Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an expanded diameter of a catheter balloon. An optical sensor includes an elongated optical fiber with at least one diffraction grating formed in a core of a distal portion thereof. The fiber distal portion is coupled to the inflatable balloon. Broadband light is transmitted to the diffraction grating by an optical interrogator. A portion of the light is reflected from the diffraction grating and is received by a wavelength detector. The wavelength of the reflected portion of light is dependent on the strain applied to the diffraction grating. The wavelength detector determines the strain in the balloon and correlates the strain to the diameter of the balloon.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an expanded diameter of a catheter balloon. An optical sensor includes an elongated optical fiber with at least one diffraction grating formed in a core of a distal portion thereof. The fiber distal portion is coupled to the inflatable balloon. Broadband light is transmitted to the diffraction grating by an optical interrogator. A portion of the light is reflected from the diffraction grating and is received by a wavelength detector. The wavelength of the reflected portion of light is dependent on the strain applied to the diffraction grating. The wavelength detector determines the strain in the balloon and correlates the strain to the diameter of the balloon.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed that has a detachable tip for delivery of a therapeutic substance to a chronic total occlusion (CTO) within a body vessel. The tip is made from a biodegradable material and includes an active agent dispersed therethrough. The detachable tip pierces into the calcified lesion, detaches from the catheter, and remains embedded within the lesion as the tip degrades, thereby releasing the active agent. The active agent is a therapeutic substance effective to treat of a CTO. The active agent may be a drug, an enzyme, bacteria, or a parasite that degrades or softens the calcified lesion.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed that has a detachable tip for delivery of a therapeutic substance to a chronic total occlusion (CTO) within a body vessel. The tip is made from a biodegradable material and includes an active agent dispersed therethrough. The detachable tip pierces into the calcified lesion, detaches from the catheter, and remains embedded within the lesion as the tip degrades, thereby releasing the active agent. The active agent is a therapeutic substance effective to treat of a CTO. The active agent may be a drug, an enzyme, bacteria, or a parasite that degrades or softens the calcified lesion.

Abstract: A system for treating mitral valve regurgitation includes a tensioning device having a plurality of helical anchors and a tensioning filament. One embodiment of the invention includes a method for attaching a tensioning device to the annulus of a mitral valve in a trans-leaflet configuration, and applying a tension force to the tension filament in order to exert force vectors on the annulus, thereby reshaping the mitral valve annulus so that the coaption of the anterior and posterior leaflets of the mitral is improved during ventricular contraction.

Abstract: A vascular treatment device delivery system includes an elongated protective sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, a delivery catheter disposed within an axial lumen of the elongated protective sheath, and a luer fitting operably connected to a proximal end of the delivery catheter. The system further includes a sealable container attached to the proximal end of the protective sheath, the sealable container surrounding the luer fitting and a sterility barrier attached to a portion of the sealable container.