Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having an inflow end and an outflow end includes a collapsible and expandable stent. A collapsible and expandable valve assembly is disposed within the stent and includes a plurality of leaflets. A collapsible and expandable frame formed of braided wires has a body portion and a lumen extending through the body portion for receiving the stent and the valve assembly. The frame may include features for holding the prosthetic heart valve in place in a patient.

Abstract: A vessel protector system includes an outer sheath, an inner tube disposed within the outer sheath and moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer sheath and at least one protector coupled to the inner tube, each of the at least one protector having a body formed from a filtering material and extending between a leading end and trailing end coupled to the inner tube, the body having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A snare is coupled to the leading end of the body at one end, and having a second end passing through the interior of the outer sheath, whereby the exertion of a pulling force on the second end of the snare contracts the at least one protector.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame having annularly spaced commissure portions and an annulus portion disposed near an inflow edge, a fabric covering at least a portion of the frame and a valve assembly connected to the frame at the commissure portions, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets. A stiffening member is disposed about the frame to limit ovalization of the frame when a radial force is applied to the frame.

Abstract: A sizing device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent. A microelectromechanical sensor is coupled to the stent, the sensor being capable of collecting information related to the size and stiffness of tissue.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end. The heart valve further includes a plurality of commissure features disposed on the stent, and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure features, each of the plurality of leaflets having a free edge and being configured to have a tension line aligned near the free edge to prevent backflow.

Abstract: A method of assembling a prosthetic heart valve includes providing a collapsible and expandable stent having an annulus section and an aortic section. The annulus section has a first diameter in a relaxed condition and a second diameter less than the first diameter in a collapsed condition. A constraint is applied to the stent to constrain the annulus section to a predetermined diameter between the first and second diameters. Applying a cuff and/or a plurality of leaflets to the stent in the constrained condition enables less material to be used. The resultant prosthetic valve is therefore able to be collapsed to a smaller diameter for introduction into a patient.

Abstract: A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a shaft, a sheath, and a pull wire. The shaft has a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The sheath is attached to the shaft and is rotatable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The pull wire is mechanically coupled to the sheath such that movement of the pull wire rotates the sheath relative to the shaft. The sheath may be in a first position relative to the shaft when a distal end of the pull wire is in a first position and may be in a second position when the distal end of the pull wire is in a second position. Deflection of the sheath relative to the shaft enables a prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment.

Abstract: An adjustable annuloplasty ring includes a body in the form of an endless loop having an internal lumen therethrough, an adjustment suture extending through at least a portion of the internal lumen, a first portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a first opening in the body and a second portion of the suture exiting the lumen through a second opening in the body, and a first adjustment marker on the first portion of the suture outside of the body. The suture may be adapted to reduce the length of the body around the loop when tightened.

Abstract: A device for sealing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) in the heart is provided. The device includes a left atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a left atrium of the heart, a right atrial anchor adapted to be placed in a right atrium of the heart, and an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the left and right atrial anchors. The right atrial anchor preferably includes a plurality of arms and a cover attached to the arms. The left atrial anchor also includes a plurality of arms and preferably does not include a cover. Preferably, the elongate member has a first end of fixedly connected to the left atrial anchor and a portion, proximal to the first end, releasably connected to the right atrial anchor. Preferably, the elongate member is flexible.

Abstract: A device for positioning a reference element during aortic valve implantation surgery. The device includes a first extension member having a proximal end and a distal end, a connection member adapted to connect the first extension member to a support, and a coupling having a first end connected to the connection member and a second end connected to the proximal end of the first extension member so that the first extension member is moveable in multiple planes relative to the support. At least one reference datum is operatively connected to the distal end of the first extension member and extends in a straight line, the reference datum being moveable between a first position and a second position to enable precise locating of the reference datum during the aortic valve implantation surgery.