Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an alignment device for marking and aligning selected positions on a heart's surface is provided. The device includes a handle assembly having upper and lower handle portions which are detachable from one another. Each handle portion is connected to a tissue engaging member which may be secured to the surface of the heart via a vacuum. The tissue engaging members are articulatable with respect to the handle portions, such that movement of the handle portions after the tissue engaging members are secured to the heart's surface will not dislodge or displace the tissue engaging members. The tissue engaging members may be permanently or detachably connected to the handle portions. The tissue engaging members may also be used to locate and mark desired positions on the heart. In use, after the tissue engaging members are secured to the surface of the heart, the handle portions are manipulated to connect to one another.

Abstract: An external heart wall stress reduction apparatus is provided to create a heart wall shape change. The device is generally disposed to the exterior of a heart chamber to reshape the chamber into a lower stress configuration.

Abstract: The device and method for reducing heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle. The device can be configured to begin to engage, to reduce wall stress during diastolic filling, or begin to engage to reduce wall stress during systolic contraction. Furthermore, the device can be configured to include at least two elements, one of which engages full cycle and the other which engages only during a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: The device and method for reducing heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle. The device can be configured to begin to engage, to reduce wall stress during diastolic filling, or begin to engage to reduce wall stress during systolic contraction. Furthermore, the device can be configured to include at least two elements, one of which engages full cycle and the other which engages only during a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a segment of catheter having a longitudinal axis extending between distal and proximal ends of the catheter segment. The segment includes a plurality of circumferential supports surrounding the longitudinal axis. The segment also includes axially members connected to the circumferential supports. The axial members extend in the direction generally along the longitudinal axis. The axial members include three ends that are positioned between the circumferential supports.

Abstract: The device and method for reducing heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle. The device can be configured to begin to engage, to reduce wall stress during diastolic filling, or begin to engage to reduce wall stress during systolic contraction. Furthermore, the device can be configured to include at least two elements, one of which engages full cycle and the other which engages only during a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method and implantation tools for placing a transventricular splint including a tension member. The method includes gaining access to the patient's hearts and identifying entry or exit points for the tension member, marking those locations and delivering the tension member. Anchors for the tension member are also delivered. The length of the tensions member is measured and the walls of the heart drawn together. The pads are secured to the tension member and the tension member is trimmed to length. The pads are secured to the heart surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. Methods for placing the apparatus on the heart are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes a manifold and a proximal shaft portion coupled to the manifold. A distal shaft portion is coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft portion and is flexible relative to the proximal shaft portion. A fiber reinforcement layer is disposed about the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: An external heart wall stress reduction apparatus is provided to create a heart wall shape change. The device is generally disposed to the exterior of a heart chamber to reshape the chamber into a lower stress configuration.

Abstract: A catheter includes a segment having a longitudinal axis. The segment includes a polymeric tube having interior and exterior surfaces separated by a wall thickness. The interior surface defines a catheter lumen which extends coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The exterior surface is sized for the tube to be passed through a patient's vasculature system. The segment further includes a substantially straight, flexible guide member disposed within the tube's wall thickness. The guide member has a longitudinal dimension extending parallel to and radially spaced from the segment's axis. The guide member is plastically deformable when bent around a bending axis perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension beyond a bending limit.

Abstract: The device and method for reducing heart wall stress. The device can be one which reduces wall stress throughout the cardiac cycle or only a portion of the cardiac cycle. The device can be configured to begin to engage, to reduce wall stress during diastolic filling, or begin to engage to reduce wall stress during systolic contraction. Furthermore, the device can be configured to include at least two elements, one of which engages full cycle and the other which engages only during a portion of the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for treatment of a failing heart by reducing the wall tension therein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a tension member for drawing at least two walls of a heart chamber toward each other. Methods for placing the apparatus on the heart are also provided.

Abstract: A catheter has a support segment which includes a plurality of support struts. Each of the struts has first and second ends longitudinally spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the segment. The struts curve at least partially around the axis from the first ends to the second ends. The support struts include a first set and a second set. The struts of the first set extend around the axis in a clockwise direction. The struts of the second set extend around the axis in a counter-clockwise direction.

Abstract: A catheter includes a manifold and a proximal shaft portion coupled to the manifold. A distal shaft portion is coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft portion and is flexible relative to the proximal shaft portion. A fiber reinforcement layer is disposed about the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: A catheter includes a manifold and a proximal shaft portion coupled to the manifold. A distal shaft portion is coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft portion and is flexible relative to the proximal shaft portion. A fiber reinforcement layer is disposed about the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: A catheter includes a manifold and a proximal shaft portion coupled to the manifold. A distal shaft portion is coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft portion and is flexible relative to the proximal shaft portion. A fiber reinforcement layer is disposed about the distal shaft portion.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includesa manifold;a proximal shaft coupled to the manifold;a distal shaft coupled to a distal end of the proximal shaft and being flexible relative to the proximal shaft;a fiber braid disposed about the distal shaft wherein the fiber braid includes a plurality of fibers disposed on the distal shaft and crossing over one another to form picks; anda lubricious coating on an inner surface of the proximal and distal shaft portions.