Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: Prosthetic conduits include biocompatible material formed into a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section connected to the generally cylindrical section. The conduit has a lumen extending through the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. The biocompatible material may be tissue. The biocompatible material can include one segment or a plurality of segments joined together to form the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. The prosthetic conduit may include a reinforcement to prevent dilation or collapse of the conduit. The reinforcement can be placed at or near the junction of a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section and/or at other locations along the conduit. The prosthetic conduit may include a prosthetic heart valve. The prosthetic conduit can include tubules to facilitate attachment of coronary arteries to the prosthetic conduit The prosthetic conduit includes two sections that are joined to form the prosthetic conduit.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring holder includes a first member and a second member. The first and second members are configured to provide relative movement therebetween to engage an annuloplasty ring.

Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring holder includes a first member and a second member. The first and second members are configured to provide relative movement therebetween to engage an annuloplasty ring.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve rotator tool includes an operator actuated member and a rotator engageable with a prosthetic heart valve for selectively rotating the prosthetic heart valve. An elongated bendable member has a first end secured to the operator actuated member and a second end secured to the rotator. The elongated bendable member transfers torque between the operator actuated member and the rotator. A covering member covers at least a portion of the elongated bendable member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, prosthetic conduits include biocompatible material formed into a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section connected to the generally cylindrical section to form a conduit. The conduit has a lumen extending through the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. In some embodiments, the biocompatible material is tissue. The biocompatible material can include one segment or a plurality of segments joined together to form the generally cylindrical section and the expanded section. In some embodiments, the prosthetic conduit includes a reinforcement to prevent unwanted dilation or collapse of the conduit. The reinforcement can be placed at or near the junction of a generally cylindrical section and an expanded section and/or at other locations along the conduit. The prosthetic conduit may or may not include a prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A variety of new ways can be used for associating antimicrobial elemental metal with a medical article. The associated antimicrobial metal reduces the risk of infection associated with the medical use of the medical article. New medical articles are produced by some of these new approaches. Some of the methods involve ways of adjusting the dissociation rate of associated elemental metal such that desired degrees of antimicrobial activity can be achieved over selected periods of time.

Abstract: A variety of new ways can be used for associating antimicrobial elemental metal with a medical article. The associated antimicrobial metal reduces the risk of infection associated with the medical use of the medical article. New medical articles are produced by some of these new approaches. Some of the methods involve ways of adjusting the dissociation rate of associated elemental metal such that desired degrees of antimicrobial activity can be achieved over selected periods of time.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for implantation in a heart includes an outer orifice ring for coupling to a tissue annulus of a heart. An inner orifice ring includes at least one leaflet occluder carried in a lumen of the inner orifice ring which is movable between an open position, which allows blood flow through the lumen, and a closed position which blocks blood flow through the lumen. The inner orifice ring is adapted to be coupled to the outer orifice ring after the outer orifice ring has been attached to the tissue annulus.

Abstract: A novel approach to mitral or tricuspid valve repair involves the performance of an edge-to-edge fastening/securing of opposing heart valve leaflets through a catheter entering the heart. Thus, a device is introduced including a leaflet fastener applicator through a cardiac catheter or other suitable catheter. The leaflet fastener applicator and cardiac catheter can be formed into a kit. A gripper can be used to hold the heart valve leaflets while they are fastened.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve holder includes a set of jaws. Each jaw includes a distal end adapted for coupling to the prosthetic heart valve and a proximal end. A hinge assembly pivotally couples the jaws together between the distal and proximal ends. The hinge assembly allows movement of the jaws between an engaged position for grasping the prosthetic heart valve and an disengaged position in which the prosthetic heart valve is free from the distal ends. A locking collar is attached to the jaws and is movable between a first position in which the proximal ends are free from the collar, and a second position in which the collar holds the proximal ends of the jaws whereby the distal ends are held in position to engage the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: The present invention includes a metallic coating on portions of the prosthesis to enhance the overall acceptability of the implantable device or fabric/sutures used to implant the prosthesis. The preferred metal is silver, which is applied to surfaces which are exposed to the heart tissue. The silver-treated portions of these devices inhibit or greatly reduce colonization of endocarditis-causing bacteria without impacting the overall biocompatibility of the device.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve rotator tool operates in the small chest cavity available to the surgeon, having parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled, allowing it to be cleaned and sterilized for repeated use.