Abstract: A patient containment system for securing a patient to a patient transport apparatus, comprising a first lower strap and a second lower strap. Each of the first lower strap and the second lower strap have a thigh region, a waist region, and a connection region arranged between the thigh region and the waist region. A first connector is coupled to the connection region of the first lower strap. A second connector is coupled to the connection region of the second lower strap, and is configured to releasably attach to the first connector to at least partially limit movement of the first lower strap relative to the second lower strap. The connection region defines a connection width, and the thigh region defines a thigh width larger than the connection width.

Abstract: A prosthetic atrioventricular tissue valve comprising a continuous tubular member formed from a first biocompatible material, the tubular member having proximal and distal ends, and at least one valve leaflet formed therein, the distal end of the tubular member including cardiovascular structure engagement means for connecting the tubular member to a cardiovascular structure, the cardiovascular structure engagement means comprising a plurality of elongated members that extend distally from the distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A polymeric matrix for delivery of an HMG CoA reductase inhibitor such as a statin to tissue such as cardiac tissue in need thereof for the treatment or prevention of a disease or defect such as atrial fibrillation has been developed. In the preferred embodiment, a statin is delivered by means of a patch sutured to cardiac tissue at the time of cardiothoracic surgery. In the most preferred embodiment, the patch is a biodegradable material providing controlled or sustained release over a prolonged period of time, such as a week. Suitable materials include extracellular matrix, or other biodegradable hydrogels or polymeric materials providing sustained or controlled release of statin at the site of application.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source.

Abstract: A composition for reconstruction, replacement or repair of damaged or diseased biological tissue comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) composition that includes an ECM scaffold component derived from a mammalian source and at least one additional bioactive component selected from the group consisting of a statin and a chitin derivative.

Abstract: Anchored cardiovascular valves having a support member with at least one leaflet formed therein that is sized and configured to selectively restrict regurgitating blood through the valve, and at least one anchoring mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchored valves have two anchoring mechanisms, i.e. proximal and distal anchoring mechanisms.

Abstract: A seamless prosthetic valve comprising a continuous tubular member having an outer abluminal surface, a triple walled intermediate portion, and at least a first valve leaflet that is configured to selectively restrict fluid flow through the valve, the triple walled intermediate portion being formed by everting a first end of member over the member, whereby a double walled end is formed, and reverting the first end over the double walled end of the member, the first valve leaflet being formed by suturing the triple walled intermediate portion at a first commissure connection point.

Abstract: Anchored cardiovascular valves having a support member with at least one leaflet formed therein that is sized and configured to selectively restrict regurgitating blood through the valve, and at least one anchoring mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the anchored valves have two anchoring mechanisms, i.e.

Abstract: A two-piece prosthetic valve having first and second members, a first end of the first member being sized and configured to receive a second end of the second member therein, the second end of the second member being attached to the first member at at least one commissure connection point to form at least one leaflet therein.

Abstract: Methods for treating a cardiovascular disorder comprising concomitant administration of one or more extracellular matrix (ECM) based compositions directly to damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue associated with the cardiovascular disorder, and provision of ventricular assistance. In a preferred embodiment, the ECM based compositions include an ECM material derived from a mammalian source.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic tissue valve for aortic, pulmonary, mitral or tricuspid valve replacement is described herein. A sewing ring for use with the prosthetic tissue valve is also described. The valve can have a circumference that is a predetermined distance larger than the circumference of an annulus in a defective valve. The valve can be substantially planar in an unstressed position before attachment at the annulus and substantially non-planar upon attachment in a biased position at the annulus. Methods are provided for placing the valve as described herein in the biased position within the annulus of the defective valve.

Abstract: A securing apparatus for selectively securing an ablating element of an ablation instrument proximate to a targeted region of a biological tissue. The securing apparatus includes a support base affixed to the ablation instrument relative the ablating element, and having a support face adapted to seat against the biological tissue proximate to the ablation element. The support base further defines a passage having one end communicably coupled to a vacuum source and an opposite end terminating at an orifice at the support face. The support face together with the biological tissue forms a hermetic seal thereagainst during operation of the vacuum source to secure the ablation instrument thereagainst. Essentially, the hermetic seal and the vacuum source cooperate to form a vacuum force sufficient to retain the ablation device against the biological tissue.

Abstract: The invention is devices and techniques which use a negative (suction) pressure or vacuum, applied through a surgical instrument, to fix the position of a portion of the surface of a beating heart so that a surgical procedure can be more easily performed. The devices apply a negative pressure at several points on the outer surface of the heart such that a portion of the heart is fixed in place by the suction imposed through the surgical instrument. Because the instrument fixes the position of the tissue, and because the instruments remain at a constant distance from the particular portion of the heart where the surgery is being performed, the device may also serve as a support or platform so that other surgical instruments or devices can be advantageously used at the site.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition can also have an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, then including also added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function. Methods for regenerating defective or absent myocardium apply a composition to a site of myocardium in need of regeneration using a delivery mode appropriate for the particular formulation.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition can also have an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, then including also added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function. Methods for regenerating defective or absent myocardium apply a composition to a site of myocardium in need of regeneration using a delivery mode appropriate for the particular formulation.

Abstract: Compositions of the invention for regenerating defective or absent myocardium comprise an emulsified or injectable extracellular matrix composition. The composition can also have an extracellular matrix scaffold component of any formulation, then including also added cells, proteins, or other components to optimize the regenerative process and restore cardiac function. Methods for regenerating defective or absent myocardium apply a composition to a site of myocardium in need of regeneration using a delivery mode appropriate for the particular formulation.

Abstract: The invention is a patch for partial closure of the pericardial sac after open heart surgery. The patch comprises extracellular matrix material and is loosely tacked at the opening of the pericardium. The invention provides the opportunity for subsequent open heart surgeries without the risks involved in negotiating around the adhesions that can develop when the sac is left completely unclosed.

Abstract: The invention is to a composition for reconstruction, replacement or repair of a defect in or dsmage to intracardiac tissue comprising a patch, emulsion, injectable solution or other composition comprising extracellular matrix. As extracellular matrix can assimilate with the intracardiac tissue to help generate healthy functioning tissue, using extracellular matrix to address a defect in intracardiac tissue can obviate the need for second or subsequent open heart surgeries, or if the composition can be delivered in a minimally invasive medical procedure, can obviate the need for open heart surgery altogether. Conduction of the intracardiac tissue may also be restored using extracellular matrix material to reconstruct, replace or repair the damaged intracardiac tissue.