Abstract: A method for reducing leakage of bodily fluids or air through lung tissue within a patient is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises applying, to an appropriate area of lung tissue, an adhesive composition that is derived from a mixture of KH2PO4, metal oxide, a calcium compound, and water, wherein the weight percent ratio of KH2PO4 and the oxide is at least approximately 1:0.5. The method also comprises polymerizing the adhesive composition to form a sealant that substantially seals the body area with a coating.

Abstract: A surgical training simulation anatomical model for demonstrating, practicing, or evaluating a human lung surgical procedure is provided. The model includes a plurality of segments coupled together to form a skeletal frame representative of a portion of a human anatomy. The skeletal frame encloses at least a first component and a second component. The first component is representative of a patient's heart. A second component is representative of a patient's lung. The first component includes a plurality of hollow channels that extend at least partially through the second component for channeling pressurized fluid there through to simulate the behavior of a patient's heart and cardiopulmonary system during a surgical procedure of the patient's lung. The channels are oriented in a closed loop and include a plurality of nodes defined therein that are positioned to simulate lymph nodes in the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in repairing an atrioventricular valve in a patient is provided. The apparatus comprises a fastening mechanism for use in repairing a mitral valve in the heart of a patient. The mechanism includes a first end, a second end, and a body extending therebetween. The mechanism is configured to be positioned in the patient's heart using at least one of a guide catheter and an interventional tool that positions the fastening mechanism without penetrating a myocardium. The first end is configured to couple to the valve leaflet while the heart is non-arrested. The second end is configured to couple to a structure other than the valve leaflet, such that the mechanism remains coupled within the heart after being coupled within the heart and simulates the function of a natural chordae.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in repairing an atrioventricular valve in a patient are provided. The methods comprise accessing the patient's atrioventricular valve percutaneously, securing a fastening mechanism to a valve leaflet, and coupling the valve leaflet, while the patient's heart remains beating, to at least one of a ventricular wall adjacent the atrioventricular valve, a papillary muscle, at least one valve chordae, and a valve annulus to facilitate reducing leakage through the valve.

Abstract: A method for reducing leakage of bodily fluids or air through lung tissue within a patient is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises applying, to an appropriate area of lung tissue, an adhesive composition that is derived from a mixture of KH2PO4, metal oxide, a calcium compound, and water, wherein the weight percent ratio of KH2PO4 and the oxide is at least approximately 1:0.5. The method also comprises polymerizing the adhesive composition to form a sealant that substantially seals the body area with a coating.