Abstract: In one embodiment, a delivery apparatus handle, such as for a mechanical heart valve frame can comprise an actuation knob with a toggle mechanism that can toggle the actuation knob from a first state in which the actuation knob is operable to cause the linear or rotational movement of multiple elements or sets of elements, such as tubes that are attached to, e.g., a mechanical heart valve frame to cause expansion or collapsing of the frame, to a second state in which only a single element or set of elements is moved, allowing for additional operations, such as, e.g., locking the frame and/or releasing it from the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. The delivery system can include a number of advantageous steering and delivery features, in particular for the transseptal delivery approach.

Abstract: A medical balloon sensing assembly constituted of: a handle; a first catheter extending distally from the handle; an inflatable medical balloon, the inflatable medical balloon secured by the first catheter; at least one sensor position member; and at least one sensor secured to the at least one sensor position member, wherein the at least one sensor position member is arranged to contact an outer face of the inflatable medical balloon.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a delivery apparatus handle, such as for a mechanical heart valve frame can comprise an actuation knob with a toggle mechanism that can toggle the actuation knob from a first state in which the actuation knob is operable to cause the linear or rotational movement of multiple elements or sets of elements, such as tubes that are attached to, e.g., a mechanical heart valve frame to cause expansion or collapsing of the frame, to a second state in which only a single element or set of elements is moved, allowing for additional operations, such as, e.g., locking the frame and/or releasing it from the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A kit, including: a strut of a bone fixation device including a fixed portion and an extending portion, wherein the strut comprises a linear actuator mechanically connected to the extending portion; at least one motor adaptor coupled to the linear actuator, wherein the motor adaptor comprises a motor fastener; at least one motor unit selectively attachable and detachable from the motor fastener, wherein the motor unit is configured to functionally couple to the linear actuator and axially extend the extending portion of the strut; wherein the motor fastener is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the motor unit.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery apparatus can comprise a handle, an outer shaft extending distally from the handle, a gear mechanism arranged distal to the outer shaft, an input torque shaft extending distally from the handle through the outer shaft and having a distal end portion operatively connected to the gear mechanism, and a plurality of output torque shafts operatively connected to and extending distally from the gear mechanism. The gear mechanism is configured to transfer rotational motion from the input torque shaft to the plurality of output torque shafts.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to assemblies, apparatuses, and methods for electrically stimulating the body. In one example, a medical apparatus comprises a handle comprising an electrical connection assembly that is configured to establish an electrical connection between a guidewire and an electrode of an external electrical stimulation generator and that is configured to maintain this electrical connection when the guidewire moves longitudinally relative to the handle, or vice versa. The guidewire may be configured to electrically contact tissue of a patient to deliver electrical stimulation to the tissue. In some examples, the medical apparatus may be included in a medical assembly comprising an introducer device that is configured to facilitate subcutaneous insertion of the medical apparatus. The introducer device may be configured to be electrically connected to electrical stimulation generator and may be configured to electrically contact tissue of the patient.

Abstract: An assembly can include a prosthetic valve and a delivery apparatus having a handle and a plurality of actuator assemblies extending from the handle. The prosthetic valve can have a plurality of posts one or more of which are configured as actuators having an axially spaced first member and second member, and a threaded rod extending through first and second members. Each actuator assembly can include a first actuation member engaging an outflow end of the prosthetic valve and having first and second support extensions, and a second actuation member extending through the first actuation member and comprising a distal end portion having an engagement portion releasably coupled to the threaded rod. The first and second support extensions can inhibit rotation of the frame relative to the one or more actuator assemblies during expansion of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A sheath locking system comprising an introducer locking hub comprising a hub body defining a locking channel for engaging a corresponding guide on a sheath locking sleeve. The sheath locking sleeve removably coupled to the introducer locking hub via engagement between the guide and the locking channel. The sheath locking sleeve movable between an unlocked position where the sheath locking sleeve is rotationally and axially movable with respect to the introducer locking hub, and a locked position where the sheath locking sleeve is axially fixed with respect to the introducer locking hub.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve delivery apparatus can comprise a handle, a gearbox, an input torque shaft and a plurality of output torque shafts. The input torque shaft can extend distally from the handle and can have a distal end portion operatively connected to the gearbox. The output torque shafts can be operatively connected to and extend distally from the gearbox. Rotation of the input torque shaft can cause rotation of the output torque shafts via the gear box.

Abstract: Exemplary implementations of a thermally-efficient slidable fenestration assembly are glass window systems or glass door systems having one or more sliding glass panels. The fenestration assemblies are adapted to be mounted in an architectural structure such as a building or house. Accessory channels in the fenestration framework may be provided to facilitate nail-fin, retro-fit or screen adaptors as means to attach the assembly to the surrounding architecture. Stiles, tracks and rails of the assembly are specifically configured to reduce heat transfer across the fenestration assembly, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity and durability of the overall assembly. Certain stile, track and rail components may comprise materials of relatively low conductivities. Preferred stile configurations include interlock elements arranged to reduce the assembly's vulnerability to tampering from a position outside of the fenestration.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for controlling implantation of a prosthetic heart valve includes a handle housing and a release mechanism mounted on the handle housing. The release mechanism can be operably coupled to at least one actuation shaft. Actuation of the release mechanism can cause a distal end portion of the actuation shaft to be connected to or released from the prosthetic heart valve. The handle also includes an indicator tab configured to indicate whether the actuation shaft if connected to or released from the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A delivery apparatus for implanting a prosthetic heart valve includes one or more shafts and a handle coupled to the one or more shafts. The handle comprises one or more knobs, one or more adjustment mechanisms, and/or one or more control mechanisms. The knobs are configured for actuating the one or more adjustment mechanisms and/or the one or more control mechanisms. The one or more adjustment mechanisms are configured for moving the shafts relative to each other and/or relative to the handle. The one or more control mechanisms are configured for limiting the direction of movement and/or force applied to the one or more shafts.

Abstract: A transcatheter delivery system including an expandable transition element is disclosed. As one example, an assembly may comprise a prosthetic valve and a delivery device. The delivery device may comprise an outer shaft with a distal end portion forming a sheath adapted to enclose the prosthetic valve therein in a radially compressed configuration; an inner shaft arranged within the outer shaft and including a nosecone arranged at a distal end of the inner shaft, the nosecone arranged outside of the outer shaft, at the distal end portion of the outer shaft; and an expandable transition element adapted to expand from a non-expanded state within the outer shaft to an expanded state outside the outer shaft, wherein, in the expanded state, the transition element forms a continuous transition from the nosecone to the prosthetic valve when the sheath is moved away from the nosecone to uncover the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device can include a frame that is radially expandable and compressible between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration. The frame can have a first set of a plurality of struts extending in a first direction, and a second set of a plurality of struts extending in a second direction, and each strut of the first set of struts can be pivotably connected to at least one strut of the second set of struts. Each strut can be curved helically with respect to a first, longitudinal axis of the frame, and each strut can be curved with respect to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first, longitudinal axis of the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of a prosthetic valve delivery apparatus are disclosed. The delivery apparatus can include an indicator arm changeable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The second configuration is different from the first configuration in location or shape of the indicator arm. The indicator arm can be configured to remain in the first configuration when a diameter of the prosthetic valve is smaller than a first predetermined size, and change to the second configuration when the diameter of the prosthetic valve is expanded to the first predetermined size.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a transcatheter delivery system is disclosed. As one example, the locking mechanism may comprise a first fixing member configured to be coupled to an introducer sheath, a second fixing member configured to be coupled to a handle of a delivery apparatus, and a locking arm configured to be removably coupled at a first end to one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member and fixedly or removably coupled at a second end to another one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member, wherein the locking arm is moveable between a first position where an axial position of the second fixing member is not fixed relative to the first fixing member via the locking arm and a second position where the axial position of the second fixing member is fixed relative to the first fixing member via the locking arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, assemblies and methods for monitoring radial expansion of a prosthetic valve during prosthetic valve implantation procedures.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device can include a frame that is radially expandable and compressible between a radially compressed configuration and a radially expanded configuration. The frame can have a first set of a plurality of struts extending in a first direction, and a second set of a plurality of struts extending in a second direction, and each strut of the first set of struts can be pivotably connected to at least one strut of the second set of struts. Each strut can be curved helically with respect to a first, longitudinal axis of the frame, and each strut can be curved with respect to a second axis that is perpendicular to the first, longitudinal axis of the frame.