Abstract: A storage jar assembly for use with a prosthetic heart valve is disclosed in several embodiments. As one example, a storage jar assembly can include a jar having an open end and configured to receive a prosthetic heart valve. The embodiment also includes a lid configured to cover the open end of the jar. The lid can include a plurality of valve attachment features configured to be releasably attached to corresponding features of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: Valve repair devices and systems configured to detect proper valve leaflet insertion. The device/system can have a pair of paddles and a clasp attached to each of the paddles. The clasps can have a fixed arm attached to the paddle, a movable arm connected to the fixed arm that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The device can have an indicator that can move between not engaged by a leaflet and engaged by a leaflet conditions to indicate capture of a leaflet of the native valve. The indicator can be compressible. The indicator can be flattenable. The indicator can include one or more marker.

Abstract: Valve repair devices and systems configured to detect proper valve leaflet insertion. The device/system can have a pair of paddles and a clasp attached to each of the paddles. The clasps may have a fixed arm attached to the paddle, a movable arm connected to the fixed arm that is movable between an open position and a closed position, and an indicator arm connected to at least one of the fixed arm and the movable arm. The indicator arm can move between a first position when not engaged with a leaflet and a second, engaged position when engaged with the leaflet. Movement of the indicator arm from the first position to the second, engaged position indicates capture of a leaflet of the native valve by the pair of paddles.

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. In some implementations, the implantable device or implant, or one or more portions thereof, can be configured to expand and/or contract. For example, the implantable device or implant can narrow during delivery and expand on implantation on the native heart valve.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive annuloplasty ring for implant at a mitral annulus. The annuloplasty ring has an inner core member with a C-shaped plan view that generally defines an oval with a major axis and a minor axis, and is symmetric about the minor axis. A posterior portion of the core member bisected by the minor axis has a thicker radial dimension than a pair of free end regions terminating on an anterior side of the core member. The radial thickness smoothly transitions between the posterior portion and the end regions. The inner core member may be covered with a fabric, and is a superelastic metal so that it can be straightened out and delivered through an access tube. The curvatures and thicknesses around the core member are selected so that the strain experienced when straightened does not exceed 7-8%.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive annuloplasty ring for implant at a mitral annulus. The annuloplasty ring has an inner core member with a C-shaped plan view that generally defines an oval with a major axis and a minor axis, and is symmetric about the minor axis. A posterior portion of the core member bisected by the minor axis has a thicker radial dimension than a pair of free end regions terminating on an anterior side of the core member. The radial thickness smoothly transitions between the posterior portion and the end regions. The inner core member may be covered with a fabric, and is a superelastic metal so that it can be straightened out and delivered through an access tube. The curvatures and thicknesses around the core member are selected so that the strain experienced when straightened does not exceed 7-8%.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. A dual-wireform support frame including an upper and a lower wireform permits expansion of the valve by one or two valve sizes, for example, with a 2-mm gap between each valve size. The lower wireform has a relatively shallow undulation so that it may stretch apart by a small amount and then prevent further expansion of the valve.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. A dual-wireform support frame including an upper and a lower wireform permits expansion of the valve by one or two valve sizes, for example, with a 2-mm gap between each valve size. The lower wireform has a relatively shallow undulation so that it may stretch apart by a small amount and then prevent further expansion of the valve.

Abstract: Valve repair devices and systems configured to detect proper valve leaflet insertion. The device/system can have a pair of paddles and a clasp attached to each of the paddles. The clasps may have a fixed arm attached to the paddle, a movable arm connected to the fixed arm that is movable between an open position and a closed position, and an indicator arm connected to at least one of the fixed arm and the movable arm. The indicator arm can move between a first position when not engaged with a leaflet and a second, engaged position when engaged with the leaflet. Movement of the indicator arm from the first position to the second, engaged position indicates capture of a leaflet of the native valve by the pair of paddles.

Abstract: A minimally-invasive annuloplasty ring for implant at a mitral annulus. The annuloplasty ring has an inner core member with a C-shaped plan view that generally defines an oval with a major axis and a minor axis, and is symmetric about the minor axis. A posterior portion of the core member bisected by the minor axis has a thicker radial dimension than a pair of free end regions terminating on an anterior side of the core member. The radial thickness smoothly transitions between the posterior portion and the end regions. The inner core member may be covered with a fabric, and is a superelastic metal so that it can be straightened out and delivered through an access tube. The curvatures and thicknesses around the core member are selected so that the strain experienced when straightened does not exceed 7-8%.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. A dual-wireform support frame including an upper and a lower wireform permits expansion of the valve by one or two valve sizes, for example, with a 2-mm gap between each valve size. The lower wireform has a relatively shallow undulation so that it may stretch apart by a small amount and then prevent further expansion of the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a prosthetic heart valve, and associated methods therefore, configured to replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The prosthetic heart valve is configured to have an expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a prosthetic heart valve, and associated methods therefore, configured to replace a native heart valve, and having a support frame configured to be reshaped into an expanded form in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein. The prosthetic heart valve is configured to have an expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander.