Abstract: An endovascular stent and an aortic valve replacement can be used to treat the aorta. An endovascular stent suitable for treating the ascending aorta includes a circumferential wall with one or more portions configured to allow blood to flow therethrough, and one or more portions configured to be substantially impermeable. In one version, the blood-permeable portion is defined by bare metal with fenestrations defined therein, and the impermeable portion is formed from polymeric material. The permeable and impermeable portions of the stent are sized, shaped, and located so that, when positioned in the blood vessel to be treated, the impermeable portion is in operative proximity to an aneurysm, dissection, or other area to be treated, and the permeable, bare metal portion is in operative proximity to other blood vessels which need to receive blood from the blood vessel being treated. An aortic valve replacement includes multiple flanges that can be seated in the sinuses of valsalva.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing endocardiac treatments using an instrument port placed in the heart wall and an instrument guide which has a steerable tip and which is inserted through the instrument port, allows passage of an instrument therethrough into a heart chamber, and steers the functional tip of the instrument to the desired location for treatment.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing endocardiac ablation by accessing the interior of the heart through the wall of the heart at its apex.

Abstract: The invention is directed to percutaneous transvascular therapeutic procedures, particularly for patients with congestive heart failure, and systems for such procedures. A system of the invention for a “Bow-tie” procedure has an elongated guide catheter, a leaf stabilizing device and a tissue grasping device for grasping the free edges of the patient's heart valve slidably disposed within the guide catheter. Preferably, an artificial cordae tendenae is provided if a natural cordae tendenae of the patient has been torn.

Abstract: The invention is directed to two minimally invasive therapeutic procedures, particularly for patients with congestive heart failure, and devices and systems for such procedures. One procedure involves providing a valved passageway through the patient's left ventricular wall at the apex of the patient's heart and advancing instruments through the valved passageway to connect the valve leaflets of the patient's heart valve, e.g. the mitral valve, in a “Bow-Tie” configuration to prevent or minimize regurgitation through the valve. The second procedure involves advancing a pacing lead and a pacing lead implanting device through a trocar in the patient's chest and implanting the pacing lead on an exposed epicardial region of the patient's heart wall. The pacing lead has a penetrating electrode which is secured within the heart wall. One or both procedures may be performed on a patient with CHF.

Abstract: The invention is directed to two minimally invasive therapeutic procedures, particularly for patients with congestive heart failure, and devices and systems for such procedures. One procedure involves providing a valved passageway through the patient's left ventricular wall at the apex of the patient's heart and advancing instruments through the valved passageway to connect the valve leaflets of the patient's heart valve, e.g. the mitral valve, in a “Bow-Tie” configuration to prevent or minimize regurgitation through the valve. The second procedure involves advancing a pacing lead and a pacing lead implanting device through a trocar in the patient's chest and implanting the pacing lead on an exposed epicardial region of the patient's heart wall. The pacing lead has a penetrating electrode which is secured within the heart wall. One or both procedures may be performed on a patient with CHF.