Abstract: A surgical instrument and related method are provided. The surgical instrument includes a housing, a cable, and an identifying circuit. An end-effector is coupled to the housing for treating tissue. The cable extends from the housing and is configured to couple the surgical instrument to a generator. The identifying circuit includes a plurality of capacitive elements disposed on the surgical instrument. The plurality of capacitive elements is readable by the generator.

Abstract: The presence or absence of objects is determined by interrogating or exciting transponders coupled to the objects using pulsed wide band frequency signals. Interrogation is broken down into a number of subsample scan cycles each having interrogation cycles a start time forward in time by a fraction of a period of an expected transponder response signal. Ambient or background noise is evaluated and a threshold adjusted based on the level of noise. Adjustment may be based on multiple noise measurements or samples. Noise detection may be limited, with emphasis placed on interrogation to increase the signal to noise ratio. Matched filtering may be employed. Presence/absence determination may take into account frequency and/or Q value to limit false detections. Appropriate acts may be taken if detected noise is out of defined limits of operation, for example shutting down interrogation and/or providing an appropriate indication.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling asymmetrical coasting of an endodontic reciprocating motor includes a controller operatively connected to the endodontic motor. The controller may include a processing unit that is configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the forward direction for a coast time and configured to direct the rotation of the endodontic motor in the reverse direction for a coast time. The forward coast time is separately calculated from the reverse coast time. A method for asymmetrically coasting a reciprocating endodontic motor includes rotating an endodontic motor in a forward direction and calculating a forward coast time for the forward direction and coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction for the calculated forward coast time. After coasting the endodontic motor in the forward direction, the endodontic motor is rotated in a reverse direction. The reverse coast time is different than the forward coast time.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tool. The tool comprises a hollow tool body having a light source disposed adjacent a first end thereof, the hollow tool body defining a first opening adjacent the first end, wherein the light source is disposed so that light from the light source is directed through the first opening. The tool also comprises a transparent member disposed in the first opening so that light from the light source passes through the transparent member, wherein the transparent member defines a second opening. The tool further comprises a third opening defined by the hollow tool body for introducing pressurized air into the hollow tool body so that pressurized air introduced through the third opening is exhausted from the hollow tool body through the second opening. A method of using the tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for quantifying the amount of pressure exerted on a tooth or a set of teeth by an aligner. The quantification may be facilitated by a sensor disposed in the aligner and the sensor may be configured to generate an output signal signifying the amount of pressure in response to receiving an input signal. The input signal may be generated by a detection instrument or a computing device. The amount of pressure may be stored in a treatment tracking software and/or treatment tracking database for review and consideration by a treatment professional. The treatment professional may thereafter make decisions about the orthodontic treatment based on quantified amount of pressure on the tooth or set of teeth.

Abstract: A dental implant assembly containing an integrally-formed universal abutment which has a top section, a bottom section integrally joined to the top section, and a passageway extending through these sections. The passageway is formed by different size bores, initially a larger size than decrease in size. The top section of the abutment has a cross-sectional shape substantially like a polygon; the shape is formed by alternating linear and arcuate walls joining to a bottom section having a cross-sectional shape substantially like a polygon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implant body formed from metal or ceramics as a raw material, the implant body including a modified surface, provided with a plurality of projections and a plurality of crevasse-like nanoscale grooves, by which focal adhesion formation, penetration of collagen fibers, arrangement of the collagen fibers in a single direction to thereby adhere to connective tissue, and soft tissue sealablity are possible. According to such a surface modification, focal adhesion formation and the arrangement of the cell cytoskeleton can be enhanced, and penetration of collagen fibers into the surface internal portion is possible.

Abstract: Dental abutments comprising machined apical portions and additively formed coronal portions and related methods are described herein. The abutment has a machined apical portion and additive manufactured coronal portion for supporting a dental prosthesis. The apical portion has a main body having a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, and a screw-machined implant interface extending from the bottom surface that can be matingly engageable with a corresponding interface receptacle disposed in a dental implant. The coronal portion is additively formed from a second material on the top surface of the main body of the apical portion.

Abstract: A temporary coping for placement as an intermediate structure between a temporary restorative tooth and a support on a dental implant may include a coronal end, an apical end, and a lateral wall surrounding a hollow interior. The hollow interior may be dimensioned to receive a support mountable on a dental implant to place the temporary coping in mating engagement with the support along a substantial length of the hollow interior. The temporary coping may be made of a dental restoration material chosen from bis-acrylic and a bis-acrylic composite and is chemically bondable with the temporary restorative tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing an optical three-dimensional recording by using a hand-held dental camera, wherein the camera automatically records a plurality of individual optical recordings in succession at a defined frequency during the measurement, wherein the individual three-dimensional optical recordings are combined by means of registration into an overall recording of a dental object to be measured. Before the measurement is performed, a three-dimensional standard jaw model is displayed by means of a display device, wherein a first control point on the standard jaw model is displayed by means of the display device. The hand-held dental camera is then positioned in relation to the object to be recorded in such a way that the camera points at the first control point (10) of the standard jaw model and records a corresponding recording region of the dental object.

Abstract: A dental restoration producing system of producing a dental restoration from a dental mill blank with one or more through-holes according to one embodiment, when the dental restoration includes no through-hole of the dental restoration, the superposed data generating section generates a superposed data in which at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank is not superposed with the dental restoration, when the dental restoration includes a through-hole of the dental restoration, the superposed data generating section generates a superposed data in which at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank is not superposed with the dental restoration and the through-hole of the dental restoration, or a superposed data in which at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank is included in the through-hole of the dental restoration which is larger than the at least one through-hole of the dental mill blank.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a dental restoration is provided that includes the initial step of providing a powder of a dental material. An amount of a binder is then selectively deposited onto the powder of the dental material to produce an unfinished layer of the dental material. Multiple layers of the dental material are then produced by continually providing a powder of dental material and selectively depositing an amount of a binder until a three-dimensional unfinished model is produced. The unfinished model is then separated from an amount of unaffected powder, and is sintered to produce a three-dimensional dental restoration having a functionally-graded structure.

Abstract: An object is to provide a method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis consisting of a plurality of layers with high productivity. The method for manufacturing a dental prosthesis comprises: filling a cavity (21a) formed in a mold which has a shape of the dental prosthesis with a layered material body (23) that is made by layering materials (23a, 23b) corresponding to the plurality of layers; and after this filling, rotating the mold on a material inlet (21b) of the mold and cutting the materials.

Abstract: In color reproduction for a dental restorative material, in order to achieve a color that closely matches the color of the natural tooth, one technique that is used is to form a mill blank by laminating layers of materials having different colors. However, misidentification of layers frequently occurs. The present invention is a dental mill blank having a plurality of layers and the dental mill blank has a visual identifying portion by which the plurality of layers are visually identifiable. The visual identifying portion may be provided by color or by structure. Providing the visual identifying portion by color refers to coloring the surface of a layer of the dental mill blank and providing the visual identifying portion by structure refers to forming microscopic or macroscopic irregularities in the entire periphery or part of a layer surface.

Abstract: A dental floss dispensing assembly includes a housing that includes a top wall, a bottom wall and a perimeter wall which is attached to and extends between the top and a bottom walls. The top wall is convexly arcuate and has a domed shape. The perimeter wall tapers outwardly from the top wall to a central area of the housing and tapers inwardly from the central area to the bottom wall such that the perimeter wall is egg-shaped. A support is mounted within the interior of the housing and retains a spool holding dental floss such that the spool is rotatable with respect to the housing. The housing has an aperture extending therethrough and the dental floss is extendable through the aperture.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device (100) including: a nozzle portion (30) configured to direct a plurality of liquid droplets; an actuator (120); a mode selector (130); a liquid reservoir (38) wherein in operation liquid is moved from the liquid reservoir into an orifice (36) at the proximal end of the nozzle; a system (12, 13, 14, 24) configured to drive a plunger or piston element (16) toward the proximal end of the nozzle to create a spray of liquid droplets when the moving air comes into contact with the liquid; a control unit (15) configured to control the system to drive the plunger a predetermined number of times in response to a single actuation of the actuator, where the control unit is further configured to accept input from the user via the mode selector, and the mode selector is configured for the user to select a number of liquid bursts that will be delivered in response to a single actuation of the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the oral cavity comprises: a body including insertion slots into which the teeth of a user can be inserted, a plurality of injection holes and a plurality of aspiration holes formed on the inner wall of the insertion slots; a feeding tube for supplying cleaning liquid to the plurality of injection holes; a discharge tube through which the cleaning liquid is externally discharged via the plurality of aspiration holes; and a switching member for switching the direction of injection and the direction of aspiration of the cleaning liquid, wherein the body includes a first inner space which communicates with the plurality of injection holes, and a second inner space which communicates with the plurality of aspiration holes.

Abstract: An oral cavity wetting system includes a stable detachable attachment to at least one tooth and a conduit or liquid line for delivery and storage of fluid and at least one opening for the exit of fluid inside the oral cavity.

Abstract: A toothbrush device includes one electric motor that provides the toothbrush with various frequencies of pulsations that are transmitted in a controlled fashion. The toothbrush device has a brush head with bristle touch-points, a handle, and a carrying case that extends from the head to the handle and holds the electric motor (e.g., a vibration motor). The electric motor generates vibration energy that travels through a shaft of the carrying case to the brush head in generally a single direction to vibrate the brush head. For example, the carrying case of the electric motor contacts the handle at a contact point, which is approximately at the center of the carrying case such that the majority of the vibrations generated by the electric motor are transmitted toward the brush head, while the vibrations towards other directions are minimized.

Abstract: A personal care system (100) includes a personal care appliance (107) having a body (141), and at least one cavity (109). The body may be configured to receive a cleaning tool (111) at one end and may include at least one controller (122) which may be situated within the at least one cavity. The controller may be configured to: determine whether a personal care mode is activated; obtain sensor information from at least one tooth-based sensor (152) of a tooth portion (112), when it is determined that a personal care mode is activated; and transmit the sensor information to at least one of a remote server (102) and a base portion (132).

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed for improved oral hygiene with reduced cleaning time required. The systems, methods, and apparatus disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention comprises an attachment brush head that when attached to existing powered toothbrushes is capable of cleaning all tooth surfaces of upper and lower teeth simultaneously in compliance with effective brushing technique. In addition, the system and apparatus disclosed in accordance with embodiments of the present invention provides adjustable bristle angle and pressure in addition to adjustable brush head spacing, to avoid damage from excessive pressure to soft tissue, while ensuring sufficient bristle pressure for effective cleaning even with varying tooth thickness.

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: A packaging system for storing a prosthetic valve and an elongated delivery system in a non-fluid environment. The packaging system comprises a tray for securing both a prosthetic valve and an elongated delivery system. The tray includes a cavity sized and shaped to house a valve cover containing the prosthetic valve and at least part of the distal portion of the elongated delivery system. A mounting surface removably couples the valve cover to the cavity floor and to prevent the valve cover from moving. An engaging surface is disposed peripherally of the cavity and is elevated above the cavity floor. A ramp extends downwardly from the engaging surface and into the cavity through an opening defined in the peripheral side wall and adjacent the floor of the cavity. The engaging surface and ramp are configured to secure at least part of the elongated delivery system externally of the cavity.

Abstract: Medical stents having valves and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. The valve may be basket-shaped and formed integral to a medical stent to prevent undesirable backflow across the valve. The valve can be formed by converting the braided wires of the stent, by providing elastomeric material onto a mold or fixture to form an elastomeric valve, or by attaching a gasket valve. The valve is normally closed but configured to allow easy opening in response to a predetermined condition.

Abstract: The present embodiments describe an endograft having one or more apertures, and methods for constructing the same. In one example, an endograft comprises a proximal region having a proximal opening, and a distal region having first and second apertures separated by a partition. A body portion having a lumen is disposed between the proximal region and distal region, and has a central longitudinal axis. At least one of the first and second apertures is oriented oblique to the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stent graft having a lumen, the stent graft comprising (a) a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the first side and the second side of the stent graft extend between a first end and a second end of the stent graft, and (b) a longitudinal support extending between the first end and the second end of the stent graft and coupled to one of the first side or the second side of the stent graft, and wherein, in an expanded condition, the stent graft has a radius of curvature and has a length of the first side that is longer than a length of the second side.

Abstract: A tubular prosthetic device for implantation into a body lumen includes a first part including a tubular lumen and a second part including an attachment member. The second part is secured to the first part via various configurations, where the device is capable of being reduced to a diameter less than the diameter of traditional devices, for ease of use during implantation. Methods of using the device are also provided.

Abstract: A pre-loaded stent graft delivery device and stent graft, the stent graft delivery device. The stent graft has at least one fenestration or side arm and the fenestration is preloaded with an indwelling guide wire. Indwelling access sheaths are provided within auxiliary lumens of a pusher catheter and dilators are preloaded into the access sheaths along with the indwelling guide wire. A handle assembly at a distal end of the guide wire catheter. The handle includes a multiport manifold with access ports to the auxiliary lumens in the pusher catheter. Upon deployment of the stent graft into the vasculature of a patient, the indwelling guide wire can be used to facilitate cathertisation of a side branch or target vessel through the fenestration or be used to stabilise the access sheath during catheterisation, advancement of the access sheath into the target vessel and deployment of a covered or uncovered stent therein through the access sheath.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis including a radially expandable support member having interior and exterior surfaces and a wall with openings, a first covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the interior surface, and a second covering member including a biocompatible polymer material at least partially positioned against the exterior surface. The first covering member attaches to the second covering member at predetermined bonding locations within less than all of the openings thereby leaving unbonded regions.

Abstract: A vascular graft comprises a perforate tubular compressible frame having a fabric liner disposed over at least a portion of the frames lumen. The graft may be used in combination with a base structure to form a bifurcated graft in situ. The base structure compresses a compressible frame having a fabric liner which defines a pair of divergent legs. The base structure is positioned within the aorta so that one leg enters each iliac. The tubular grafts can then be introduced into each leg to form the bifurcated structure. A graft delivery catheter includes a controllably flared sheath which facilitates recapture of a partially deployed graft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tissue product comprising a tissue sheet. The sheet can be formed from a plurality of tissue matrix fragments.

Abstract: A connector for attaching a connective tissue to bone includes a sling for supporting and holding the connective tissue. A trap generally cooperates with the sling. The trap includes an anchor end and a sling end and a generally tubular section configured to decrease in diameter upon application of a longitudinal tensile force. The trap is dimensioned to fit within a tunnel through bone so that the connective tissue emerges from one end of the tunnel and so that an interference screw can be inserted into the tubular section at the anchor end of the trap at the other end of the tunnel whereby a pulling force exerted on the sling causes the generally tubular section of the trap to constrict more tightly about the interference screw to prevent slippage and to deter withdrawal of the trap from the tunnel.

Abstract: A continuous loop of material for use in mammals, particularly humans. One embodiment may have an air entanglement section therein and method of making the same. Another embodiment includes a hollow braided length having a first inner section and a second inner section, the sections formed by radially inserting the ends into the hollow braid and passing it along a portion of the hollow interior. These embodiments may also include a bone engagement member incorporated therein. A further embodiment is a loop assembly having a length of fiber, the length of fiber having two ends, and a bone engagement member having an end receiving member to securely receive the two respective ends therein.

Abstract: A method to treat glottic insufficiency includes creating a window in a thyroid cartilage and inserting an implant through the window and into a paraglottic space. The implant includes a balloon with a port connector and a band comprising a proximate end attached to a portion of the balloon. The method further includes securing the band to a thyroarytenoid muscle complex and inflating the balloon to pull on the band, which in turn pulls on the thyroarytenoid muscle, which in turn rotates an arytenoids cartilage to medialize and tighten a vocal cord.

Abstract: An assembly for treating a native heart valve can include a prosthetic valve and a delivery apparatus. The prosthetic valve can include an expandable frame, a valve structure, a first end with apertures formed therein, and a second end. The delivery apparatus can include a valve catheter, flexible extension arms, slidable wires, and release members. First ends of the arms can be coupled to a cylindrical coupling element, second ends of the arms can be releasably coupled to the prosthetic valve, and the coupling element can be connected to the distal end of the valve catheter. The slidable wires can extend distally from the distal end of the valve catheter. The release members can be coupled to the distal end of the valve catheter and can extend through a respective aperture of the prosthetic valve, thereby forming a releasable connection between the prosthetic valve and the slidable wires.

Abstract: A two-component valve prosthesis system includes a docking component and a prosthetic valve component that is configured to be delivered separately from the docking component. The docking component has a compressed configuration for percutaneous delivery within a vasculature and an expanded configuration for deployment within a native heart valve. The docking component includes a tubular skirt, a first annular scaffold attached to a first end of the tubular skirt and a second annular scaffold attached to a second end of the tubular skirt. The first and second annular scaffolds are independent from each other. An intermediate portion of the tubular skirt is unsupported such that neither of the first or second annular scaffolds surrounds the intermediate portion of the tubular skirt. The prosthetic valve component has a compressed configuration for percutaneous delivery within a vasculature and an expanded configuration for deployment within the intermediate portion of the docking component.

Abstract: A covering layer for a transcatheter heart valve is in various embodiments configured to prevent or reduce damage to the native valve tissue around the site where the prosthetic valve is implanted. In some cases, prosthetic valves are manufactured with the covering layer attached. Other covering layers are stand-alone accessories that can be mounted onto pre-existing prosthetic valves by an end user. Covering layers that can be mounted by an end user are provided with various features that can facilitate easier attachment of the covering layer to the prosthetic valve, which further reduces the possibility of damage to the covering layer or to the valve. Another covering is provided with two layers in order to insulate and protect the native tissue surrounding the implant from damage due to friction or abrasion, and/or other movement driven wear.

Abstract: A transcatheter valve prosthesis including a sealing component formed from a tissue having an altered extracellular matrix. The altered extracellular matrix includes at least one weakened connection such that the tissue is configured to swell or expand upon contact with a fluid. The altered extracellular matrix does not reduce compressibility of the tissue such that the delivery profile of the transcatheter valve prosthesis is not adversely affected. The tissue having an altered extracellular matrix transforms from a compressed state for delivery within a vasculature to an expanded state in situ when blood infiltrates or flows within the at least one weakened connection. The sealing component in the expanded state conforms to the geometry of the native valve tissue, thereby preventing paravalvular leakage at the implantation site.

Abstract: A cardiac stent assembly featuring support flaps for a heart valve replacement procedure, while being able to place a mechanical or biological valve in an adapter fixed on the inner part of a stent body of the stent assembly. The stent assembly can be placed within heart valves sustained on an annular or ovoid mechanical support ring. For the positioning procedure of the stent assembly in the valve, an application device can be used wherein the stent body is inside the application device so that is possible to assemble and keep the entire stent assembly ready for use.

Abstract: A valve prosthesis can be configured to be deployed within a native heart valve and prevent axial flow of fluid around an exterior of the prosthesis. The prosthesis can include an expandable frame configured to radially expand and contract for deployment within the native heart valve, a flap assembly positioned around an exterior of the expandable frame, a proximal end of the flap assembly being positioned at or proximate a proximal end of the expandable frame. In some embodiments, the flap assembly can extend outward from the frame and have an expanded configuration configured to create a barrier to fluid flow exterior to the frame when deployed within the native heart valve.

Abstract: A mitral valve prosthesis and methods for implanting the prosthesis transapically (i.e., through the apex of the heart), transatrially (i.e., through the left atrium of the heart), and transseptally (i.e., through the septum of the heart). The prosthesis generally includes a self-expanding frame and two or more support arms. A valve prosthesis is sutured to the self-expanding frame. Each support arm corresponds to a native mitral valve leaflet. At least one support arm immobilizes the native leaflets, and holds the native leaflets close to the main frame.

Abstract: A delivery device for a prosthetic heart valve includes a proximal sheath and a distal sheath. The proximal sheath has a distal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the proximal sheath, and the distal sheath has a proximal end disposed at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal sheath. The distal end of the proximal sheath and the proximal end of the distal sheath mate so that rotation of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath causes the distal sheath to deflect from coaxial alignment with the proximal sheath. Deflection of the distal sheath relative to the proximal sheath enables the prosthetic valve to be axially aligned with the native valve annulus for deployment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described for implantation of a prosthesis within a lumen or body cavity and delivery systems for delivering the prosthesis to a location for implantation. A delivery system can include a tether connected to a single directional handle knob for release of the prosthesis within the lumen or body cavity and retraction of the tether towards the handle.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed herein promote temporal control of balloon inflation patterns. The devices include a covering for a portion of the balloon that compresses the balloon portion during the inflation process. This enables the distal portion of a balloon to be inflated prior to the proximal portion of a balloon, creating a tapered shape at lower inflation pressures. This is especially useful during transvascular implantation procedures, as it prevents dislodgement of an implant mounted on the balloon. As inflation continues, pressure exerted on the balloon by the covering is overcome such that the proximal region of the balloon inflates, forming a shape with generally straighter sides than the tapered shape, thereby expanding the cardiovascular device.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described herein to provide improved steerability for delivering a prosthesis to a body location, for example, for delivering a replacement mitral valve to a native mitral valve location. A delivery component can have a plurality of slots that provide for desired bending of the delivery component, particularly compound bending of the delivery component that can facilitate steering of the delivery component in three dimensions.

Abstract: The invention includes methods of and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a heart valve of a patient. One aspect of the invention provides a method including the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration; and applying an external non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to change the shape of the anchor, such as by applying proximally and/or distally directed force on the anchor using a releasable deployment tool to expand and contract the anchor or parts of the anchor. Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus including a replacement valve; an anchor; and a deployment tool comprising a plurality of anchor actuation elements adapted to apply a non-hydraulically expanding or non-pneumatically expanding actuation force on the anchor to reshape the anchor.

Abstract: A delivery device usable to deliver an inverting implant is provided that includes a positioning mechanism that automatically initiates the inversion process once a predetermined length of the implant has exited a delivery catheter. The positioning mechanism allows the implant to be safely and accurately deployed with reduced operator experience and in a greater variety of target locations.

Abstract: A method is provided for repairing the tricuspid valve of a patient using tension. A radially-expandable stent is implanted in a coronary sinus of the patient. A tissue anchor is implanted in tissue in the vicinity of the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve is repaired by applying tension between the radially-expandable stent and the tissue anchor using a flexible longitudinal member that connects the radially-expandable stent and the tissue anchor.

Abstract: A venous valve prosthetic implant for treatment of venous disease may include an expandable anchoring frame, a valve seat attached to the anchoring frame, a ball retention member attached to the anchoring frame, and a ball disposed within the lumen of the anchoring frame, between the valve seat and the ball retention member. The anchoring frame may include a first end, a second end, and a middle valve portion, where the middle valve portion expands to a smaller diameter than a diameter of either the first end or the second end. The ball may move back and forth within the middle valve portion, between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an implantable device that are used to treat an insufficient heart valve that has been previously treated by implantation of a fixation device or an Alfieri stitch that is secured to opposing portions of the native leaflets. In one representative embodiment, an implantable device for remodeling a native mitral valve having two native leaflets and a fixation device or an Alfieri stitch secured to respective free edges of the leaflets is configured to be coupled to the fixation device or Alfieri stitch and apply a remodeling force to the native mitral valve that draws the native leaflets toward each other to promote coaptation of the leaflets.