Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses for securing and sealing apertures in tissue and related methods of use. An exemplary apparatus for collapsing an aperture in a wall of tissue can include a base biased to collapse into a collapsed state from an expanded state. The apparatus can also include a plurality of collapsible fingers extending from the base, wherein the collapsible fingers can be configured to collapse about tissue adjacent to and defining the aperture so as to close the aperture in the wall of tissue.

Abstract: The exsanguination tourniquet includes a constricting member and at least one sleeve removably coupled to the constricting member. The system includes the exsanguination tourniquet and an applicator device. The method of assembling includes obtaining a constricting member, obtaining at least one sleeve, and wrapping the at least one sleeve around the constricting member.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a minimally invasive device for surgical procedures which generally comprises at least a pair of assembly elements formed by a primary main body and a secondary main body joined together at their proximal and distal ends; a fastening element which is inserted in the distal end of both primary and secondary main bodies respectively, which is employed to keep them joined together; a threading element which is inserted in its inner section from the intermediate section of said device, continues to its proximal end and returns to its intermediate section on the opposite end; and a multifunction element located on the inside of the threading element.

Abstract: A guide for a flexible member includes a stationary member, an articulating member, and an actuating member. The articulating member defines a first lumen. The stationary member, the articulating member, and the actuating member are coupled to one another by one or more arcuate grooves or flanges such that the articulating member pivots relative to the stationary member when the actuating member is moved relative to the stationary member. The stationary member and the actuating member form a second lumen arranged to accommodate the flexible member coextensively in the first lumen and the second lumen.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and has a pair of first and second jaw members. One of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from an open position, to a clamping position. One of the first and second jaw members includes one or more cam slots defined therein and configured to receive a cam member that upon movement thereof rotates the movable jaw member from the open position to the clamping position. A resilient member is operably coupled to the jaw member that includes the one or more cam slots. The resilient member is configured to provide a camming force to the cam slot and to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position.

Abstract: A method of diverting fluid flow from a first vessel including an occlusion to a second vessel includes deploying a prosthesis at least partially in a fistula and making valves in the second vessel incompetent. Making the valves in the second vessel incompetent includes at least one of using a reverse valvulotome to cut the valves, inflating a balloon, expanding a stent, and lining the second vessel with a stent.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar including an elongated tubular member extending between a distal end configured to be inserted into a surgical site and a proximal end including a housing configured for introduction of surgical instruments into the tubular member. The housing includes a pair of opposed latch receptacles. An obturator is assembled into the tubular member of the trocar. The obturator includes an elongated obturator body extending from a trocar cover to an opposed obturator tip. The trocar cover includes a rim for engaging the housing of the trocar. The trocar cover includes a pair of opposed latches extending radially inward from the rim, wherein the latches are releasably latched to the latch receptacles of the trocar. The trocar cover includes a compliant mechanism operatively connected to release the latches from the latch receptacles.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including apparatus for puncturing a fossa ovalis of a heart. The apparatus comprises a catheter shaped to define a catheter lumen. A puncturing element is slidably disposed within the catheter lumen and configured to (a) be deployed from a distal portion of the catheter, and (b) puncture the fossa ovalis. A balloon is configured to be deployed from the distal portion of the catheter, be radially expanded, and upon being deployed and expanded, facilitate positioning of the puncturing element, by contacting at least a portion of the fossa ovalis. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: An adjustable fixation clamp having first and second clamp assemblies positioned about a shaft. The clamp assemblies may each have a pair of vise plates. Each pair of vise plates may define at least two receiving portions and insertion portions intersecting the receiving portions. The receiving portions of one clamp assembly may receive at least two fixation components such as screws, pins or wires. The receiving portions of the other clamp assembly may receive at least one connector such as a rod, bar and/or ring. A biasing structure may be positioned between the first and second clamp assemblies and may allow for the fixation components to be snapped into the receiving portions through the insertion portions. Two or more adjustable fixation clamps may be used to form an external fixation system. At least two screws, pins or wires may be inserted into bone and one of the clamp assemblies may be attached thereto. A guide may be used for insertion of screws, pins or wires into bone.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention discloses interspinous process spacers that can be placed between adjacent spinous processes for minimally invasive surgical treatment of a spinal disease or defect. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, discloses an interspinous process spacer having a distraction end, a central support portion, and a trailing end. Also disclosed in the present invention are systems and kits including such implants, methods of inserting such implants, and methods of alleviating pain or discomfort associated with a spinal column disease or defect.

Abstract: An implant for repairing a joint between a first bone and a second bone includes a first section constructed of a substantially rigid material and a graft constructed of soft tissue having a first end and a second end. The first section has a first end surface configured for positioning against the first bone. The graft is configured for stabilizing the first section relative to the first bone. A first fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first section to anchor the graft to the first section. A second fastener is configured for mounting to the graft and the first bone to anchor the graft to the first bone.

Abstract: An implant device is provided that is configured for implantation at multiple locations between adjacent vertebrae. The implant device comprises an implant body, a first portion of the implant body, and a second portion of the implant body adjustably interconnected with the first portion. The implant body has a compact orientation and an extended orientation to allow the implant body to be shifted from one orientation to the other orientation for being positioned in any one of areas between the spinous processes of the adjacent vertebrae, between laminar regions of the adjacent vertebrae, spanning an opening in the annulus between the adjacent vertebrae, and in the intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: A universal rod holder including a drive member and an elongated shaft member. The drive member has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and may include a handle disposed on the proximal portion, external threads disposed on the proximal portion of the drive member, and a tip disposed on a distal end of the distal portion of the drive member. The elongated shaft member includes a through hole, the through hole configured to receive the drive member, internal threads disposed on an inner surface of the through hole and configured to engage the external threads, and a hook member disposed on a distal end of the shaft member. The through hole extends into an opening of the hook member. The distal portion of the drive member is configured to slide through the through hole and into the opening of the hook member to secure a rod positioned therein.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system, method, and a surgical kit having a surgical extender apparatus for implanting a surgical screw are disclosed. The extender includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a hollow interior passageway disposed between the distal end and the proximal end, a channel disposed along an exterior surface of the housing at least partially between the distal end and the proximal end and configured to at least partially expose the hollow interior passageway, an interior locking mechanism disposed on an interior surface of the housing and substantially adjacent the proximal end, wherein the interior locking mechanism is configured to allow attachment of at least one surgical tool, and at least one flexible member disposed substantially adjacent the distal end. The housing is configured to accommodate placement of a surgical screw implant. The surgical screw implant is secured to the housing using a mating feature in the surgical screw implant.

Abstract: A bone stent facilitates bone fixation via interior contact, as may be useful for flexible entry into a sidewall of an elongated bone. As consistent with one or more embodiments, a stent includes proximal and distal end caps connected by a plurality of elongated members extending longitudinally between the end caps, and a flexible cable extending through the proximal end cap and connected to one of the end caps. The flexible cable, end caps and elongated members are responsive to the end caps being moved toward one another by laterally bending the elongated members outwardly away from one another, with the cable fixing the elongated members in the compressed state (e.g., while applying pressure to the interior sidewalls of a bone). When the end caps are released from the compressed state, the longitudinal compressive force is released and the elongated members elastically return to the uncompressed state.

Abstract: An intramedullary nail according to the invention has a locking hole arrangement having one first opening on one side of the intramedullary nail and one second opening at an opposing side of the intramedullary nail. The locking hole arrangement has a first bore having a first bore axis and a second bore having a second bore axis. The first bore and the second bore each having a first orifice on one side of the intramedullary nail and each having a second orifice at an opposite side of the intramedullary nail. The first bore axis and the second bore axis are inclined with respect to each other and the first bore and the second bore intersect each other within the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: An intramedullary implant, system, and method for placement within a bone system are provided by the invention. The implant includes a body with at least one pair of beams arranged about a longitudinal axis of the body. The beams are each fixed to the body and each have an end. The end of one of the beams of a pair is releasably coupled to the other beam of the pair. The beams are each deflectable between (i) a coupled and biased position for insertion of the beams into a respective bone, and (ii) an uncoupled position for gripping bone. The beams of each pair in the uncoupled position being arranged so as to compressively engage the bone.

Abstract: Medical device locking mechanisms and related methods and systems. In some embodiments, the medical device may comprise an outer surface defining one or more fastener openings configured for receiving one or more fasteners. The one or more fasteners may comprise an upper surface configured to be engaged by a component of the locking system to prevent fastener backout. A plurality of petal structures may be configured to be selectively expanded or contracted to engage the head portion and retain the at least one fastener within the fastener opening to prevent the fastener from backing out of the fastener opening. A biasing member may selectively engage the plurality of petal structures to either expand or contract the plurality of petal structures to facilitate locking the fastener(s) in place within the device.

Abstract: An internal plate fixation device is provided for load bearing and non-load bearing fixation on a plantar side of a metatarsocuneiform joint in a Lapidus procedure. The fixation device includes a U-shaped plate having a plantar section interconnecting a pair of opposed medial legs which are bent relative to the plantar section. The plantar section is formed with a set of threaded fixation holes for receiving locking screws therein. The legs are formed with a set of threaded fixation holes for receiving locking screws therein, and a set of non-threaded fixation holes for receiving temporary K-wires and an interfragmentary compression screw which provides compression and stability at the joint.

Abstract: A bone plate having a first, bone-facing surface and an opposing second surface has an elongate shaft portion and a head portion that is shorter and wider in comparison thereto, with at least one through hole extending through the bone plate from the first surface to the second surface in the shaft portion. The through hole comprises a variable-angle portion with a hole axis configured to receive a threaded head of a locking screw therein at a desired angle within a permitted range of angulation relative to the hole axis. The second surface has at least one depression which extends therein along a portion of the second surface between the side wall and the through hole, the depression extending about a periphery of the through hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a bone. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and either one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a rod and anchor devices that include a bone engaging fastener having a head defining a spherical socket. A ball insert is placed within the socket and rotated so that the ball insert is juxtaposed with the socket. The anchor device further includes a yoke defining a yoke channel for receiving the rod and a stem engaged to the ball insert captured within the socket. A sleeve disposed between the yoke channel and the fastener head supports the rod. A set screw is operable to clamp the rod against the sleeve and draw the insert into engagement within the socket. A friction element in the form of a wave spring is disposed between the yoke and the fastener head is configured to releasably retain the yoke in at least one discrete position relative to the fastener.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a bone screw device including a bone screw with a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a biocompatible material that may be an osteoinductive, a hemostatic and or a bacteriocide. Some embodiments include a temporary encasement including a therapeutic. In some embodiments, the temporary encasement comprises a wax. In some embodiments, the screw head is substantially U-shaped. In some embodiments, the screw includes an extension tip extending from the screw shaft. Some embodiments of the invention include a system for percutaneous implantation of a bone screw including a screwdriver shaft rotatably coupled to a screw that includes a temporary encasement. In some embodiments, the screw shaft can be at least partially rotated by the screwdriver shaft. Some further embodiments further include a retractable sleeve at least partially surrounding the screwdriver shaft and the bone screw.

Abstract: A system for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure comprises a cannula, a bone filler material delivery nozzle for performing the procedure through the cannula, and a retainer for securing the delivery nozzle relative to the cannula. The retainer eliminates the need to manually stabilize and position the delivery nozzle during the procedure, thereby allowing the physician to perform the procedure outside of the fluoroscopic radiation field used to visualize the procedure location. The retainer can be attached to the cannula, and can provide either selective or constant clamping force onto the delivery nozzle.

Abstract: A magazine supporting multiple bone grafts in chambers is coupled to a housing including a barrel. A plunger selectively passes through one of the chambers and along the barrel. A trigger mechanism advances the plunger along the barrel. A selector knob is movable into a plurality of positions, wherein each position employs one of a plurality of stops. One stop prevents the end of plunger from advancing past a predetermined ready position short of the end of the barrel when selected. Another stop prevents the plunger from advancing past a predetermined dispensing position substantially aligned with the end of the barrel when selected. Another stop prevents the plunger from advancing past a predetermined manipulating position beyond the end of the barrel when selected. In the manipulating position, the distal end of the plunger can be used to reposition the bone graft within the spinal disc cavity. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for preparing a surgical site, and in particular vertebral members, which may include a retractable tool and an actuator. The tool may include distal and proximal members. A distal side of the distal member may be fixed in a longitudinal direction and pivotable at a point of rotation. A proximal side of the proximal member may be pivotably connected to the actuator. In a retracted position, the distal member may be pivotably connected to the proximal member longitudinally in between the point of rotation and the proximal side of the proximal member. Moving the actuator in a distal direction may push the proximal member and the distal member such that the proximal member pivots with respect to the actuator and distal member, the distal member pivots with respect to the proximal member and point of rotation, and the proximal member and distal member move laterally outward.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for dermatological treatment that in some embodiments include contacting a plurality of cooling probes with an area of skin and maintaining the plurality of cooling probes in contact with the area of skin for a period of time while the distal ends of the plurality of cooling probes substantially cool a volume of tissue, thereby causing a beneficial effect as a result of the substantial cooling of the volume of tissue, as well as devices useful for implementing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate, an intermediate bus disposed on the flexible substrate, and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate and coupled to the intermediate bus. The plurality of sensing elements and intermediate bus are disposed on the flexible substrate such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal strain of the flexible substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying thermotherapy to a part of the human or animal body comprising an applicator having a flexible enclosure in which thermal energy transfer fluid can circulate, a connector for connecting the applicator to a control system, an interface layer for providing a thermally conductive interface between the flexible enclosure and a treatment site and, an electrically conductive supporting layer for supporting the interface layer and capable of being energized by an electrical signal from the control system to improve the thermal conductivity of the interface layer. The apparatus also includes a valve unit for connecting the applicator to a control system, a heat exchanger for cooling a thermal energy transfer fluid and a control system for controlling the application of thermotherapy.

Abstract: A medical portable terminal device includes an operation panel section including a touch panel for a first operator placed in a non-sterilized area to operate and configured to be capable of controlling operations of a plurality of medical instruments disposed in the non-sterilized area, an image pickup section configured to pick up an image of a region where a second operator performs operation of a gesture, a recognizing section configured to recognize the operation of the gesture from the picked-up image, an operation-list memorizing section configured to memorize an operation list for causing the plurality of medical instruments to perform a plurality of operations associated with a recognition result, and a control section configured to switch between control of the plurality of medical instruments based on operation of the operation panel section and control of the plurality of medical instruments based on the operation of the gesture.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and devices for counterbalancing a surgical robotic system using a counterbalanced Z-axis drive. The counterbalanced Z-axis drive includes a self-centering ball screw assembly having a linear actuator and a counter weight. The counter weight is configured to substantially support a load associated with an arm of the robotic system when the driving portion is engaged or disengaged. In some embodiments, the counterbalanced Z-axis drive controls the arm and a movable effector mounted on the arm. Also disclosed herein are systems and devices for direct drive actuation of rotary axes of the arm which reduce the size and weight of the arm.

Abstract: A device for manipulating tissue at a vessel includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, a guide member at the distal end of the elongated member, the guide member having a blunt distal tip for engagement against an interior wall of the vessel, and a tissue cutting device at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the tissue cutting device has a sharp tip that is proximal to the blunt distal tip of the guide member.

Abstract: A device for guiding electrodes relative to a tissue treatment region. The device can comprise a body have a plurality of passages therethrough. Each passage can axially restrain an electrode positioned therein. When each electrode is axially restrained in a passage, the distal ends of the electrodes can be spaced a predetermined distance apart. Further, the electrodes can be held in a parallel or substantially parallel alignment when axially retained in the passages. The predetermined distance between the electrodes can correspond to a treatment distance in a tissue treatment region and the distal ends of the electrodes can be operably structured to conduct current therebetween when at least one of electrodes is energized by an energy source.

Abstract: An implantable dental device comprising polymeric shape memory material for implantation into a cavity within alveolar bone of the jaw or within the root canal space of a tooth.

Abstract: Dental implant devices, kits, and methods for implantation or use in a bone cavity, are disclosed. A dental implant can include a body portion, extending from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis, including a central bore extending from the proximal end to a termination point, located proximal of the distal end. The dental implant can further include and one or more channels extending between the central bore and an exterior surface of the body portion. A kit can include a set of different sized dental implants, a set of slugs including a resorbable material, and optionally, an injection tool. A method can include inserting the dental implant into a bone cavity, introducing a resorbable material into the central bore of the body portion, and permitting the resorbable material to flow from the central bore, through the one or more channels, and into the bone cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant (10) serving to receive an abutment (110). The implant (10) has a receiving opening (15) in which a connection region (115) of the abutment (110) can be inserted. The receiving opening (15) and the connection region (115) have a conical section (17) or (117) and an indexing section (18) or (118). The total conical angle equals 6 to 20° and the indexing length f of the implant (10) or the indexing length F of the abutment (110) equals at least 90% of the conical section length k of the implant (10) or of the conical section length K of the abutment (110), typically more than 1.6 mm.

Abstract: Creating a denture by using the patient's mouth as an intra-oral articulator by use of an upper and/or lower dental impression tray for creating the impression of the edentulous mouth, the trays having platforms or support surfaces which magnetically hold a main frame therebetween. The orientation of the main frame is adjustable and lockable with respect to the lower tray all while within the mouth. Once the main frame is located and locked in place, artificial teeth formed with holding wax and a rearwardly extending fork are slid into a slot of the main frame and also locked. The wax holding the artificial teeth is then melted to integrate the teeth with formed respective upper and lower custom trays.

Abstract: Provided are a nano bubble generator for irrigating a root canal of a tooth and a dental device including the nano bubble generator. The nano bubble generator may include a generator configured to generate nano-scale bubbles within a fluid, a nozzle connected to the generator and configured to move the fluid containing bubbles that flows in from the generator and to apply the fluid at the end of the nozzle, and an ultrasonic portion disposed in the nozzle and configured to apply ultrasonic waves to the fluid containing the bubbles so that the bubbles are maintained in a distributed form.

Abstract: A digital face bow system for capturing a patient's dento-facial characteristics by acquiring and registering data defining the tilt or slant of the occlusal or incisal plane of a patient's teeth in three planes of space in relation to the cranium, head and/or face. The system includes a substrate adapted to support bite registration material, and a digital multiple axis inclinometer coupled to the substrate for registering the orientation of the occlusal or incisal plane, where the midline of the patient's horizontal-facial plane is registered. An adjustable mounting platform is adapted to receive the substrate and replicate the inclination registered by the digital multiple axis inclinometer.

Abstract: A dental implant organizer case includes a housing with a plurality of compartments selectively arranged therein. Each compartment includes: a respective lid pivotally mounted to the housing to cover the compartment's cavity when closed; means for biasing the lid from the closed to the open position; means to releasably secure the lid in the closed position; means to releasably support dental implant containers within the compartment, in an upright position; and a respective tooth number marking to indicate the tooth intended for the implant containers therein. The selectively arranged compartments may form a semi-circular or an in-line arrangement. Two compartment levels may be utilized, with the lower compartments being accessible using a tray being slidable with respect to the housing. Two cases may be secured together to be pivotable between collapsed and extended positions, where the first and second cases store dental implant containers for left-hand and right-hand teeth, respectively.

Abstract: Configurations are described for assisting execution of a percutaneous procedure while protecting the vascular pathway to the operational theater. One embodiment is directed to a system for deploying a device to a distal location across a diseased vessel, comprising a sheath comprising an expandable distal portion comprising a porous wall defining a lumen therethrough, the distal portion having a collapsed configuration, wherein the sheath has a first cross sectional outer diameter and a first lumen inner diameter, and an expanded configuration, wherein the sheath has a second cross sectional outer diameter and a second lumen inner diameter; wherein in the collapsed configuration, the sheath is configured to be advanced across at least a portion of the diseased vessel to a position adjacent the distal location without substantial size interference between the first cross sectional outer diameter of the sheath and an inner diameter profile of a lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A prosthesis delivery and deployment device includes an elongate and flexible outer catheter. The outer catheter has a tubular wall of layered construction, including translucent layers, opaque layers, and a braid composed of helically wound metal filaments. The outer catheter has a translucent distal adapted to constrain a radially self-expanding prosthesis in a radially reduced, axially elongated state. Because the stent constraining region is translucent, an endoscope can be used to visually monitor the stent when so constrained. Radiopaque markers can be mounted to the outer catheter and to an inner catheter used to deploy the prosthesis, to afford a combined visual and fluoroscopic monitoring for enhanced accuracy in positioning the prosthesis, both before and during its deployment.

Abstract: A self-expanding implantable medical device formed from one or more non-interlocking filaments. Stents, stent-grafts, occluder devices, and filters are manufactured from one or more filaments utilizing a non-interlocking crossing pattern.

Abstract: Coating methods and related devices are provided. Such devices can include stents. For example, the device can comprise a sidewall and a plurality of pores in the sidewall that are sized to inhibit flow of blood through the sidewall into an aneurysm to a degree sufficient to lead to thrombosis and healing of the aneurysm when the tubular member is positioned in a blood vessel and adjacent to the aneurysm. The device can also comprise an anti-thrombogenic coating distributed over at least a portion of the device such that the pores are substantially free of webs formed by the coating.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the production of substitute skin that advantageously reduces the amount of donor dermal cells needed from non-wound areas of a patient having a wound to be auto-grafted is reduced by using all of the harvested skin cells. A 3D printer is used to construct a wound graft product from the harvested skin cells without wasting any of the harvested skin cells. In a case of an irregularly shaped wound, wastage of harvested skin associated with trimming is avoided.

Abstract: A mask is provided that is configured to increase the depth of focus of a patient. The mask can include an aperture configured to transmit along an optical axis substantially all visible incident light. The mask can further include a portion surrounding at least a portion of the aperture. The portion may be configured to be substantially opaque to visible electromagnetic radiation and be substantially transparent to electromagnetic radiation transmitted from an ocular examination device (e.g., substantially transparent to at least some non-visible electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength between about 750 nm and about 1500 nm).

Abstract: An improved dual-filter lens for protective eyewear that combines a first filter for blocking essentially 100% of UV light, and second filter for filtering blue light. The first filter may comprise a multi-layered dielectric mirror layer 14 or Rugate filter 50, and the second filter may comprise dye-impregnated lens layer(s) 16, 18 or Rugate filter 50. The first filter blocks essentially 100% of UV light, while the second filter establishes an increasing transmission profile that cuts on sharply at approximately 415 nm, and establishes an increasing transmission profile between approximately 415 nm to about 475 nm. The cut-on slope rises approximately 0.15% in transmissivity for every nanometer of increasing wavelength change, with a maximum filtering effect within the 440-465 nm range. These dual filters provide a balanced light transmission profile that reduces harmful tight transmission and prevents macular degeneration, cataracts and other ocular injuries, while still preserving visual acuity.

Abstract: A heart valve implant is disclosed herein. The heart valve implant comprises an inflatable valve body, a shaft, an anchor assembly and an inflation (injection) port. Also disclosed herein, are methods of trans-apically and trans-septally delivering a heart valve implant within a heart such that the valve body can be inflated in situ to partially or completely restrict blood flow through a heart valve in a closed position. The inflation (injection) port permits inflation of the valve body with an adjustable amount of an inflation fluid to attain a desired degree of inflation of the valve body when disposed within the heart valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide prosthetic valves having sealing members on the external surface thereof. The prosthetic heart valves of the present invention are preferably delivered by catheter directly through the apex of the heart or by other close range transcatheter delivery methods. Because these methods of implantation require a shorter length of catheter, a prosthetic valve can be more accurately oriented in the desired implantation location. Fluoroscopy can be used to further assist in orientation of the valve. The sealing members of the present invention can be positioned on the prosthetic valve such that, when the prosthetic valve is implanted in a native annulus, each provided sealing member is located adjacent to a commissural point of the native valve leaflets. Because the sealing members are precisely oriented on the prosthetic valve, a physician can ensure that the sealing members are aligned with the commissural points of the native valve leaflets.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annularly collapsible and re-expandable supporting structure extending between an inflow end and an outflow end and including a plurality of struts, the inflow end having an inflow edge, a plurality of leaflets disposed inside the supporting structure and operative to allow flow in an antegrade direction from the inflow end to the outflow end but to substantially block flow in a retrograde direction from the outflow end to the inflow end, a first material disposed on a luminal surface of the supporting structure adjacent the inflow end, and a second material disposed on an abluminal surface of the supporting structure adjacent the inflow end, the first material and the second material being secured to selected struts of the supporting structure, and separately secured to each other adjacent the inflow edge.