Abstract: Valve prostheses are disclosed that are adapted for secure and aligned placement relative to a heart annulus. The valve prostheses may be placed in a non-invasive manner, e.g., via transcatheter techniques. The valve prosthesis may include a resilient ring, a plurality of leaflet membranes mounted with respect to the resilient ring, and a plurality of positioning elements movably mounted with respect to the flexible ring. Each of the positioning elements defines respective proximal, intermediate, and distal tissue engaging regions cooperatively configured and dimensioned to simultaneously engage separate corresponding areas of the tissue of an anatomical structure, including respective first, second, and third elongate tissue-piercing elements.

Abstract: Valve prostheses are disclosed that are adapted for secure and aligned placement relative to a heart annulus. The valve prostheses may be placed in a non-invasive manner, e.g., via trans-catheter techniques. The valve prosthesis may include a resilient ring, a plurality of leaflet membranes mounted with respect to the resilient ring, and a plurality of positioning elements movably mounted with respect to the flexible ring. Each of the positioning elements defines respective proximal, intermediate, and distal tissue engaging regions cooperatively configured and dimensioned to simultaneously engage separate corresponding areas of the tissue of an anatomical structure, including respective first, second, and third elongate tissue-piercing elements.

Abstract: A spring-loaded reciprocable stylet holder assembly includes a cap; a hollow body element partially nested within and reciprocable a major part of its length into the cap; a spring urging the body element outwardly of the cap; and a stylet supported at one end by the cap and extending through and beyond the body element. The remote end of the body element has a small borehole through which the stylet extends. The remote end is also provided with attachment means for a hypodermic needle with slotted tip for T-fastener emplacement, the needle telescopically surrounding the full length of the stylet. In a useful modification of the device an insufflation adapter having a side port for attachment of a hypodermic syringe is placed in line between the body element and the hypodermic needle. The stylet holder assembly with a slotted hypodermic needle attached thereto may be used for emplacing a T-fastener in a hollow organ of a person, such as the stomach.

Abstract: A spring-loaded reciprocable stylet holder assembly includes a cap; a hollow body element partially nested within and reciprocable a major part of its length into the cap; a spring urging the body element outwardly of the cap; and a stylet supported at one end by the cap and extending through and beyond the body element. The remote end of the body element has a small borehole through which the stylet extends. The remote end is also provided with attachment means for a hypodermic needle with slotted tip for T-fastener emplacement, the needle telescopically surrounding the full length of the stylet. In a useful modification of the device an insufflation adapter having a side port for attachment of a hypodermic syringe is placed in line between the body element and the hypodermic needle. The stylet holder assembly with a slotted hypodermic needle attached thereto may be used for emplacing a T-fastener in a hollow organ of a person, such as the stomach.