Abstract: A medical instrument includes a housing and a shaft coupled to the housing. The shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. An end effector assembly is disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members. At least one of the first and second jaw members is movable from a first position wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The medical instrument also includes one or more light-emitting elements and one or more light-detecting elements configured to generate one or more signals indicative of tissue reflectance. The one or more light-emitting elements are adapted to deliver light energy to tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A treatment instrument includes a first clamping surface, a second clamping surface configured to cooperate with the first clamping surface and to clamp a living body tissue, a pressure application member provided on one of the first and second clamping surfaces, and configured to apply a pressure to the living body tissue in a line shape by causing the first and second clamping surfaces to relatively approach each other, and a moving mechanism provided on the first clamping surface, and configured to move the first clamping surface in a manner to apply tensile forces to the living body tissue, clamped between the first and second clamping surfaces, in directions deviating away from a direction along a line formed on the living body tissue by the pressure application member.

Abstract: An elongated shaft assembly includes a rotatable inner cutting sleeve and a non-rotating outer sleeve. A window of the inner cutting sleeve is selectively rotatable within an opening of the non-rotating outer sleeve to cut tissue with a sharpened cutting blade when rotated in a first rotational direction and to cut tissue with an electrode when rotated in a second rotational direction.

Abstract: A tissue resection device includes an elongate shaft having a ceramic working end with a window and a wire-like electrode. A motor oscillates the electrode back and forth in an arc between opposing sides of the window. The working end is engaged against a tissue surface while radiofrequency current is delivered to the wire-like electrode to cut tissue received within the window. A negative pressure source may be connected to the window through an interior passageway in the elongate shaft to extract cut tissue from the working end.

Abstract: An elongate medical device shaft may comprise an elongate body and an annular electrode disposed on the elongate body. The annular electrode may define a longitudinal axis and have an outer diameter. The outer diameter may be greater at an axial center of the electrode than at an axial end of the electrode. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate body may comprise three longitudinal sections having three wall thicknesses. The middle wall thickness may be less than the proximal and distal wall thicknesses and the distal wall thickness may be less than the proximal wall thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft may comprise an inner cylindrical structure and an outer tube. The outer tube may comprise a first radial layer and a second radial layer that is radially-outward of the first radial layer, the first radial layer, second radial layer, and inner structure having different stiffnesses.

Abstract: A removable apparatus is provided for temporary implantation in a pulmonary vein for ablating atrial tissue surrounding the antrum of the pulmonary vein to treat atrial fibrillation in a subject. The apparatus comprises an electrically-insulated expandable support member and a retrieval mechanism. The support member has oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion extending between the end portions. The proximal end portion includes at least one annularly disposed wing member, and has a free end defined by oppositely disposed first and second major surfaces. The at least one wing member includes at least one ablation element located at the free end thereof. The retrieval mechanism is for removing the support member and for energizing the at least one ablation element. The retrieval mechanism includes at least one electrically-conductive wire, which is separately connected to the at least one wing member.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter comprising an expandable electrode assembly or basket is provided. In specific embodiments, the basket is particularly useful for mapping electrical activity at one or more locations within the heart. The basket can comprise a plurality of bendable or deflectable arms. At least one of the arms may have varied flexibility over its length in the form of one or more discontinuities of stiffness or flexibility at an elbow region or other variances in flexibility over the arm's length. Such variance in flexibility may allow the arm to assume a different bent configuration or respond to external factors more positively than possible with an arm having a static or near static flexibility or stiffness over its length.

Abstract: A device for treating truncal and/or collateral varicose veins, such that they may be treated fully at outpatient clinics, without the need to use local anesthetic, wherein the device links the energy or power flow emitted by the laser to the effect of the sclerosant foam and, using a method which links the physio-chemical properties of the two synergistically, removes the exceptional venous endothelium, in addition to reducing both the concentration of the sclerosant substance and that of the energy released by the laser into the vein/varicose vein, such that the entire method may be carried out fully at outpatient clinics and performed in the usual work area, without the need for a strict surgical environment or local anesthetic, with the exception of the same being used at the entry point, it not being necessary to administer local anesthetic in a perivenous, tumescent and/or truncal way.

Abstract: A tubular endoprosthesis designing apparatus that designs a stent graft to be housed in a sheath includes a three-dimensional model generating unit, a simulation unit, and an opening position determination unit. The three-dimensional model generating unit generates a three-dimensional model of a blood vessel in which a stent graft is to be implanted. The simulation unit simulates a state in which a sheath is inserted into the three-dimensional model generated by the three-dimensional model generating unit. The opening position determination unit determines the position of the opening to be formed in the tubular wall of the stent graft based on the simulation result obtained by the simulation unit and the information with respect to the shape of twisting of the blood vessel in a region in which the stent graft is to be implanted.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for creating an interactive tool for determining and displaying a functional relationship between a vascular network and an associated perfused tissue. One method includes receiving a patient-specific vascular model of a patient's anatomy, including at least one vessel of the patient; receiving a patient-specific tissue model, including a tissue region associated with the at least one vessel of the patient; receiving a selected area of the vascular model or a selected area of the tissue model; and generating a display of a region of the tissue model corresponding to the selected area of the vascular model or a display of a portion of the vascular model corresponding to the selected area of the tissue model, respectively.

Abstract: A method of planning and preparing for a total knee arthroplasty procedure, the method comprising: generating three-dimensional models of a tibia and a femur of a patient; sizing the tibia and the femur to within a range based on the three-dimensional models; selecting a resection tool for each of the tibia and femur based on the three-dimensional models; and packaging the resection tools. A method of planning and preparing for a surgical procedure can comprise: generating a three-dimensional bone model for one or more bones; sizing the one or more bones based on the three-dimensional model; recording a surgical plan based on the three-dimensional bone model; selecting a first surgical tool for the one or more bone based on the surgical plan; and evaluating selection of a second surgical tool based on a performance parameter of the first surgical tool.

Abstract: A medical device for the diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body and method for fabricating the same are provided. The device includes an elongate, tubular, deformable shaft comprising a proximal end and a distal end. The device also includes an electronic subassembly (54) disposed within the shaft and a conductor (76, 78) coupled to and extending from the electronic subassembly. The electronic subassembly includes a flexible substrate (72) and an electronic device (74). The flexible substrate comprises an interior side (84) and an exterior side (86) opposite the interior side. The flexible substrate also defines a first conductive area (92, 94). The electronic device is mounted on the interior side of the flexible substrate, is coupled to the first conductive area, and is at least partially enclosed within the flexible substrate.

Abstract: The instant invention describes an anti-biofouling structure for placement onto structures or surfaces that are exposed to aquatic environments. Embedded within the anti-biofouling structure are agents that can diffuse out of the structure and prevent the formation and/or accumulation of plant and animal species build-up that creates biofouling. The instant invention also describes system for preventing biofouling of an object stored in an aquatic environment which includes the anti-biofouling structure and a protective cover element constructed and arranged to fit various structures, such as boat propellers.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for guiding an astigmatism correction procedure on an eye of a patient are disclosed. An example apparatus include a photosensor configured to record a pre-operative still image of an ocular target surgical site of the patient. The apparatus also includes a real-time, multidimensional visualization module configured to produce a real-time multidimensional visualization of the ocular target surgical site during an astigmatism correction procedure. The apparatus further includes a data processor configured to determine a virtual indicium that includes data for guiding the astigmatism correction procedure. The data processor uses the pre-operative still image to align the virtual indicium with the multidimensional visualization such that the virtual indicium is rotationally accurate. The data processor then displays the multidimensional visualization of the ocular target surgical site in conjunction with the virtual indicium.

Abstract: A robotic catheter procedure system includes a bedside system and a workstation. The bedside system includes an actuating mechanism configured to engage and to impart movement to a percutaneous device. The workstation includes a user interface and a control system configured to be operatively coupled to the user interface, the bedside system, and a medical imaging system. The control system is responsive to a first input and to a second input, and the user interface receives the second input from a user. The control system is configured to generate a first control signal to the medical imaging system based on the first input, and the medical imaging system captures at least one image in response to the first control signal. The control system is configured to generate a second control signal to the actuating mechanism based on the second input, and the actuating mechanism causes movement of the percutaneous device in response to the second control signal.

Abstract: A reaction torque transducer for mounting a motor of an instrument drive unit includes a motor plate, a mounting plate, and a flex ring. The motor plate is fixed to the motor and the mounting plate is fixed to a fixed structure. The flex ring is positioned between the motor plate and the mounting plate. The flex ring includes a body having a first end and a second end that are moveable relative to one another. The first end of the body is fixed to the motor plate and the second end of the body is fixed to the mounting plate. The body is configured to flex in response to the first and second ends moving with respect to one another. A strain gauge is positioned on the body of the flex ring and is configured to measure flexation of the body.

Abstract: A remote center manipulator for use in minimally invasive robotic surgery includes a base link held stationary relative to a patient, an instrument holder, and a linkage coupling the instrument holder to the base link. First and second links of the linkage are coupled to limit motion of the second link to rotation about a first axis intersecting a remote center of manipulation. A parallelogram linkage portion of the linkage pitches the instrument holder around a second axis that intersects the remote center of manipulation. The second axis is angularly offset from the first axis by a non-zero angle other than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

Abstract: A surgical robot for performing minimally invasive surgery (e.g. in the eye) is provided. A cannula connection is positioned at a fixed surgical arm part and aligned with a movable surgical arm part movable with respect to the fixed surgical arm part. A surgical instrument can be mounted at the movable part. The surgical instrument can pass through the cannula connection. Reference arm(s) and manipulation arm(s) connect a base element with the fixed surgical arm part. The base element could have a surgical operating table attachment part to movably attach to a surgical operating table and rotating parts movably attached to the surgical operating table attachment part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical teleoperated device comprising i) a handle (30) placed in a proximal part of the device, having a plurality of handle links interconnected by respective handle joints, ii) an end effector (31) placed in a distal part of the device, having a plurality of end-effector links interconnected by respective end-effector joints, iii) a transmission system arranged to kinematically connect the end effector to the handle such that movements of the end effector correspond to movements of the handle, comprising at least one arrangement of a plurality of rotatable elements (41a-d) coaxially mounted together about an axis and arranged to rotate independently from each other, b) first transmission means comprising driving elements (62a-c) which are arranged to actuate in rotation of the plurality of rotatable elements (41a-d) based upon movements of the handle, c) second transmission means comprising driven elements (63a-c) which are arranged to be driven by rotation of the plurality of rotatable e

Abstract: A medical system includes: a treatment tool including a treatment portion configured to treat a living body, a joint portion configured to move the treatment portion, a first indicator portion provided to correspond to a position of the joint portion, a sheath portion connected to the joint portion, and a driving portion connected to the sheath portion and configured to displace the joint portion; an overtube including a flexible tube portion having a distal end and a proximal end and holding the treatment tool such that the treatment portion is capable of protruding from the distal end, and a second indicator portion provided at the flexible tube portion to identify a predefined space where calibration of the treatment tool is performed; and a calibration mechanism configured to calibrate the treatment tool when the first and second indicator portions have a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to providing a sterile container protecting various surgical grafts, implants and devices from incidental contamination and damage during operative procedures. The design includes an inner box to contain the items, and an outer box to protect the exterior of the inner box from contamination in the event of fall or other contamination, such as from airborne particles or liquids, fall from the sterile field, or by non-sterile handling. In the event of fall or contamination of the outer box, the surgical staff will be able to recover the inner box and its contents in sterile and unspoiled condition without difficulty.

Abstract: A portable patient-care kit is disclosed. The kit includes two-housing portions, a plurality of compartments, a touch-screen user interface device, and a light bar. The two-housing portions pivotally coupled together to form a container space. The plurality of compartments is disposed within at least one of the housing portions such that each compartment is configured to retain at least one medical apparatus. The touch-screen user interface device has a transceiver that can communicate via a mobile data network. The light bar is disposed along an exterior of one of the two-housing portions configured provide light.

Abstract: A tool for a dismantlable medical instrument includes a first component, which surrounds a cavity for receiving a distal end of a shank, and a second component with a catch, which protrudes into the cavity surrounded by the first component to form a bayonet connection with a distal end of a shank protruding into the cavity, by engagement of the catch in a slit or a groove at the distal end of the shank. The first component has a recess into which the second component is fitted.

Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination system includes a light source generating a source light beam and a beam splitter splitting the source light beam into first and second light beams. A first attenuator is located in a path of the first light beam and a second attenuator is located in the path of the second light beam, the first and second attenuators operable to change the intensities of the first and second light beams, respectively. A first optical fiber port is configured for connection to a first optical fiber for delivering the first light beam to a patient's eye and a second optical fiber port is configured for connection to a second optical fiber for delivering the second light beam to the patient's eye. A control unit is communicatively coupled to the first and second attenuators and is operable to adjust the attenuators to control the intensities of the light beams delivered to the patient's eye.

Abstract: A surgical skin marking device comprising a handle, a marking agent, a marking tip extending forwardly of the handle and configured to apply a marking agent to the skin when contacted with the skin by a user, and a radiopaque pointer that is positioned in a defined relationship relative to the handle and is proximally disposed relative to the marking tip to facilitate more accurate skin marking by a surgeon during preoperative and intra-operative procedures. A method of using the subject surgical skin marking device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The laparoscopic medical instrument holding device has a platform with a holder for securing the instrument. The holder has at least two clamping claws arranged on the platform and each of the clamping claws comprises a two-arm base. Each arm has a movably mounted arm of the claw and each arm of the claw has at least two guide rolls. The arm of the claw has a footing from ferromagnetic material located above a magnet mounted on the platform. The holding force between the footing and the magnet is adjustable. In the holder there is a releasably mounted instrument sleeve for securing the laparoscopic instrument and the instrument sleeve has inside a pair of clamping elements and a mounted outside securing nut coupled via a deflecting transmission to a motor unit attached to the platform.

Abstract: An ultrasonic unit manufacturing system and process are based on a universal ultrasonic generator unit that operates interchangeably with either one of piezoelectric and magnetostrictive ultrasonic devices, and optionally as well as with either on-off or power level control footswitches. The ultrasonic units use a generator unit having a detector that determines whether the connected device is piezoelectric or magnetostrictive, and activates the generator for the appropriate piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating mode. The ultrasonic units so made and methods of using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein generally relate to apparatuses and methods for performing bone implants such as, but not limited to, dental implants, knee and joint replacements, and various types of bone anchored prosthesis. For a better understanding of how the various apparatus and methods can be used for bone implants, an example will be given herein with respect to dental implants.

Abstract: A method for producing a one-piece orthodontic jig and brackets employs a computer-aided design (CAD) system to create a model of a patient's dental anatomy. A set of orthodontic brackets and their desired positions are also designed in the CAD model. An orthodontic jig for temporarily positioning the brackets during the bonding process is then designed that includes features for registering the jig to selected teeth, together with connecting members that detachably connect the brackets to the jig and hold the brackets in their desired position on the patient's teeth during the bonding process. The orthodontic jig and brackets is fabricated as a single piece by computer-controlled manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) based on the CAD model.

Abstract: A method for producing a one-piece orthodontic jig and attachments employs a computer-aided design (CAD) system to create a model of a patient's dental anatomy. A set of orthodontic attachments and their desired positions are also designed in the CAD model. An orthodontic jig for temporarily positioning the attachments during the bonding process is then designed that includes features for registering the jig to selected teeth, together with connecting members that detachably connect the attachments to the jig and hold the attachments in their desired position on the patient's teeth during the bonding process. The orthodontic jig and attachments is fabricated as a single piece by computer-controlled manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing) based on the CAD model.

Abstract: The scan body for a dental impression includes a hollow member having a mounting recess configured for mounting onto a head portion of an impression coping positioned in a dental impression. The mounting recess can have an internal threaded bore for receiving a fastener to secure the scan body onto the impression coping. The scan body can have an exterior peripheral wall extending between opposing first and second ends. The peripheral wall has a first flat surface and a second flat surface. The first flat surface and the second flat surface have different dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a margin ring that can conforms to a dental abutment, and a method of using the margin ring to make a crown. The invention exhibits technical advantages such as a clearer impression; simplified operation such as elimination the step of packing a retraction cord; improved control over the fabrication of a crown; cost-effectiveness in terms of doctor chair time and lab cost; less usage of accessories; and fewer patient visits, among others.

Abstract: A dental flossing device is made of an elastic material. Its central structure is a resiliently stretchable elastic, bridge strip with a cross section having different shapes. When stretched, the strip has a changeable diameter to help remove debris between teeth. The strip includes corrugations or spirals along its length and may include different drugs or flavors to give the user a medicine or a taste while cleaning the teeth. At each end of the strip, there is an elastic opposing handle. Handles may be bridged by two or more stretchable strips. The two handles may have different dimensions and thicknesses, as well as different profiles; they may be resiliently stretchable so as to serve themselves as additional flossing members. The device may comprise more than two handles and more than one flossing strip and thus may form various configurations such as ring-like, chain-like, star-like, etc.

Abstract: A method comprises: bringing a plasma-treated liquid having an oxidizing power into contact with an object in an area; and mixing water and the plasma-treated liquid which remains in the area after the plasma-treated liquid is brought into contact with the object.

Abstract: A personal electric cleaning tool comprises: a handle accommodating a driving element therein; a head connected with a supporting body supporting a cleaning element, the supporting body defining a first engaging shape; and a transmission rod, one end thereof far away from the head being operably connected to the driving element and the other end thereof near the head being fixedly provided with a driving wheel defining a second engaging shape matched with the first engaging shape, so that the supporting body rotates in a reciprocating manner along with the driving wheel as the transmission rod is driven by the driving element, wherein one of the first engaging shape and the second engaging shape is a shape defined by two conical tooth surfaces facing each other on one bevel gear, while the other one is a shape defined by one conical tooth engaged with the two conical tooth surfaces.

Abstract: A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from a proximal cuff secured to the limb above the joint to a distal cuff secured to the limb below the joint, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The device may also comprise structure for limiting the range of motion and angular velocity of the joint.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes removing a urinary control system from a package, where the urinary control system has three components including a cuff attachable to a pump and a reservoir attachable to the pump. The method includes forming one skin incision in a patient, and implanting the three components of the urinary control system into the patient through the one skin incision.

Abstract: A protection body protecting the outer circumference of a drug retaining portion, which is provided at a distal portion of a medical elongated body and in which a drug is retained, by covering and sealing the outer circumference, includes a protection layer which is disposed around the outer circumference of the drug retaining portion along the medical elongated body and prevents external oxygen and moisture from coming into contact with the drug retaining portion; and an absorption portion which absorbs oxygen and moisture in a space in the inner circumference of the protection layer and in the outer circumference of the drug retaining portion.

Abstract: A vascular filter system and method are disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter system comprises a dispensing needle releasably attached to a filter dispenser which stores a length of filter wire. The filter wire dispenser has a guide tube which guides the filter wire into the needle and then into a vein during surgical implantation. The filter wire is configured to coil into a predetermined shape as it is deployed from the needle. The shape of the filter wire captures blood clots in the blood stream. Once the filter wire is deployed, the needle may be removed and a portion of the filter wire may be left protruding from the patient's skin surface to allow the filter wire to be secured by a fixation device. A syringe may be used to draw blood to confirm that the needle is properly positioned within a vein before the filter wire is deployed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for filtering obstructive material within the vasculature of a subject. The device includes a frame with multiple flexible legs connected to a hub, and a web that is positioned between the legs. The web is substantially perpendicular to the central axis. The legs are compressible about the central axis when the frame is in a compressed state, and the legs expand away from the central axis such that the web is held taut when the legs are in an expanded state. In certain embodiments, the web is a single piece of thread that passes through openings in the legs. In certain embodiments, a heat shrink material is used to secure a thread of the web to the frame.

Abstract: A stent graft device that includes a frame, a cover material covering the frame, and an anchoring member having an adjustable geometry is provided. The anchoring member may be incorporated as part of the frame or coupled thereto. The anchoring member may be formed of a material having a tensile strength such that it can be bent, straightened, or otherwise changed in shape. Tissue growth over and/or around the anchoring member anchors the stent graft device within a lumen. During removal of the stent graft device, the geometry of the anchoring member changes to allow the anchoring member to be removed from the tissue growth along a removal path with minimal trauma. The design and/or shape of the anchoring member is not particularly limited so long as the anchoring member has an adjustable geometry that permits tissue overgrowth and subsequent removal from the tissue overgrowth with minimal trauma.

Abstract: An improved posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PCPIL) is provided. The improved PCPIL incorporates one or more design elements that minimize or eliminate axial displacement of the PCPIL under horizontal compression.

Abstract: An intraocular lens insertion device which dramatically reduces the possibility that a plunger damages an intraocular lens, and which can safely and surely insert an intraocular lens into an eye is provided. An intraocular lens insertion unit comprises a lens disposing part for disposing an intraocular lens, a plunger for pushing out the intraocular lens disposed at the lens disposing part, a transition part for deforming the intraocular lens pushed out by the plunger, and a nozzle for ejecting the deformed intraocular lens. The plunger has a lens contact part for contacting the outer edge of the intraocular lens, and a protrusive part for pushing the lens contact part downward the intraocular lens by the deformation of the intraocular lens, both lens contact part and protrusive part are provided at the leading end of the plunger.

Abstract: An IOL injection device comprises a tubular housing with a plunger longitudinally disposed within the tubular housing. The device is configured so that when the plunger is translated towards the front of the device, its tip engages an intraocular lens insertion cartridge mounted at or near the front end of the housing. The IOL injection device further comprises a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform the steps of advancing the plunger to a critical point at which an axial compressive force on the lens suddenly increases, retracting the plunger from the critical point to a sufficient distance for material of the intraocular lens to relax, pausing to allow the material of the intraocular lens to relax, advancing the plunger to the critical point a second time, and continuing to advance the plunger beyond the critical point to implant the intraocular lens.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for regulating aortic regurgitation are provided. A catheter shaft is advanced through vasculature so that a flexible occluding membrane coupled to the catheter shaft is positioned within the aorta, typically the ascending aorta above the Sinus of Valsalva and coronary ostia. Blood flow in the aorta causes the flexible occluding membrane to alternate between an expanded occluding configuration while in diastole and a collapsed lesser occluding configuration is systole. There flexible occluding membrane thereby acts as a temporary aortic valve. The flexible occluding membrane is generally conical in shape, with the tip of the cone disposed closer to the aorta than the proximal rim. In diastole, blood flow expands the flexible occluding membrane so that the proximal rim apposes the inner wall of the aorta. The flexible occluding membrane will have one or more openings to allow perfusion of the coronary arteries in diastole.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for a heart valve, comprising a valve portion with prosthetic leaflets capable of reproducing the function of the valve leaflets of a native heart valve, selectively expandable from a collapsed configuration for implantation to a working expanded configuration. The prosthetic device also comprises a containment portion which surrounds the valve portion to contain its expansion in the working expanded configuration. The prosthetic device also comprises a connecting portion which stably connects the valve portion to the containment portion by means of connecting elements. The invention allows for both the use of minimally invasive surgical implantation procedures and implantation procedures based completely on transcatheteral techniques.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly has a frame comprising an anchoring section, a generally cylindrical leaflet support section, and a neck section that transitions between the anchoring section and the valve support section. The anchoring section has a ball-shaped configuration defined by a plurality of wires that extend from the leaflet support section, with each wire extending radially outwardly to a vertex area where the diameter of the anchoring section is at its greatest, and then extending radially inwardly to a hub. A plurality of leaflets are stitched to the leaflet support section. The heart valve assembly is delivered to the location of a native pulmonary trunk, the vertex area of the anchoring section is deployed into the native pulmonary arteries such that the vertex area is retained in the pulmonary arteries, and then the leaflet support section is deployed in the pulmonary trunk.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an artificial heart valve, comprising a valve housing comprising a distal plate and a proximal valve ring operably connected by a plurality of struts; one or more helical springs having a proximal end and a distal end; and a bellows spring having a proximal end, enclosed area, and a distal end, the distal end of the bellows spring operably attached to a first surface of a moving spring plate positioned axially in between the one or more helical springs and the bellows spring, the proximal end of the helical spring operably attached to a second surface of the moving spring plate; and a movable valve plate operably attached to the proximal end of the bellows spring, wherein the movable valve plate is configured to reversibly contact the proximal valve ring to create a seal and close the valve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for holding and maneuvering a valve during preparation and attachment to patient, providing increased visibility of the prosthetic valve and the sewing ring to prevent suture entanglement. A handle attachment is spaced from the valve for improved visibility of the sewing ring and the outlet end of the valve during attachment. Commissure posts are bent inward at the tips while preventing crashing of the commissure posts into each other causing damage. A release force needed to remove the holder and unthread the holder sutures is reduced. The holder and related methods can provide a kink free holder suture path to reduce suture entanglement and prevent damage to the implanted valve during holder removal by reducing the release force needed to remove the holder sutures by up to 30%.