Abstract: A fabric having a honeycomb weave pattern is provided for use with medical implants. The fabric may be heat treated to increase a thickness and texture of the fabric. The fabric may be compliant and compressible for providing cushioning within a patient's body. For example, the fabric may be applied to a prosthetic valve to cushion a portion of the prosthetic heart valve. The fabric may also be textured to provide enhanced friction between the prosthetic heart valve and the surrounding native tissue. Enhanced friction may be achieved by weave patterns or by the inclusion of protrusions or barbs in the fabric.

Abstract: A delivery system includes a suture attachment mechanism for maintaining a connection to a heart valve after initial deployment, thereby allowing recapture of the heart valve if desired. A plurality of suture portions is provided along a distal end portion of the delivery system, each suture portion having a first end fixed to the delivery system and a second end releasably coupled to a retention member on the delivery system. A knob on a handle of the delivery system is actuated for causing the second end of each suture portion to be released from its respective retention member, thereby allowing the suture portions to be decoupled from the heart valve. The suture portions are located only along a distal end portion of the delivery system for improving reliability and consistency.

Abstract: A shunt comprises a central flow portion configured to fit at least partially within an opening in a tissue wall. The tissue wall is situated between a first anatomical chamber and a second anatomical chamber and the opening represents a blood flow path between the first anatomical chamber and the second anatomical chamber. The central flow portion is further configured to maintain the blood flow path from the first anatomical chamber to the second anatomical chamber. The shunt further comprises a barrier configured to alter growth of tissue around the shunt.

Abstract: A shunt comprises a central flow portion configured to fit at least partially within an opening in a tissue wall. The tissue wall is situated between a first anatomical chamber and a second anatomical chamber and the opening represents a blood flow path between the first anatomical chamber to the second anatomical chamber. The central flow portion is further configured to maintain the blood flow path from the first anatomical chamber to the second anatomical chamber, prevent in-growth of tissue within the opening, and expand in response to expansion of the tissue wall.