Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a device that includes a delivery catheter, a proximal element, which is disposed proximally to the delivery catheter and is wider than the delivery catheter, an elongate element passing through the proximal element and the delivery catheter, and a self-expandable element coupled to the elongate element. Packaging includes a tray, shaped to define a chamber in which the self-expandable element is packageable, and configured to stabilize the proximal element while the self-expandable element is retracted into the delivery catheter via retraction of the elongate element. A securement piece is coupled to the tray adjacently to the chamber, and is configured to secure a distal end of the delivery catheter while the self-expandable element is retracted into the delivery catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including, by passing a purging fluid through an intracorporeal device, which includes a first component, a second component, an inflatable element, and a self-expandable element, inflating the inflatable element with the purging fluid, and purging an interface between the first component and the second component. By suctioning the purging fluid from the intracorporeal device, the inflatable element is deflated. Subsequently to deflating the inflatable element, the self-expandable element is crimped. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including an impeller (50) that includes a proximal bushing (64) and a distal bushing (58). Two or more helical elongate elements (52) extend from the proximal bushing (64) to the distal bushing (58), and an axial structure (54) is disposed inside of the two or more helical elongate elements (52), and along an axis around which the helical elongate elements (52) wind. The impeller (50) includes an impeller-overexpansion-prevention element (72). The impeller-overexpansion-prevention element is a single integrated structure that includes a ring (73) disposed around the axial structure (54), and a plurality of elongate elements (67) each of the elongate elements (67) extending from the ring to a respective helical elongate element (52) and being coupled to the respective helical elongate element (52) so as to prevent radial expansion of the impeller (50). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a ventricular assist device that includes an impeller configured to be placed inside a left ventricle of a subject. A driving magnet is coupled to a motor and is rotated by the motor. A driven magnet is magnetically coupled to the driving magnet and is rotated by the driving magnet. A drive cable extends from the driven magnet and imparts rotational motion from the driven magnet to the impeller. A set of sensors is configured to detect a magnetic phase difference between the driven magnet and the driving magnet. A computer processor receives the detected magnetic phase difference and determines a physiological parameter of the subject, at least partially in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An embolization microcatheter for delivery of embolization beads to a target area, the embolization microcatheter including a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end terminating in an end opening sized and shaped to allow delivery of a suspension of the embolization beads, and a filter section located in proximity to the end opening of the distal end; the filter section including a large plurality of openings distributed circumferentially around a wall thereof, the filter section configured to allow an outflow of the suspension while preventing an outflow of the embolization beads.

Abstract: System for use with tissue of a heart comprises a tissue anchor comprising an engaging head that has a coupling eyelet that defines an eyelet plane, and a helical tissue-coupling element, reversibly anchorable to the tissue, and having a central helix axis that lies on the eyelet plane. The system also comprises an anchor driver, having a distal portion that has a casing that defines a slot, the slot defining a slot plane, and dimensioned to receive at least part of the eyelet therein in a manner in which the eyelet plane is coplanar with the slot plane. The anchor driver also comprises a detent, configured to reversibly inhibit movement of the eyelet with respect to the slot. The anchor driver is configured to anchor the tissue anchor to the tissue by rotating the tissue anchor by applying a rotational force to the eyelet. Other embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An anchor-handling device comprises a housing shaped to define a channel having an anchor-storage zone and a proximal opening. A tissue anchor is stored in the anchor-storage zone. The anchor-handing device is configured such that, while the tissue anchor is stored in the anchor-storage zone, the tissue anchor is movable out of the anchor-storage zone toward the proximal opening in response to a proximally-directed force being applied to the tissue anchor. The anchor-handling device comprises an element that serves as an indicator of movement of the tissue anchor out of the anchor-storage zone toward the proximal opening by the element moving in response to the proximally-directed force. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repairing a cardiac valve, the apparatus including a catheter sized for delivery through vasculature of a subject and an elongated and flexible annuloplasty structure having an annuloplasty structure axis. The annuloplasty structure is sized and configured for delivery to a heart of the subject through the catheter substantially along a catheter axis of the catheter while the annuloplasty structure axis is substantially parallel to the catheter axis. The apparatus also includes a plurality of anchors configured for delivery to a region of cardiac tissue from a proximal end of the catheter toward a distal end of the catheter and substantially along the annuloplasty structure axis and the catheter axis while at least a portion of the annuloplasty structure is within a delivery passage of the catheter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An anchor-handling device comprises a housing shaped to define a channel having an anchor-storage zone and a proximal opening. A tissue anchor is stored in the anchor-storage zone. The anchor-handing device is configured such that, while the tissue anchor is stored in the anchor-storage zone, the tissue anchor is movable out of the anchor-storage zone toward the proximal opening in response to a proximally-directed force being applied to the tissue anchor. The anchor-handling device comprises an element that serves as an indicator of movement of the tissue anchor out of the anchor-storage zone toward the proximal opening by the element moving in response to the proximally-directed force. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tubular system comprising a catheter is configured to deliver an implant into the heart. The implant comprises a coupling head and a tissue-engaging element that comprises a first electrode. A driver is configured to, via engagement with the coupling head, (i) advance the implant out of a distal end of the tubular system and place the tissue-engaging element in contact with tissue of the heart, and (ii) secure the implant within the heart by fastening the tissue-engaging element to the tissue. A control unit, electrically couplable to (i) the first electrode via the driver, and (ii) a second electrode contacting the subject, is configured, to (i) receive an electrical signal from the electrodes, and (ii) based on the electrical signal, display information indicative of contact between the first electrode and the tissue. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A tubular system is configured to transluminally deliver an implant comprising a tissue anchor having a coupling head and a distal helical tissue-engaging element, into a heart of a subject. The tissue anchor is slidable through a channel of the system, the channel being slidable within a catheter. An anchor driver is configured, while coupled to the coupling head of the tissue anchor, to drive the tissue anchor through the system and out the system's distal end, to anchor the tissue-engaging element to tissue of the heart. While a first electrode is in contact with the subject and a second electrode is inside the heart of the subject, a control unit receives an electrophysiological signal from the electrodes, and based on the electrophysiological signal, indicates a position of the second electrode inside the heart. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a blood pump that includes an impeller, and a frame disposed around the impeller. An axial shaft extends from a proximal end of the frame to a distal end of the frame. The impeller is coupled to the axial shaft. A radial bearing is configured to radially stabilize the axial shaft and aa bearing housing houses the radial bearing. A layer of elastomeric material is disposed between the radial bearing and the bearing housing. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a venous system of a subject that includes one or more tributary vessels that flow into a vein at junctions. A blood-pump-catheter includes a material configured to be placed at a downstream location that is downstream of the junctions and to at least partially occlude blood flow through the vein. The material defines a blood-outlet opening. A blood pump pumps blood from a region of the vein that is adjacent to the junctions, and through the blood-outlet opening. A blood-flow pathway directs upstream venous blood flow from an upstream location that is upstream of the junctions, to downstream of the material, without the upstream venous blood flow being pumped by the pump. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An embolization microcatheter including an elongated main body and a distal section, the distal section comprising an off-setting portion and a winding portion, wherein the winding portion comprises about half a loop of a three-dimensional spiral, such that a longitudinal axis of the winding portion is offset and/or disposed at an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongated main body, and wherein the off-setting portion is disposed at an angle of between about 60° and about 120° degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated main body.

Abstract: An implant includes a support frame, having a compressed state, and an expanded state in which the support frame defines an opening therethrough, and is dimensioned to be placed against an upstream surface of a native heart valve. The implant includes a valve frame having a compressed state, and an expanded state in which the valve frame defines a lumen therethrough, and including a valve member disposed within the lumen. The valve frame is coupled to the support frame via a flexible sheet such that when the support and valve frames are in their expanded state, the valve frame is not in contact with the support frame. The implant is housed in the catheter for implanting transfemorally, with the valve frame closer to a distal end of the catheter than the support frame is to the distal end of the catheter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant comprises a flexible member, helical anchors, and non-compressible portions. The helical anchors are configured to anchor the flexible member at least partway around the valve by being screwed into tissue of the heart of a subject. Each of the non-compressible portions comprises a helical coil having a plurality of turns, and at rest has a helix pitch that contacts each turn of the coil with an adjacent turn of the coil. The flexible member extends through the non-compressible portions. The implant is configured such that applying tension to the flexible member from one end thereof contracts the implant, thereby drawing the anchors closer to each other, the helical coil of each of the non-compressible portions inhibiting contraction of the implant at the non-compressible portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a venous system of a subject that includes one or more tributary vessels that flow into a vein at junctions. A blood-pump-catheter (70) includes a material (36) configured to be placed at a downstream location that is downstream of the junctions and to at least partially occlude blood flow through the vein. The material defines a blood-outlet opening (31). A blood pump (24) pumps blood from a region of the vein that is adjacent to the junctions, and through the blood-outlet opening (31). A blood-flow pathway (60) directs upstream venous blood flow from an upstream location that is upstream of the junctions, to downstream of the material (36), without the upstream venous blood flow being pumped by the pump (24). Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including manufacturing an impeller by forming a structure having first and second bushings at proximal and distal ends of the structure, the first and second bushings being connected to one another by at least one elongate element. The elongate element is caused to radially expand and form at least one helical elongate element, at least partially by axially compressing the structure. The helical elongate element is coated with a coupling agent configured to enhance bonding between the helical elongate element and an elastomeric layer. The coated helical elongate element is coated with the elastomeric layer. Subsequently, an elastomeric film is coupled to the helical elongate element, such that the helical elongate element with the elastomeric film coupled thereto defines a blade of the impeller. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve includes a tubular valve body, snares, and an upstream support. A native valve of a heart of a subject is disposed between an atrium and a ventricle of the heart, and has an annulus and leaflets. The prosthetic valve is advanced to the heart while in a compressed state. The prosthetic valve is positioned within the heart such that the snares are disposed upstream of the annulus and leaflets. The snares are expanded radially outwardly upstream of the leaflets. Subsequently, the prosthetic valve is moved in a downstream direction such that the snares become disposed downstream of the leaflets. While the snares remain downstream of the leaflets, the upstream support is expanded within the atrium, and the upstream support is placed against an upstream surface of the annulus. Other embodiments are also described.