Abstract: A system includes an anchor, a delivery tool, and a data-processing system. The delivery tool is configured to deliver the anchor to the heart of the subject, and to drive the anchor into tissue of the heart. The data-processing system is adapted to, subsequently to the delivery tool delivering the anchor to the heart, receive, via the delivery tool, a first electrical signal from the anchor, at the tissue, the anchor serving as an electrode. The data-processing system is adapted to receive, via the delivery tool, a second electrical signal from a distal part of the delivery tool within the heart. The data-processing system is adapted to, responsively to both the first signal and the second signal, determine a location of the anchor within the heart, and provide an output indicative of the location. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: During a medical procedure, a transseptal fenestration is made at a septum of the heart and a shunt is implanted into the transseptal fenestration. During the same medical procedure, a transapical puncture is made into a left ventricle of the heart. A prosthetic valve is delivered via the transapical puncture and implanted at a mitral valve of the heart. Subsequently to delivering the prosthetic valve and making the transseptal fenestration, the transapical puncture is closed. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An implant includes a frame, and a textile mounted on the frame. The textile includes fibers formed from a mixture of a polymer and an additive molecule. The additive molecule includes a polyurethane backbone and one or more fluorinated end-groups at at least one end of the backbone. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: During a medical procedure, a transseptal fenestration is made at a septum of the heart and a shunt is implanted into the transseptal fenestration. During the same medical procedure, a transapical puncture is made into a left ventricle of the heart. A prosthetic valve is delivered via the transapical puncture and implanted at a mitral valve of the heart. Subsequently to delivering the prosthetic valve and making the transseptal fenestration, the transapical puncture is closed. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided, including (1) identifying the subject as having mitral valve regurgitation; (2) during a medical procedure, in response to identifying the subject as having mitral valve regurgitation, implanting a prosthetic valve at a mitral valve site of the heart; and (3) during the same medical procedure, implanting a therapeutic septal device at a septum of the heart. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided, including (1) identifying the subject as having mitral valve regurgitation; (2) during a medical procedure, in response to identifying the subject as having mitral valve regurgitation, implanting a prosthetic valve at a mitral valve site of the heart; and (3) during the same medical procedure, implanting a therapeutic septal device at a septum of the heart. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided, comprising: (1) making a transapical puncture into a left ventricle of the heart; (2) making a transseptal fenestration in the heart; (3) delivering a prosthetic valve via the transapical puncture and implanting the prosthetic valve at a mitral valve of the heart; and (4) subsequently to delivering the prosthetic valve and making the transseptal fenestration, closing the transapical puncture. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tool is configured for transluminal delivery of an implant. The tool has a proximal part and a distal part, and comprises a shaft that extends longitudinally from the proximal part of the tool to an open distal end. The tool further comprises a control element disposed within the shaft, and a sheath that houses the implant, dimensioned for transluminal delivery. The implant is reversibly coupled to the tool and disposed around the distal portion of the shaft, movement of the control element within the shaft being controllable by the proximal part of the tool. The control element is coupled to the sheath such that movement of the control element proximally within the shaft draws the sheath (i) distally off of the implant, and (ii) into the open distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A tool (410) for use with an implant (20) includes a housing (426) and a controller (440). The housing includes a tubular wall (428) that circumscribes a longitudinal axis; is dimensioned to house at least part of the implant; and defines a track (430) that follows a generally-helical path around the longitudinal axis. The controller includes a rod (442) that extends from a proximal part of the tool to the housing; and an actuator (444). The actuator is fixedly coupled to the rod, includes an engaging element (446) that engages the track, and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The controller and the housing mechanically cooperate such that rotation of the actuator with respect to the housing slides the housing longitudinally with respect to the actuator. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided, comprising: (1) making a transapical puncture into a left ventricle of the heart; (2) making a transseptal fenestration in the heart; (3) delivering a prosthetic valve via the transapical puncture and implanting the prosthetic valve at a mitral valve of the heart; and (4) subsequently to delivering the prosthetic valve and making the transseptal fenestration, closing the transapical puncture. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a miniature damper (17),a viewing panel unit (1, 2, 3) incorporating a miniature damper, and a method of installing a viewing panel unit (1, 2, 3). A disclosed miniature damper (17) comprises: an elongate body (14) comprising an internal cavity having a substantially constant internal cross-section over a range of longitudinal positions; a piston housed with-in said internal cavity and configured to be movable longitudinally within said range of longitudinal positions; and a rod fixedly (15) connected to said piston at one end and extending outside of said internal cavity at the other end, wherein: a width of said elongate body in at least one direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis is less than 6 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of charcoal in the manufacture of an oral composition for the treatment of an inflammatory condition other than an inflammatory bowel disease and other than interstitial or other inflammation within the kidney.

Abstract: This invention describes an improved method and apparatus for the analysis of fluid borne particles and which is especially suitable for the detection of airborne biological particles. In one aspect the invention provides an apparatus for the detection of fluid borne particles which comprises: a zone through which a fluid to be analysed flows, in use; a source of illumination to illuminate/irradiate fluid borne particles present in said zone; and a detector to detect light from the particles as an indicator of the presence or characteristics of the particles, wherein the apparatus comprises an integrating sphere and the zone is within the integrating sphere. The apparatus is highly sensitive and can be used for detecting airborne particles even where the particles are present at very low particle concentrations in the air.

Abstract: A cigarette holder and filter cartridge combination including interconnected mouthpiece and cigarette holding sections which define a filter cartridge chamber and a filter cartridge, comprising a core of mixed absorbent and non-absorbent fibers and a cylindrical expandable paper wrapper, which when wet expands to fill the entire diameter of the filter cartridge chamber, thereby insuring that no smoke can reach the smoker by passing around the edges of the filter.

Abstract: A cigarette holder construction having a casing with a mouthpiece end, a cigarette receiving end and a metal sleeve inserted in the cigarette receiving end. Inwardly extending projections are arranged radially about the inner surface of the sleeve to engage and removably secure the inserted end of a cigarette against accidental dislodgment. The mouthpiece end of the cigarette casing is provided with a removable plug having a body section frictionally engaging with the mouthpiece opening of the casing and an enlarged head integral with the body.