Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for minimally invasive procedures in the heart. In one application, a catheter is advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve and along the left ventricular outflow tract to orient and stabilize the catheter and enable a procedure such as a “bow tie” repair of the mitral valve. Right heart procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of accessing a heart of a patient is provided. A cardiac access channel is established through an apical wall of the heart to provide direct access through the apical wall to the left ventricle. A vascular access channel is established through the skin to a peripheral blood vessel. A first end of an elongate member is advanced from the outside of the apical wall through the cardiac access channel and into the left ventricle. A second end disposed opposite the first end remains outside the patient. The elongate member is drawn into and through the vascular access channel to externalize the first end of the elongate member while leaving the second end outside the apical wall of the heart.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses and methods are provided for repairing heart valves, particularly mitral valves. The method includes providing a catheter having an elongate, flexible body, with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can be transluminally advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve. A distal anchor zone or portion coupled with the proximal end can extend and along the left ventricular outflow tract into the ascending aorta. A valve repair device is deployed to permanently connect leaflets at a mid-section of a mitral valve while permitting medial and lateral portions of the natural leaflets to open and close. The catheter apparatuses may be positionable using a steering device. The valve repair device detachably connects the distal and proximal ends of the catheter. The valve repair device can be detached using low profile devices actuatable from the proximal or distal ends, e.g., at a venous or arterial access site.

Abstract: In another embodiment, a method is provided for positioning a graft device in an ascending aorta of a patient. In the method, access is provided to a peripheral venous site. A first catheter is advanced through the peripheral venous site to a right atrium of the patient. Access is provided to the left atrium across an intra-atrial septum. The first catheter is advanced through to a left atrium of a patient. A second catheter is advanced from the first catheter through a left ventricle and the aorta to a peripheral arterial site. A graft device disposed on, over or within the second catheter is advanced from the peripheral venous site or the peripheral arterial site until the graft device reaches an ascending aorta of the patient. The graft device is positioned at a treatment site within the ascending aorta. The first and second catheters are removed from the patient.

Abstract: In another embodiment, a system is provided for positioning a device in an ascending aorta of a patient. The system has a first elongate body, a second elongate body, and a device deployment platform. The first elongate body has a length sufficient to extend from a peripheral venous site to a heart of the patient. The second elongate body comprising a first zone configured to extend through the first elongate body from the peripheral venous site to the heart and a second zone configured to extend from at least a portion of the ascending aorta toward a peripheral arterial site, and optionally out of the body through the peripheral arterial site. The device deployment platform disposed on or in at least one of the first and the second elongate bodies, the deployment zone positioned between an aortic arch and the ascending aorta.

Abstract: A catheter device is provided that includes an elongate body, an atraumatic member, an expandable member, and a locking device. The elongate body has a fluid flow lumen that is in fluid communication with an outlet port adjacent to a distal end of the elongate body. The atraumatic member can be at the tip of the elongate body. The expandable member is disposed proximal of the atraumatic tip and is configured to block an opening of the LAA. The locking device is disposed adjacent to the expandable member. The locking device has a first configuration in which the elongate body is coupled with the atraumatic member and second configuration in which the elongate body is uncoupled from the atraumatic member.

Abstract: Catheter apparatuses and methods are provided for repairing heart valves, particularly mitral valves. The method includes providing a catheter having an elongate, flexible body, with a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end can be transluminally advanced from the left atrium through the mitral valve and along the left ventricular outflow tract into the ascending aorta. A valve repair device is deployed to permanently connect leaflets at a mid-section of a mitral valve while permitting medial and lateral portions of the natural leaflets to open and close. The valve repair device detachably connects the distal and proximal ends of the catheter.

Abstract: A delivery system for rapid placement of heart implants is provided that includes a delivery platform. The delivery system includes a tubular catheter body, a piercing member, and a delivery platform. The tubular catheter body is sufficiently long and flexible to be advanced from a peripheral blood vessel access site to an atrium of the heart. The piercing member is configured to create a transapical channel from an internal apical portion of a ventricle to an outside heart wall. The delivery system includes an elongate tension member and an enlargeable member disposed on a distal portion of the elongate tension member. The enlargeable member is configured to be enlarged in a pericardial space of an intact chest wall to cover an area of the outside heart wall surrounding an opening of the transapical channel. When tensioned, the tension member provides a stable zone for positioning a heart implant within the heart.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a balloon catheter and methods of using the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter is particularly useful for pericardiocentesis and percutaneous pericardiotomy.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a balloon catheter and methods of using the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter is particularly useful for pericardiocentesis and percutaneous pericardiotomy.