Abstract: Implant for improving coaptation of an atrioventricular valve in a human heart, the atrioventricular valve having a first and a second native leaflet, an anterolateral and posteromedial commissure between the first and the second native leaflet, and an annulus adjacent a wall of an atrium of the heart. The implant including a frame that includes a middle frame section that frames and supports an artificial central leaflet. The artificial central leaflet is configured to cover a middle region of the first native leaflet. The middle frame section includes a bend formed between a first region of the artificial central leaflet and a second region of the artificial central leaflet that forms a coaptation plane for coaptation with the second native leaflet. The frame further including two side frame sections extending at opposite sides of the middle frame section and configured to contact side regions of the first native leaflet.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system (10) includes: (i) an introducer sheath (12); (ii) a catheter (14) disposed at least partially within the introducer sheath and movable axial along the introducer sheath; (iii) an invaginating tube (16) sealably secured at or near a first axial end (16a) of the invaginating tube to the introducer sheath at or near a first axial end (12 a) of the introducer sheath; (iv) a runner (28) slidably connected to the catheter; (v) the invaginating tube being sealably secured at or near a second axial end (16b) of the invaginating tube to the runner, such that the runner with inavaginating tube secured thereto is sealably connected to the catheter and movable axially along at least a portion of the catheter; and (vi) means for pressurising the annular space defined between the introducer sheath, the catheter and the invaginating tube.

Abstract: An inflatable dilatation device includes: (i) a tubular frame including a first frame member that zigzags circumferentially; and (ii) an elongate inflatable first balloon. The elongate inflatable first balloon: (i) is secured to the first frame member; and (ii) zigzags along the first frame member, such that inflation of the first balloon causes the first balloon and the first frame member circumferentially to expand in unison from a contracted condition to an expanded condition.

Abstract: A valve leaflet connecting device includes: a base; and first and second followers extending from the base. A first arm extends from the first follower in a direction away from the second follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the first follower and first arm for capturing a first leaflet there between.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system (10) includes: (i) an introducer sheath (12); (ii) a catheter (14) disposed at least partially within the introducer sheath and movable axial along the introducer sheath; (iii) an invaginating tube (16) sealably secured at or near a first axial end (16a) of the invaginating tube to the introducer sheath at or near a first axial end (12 a) of the introducer sheath; (iv) a runner (28) slidably connected to the catheter; (v) the invaginating tube being sealably secured at or near a second axial end (16b) of the invaginating tube to the runner, such that the runner with inavaginating tube secured thereto is sealably connected to the catheter and movable axially along at least a portion of the catheter; and (vi) means for pressurising the annular space defined between the introducer sheath, the catheter and the invaginating tube.

Abstract: A valve leaflet connecting device includes: a base; and first and second followers extending from the base. A first arm extends from the first follower in a direction away from the second follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the first follower and first arm for capturing a first leaflet there between.