Abstract: A system for delivering a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient includes a valve support structure (140) around which the valve (10) is disposed in a collapsed condition. A sheath structure (110) surrounds the collapsed valve, but can be moved relative to the valve to uncover it for expansion at the desired implant site in the patient. The sheath structure may be variously mounted and moved to deploy the valve in various ways. For example, the sheath structure may include multiple parts, each of which can be moved separately to separately deploy various parts of the valve. The apparatus may have other aspects, such as the ability to reverse deployment of the valve, the ability to pass other instrumentation through the valve delivery apparatus, the ability to be smoothly withdrawn from the patient after deployment of the valve, etc.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into a patient. The valve re-expands to operating size at the implant site in the patient. A frame structure of the valve includes restraining structure that can help to push one or more of the patient's native heart valve leaflets radially outwardly so that this native leaflet tissue does not interfere with the operation or service life of the prosthetic valve.

Abstract: A frame structure for a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve. The frame structure includes an annular annulus portion that is configured for implanting in or near a patient's native heart valve annulus. This annulus portion of the frame structure may include a plurality of annularly spaced commissure post structures interconnected by connecting structures. The commissure post structures may be more resistant to annular collapse than the connecting structures. In the case of a prosthetic aortic valve, the frame structure may also include an annular aortic portion. The aortic portion may include a plurality of attachment points (for tethers) closest to the annulus portion. Such attachment points and tethers can facilitate re-collapse of a partly deployed valve in the event of a need to reposition or remove the valve.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valve apparatus is adapted for delivery into a patient in a circumferentially collapsed condition, followed by circumferential re-expansion at the implant site in the patient. The apparatus includes an annular anchoring structure that can be implanted in the patient first. The apparatus further includes an annular valve support structure, which supports a flexible leaflet structure of the valve. The support and leaflet structures are initially separate from the anchoring structure, but they can be implanted in the patient by interengagement of the support structure with the already-implanted anchoring structure.

Abstract: A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta down-stream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger operational diameter when deployed at the implant site.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve into a patient by means that are less invasive than conventional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The prosthetic valve may be collapsed while in a delivery device. When the valve reaches the desired implant site in the patient, the valve can be released from the delivery device, which allows the valve to re-expand to the configuration in which it can function as a heart valve. For example, the delivery device may be constructed to facilitate delivery of the prosthetic valve into the patient via the apex of the patient's heart.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (10) (e.g., a prosthetic aortic valve) is designed to be somewhat circumferentially collapsible and then re-expandable. The collapsed condition may be used for less invasive delivery of the valve into a patient. When the valve reaches the implant site in the patient, it re-expands to normal operating size, and also to engage surrounding tissue of the patient. The valve includes a stent portion (200) and a ring portion (100) that is substantially concentric with the stent portion but downstream from the stent portion in the direction of blood flow through the implanted valve. When the valve is implanted, the stent portion engages the patient's tissue at or near the native valve annulus, while the ring portion engages tissue downstream from the native valve site (e.g., the aorta).

Abstract: A cardiovascular conduit system may comprise a connector. The connector may comprise a proximal end adapted to attach to a cardiovascular organ. The proximal end may comprise a first plurality of expandable members, and each member in the first plurality of expandable members may be deployable from a delivery position to a deployed position. The first plurality of expandable members may be dimensioned to deploy inside the cardiovascular organ to secure the connector to the cardiovascular organ. The connector may comprise a distal end adapted to attach to a conduit and an opening extending through the connector. Connectors for cardiovascular conduit systems may also include expandable stents. Connectors may be rotateably secured to a conduit, and the conduit may be reinforced. Methods for forming and using cardiovascular conduit systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cardiovascular valve assembly is disclosed including a housing assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion removably attached to the first portion. A valve may be positioned within the housing assembly. The valve, which may be a mechanical valve, a biological tissue valve, or a polymeric valve, may be structured to allow fluid to flow through the housing assembly in a single direction. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly may further include at least one coupling structure provided on the second portion and at least one aperture defined in the first portion, with the aperture structured to receive the coupling structure to couple the first portion to the second portion. Corresponding systems incorporating cardiovascular valve assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: Balloon systems for treating bifurcated lumens include desirable burst and folding characteristics. In some cases, the balloon systems can be formed by varying the wall thickness of a balloon parison.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a prosthetic tether between a leaflet of a patient's heart valve and another portion of the patient's heart to help prevent prolapse of the leaflet and/or to otherwise improve leaflet function. The apparatus can be used with relatively low invasiveness of the patient's body. The apparatus releasably clamps the leaflet during attachment of the tether to the leaflet. The apparatus may include an integrated display for indicating how extensively the leaflet is being clamped. The apparatus may include structure for stabilizing the leaflet for better clamping. The apparatus may enter the heart through an aperture in the wall of the heart, and may include structure for helping to reduce blood leakage from that aperture. The apparatus may be able to enter the heart by following a guide wire. The apparatus may include various means for attaching the tether to the leaflet.

Abstract: A one piece shot cup (also commonly known as a shot pouch) designed especially for use in protecting the bore of a shotgun barrel when shooting hard shot made of a material such as tungsten or non-annealed steel. The cup is characterized by the use of shield members located opposite and outwardly of equally spaced tear lines which are defined by narrow areas of substantially weakened wall structure extending longitudinally of the cup. The shield members are connected to the wall structure of the tubular member only adjacent its closed rear end portion and are otherwise separate and free thereof. Portions of the tubular member extend between the circumferentially spaced shield members. The shield members prevent the shot, which ruptures the tear lines, from damaging the bore of the shotgun barrel. They also aid in holding the shot in an improved aligned relation to thereby improve the shot pattern.