Abstract: A method is provided that includes implanting a first tissue-engaging element in a first portion of tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve. A second tissue-engaging element, which is connected to a third tissue-engaging element by a longitudinal sub-member, is implanted in a second portion of tissue of an annulus, and the third tissue-engaging element is implanted in a third portion of tissue of the annulus. A fourth tissue-engaging element is implanted in a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with an atrium. While the longitudinal sub-member engages the longitudinal member at a junction therebetween, at least a first leaflet of the heart valve is drawn toward at least a second leaflet of the heart valve by adjusting a distance between the portion of the blood vessel and the first portion of tissue in the vicinity of the heart valve. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided, including implanting at least a first tissue-engaging element (60a) in a first portion of tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve (4) of a patient, implanting at least a second tissue-engaging element (60b) in a portion of a blood vessel (8, 10) that is in contact with an atrium (6) of a heart (2) of the patient, and drawing at least a first leaflet of the valve (4) toward at least a second leaflet of the valve (4) by adjusting a distance between the portion of the blood vessel (8, 10) and the first portion of tissue in the vicinity of the heart valve (4) of the patient. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing the tricuspid valve of a patient using tension. A radially-expandable stent is implanted in a coronary sinus of the patient. A tissue anchor is implanted in tissue in the vicinity of the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is repaired by applying tension between the radially-expandable stent and the tissue anchor using a flexible longitudinal member that connects the radially-expandable stent and the tissue anchor.

Abstract: A system is provided for repairing a cardiac valve of a patient. The system includes a tissue-engaging stent, which is configured to be implanted in a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with an atrium of a heart of the patient; and a tissue-engaging element, which is configured for implantation at least in part in cardiac tissue at a cardiac implantation site. The system further includes a flexible longitudinal member, which has (a) a first portion that is coupled to the tissue-engaging element, and (b) a second portion that comprises one or more engaging elements, which are configured to be coupled to a strut of the tissue-engaging stent following the implantation of the tissue-engaging element, thereby maintaining tension between the tissue-engaging element and the tissue-engaging stent.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing the tricuspid valve of a patient using tension. A radially-expandable stent is implanted in a coronary sinus of the patient. A tissue anchor is implanted in tissue in the vicinity of the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is repaired by applying tension between the radially-expandable stent and the tissue anchor using a flexible longitudinal member that connects the radially-expandable stent and the tissue anchor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant shaped so as to define a tension-distributing element. A flexible longitudinal member is coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant via the tension-distributing element. The tension-distributing element is configured to distribute tension applied by the flexible longitudinal member along a longitudinal length of the percutaneous implant.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including a radially-expandable percutaneous implant, a tissue anchor, and a connecting element shaped so as to provide an annular loop surrounding a proximal portion of the tissue anchor in a manner which enables rotation of the anchor about a central longitudinal axis thereof when surrounded by the annular loop. The apparatus also includes a flexible longitudinal member coupled at a first portion thereof to at least a portion of the percutaneous implant and at a second portion to the connecting element. The annular loop of the connecting element facilitates rotation of the tissue anchor about the central longitudinal axis such that the anchor can rotate about the central longitudinal axis with respect to the annular loop, the flexible longitudinal member, and the percutaneous implant. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a stent, which is configured to assume compressed and expanded states. The stent includes one or more elongated members, and two or more rings, which are coupled together by the one or more elongated members and by no other elements of the stent. The rings define respective planes that are generally perpendicular to the elongated members when the stent is in its expanded state. A longitudinal member, having a proximal end and a distal end, is coupled to the stent at the proximal end of the longitudinal member. A tissue anchor is coupled to the distal end of the longitudinal member. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.

Abstract: The invention is an instrument for cleaning and/or shaping and/or widening a channel that exists in or through a solid object. The design of the instrument the superelastic and shape memory properties of the material from which it is made, allow the inner volume enclosed by the instrument, its outer contour, or both to change as a result of the forces exerted upon it while working, thereby shaping the instrument to the three-dimensional contour of the channel. A preferred embodiment of the instrument is an endodontic file for use in the cleaning, shaping, and widening stages of a root canal procedure.