Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of devices used for minimally-invasive treatments, such as treatment of mitral valves. In a system for placing an annuloplasty belt around the heart, embodiments for tensioning a suture associated with the belt are provided, as are embodiments of a suture lock for holding the suture with the applied tension. A delivery device that permits placement and tensioning of such a belt and activation of the suture lock in one procedure is also disclosed. Methods for making and using these features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of devices used for minimally-invasive treatments, such as treatment of mitral valves. In a system for placing an annuloplasty belt around the heart, embodiments for tensioning a suture associated with the belt are provided, as are embodiments of a suture lock for holding the suture with the applied tension. A delivery device that permits placement and tensioning of such a belt and activation of the suture lock in one procedure is also disclosed. Methods for making and using these features are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: Among other things, there are shown embodiments of locking mechanisms for holding sutures in tension. Such devices may be used with implants that use or require sutures, and are easily locked remotely. In particular embodiments, a lock includes a housing member, a pin member at least partially within the housing member, and a spring biasing the pin member into the housing member. The pin member includes a gripping portion, and has a retracted condition and a locked condition. When retracted, a suture can move through the housing member and around the gripping portion of the pin member. When locked, the gripping portion of the pin member engages the suture and presses it against the interior of the housing member.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, such as a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a chamber within which is a transducer. A wire guide channel extends throughout the length of the catheter. The transducer is rotatable about the wire guide channel and the transducer is driven by a cable or other device that is connected to a motor which is located outside the catheter. In one form, a torque cable connects the transducer to the motor. In other embodiments, a pusher piece having a plurality of lumens is positioned in the catheter. Each of the lumens is sized to receive a cable, wire, and/or flushing fluid. The lumens maintain the orientation and separation of the cables, wires, and/or to flushing fluid.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening.

Abstract: There are disclosed embodiments of devices and methods for imaging the inside of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. In particular embodiments, a catheter has a tip chamber, within which is an ultrasound transducer mounted on a pivot mechanism, a motor for turning the transducer, and an implement for pivoting the transducer. Examples of such an implement are a linear motor, a shaft or filament, and the pivot mechanism may be biased to return to a base position when the implement is not pivoting the transducer. In other embodiments, a mirror reflecting ultrasound signals from the transducer may be rotated and/or pivoted, using similar mechanisms.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and at least one coiled member having proximal and distal ends and a plurality of turns disposed therebetween. One of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is secured to the outer surface of the cannula, and the other of the proximal and distal ends of the coiled member is unsecured relative to the outer surface of the cannula. A portion of a stent is looped around the unsecured end of the coiled member and disposed within spacing between adjacent turns of the coiled member. Rotation of the cannula subsequently causes the portion of the stent to disengage from the coiled member.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of belts or bands that can be used in treatments for tricuspid valve regurgitation. In some embodiments, such belts may be heat-set in a particular configuration to effectively decrease tricuspid annulus when deployed around the atrioventricular groove. Embodiments include one or more tensioning sutures for applying cinching or tightening to belts when deployed, and structure for effectively distributing force during such tightening. Embodiments of tensioning members, protective members, and devices and methods for open-surgical placement (e.g. around a heart for annuloplasty) are also disclosed.

Abstract: Among other things, there are disclosed embodiments of devices used for minimally-invasive treatments, such as treatment of mitral valves. In a system for placing an annuloplasty belt around the heart, embodiments for tensioning a suture associated with the belt are provided, as are embodiments of a suture lock for holding the suture with the applied tension. A delivery device that permits placement and tensioning of such a belt and activation of the suture lock in one procedure is also disclosed. Methods for making and using these features are also disclosed.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery device having a cannula with an expandable positioning device disposed at the proximal end thereof is disclosed. A prosthesis is retained on the cannula distal of the expandable device. Expansion of the expandable device retains and centers the delivery device and the prosthesis carried thereon in the vessel and allows repositioning of the prosthesis without contacting the proximal end of the prosthesis with the vessel walls prior to deployment.

Abstract: A filling and sealing system is provided for efficiently filling a series of individual vials with therapeutic liquids. In particular embodiments, the system includes a filling zone or station, a sealing zone or station, an unloading zone or station, and electronic controls.

Abstract: Devices and methods for obtaining a real-time, three-dimensional image of a body part, particularly a blood vessel. A catheter has a chamber in its tip. The chamber contains an ultrasound transducer and reflector which generally face each other and rotate about a common axis. The transducer element on the transducer and the reflective face on the reflector are both tilted off-axis. The difference in angular velocity generally creates a phase shift between the transducer and the reflective face. The phase shift allows the transducer and the reflective face to actively scan a three-dimensional volume that is generally bounded interiorly by a hyperboloid and exteriorly by the effective range of the ultrasound beam. The transducer and reflector may rotate at constant speeds or nonconstant speeds as well in the same direction or in opposite directions.

Abstract: There are shown and described embodiments of a closure device for closing holes in tissue, for example in the right atrial appendage. The closure device in particular embodiments includes first and second mesh closure members and a tether or stem connecting them. Embodiments of a delivery device for the closure device are also described.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods for deploying at least a portion of a stent. In one embodiment, the system comprises a cannula having an outer surface, and an auger having a plurality of turns coupled to the outer surface of the cannula. A stent has a portion dimensioned to be disposed within a valley of the auger. Rotation of the cannula and the auger advances the portion of the stent in a predetermined longitudinal direction.