Abstract: Aortic occlusion and embolic protection devices include radially expandable and collapsible proximal and distal end portions, such as annular self-expanding stents or frames, that are configured to radially expand within an aorta to secure the device within the aorta. The devices can also include a catheter extending axially between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion and a porous covering, or filter, positioned around the catheter and between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and configured to filter emboli from blood flowing into upper-body arteries. The device can further include a one-way valve positioned at or adjacent to the distal end portion of the device and configured to restrict retrograde blood flow through the device toward the heart.

Abstract: A collapsible device, such as an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic heart valve, is configured to be collapsed prior to being introduced into a patient via minimally-invasive access points such as port holes or intercostal incisions. A holder is configured to hold the collapsible device, and to selectively collapse the device for introduction into the patient and then re-enlarge the device at the desired deployment site. Collapsible devices include devices that can hingedly fold about hinge lines, and devices that can elongate to form substantially spiral forms with reduced diameters.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.

Abstract: Aortic occlusion and embolic protection devices include radially expandable and collapsible proximal and distal end portions, such as annular self-expanding stents or frames, that are configured to radially expand within an aorta to secure the device within the aorta. The devices can also include a catheter extending axially between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion and a porous covering, or filter, positioned around the catheter and between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and configured to filter emboli from blood flowing into upper-body arteries. The device can further include a one-way valve positioned at or adjacent to the distal end portion of the device and configured to restrict retrograde blood flow through the device toward the heart.

Abstract: Embodiments of aortic occlusion devices are described herein that include radially expandable and collapsible proximal and distal end portions, such as annular self-expanding stents or frames, that are configured to radially expand within an aorta to secure the device within the aorta. The devices can also include a catheter extending axially between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion and a porous covering, or filter, positioned around the catheter and between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and configured to filter emboli from blood flowing into upper-body arteries. The device can further include a one-way valve positioned at or adjacent to the distal end portion of the device and configured to restrict retrograde blood flow through the device toward the heart.

Abstract: A collapsible device, such as an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic heart valve, is configured to be collapsed prior to being introduced into a patient via minimally-invasive access points such as port holes or intercostal incisions. A holder is configured to hold the collapsible device, and to selectively collapse the device for introduction into the patient and then re-enlarge the device at the desired deployment site. Collapsible devices include devices that can hingedly fold about hinge lines, and devices that can elongate to form substantially spiral forms with reduced diameters.

Abstract: A collapsible device, such as an annuloplasty ring or prosthetic heart valve, is configured to be collapsed prior to being introduced into a patient via minimally-invasive access points such as port holes or intercostal incisions. A holder is configured to hold the collapsible device, and to selectively collapse the device for introduction into the patient and then re-enlarge the device at the desired deployment site. Collapsible devices include devices that can hingedly fold about hinge lines, and devices that can elongate to form substantially spiral forms with reduced diameters.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: Suture clip deployment devices for applying suture clips to sutures are described. Some embodiments can include a generally tubular main body and a vacuum port located at the distal end, a hollow inner body longitudinally slidable within the main body and extending from the main body at its distal end, and a suture recess located in the generally tubular main body. At least one suture clip configured to frictionally fit on an outer surface of the inner body is deployed during use. Clip deployment can occur after a vacuum source is applied to the device so as to draw the suture into the device. The suture lines can be retrieved through the suture recess, and the device can be actuated so as to deliver the suture clip off the delivery device and onto the suture, locking the suture in place.

Abstract: Embodiments of aortic occlusion devices are described herein that include radially expandable and collapsible proximal and distal end portions, such as annular self-expanding stents or frames, that are configured to radially expand within an aorta to secure the device within the aorta. The devices can also include a catheter extending axially between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion and a porous covering, or filter, positioned around the catheter and between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and configured to filter emboli from blood flowing into upper-body arteries. The device can further include a one-way valve positioned at or adjacent to the distal end portion of the device and configured to restrict retrograde blood flow through the device toward the heart.

Abstract: Embodiments of aortic occlusion devices are described herein that include radially expandable and collapsible proximal and distal end portions, such as annular self-expanding stents or frames, that are configured to radially expand within an aorta to secure the device within the aorta. The devices can also include a catheter extending axially between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion and a porous covering, or filter, positioned around the catheter and between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion and configured to filter emboli from blood flowing into upper-body arteries. The device can further include a one-way valve positioned at or adjacent to the distal end portion of the device and configured to restrict retrograde blood flow through the device toward the heart.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment includes a stent delivery system including a retractable sheath and an outer stability sheath. The stability sheath freely rotates relative to the retractable sheath, relieving compression forces caused by twisting of stability sheath in when in a tortuous conformation.