly controlling the electrical potentials and solvent fractions, an adhesive layer can be formed to serve a glue or adhesive between the inner and outer layers, and a stent or other scaffold may be positioned between the inner and outer layers to form a covered stent or graft.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly including an annular prosthesis implantable within a biological annulus, a prosthetic valve including a multiple lobular shape for implantation above the biological annulus, and one or more connectors for securing the prosthetic valve to the annular prosthesis. A flexible sewing cuff extends radially from the annular prosthesis that is resiliently flexible for conforming to the multiple lobular shape of the prosthetic valve to enhance a seal between the prosthetic valve and the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may include a core resiliently conformable with anatomy surrounding the biological annulus and fabric covering at least a portion of the core.

Abstract: A valve introducer is provided for delivering a valve prosthesis into a biological annulus. During use, a gasket member is introduced into the biological annulus, and secured relative to the biological annulus. A distal end of a valve introducer is introduced into a passage communicating with the biological annulus, and disposed adjacent the gasket member. A valve prosthesis is advanced through the valve introducer towards the gasket member, and secured to the gasket member. In one embodiment, the valve introducer and valve prosthesis have corresponding shapes, requiring the valve prosthesis to be oriented to properly align the valve prosthesis before advancing the valve prosthesis into the valve introducer. Optionally, the valve introducer is manipulated (e.g., by pivoting at a pivot point) to reduce a profile of the distal end before introduction into the passage, which may facilitate introducing the valve introducer through the passage, e.g., past the sino-tubular junction.

Abstract: A valve introducer is provided for delivering a valve prosthesis into a biological annulus. During use, a gasket member is introduced into the biological annulus, and secured relative to the biological annulus. A distal end of a valve introducer is introduced into a passage communicating with the biological annulus, and disposed adjacent the gasket member. A valve prosthesis is advanced through the valve introducer towards the gasket member, and secured to the gasket member. In one embodiment, the valve introducer and valve prosthesis have corresponding shapes, requiring the valve prosthesis to be oriented to properly align the valve prosthesis before advancing the valve prosthesis into the valve introducer. Optionally, the valve introducer is compressed or otherwise manipulated to reduce a profile of the distal end before introduction into the passage, which may facilitate introducing the valve introducer through the passage, e.g., past the sino-tubular junction.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly including an annular prosthesis implantable within a biological annulus, a prosthetic valve including a multiple lobular shape for implantation above the biological annulus, and one or more connectors for securing the prosthetic valve to the annular prosthesis. A flexible sewing cuff extends radially from the annular prosthesis that is resiliently flexible for conforming to the multiple lobular shape of the prosthetic valve to enhance a seal between the prosthetic valve and the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may include a core resiliently conformable with anatomy surrounding the biological annulus and fabric covering at least a portion of the core.

Abstract: Methods and systems for minimally invasive replacement of a valve. The system includes a collapsible valve and anchoring structure, devices and methods for expanding the valve anchoring structure, adhesive means to seal the valve to the surrounding tissue, a catheter-based valve sizing and delivery system, native valve removal means, and a temporary valve and filter assembly to facilitate removal of debris material. The valve assembly comprises a valve and anchoring structure for the valve, dimensioned to fit substantially within the valve sinus.

Abstract: A medical robotic system with a handle assembly that is used to control a medical instrument. The handle assembly and medical instrument have five degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom may provide greater dexterity than medical robotic systems of the prior art with four or less degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom reduces the size and complexity of the instrument.

Abstract: Methods and systems for minimally invasive replacement of a valve. The system includes a collapsible valve and anchoring structure, devices and methods for expanding the valve anchoring structure, adhesive means to seal the valve to the surrounding tissue, a catheter-based valve sizing and delivery system, native valve removal means, and a temporary valve and filter assembly to facilitate removal of debris material. The valve assembly comprises a valve and anchoring structure for the valve, dimensioned to fit substantially within the valve sinus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for minimally invasive replacement of a valve. The system includes a collapsible valve and anchoring structure, devices and methods for expanding the valve anchoring structure, adhesive means to seal the valve to the surrounding tissue, a catheter-based valve sizing and delivery system, native valve removal means, and a temporary valve and filter assembly to facilitate removal of debris material. The valve assembly comprises a valve and anchoring structure for the valve, dimensioned to fit substantially within the valve sinus.

Abstract: A medical robotic system with a handle assembly that is used to control a medical instrument. The handle assembly and medical instrument have five degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom may provide greater dexterity than medical robotic systems of the prior art with four or less degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom reduces the size and complexity of the instrument.

Abstract: This invention discloses a miniclip apparatus for releasably stabilizing a leaflet onto an aortic artery wall during aortic valve implantation comprising a clip base having a first clip member consisting of a plurality of first prongs and an opposite second clip member consisting of a plurality of second prongs, wherein the first prongs and the second prongs are sized and configured for releasably clipping and stabilizing the leaflet in conjunction with the aortic artery wall; and an actuator assembly operable using one hand located at the clip base, wherein the first clip member moves away from the second clip member when the actuator assembly is activated.

Abstract: A medical robotic system with a handle assembly that is used to control a medical instrument. The handle assembly and medical instrument have five degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom may provide greater dexterity than medical robotic systems of the prior art with four or less degrees of freedom. Five degrees of freedom reduces the size and complexity of the instrument.