Abstract: Disclosed herein are sutures (or cords) and methods for using sutures wherein the sutures comprise a material or a combination of materials configured to increase echogenicity of the sutures. In some examples, the sutures comprise echogenic materials incorporated into suture material (e.g., ePTFE). In some examples, the sutures comprise a combination of materials with abrupt and relatively large changes in density to increase reflections of ultrasound waves. The disclosed sutures enhance echogenicity to increase visibility of the sutures using ultrasound imaging technologies. Furthermore, disclosed herein are methods that utilize the disclosed sutures in valve repairs including implanting artificial cords, sub-valvular techniques, reshaping organs, annuloplasty, and the like. Utilization of the disclosed echogenic sutures can result in superior outcomes due at least in part to physicians being able to better visualize the placement and/or tension of the echogenic sutures.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame with a plurality of strut members, the frame being radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration, the frame having an inflow end and an outflow end, and defining a longitudinal axis. A leaflet structure is coupled to the frame and configured to regulate blood flow through the frame. A fabric sealing member is disposed around the frame, the sealing member being resiliently stretchable between a first state corresponding to the radially expanded configuration of the frame and a second state corresponding to the radially collapsed configuration of the frame. The sealing member has two ends, and the two ends are secured together by a seam.

Abstract: A method for use in the manufacture of a medical implant is provided. A sandwich is formed, the sandwich including a fabric layer; a coating layer comprising a polymer configured to inhibit tissue growth thereon; a binding layer sandwiched between the fabric layer and the coating layer; and at least part of a frame sandwiched between the fabric layer and the binding layer. The sandwich is heated and compressed such that the binding layer binds the fabric layer to the coating layer. Holes are then formed through the sandwich. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: A sealing member for a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular fabric body having a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion. The first circumferential portion extends circumferentially around the annular fabric body and is resiliently stretchable in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the annular fabric body between an expanded configuration of the prosthetic heart valve and a collapsed configuration of the prosthetic heart valve. The second circumferential portion extends around the annular fabric body and is circumferentially offset from the first circumferential portion, the second circumferential portion being resiliently stretchable in a circumferential direction between the collapsed configuration of the prosthetic heart valve and the expanded configuration of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve including a frame, leaflet structure, and sealing member disposed around an outer surface of the frame is disclosed. An inflow end of the frame is defined by a plurality of spaced apart inflow apices. As one example, the sealing member has a circumferentially extending inflow edge and a circumferentially extending outflow edge, where the inflow edge is attached to the plurality of inflow apices, and where the inflow edge has an undulating shape around a circumference of the frame.

Abstract: Certain examples of the disclosure concern a guard member for a docking device configured to receive a prosthetic valve. The guard member can include an expandable member and an elastic member extending along an axial length of the expandable member. The expandable member can be movable between a radially compressed state and a radially expanded state. When the expandable member is in the radially compressed state, the elastic member can be in an axially stretched state. The elastic member in the axially stretched state can be configured to return to a resting state, thereby moving the expandable member from the radially compressed state to the radially expanded state.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve including a frame, leaflet structure, and sealing member disposed around an outer surface of the frame is disclosed. As one example, the sealing member includes a knitted fabric layer, the knitted fabric layer comprising a base layer forming an inner surface of the knitted fabric layer, where the base layer has a mesh-like structure. The knitted fabric layer further comprises a plush outer surface comprising a plurality of pile yarns knit into loops and that extend outward from the base layer.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve has a frame including a plurality of strut members, the frame being radially expandable and collapsible between a collapsed state and an expanded state, the frame having an inflow end and an outflow end and defining a longitudinal axis. A leaflet structure is situated at least partially within the frame. A covering is disposed around an exterior of the frame and includes a cushioning layer, a first strip of material coupled to the cushioning layer and folded to encapsulate apices of the strut members of the inflow end of the frame, and a second strip of material coupled to the cushioning layer and folded to encapsulate apices of the strut members of the outflow end of the frame. The cushioning layer includes texturized filaments that provide compressible volume and a plush surface to the cushioning layer when the frame is in the expanded state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a textile comprising: a) a first yarn comprising one or more filaments comprising a first polymer; b) one or more additional yarns comprising a composition and/or properties different from the first yarn; wherein the first yarn exhibits an elasticity higher than an elasticity of the one or more additional yarns the textile exhibits an ultimate elongation of about 50% to about 700% and is shape-adapting and biocompatible, and wherein the textile is configured to be inserted and/or implanted in a subject's body. Also described herein are medical devices having the disclosed textiles. In addition, disclosed herein are methods of making the disclosed textiles.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve may include an annular frame having an inner surface and an outer surface and the frame has an inflow end and an outflow end and a central longitudinal axis extending from the inflow end to the outflow end. A leaflet structure may be positioned within the frame. An inner skirt may be positioned along the inner surface of the frame. An outer skirt may be positioned around the outer surface of the frame. Various portions of the leaflet structure, the inner skirt, or outer skirt may incorporate a material inclusive of electrospun silk.

Abstract: An implantable device or implant is configured to be positioned within a native heart valve to allow the native heart valve to form a more effective seal. The implantable device or implant can include a pair of paddles frame a coaptation element. The coaptation element defines a first area when viewed from above. The paddle frames define when viewed from above. A ratio of the second area to the first area is greater than or equal to 2 to 1.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve has a frame including a plurality of strut members, an inflow end, and an outflow end. A leaflet structure is situated at least partially within the frame, and a covering is disposed around an exterior of the frame. The covering includes a cushioning layer, and a first strip member folded over an inflow circumferential edge portion of the cushioning layer to form a first protective portion. A second strip member is folded over an outflow circumferential edge portion of the cushioning layer to form a second protective portion. The first strip member and the second strip member are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: An implant includes a frame, and a textile mounted on the frame. The textile includes fibers formed from a mixture of a polymer and an additive molecule. The additive molecule includes a polyurethane backbone and one or more fluorinated end-groups at at least one end of the backbone. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A fabric having a honeycomb weave pattern is provided for use with medical implants. The fabric may be heat treated to increase a thickness and texture of the fabric. The fabric may be compliant and compressible for providing cushioning within a patient's body. For example, the fabric may be applied to a prosthetic valve to cushion a portion of the prosthetic heart valve. The fabric may also be textured to provide enhanced friction between the prosthetic heart valve and the surrounding native tissue. Enhanced friction may be achieved by weave patterns or by the inclusion of protrusions or barbs in the fabric.

Abstract: An implant comprises a leaflet-augmentation patch, a patch anchor, and a cord. The patch comprises a flexible sheet, and a frame that supports the flexible sheet. The frame defines a spring configured to tension the cord. The cord couples the patch anchor to the patch in a manner in which anchoring the patch anchor to a first leaflet of a heart valve of a subject positions the patch to coapt with a second leaflet of the valve during ventricular systole. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implantable prosthetic valves having outer sealing member comprising a bulge in the expanded configuration. The bulge can be configured to provide sealing against native anatomy when the valve is implanted and to assist in minimizing a paravalvular leakage. In addition, disclosed herein are methods of making the prosthetic valves.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration includes an annular frame having an inflow end, an outflow end, and a longitudinal axis. A leaflet structure is positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and a sealing element is secured to the frame. The sealing element includes a first woven portion extending circumferentially around the frame. The first woven portion includes a plurality of interwoven filaments. The sealing element further includes a second woven portion extending circumferentially around the frame and spaced apart from the first woven portion along the longitudinal axis of the frame. At least a portion of the filaments comprise a hydrophilic surface treatment.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve including a frame, leaflet structure, and sealing member disposed around an outer surface of the frame is disclosed. As one example, the sealing member includes a knitted fabric layer, the knitted fabric layer comprising a base layer forming an inner surface of the knitted fabric layer, where the base layer has a mesh-like structure. The knitted fabric layer further comprises a plush outer surface comprising a plurality of pile yarns knit into loops and that extend outward from the base layer.

Abstract: A sealing member for a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular fabric body having a first circumferential portion and a second circumferential portion. The first circumferential portion extends circumferentially around the annular fabric body and is resiliently stretchable in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the annular fabric body between an expanded configuration of the prosthetic heart valve and a collapsed configuration of the prosthetic heart valve. The second circumferential portion extends around the annular fabric body and is circumferentially offset from the first circumferential portion, the second circumferential portion being resiliently stretchable in a circumferential direction between the collapsed configuration of the prosthetic heart valve and the expanded configuration of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable prosthetic devices, such as prosthetic heart valves, provided with a plurality of protective covers over various components of the frame or commissural support members of the valves.