Abstract: A first part of an annuloplasty structure is anchored to an annulus of a valve of a heart by using a driver to screw a tissue-coupling element of a first anchor into a first site of the annulus, such that the tissue-coupling element enters cardiac tissue in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the driver through the distal end of the anchor driver. The same is subsequently done for second and third parts of the annuloplasty structure using second and third anchors at second and third sites of the annulus, mutatis mutandis. Between anchors, the driver is retracted out of the heart. Subsequently, the valve is treated by reducing a distance between the first site and the second site, and a distance between the second site and the third site, by tightening a flexible and elongate contracting member of the annuloplasty structure.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preventing a sharp stick hazard from a needle tip of an automatic injector device. In some embodiments, a skin contact surface of the device is attached to an injection site, for example by an adhesive. Optionally a locking mechanism holds a needle extended into an injection site. A body of the device is optionally movably attached to the skin contact surface. Pulling the body away from the injection site optionally moves the body with respect to the skin contact surface. Movement of the body with respect to the skin contact surface optionally moves interlinked parts of the locking mechanism, releasing the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A syringe cartridge comprising a reservoir part and an extension extending from said reservoir part, said extension defining a fluid path and comprising a molding and a first needle extending from said molding, the extension turning to a finite angle with respect to an axis of said reservoir part and wherein at least part of said first needle is likewise at said finite angle, at least some of said part of said first needle at said finite angle being enclosed within said molding of said fluid path. A drug delivery device may be used with the cartridge and includes a skin-contacting surface. In use the longitudinal axis of the interior of the cartridge may be disposed substantially parallel to the skin-contacting surface.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses herein include a longitudinal member having opposite first and second end portions, a tension of the longitudinal member being adjustable to repair an atrioventricular valve of the patient. A delivery tool can be configured to couple the first end portion of the longitudinal member to a first portion of heart tissue, couple the second end portion of the longitudinal member to the leaflet, adjust tension of the longitudinal member, assume a first diameter at a portion of the delivery tool that passes between the leaflets of the atrioventricular valve, during coupling of the first end portion of the longitudinal member to the first portion of heart tissue, and assume a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, at the portion of the delivery tool that passes between the leaflets of the atrioventricular valve, during adjusting of the tension of the longitudinal member.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for state sensing and controlling of a multi-state drug delivery device. In some embodiments a power switch is reused as a state sensor. Optionally the state sensor may be toggled by user actions and/or the movements of parts of the device, for example needle and/or a protective element. Optionally, drug discharge and/or status indication is controlled in accordance with sensor output. In some embodiments control is by means of a processor. Alternatively or additionally, control is by means of simple physical circuits.

Abstract: A needle insertion and retraction mechanism for a drug delivery device, comprises a motion source, a user-operated control for the motion source, an interrupter for stopping motion of the motion source at a predetermined location and thereby dividing the motion into two parts which are continuous relative to each other. A motion translation mechanism connects the source of continuous motion to a needle, to extend the needle during the first motion part and to retract the needle during the second motion part. The needle is thus extended and retracted by continued operation of a single tension source rather than two tension sources operating in opposition to each other. The motion source may be a spring, and a winding mechanism may be provided to wind the spring. The second motion part may be initiated by pulling the adhered delivery device from the skin.

Abstract: An automatic injector for delivering a pharmaceutical substance from a reservoir of a cartridge, the cartridge interconnected to a needle at its distal end and mechanically coupled to a plunger driver at its proximal end, the injector comprising a connecting feature on the cartridge a contact surface for contacting an injection site a frame connected to the contact surface, the frame having an interference element with a distal stop, the interference element sized to slidably link to the connecting feature and allow the cartridge to slide up to the distal stop, a snap element allowing the interference element to receive the connection feature, but inhibiting disconnection of the cartridge; the frame further comprising a driver mount, for fixedly containing a plunger driver, the driver for driving a plunger to empty the reservoir of the cartridge through the needle to inject fluid from the reservoir into the injection subject.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an implant including a tissue-adjusting member including a longitudinal member, and a tissue anchor coupled to the tissue-adjusting member and configured to be anchored into the tissue of the patient. A tissue-coupling element is coupled to the longitudinal member. A delivery tool is reversibly couplable to the implant and is configured to deliver the implant to the tissue of the patient. The delivery tool includes an elongate shaft, a tissue-coupling-element holder coupled to a portion of the elongate shaft, the tissue-coupling-element holder being configured to hold the tissue-coupling element during delivery of the implant to the tissue of the patient, and an actuating element configured to rotate the tissue anchor so as to facilitate anchoring of the tissue anchor into the tissue of the patient while not rotating the tissue-coupling-element holder with respect to the shaft.

Abstract: A drug delivery device may include sterile needle covered by removable a sterility preserving protector. The device optionally includes skin contact surface and a needle protector for preventing a stick hazard upon removal of the skin contact surface from an injection site or angle without Removing completely. Optionally, the needle protector may include a shield that interferes with replacement of the needle protector. In some embodiments, the needle cover may interfere with deployment of the needle protector.

Abstract: A syringe cartridge comprising a reservoir part and an extension extending from said reservoir part, said extension defining a fluid path and comprising a molding and a first needle extending from said molding, the extension turning to a finite angle with respect to an axis of said reservoir part and wherein at least part of said first needle is likewise at said finite angle, at least some of said part of said first needle at said finite angle being enclosed within said molding of said fluid path. A drug delivery device may be used with the cartridge and includes a skin-contacting surface. In use the longitudinal axis of the interior of the cartridge may be disposed substantially parallel to the skin-contacting surface.

Abstract: An ingestible pill is provided that includes an enteric coating and a medication-delivery device, which includes (a) a patch having upper and lower surfaces that face in generally opposite directions, and (b) needles. The patch is disposed within the enteric coating, folded so as to define one or more creases, which define respective inner and outer crease sides, wherein at least 50% of the needles are coupled to the patch along the inner crease sides. The patch is configured to assume, after the enteric coating dissolves, an expanded shape, in which the patch has an outer perimeter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant is provided for treating a native atrioventricular valve of a patient, the annuloplasty implant including a plurality of tissue anchors, which are configured to anchor the annuloplasty implant around at least a portion of a valve annulus of the native atrioventricular valve. The annuloplasty further includes a contracting assembly, which includes an elongate contracting member; and a contracting mechanism, which is coupled to the elongate contracting member, and which is configured, upon actuation thereof, to apply a longitudinal contracting force to the elongate contracting member that longitudinally contracts at least a portion of the annuloplasty implant, thereby circumferentially tightening the valve annulus. The annuloplasty further includes a force-distributing element, which includes a longitudinally-non-compressible tightly-coiled element, and which is configured to distribute the longitudinal contracting force over at least two of the tissue anchors.

Abstract: An implant structure includes a contracting mechanism, including a rotatable structure for contracting the implant structure, and a locking mechanism. A rotation tool is configured to engage and rotate the rotatable structure. A longitudinal guide member is removably coupled to the contracting mechanism, configured to guide the rotation tool to the rotatable structure, and includes a distal force applicator. The rotation tool is axially moveable with respect to the guide member. The contracting mechanism is arranged such that the locking mechanism is (a) unlocked when the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a first state, thereby allowing the rotatable structure to rotate, and (b) locked when (i) the guide member is coupled to the contracting mechanism in a second state, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure, and (ii) the guide member is not coupled to the contracting mechanism, thereby restricting the rotation of the rotatable structure.

Abstract: An automatic injector for delivering a pharmaceutical substance from a reservoir of a cartridge, the cartridge interconnected to a needle at its distal end and mechanically coupled to a plunger driver at its proximal end, the injector comprising a connecting feature on the cartridge a contact surface for contacting an injection site a frame connected to the contact surface, the frame having an interference element with a distal stop, the interference element sized to slidably link to the connecting feature and allow the cartridge to slide up to the distal stop, a snap element allowing the interference element to receive the connection feature, but inhibiting disconnection of the cartridge; the frame further comprising a driver mount, for fixedly containing a plunger driver, the driver for driving a plunger to empty the reservoir of the cartridge through the needle to inject fluid from the reservoir into the injection subject.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a tube and an implant moveable at least in part through a lumen of the tube. The implant includes a longitudinal member and a locking mechanism coupled to the longitudinal member. The locking mechanism has (i) an unlocked state in which the locking mechanism is configured to facilitate adjustment of tension of the longitudinal member, and (ii) a locked state in which the locking mechanism is configured to restrict adjustment of the tension of the longitudinal member. A tool maintains the locking mechanism in the unlocked state via contact of the tool with the locking mechanism in the heart, and moves the locking mechanism into the locked state. The locking mechanism is disposed distally to the distal end of the tube while the longitudinal member is disposed entirely within the tube. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A wearable medical device may be unpacked, prepared, and/or used while being grasped with a single hand position. For example, the device may be removed from a package, primed, and/or adhered to the skin of a user while being grasped with the single hand position. Optionally, the device may be used with a single hand. Optionally, the device includes a delivery interface (for example, including a needle tip and/or a skin contact surface). Optionally, the device includes a protector that preserves sterility of the delivery interface. Optionally, the cover can be removed with a single hand. Optionally, removal of the cover is performed with the same hand position as placement of the device on a delivery site.

Abstract: An injector including at least one fluid reservoir having a needle, a surface attached to skin and coupled to the fluid reservoir by at least a first joint and a second joint at least a portion of one of the joints being slidable or having interlocking arms. At least a portion of a path of translation of a slidable portion of the first joint and a portion of a path of translation of the second joint are angled in respect to each another.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting a portable medical device, such as an automatic injector, and a server. The apparatus includes a communication unit, a recognition unit for recognizing identification information on the portable medical device, and a pairing unit connected to the recognition unit to pair the apparatus with the portable medical device when recognized, thereby opening a first channel of communication with the medical device. The communication unit is configured to open up a second channel of communication with a server remotely over a network, and form a communication route between the portable medical device and the server.

Abstract: A wearable pharmaceutical delivery device is disclosed including a compressed elastic power source and a cylindrical pharmaceutical reservoir. Optionally, the compressed power source is positioned along a bent path. Alternatively or additionally, the compressed power source may power discharge of the pharmaceutical. Alternatively or additionally, the compressed power source may power extension of an injection needle. In some embodiments, a tensile element may activate an indicator when delivery of the pharmaceutical is complete.