Abstract: Heart valve prosthesis are disclosed that include a frame or support structure having an inflow portion, a valve-retaining tubular or central portion and a pair of support arms. The inflow portion radially extends from a first end of the valve-retaining tubular portion and the pair of support arms are circumferentially spaced apart and radially extend from an opposing second end of the valve-retaining tubular portion.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes an inlet portion that is substantially s-shaped and configured to engage the floor of the outflow tract of the native heart atrium. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a chordae guiding element configured to reduce bending of the chordae to reduce stress on the chordae during the cardiac cycle. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a central portion having an hourglass shape configured to pinch a native annulus in order to provide axial fixation of the valve prosthesis within a valve site. In some embodiments, a valve prosthesis includes a frame having an outflow end that is flared to provide a gap between an outflow end of the frame and an outflow end of prosthetic leaflets when the prosthetic leaflets are fully opened.

Abstract: Heart valve prostheses are provided for replacing a cardiac valve. The heart valve prosthesis includes a self-expanding frame including a first portion and a second portion. In the collapsed configuration, the first portion is positioned adjacent to the second portion. In the expanded configuration, the first portion moves to be positioned within an interior area of the second portion.

Abstract: The delivery systems disclosed herein can create simultaneous movement of an inner and an outer sheath of the delivery system. The delivery systems can generally include a handle assembly and a delivery catheter. In certain embodiments, the inner shaft and the outer sheath can be slidably controlled by a control element in the handle. The handle assembly can include a housing with a thumbwheel acting as the control element. In certain embodiments, movement of the inner shaft and the outer sheath can be caused via a gear-type system. In certain embodiments, the handle assembly can include a rotatable housing. A control element can rotate the housing, which can cause a first boss associated with the outer sheath and a second boss associated with the inner shaft to move in opposite directions.

Abstract: Medical devices for closing a hole or holes in a subject's body, such as those related to transapical procedures, are disclosed. The medical devices can include a force-providing portion and a tissue-attachment portion. The medical devices can be configured for multiple positions including at least a constrained position and an unconstrained position. In some embodiments, the medical device may be used on a delivery device or delivery tool. In some embodiments, the force-providing portion can pivot radially outward and the tissue-attachment portion can become more constrained, and the hole can be at least partially closed. In some embodiments, the tissue-attachment portion can include a plurality of pins that assume a hook shape.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including a plurality of anchoring elements, each of the anchoring elements being an elongate element that is curved to define an opening. A housing holds each of the anchoring elements. A mandrel is reversibly disposable through the openings defined by the anchoring elements. The anchoring elements are configured such that, in response to removal of the mandrel from the openings, ends of the anchoring elements automatically move outwardly, and diameters of the openings decrease, due to elastic loading of the anchoring elements. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A valve retainer is connected to an elongate delivery member. The valve retainer is configured to releasably secure a prosthesis (e.g., a heart valve prosthesis) to the delivery member during delivery to a target site in a body (e.g., a native valve annulus). The valve retainer includes a rotational identifier that identifies the rotational orientation of the valve retainer when the valve retainer is positioned proximate to the target site. A heart valve prosthesis can include a commissural post that has a predetermined rotational position relative to the rotational identifier, such that the heart valve prosthesis can be rotationally aligned with the native commissures of the native valve by rotating the delivery member and the valve retainer until the commissural post is aligned with a native valve commissure and the rotational identifier is visible.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prostheses including a support structure having a proximal end and a distal end, and a motion limiting member attached to the distal end of the support structure, wherein the motion limiting member is configured to restrict radial expansion of the distal end of the support structure. Methods for delivering the prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods for closing an apical hole in a heart of a subject, including a hole-closure device that includes a tissue-attachment portion configured to attach to cardiac tissue around the apical hole, and a collapsible portion coupled to the tissue-attachment portion and configured to close the hole by collapsing inwardly inside the apical hole.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve capable of being delivered via a transfemoral route as described.

Abstract: A prosthesis is provided for implantation at a native semilunar valve of a native valve complex, the native valve complex having three semilunar sinuses and three native commissures. The prosthesis includes a valve prosthesis support, which comprises a support structure comprising exactly three engagement aims that meet one another at three respective junctures. The engagement arms are shaped so as define three peak complexes at the three respective junctures, and three trough complexes, each of which is between two of the peak complexes. Upon implantation of the prosthesis, each of the engagement arms is at least partially disposed within a respective one of the semilunar sinuses, such that each of the peak complexes is disposed distal to and in rotational alignment with a respective one of the native commissures, and each of the trough complexes is disposed at least partially within the respective one of the semilunar sinuses.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve having identifiers for aiding in radiographic positioning is described.

Abstract: A prosthetic device is provided for treatment of an aortic valve, having a compressed state for transarterial delivery and being expandable to an expanded state for implantation. The device includes an expandable support implantable in the expanded state of the prosthetic device in an aortic annulus, and an inner envelope having an upstream portion that lines the inner surface of the support, and a downstream portion which, when the prosthetic device is in the expanded state, extends into an aorta and defines a diverging conical section having a diameter that gradually increases from an upstream end of the section to a downstream end of the section. The section is configured to produce, during systole, a non-turbulent blood flow into the aorta with pressure recovery at the downstream end of the section. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Prosthetic devices as described for use in the treatment of aortic stenosis in the aortic valve of a patient's heart, the prosthetic device having a compressed state for transarterial delivery and being expandable to an expanded state for implantation. The prosthetic device includes an expandable metal base (10) constructed so as to be implantable in the expanded state of the prosthetic device in the aortic annulus of the aortic valve; and an inner envelope lining (11) tune inner surface of the metal base (10). The inner envelope, in the expanded state of the prosthetic device, extends into the aorta and is of a diverging conical configuration, in which its diameter gradually increases from its proximal end within the aortic annulus to its distal end extending into the aorta, such as to produce, during systole, a non-turbulent blood flow into the aorta with pressure recovery at the distal end of the inner envelope.

Abstract: An article including a prosthetic patellar implant attachable to a posterior portion of a patella and including an elastomeric cushioning element adapted for articulation with articular surfaces posterior to the patella, the elastomeric cushioning element including an inner elastomeric layer and an outer elastomeric layer.

Abstract: A prosthetic orthopedic implant assembly including an implant body, and an elastomeric cover connected to the implant body by a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: An elastomeric cover for an orthopedic implant, the elastomeric cover having a seamless articulating surface which is at least part of a three-dimensional curved surface, wherein a cross-section of a portion of the seamless articulating surface subtends an arc greater than 180 degrees. Methods for forming the elastomeric cover are disclosed.