Abstract: A bottle for creating a carbonated beverage by combining an effervescent composition with an aqueous liquid disposed within the bottle includes an interior sidewall defining a cavity and a cavity opening, a removable lid configured to interface with and seal over the cavity opening (the removable lid having a spout), and a cap configured to form an airtight seal over the spout. The bottle is pressure-sealed when the removable lid seals the cavity opening and the cap seals the spout. Effervescent compositions can include about 41%-64% by weight of an acidic component, about 25%-51% by weight of carbonate or bicarbonate salts, less than about 15% by weight of one or more sweeteners or flavors, about 0.05%-1% by weight of an anticaking agent, and optionally less than about 2.5% by weight vitamin supplement, all weights based on a total weight of the composition.

Abstract: An annuloplasty prosthesis including a sheath, an arcuate stiffening element, and an imaging element. The arcuate stiffening element is disposed within the sheath and defines discrete, first and second ends separated by a lateral spacing. The imaging element is disposed within the sheath along the lateral spacing. With this configuration, following implant to the valve annulus, the imaging element provides a mechanism for non-invasively evaluating a shape of the valve annulus, for example, via radiographic, echogenic and/or other image enhancing visualization techniques. In some embodiments, the annuloplasty prosthesis provides a radiographic, echogenic and/or other image enhanced image of a near entirety of the valve annulus.

Abstract: An annuloplasty device shaped and sized for attachment to the inner surface of an annulus, the annuloplasty device comprising: a semi-rigid oblong support member having a first end, a second end, a first surface, and a second surface, the first surface including a securing means for securing the first surface to the inner surface of the heart valve annulus, wherein the annuloplasty device is capable of being bent to conform to the inner surface of the annulus such that the first end does not contact the second end.

Abstract: A suture securing apparatus comprising an apparatus body having a upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and at least one aperture, the aperture having a longitudinal axis extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and defining an aperture surface, wherein a first longitudinal direction and a second longitudinal direction thereof each extends along the longitudinal axis in opposite directions, the aperture including an integral locking means for engaging a suture threaded therethrough.