Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic heart valve includes advancing a distal end portion of a catheter shaft through a patient's vasculature. The distal end portion of the catheter shaft includes an expansion device. A prosthetic heart valve is mounted on the expansion device with the expansion device and the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed configuration. The method further includes positioning the distal end portion of the catheter shaft and the prosthetic heart valve to an implantation location and expanding the prosthetic heart valve and the expansion device to an expanded configuration. The expansion device includes a main body and a plurality of projections extending radially from the main body. The projections are spaced apart relative to each such that there are grooves extending between adjacent projections providing perfusion passageways between the expansion device and the prosthetic heart valve when the expansion device is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A delivery cylinder includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion having a plurality of struts coupled to the first tubular portion and defining a volume for containing a radially compressed prosthetic implant. The struts include proximal end portions and main body portions extending from the proximal end portions in both an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. The proximal end portions of each strut include a pair of first recessed portions defined in longitudinal edges of the strut, and a pair of second recessed portions defined in the longitudinal edges distally of the pair of first recessed portions. The pair of first recessed portions reduces a width of the strut to induce bending of the strut at the pair of first recessed portions, and the pair of second recessed portions reduces the width of the strut to induce bending at the pair of second recessed portions.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic heart valve includes advancing a distal end portion of a catheter shaft through a patient's vasculature. The distal end portion of the catheter shaft includes an expansion device. A prosthetic heart valve is mounted on the expansion device with the expansion device and the prosthetic heart valve in a compressed configuration. The method further includes positioning the distal end portion of the catheter shaft and the prosthetic heart valve to an implantation location, and expanding the prosthetic heart valve and the expansion device from the compressed configuration to an expanded configuration. The expansion device includes an inner expandable member and a plurality of outer expandable members. The outer expandable members are distributed such that there are gaps providing perfusion passageways between the expansion device and the prosthetic heart valve when the expansion device is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device can include a spacer member, a plurality of anchors, and a plurality of clasps. The spacer member can be configured to be disposed between native leaflets of a heart. The anchors can be coupled to the spacer member and configured to secure the native leaflets against the spacer member. The clasps can be coupled to a respective anchor and configured to secure the native leaflets to the anchors. The clasps can be independently movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.

Abstract: A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

Abstract: An exemplary valve repair system for repairing a native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure includes a delivery device and a valve repair device. The delivery device includes a catheter, an actuation shaft, and a coupler. The valve repair device is configured to be delivered through the catheter. The valve repair device is configured to attach to a native valve of a patient. The valve repair device includes a coaption element having a first end portion and a second end portion, a proximal collar attached to the first end portion of the coaption element, first and second paddles connected to the coaption element, and a distal collar connected to the first and second paddles. The coupler is releasably connected to the proximal collar. The actuation shaft extends through the coupler, the proximal collar, and the coaption element. The actuation shaft is releasably connected to the distal collar.

Abstract: An exemplary recapturable valve repair system for repairing a native valve of a patient during a non-open heart procedure has a delivery device, a valve repair device, and a tethering line. The delivery device has a catheter and a coupler. The valve repair device is configured to be delivered through the catheter and attach to a native valve of a patient. The valve repair device includes a coaption element, a proximal collar, and first and second paddles. The first and second paddles are connected to the coaption element. The coupler is releasably connected to the proximal collar. The tethering line connects the valve repair device to the delivery device for recapturing the valve repair device.

Abstract: A method for heart valve replacement comprises forming an incision in a wall of a ventricle of a heart and inserting a delivery apparatus and a prosthetic heart valve through the incision and into the ventricle of the heart. The prosthetic valve comprises a self-expanding frame having an annular main body and a valve member disposed within the annular main body. The prosthetic valve further comprises an atrial sealing member formed by an annular metal ring and a fabric, wherein only the fabric of the atrial sealing member is connected to the main body for enhancing the flexibility and conformability of the atrial sealing member. The method further comprises deploying the prosthetic valve from the delivery apparatus such that the atrial sealing member extends radially outwardly from the main body within an atrium of the heart and the main body self-expands to a deployed state within a native heart valve.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible and radially expandable annular frame. The frame includes an annular main body sized to be implanted within a native mitral valve annulus. The frame also includes an atrial sealing member coupled to and extending radially away from the main body. The atrial sealing member is sized to extend over tissue of the native mitral annulus within a left atrium to reduce paravalvular leakage. The atrial sealing member includes an inner zig-zag portion and an outer zig-zag portion. The inner zig-zag portion and the outer zig-zag portion are connected to the main body portion only via a fabric to enhance flexibility of the atrial sealing member relative to the main body. The prosthetic valve also includes a valve member disposed within an interior of the frame.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve includes a radially collapsible and radially expandable annular frame. The frame includes an annular main body sized to be implanted within a native mitral valve annulus. The frame also includes an atrial sealing member coupled to and extending radially away from the main body. The atrial sealing member is sized to extend over tissue of the native mitral annulus within a left atrium to reduce paravalvular leakage. The atrial sealing member includes an inner zig-zag portion and an outer zig-zag portion. The inner zig-zag portion and the outer zig-zag portion are connected to the main body portion only via a fabric to enhance flexibility of the atrial sealing member relative to the main body. The prosthetic valve also includes a valve member disposed within an interior of the frame.

Abstract: A delivery cylinder for a prosthetic implant can include a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The second tubular portion has a plurality of strut members coupled to the first tubular portion that define a volume for containing the prosthetic implant in a radially compressed state. The strut members can include respective flex regions configured such that application of force to the strut members causes deformation of the flex regions and corresponding radially inward or outward movement of the strut members relative to a longitudinal axis of the delivery cylinder between an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration.

Abstract: A valve catheter is advanced through a patient's vasculature while a prosthetic heart valve is attached to flexible extensions along a distal end thereof. The valve catheter is advanced through a tubular sleeve for exposing the prosthetic heart valve and allowing the prosthetic heart valve to self-expand while the extensions remain attached to the prosthetic heart valve. A release mechanism on a handle portion is actuated for releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the extensions, thereby implanting the prosthetic heart in a native heart valve. If the operator is not satisfied with the initial expansion, the prosthetic heart valve may be reoriented before release from the extensions by retracting the prosthetic heart valve back into the tubular sleeve, adjusting the orientation of the prosthetic heart valve and then re-advancing the valve catheter from the tubular sleeve for allowing the prosthetic heart valve to re-self-expand at a more desirable location.

Abstract: A prosthetic device includes a main body, a first anchor, a second anchor, a first anchor spreader, and a second anchor spreader. The first anchor is coupled to the main body such that a spring force of the first anchor biases the first anchor toward the main body. The second anchor is coupled to the main body such that a spring force of the second anchor biases the second anchor against the main body. The first anchor spreader is coupled to the first anchor such that applying a force to the first anchor spreader moves the first anchor away from the main body against the spring force of the first anchor. The second anchor spreader is coupled to the second anchor such that applying a force to the second anchor spreader moves the second anchor away from the main body against the spring force of the second anchor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are designs for improved inflatable structures for use during minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. These inflatable structures facilitate the perfusion of blood through an anatomical structure, such as a heart valve, during the cardiovascular procedure. The inflatable structures are formed of a plurality of balloons arranged radially around a central location. The plurality of balloons form a lumen through which blood flows. Each balloon of the plurality is shaped or configured to stabilize the adjacent balloons, limiting their movement relative to each other. For example, some embodiments can feature balloons with a keystone shape that limits movement of the balloons inward toward the lumen. Some implementations can also include a support coil running through the lumen. The support coil holds enables the lumen to be open to perfusion even in the early stages of balloon inflation.

Abstract: A delivery system includes an elongate shaft, a handle, a first clasp control member, a second clasp control member, and an actuator. The handle is connected to a proximal portion of the elongate shaft. The first and second clasp control members each extend into a distal portion of the elongate shaft, through at least a portion of the elongate shaft, out of the proximal portion of the elongate shaft, and through the handle. The actuator is coupled to the handle and has a first side portion connected to the first clasp control and a second side portion connected to the second clasp control.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a native valve in a human heart includes a prosthetic heart valve having an expandable frame and a valvular structure. The assembly also includes a tubular sleeve and a valve catheter disposed within the sleeve. A plurality of metal extension arms are coupled to the valve catheter for holding the prosthetic heart valve. The extension arms are configured to radially expand with the prosthetic heart valve during expansion of the prosthetic heart valve at a treatment site. A plurality of metal rods extend distally from the valve catheter. The rods are axially movable relative to the extension arms. A plurality of release members are provided for releasing the prosthetic heart valve from the extension arms upon movement of the metal rods.

Abstract: A method of implanting a prosthetic apparatus preferably includes delivering the prosthetic apparatus to a native mitral valve and exposing ventricular anchors and a spacer body of the prosthetic apparatus from a distal end portion of a delivery apparatus. The ventricular anchors are controllably and forcibly expanded outwardly from the spacer body to an expanded configuration. The prosthetic apparatus is positioned relative to the native mitral valve such that native mitral valve leaflets are located between the ventricular anchors and the spacer body. The ventricular anchors are then contracted radially inwardly toward the spacer body to a compressed configuration. In the compressed configuration, the native mitral valve leaflets are secured between the ventricular anchors and the spacer body. After implantation, the spacer body is held between the native mitral valve leaflets, thereby blocking regurgitation and improving the function of the native mitral valve.