Abstract: Telerobotic, telesurgical, and/or surgical robotic devices, systems, and methods employ surgical robotic linkages that may have more degrees of freedom than an associated surgical end effector in space. A processor can calculate a tool motion that includes pivoting of the tool about an aperture site. Linkages movable along a range of configurations for a given end effector position may be driven toward configurations which inhibit collisions. Refined robotic linkages and methods for their use are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical instrument may comprise a shaft comprising a wrist at a first end, an end effector coupled to the wrist, and an actuation element that extends along the shaft and the wrist. The actuation element may follow a twisted path along at least a portion of the wrist. The twisted path may have an angular extent of less than 360 degrees along an entire length of the wrist. A method of configuring a surgical instrument wrist is also contemplated, as well as a support structure for an actuation element of a surgical instrument. The support structure may comprise at least one passage defining a twisted path about a longitudinal axis of the support structure. The passage may have an angular extent of less than 360 degrees from a first end of the passage to a second end of the passage.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a coupling system for coupling a medical accessory to an accessory support is provided. The present disclosure also provides a system for powering a medical accessory with an accessory support.

Abstract: A shielded enclosure receives REID-tagged packaging from consumed medical items. The enclosure includes a housing and a lid. An opening in the lid receives the packaging into an internal space. A chute surrounds the opening and extends downward into the internal space. The chute has front, left, right, and rear walls. A hood attached to the lid surrounds the opening. An aperture in the hood allows passage of the packaging into the lid opening. The hood includes rear, right, left, and top walls. RF absorbing material covers inside surfaces of the chute and hood, including a front panel on the chute front wall, a rear panel on the hood rear wall and the chute rear wall, a left side panel on the hood left side wall and the chute left side wall, a right side panel on the hood right side wall and the chute right side wall, and a top panel on the hood top.

Abstract: MRI compatible localization and/or guidance systems for facilitating placement of an interventional therapy and/or device in vivo include: (a) a mount adapted for fixation to a patient; (b) a targeting cannula with a lumen configured to attach to the mount so as to be able to controllably translate in at least three dimensions; and (c) an elongate probe configured to snugly slidably advance and retract in the targeting cannula lumen, the elongate probe comprising at least one of a stimulation or recording electrode. In operation, the targeting cannula can be aligned with a first trajectory and positionally adjusted to provide a desired internal access path to a target location with a corresponding trajectory for the elongate probe. Automated systems for determining an MR scan plane associated with a trajectory and for determining mount adjustments are also described.

Abstract: The stand base is for a surgical microscope. The stand base is for setting up on a floor configured as a planar surface and includes at least a first weight module; a base body defining an underside and accommodating the first weight module; a support arrangement connected to the base body and supporting the stand base with at least three support points in contact engagement with the floor to permit setting up the stand base; the support points conjointly defining a support plane whereat the support points are in contact engagement with the floor; the underside of the base body facing toward the support plane; an ancillary body; the base body having a receiving arrangement in the underside for releasably accommodating the ancillary body; and, the underside of the base body and the support plane conjointly defining a smallest spacing therebetween which is greater than 10 cm.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for use as a surgical headlamp is disclosed. A light emitting diode is positioned in a recess within a frustoconical, thermally-conductive heat sink that has a several circumferential ridges to provide a desired surface area for heat transfer. The diode and the heat sink are provided in a housing that also includes a fan for drawing ambient air into the housing to contact the heat sink and exhausting heated air. A lens is snap-fit into a slide that frictionally engages the interior of the housing, allowing a user to adjust the spacing between the light emitting diode and the lens as desired. Personal cooling apparatuses usable with the lighting apparatus are also described. Auxiliary undergown switches are also described as are personal cooling apparatuses.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pen. The pen includes a reservoir configured to store a fluid. The pen also includes a tip configured to transfer the fluid from the reservoir onto a surface of an object during writing. The pen further includes a regulator configured to control a flow of the fluid from the reservoir to the tip. The apparatus also includes the fluid stored within the reservoir. The fluid includes a carrier fluid and particles of an X-Ray opaque material.

Abstract: A surgical positioning system is provided that includes a dimensioned grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines corresponding to surgical variables and a substrate connected to or integral with the grid. This system is used to obtain subject specific data from an image of a subject obtained during a surgical procedure by following the steps of: providing a grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines relating to surgical variables; placing the subject on a substrate; and obtaining subject specific data from an image of said subject. This invention relates to an apparatus made of a grid having a plurality of dimensioned radio-opaque lines relating to surgical variables and a sealable container sized to receive the dimensioned grid.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device that concurrently cleans trocars or cannulas and the lens of the scope and a method of using the same is disclosed. The disclosed device may include a rod having at least one end and at least one sponge attached to at least one end of the rod. There is also disclosed a method of cleaning trocars or cannulas and the lens of a minimally invasive scope concurrently with the device. The method may include the steps of attaching a first sponge to the rod and inserting one end of the device through a trocar such that at least one sponge is in contact with the inner surface of the trocar. The device may be removed from the trocar after sufficient cleaning is performed. If the device is inserted through a different trocar, the sponge end may be used to concurrently clean a scope lens while the scope is within a body cavity.

Abstract: Devices are provided that include a protective window integrated with a faceplate for a medical device. In embodiments, a machine-readable identifier adapted to be affixed to an interior portion of a medical device is viewable via a window of a faceplate. Accordingly, the machine-readable identifier is protected from damage during use of the medical device. And, in embodiments, the machine-readable identifier encodes medical-device identifying information to enable tracking the medical device to which it is affixed. As such, should the faceplate require repair or be changed, the machine-readable identifier remains intact and affixed to the medical device. Further embodiments include a device including a faceplate that has a visual signifier of an interiorly placed radio-frequency identifier.

Abstract: There is a need for a minimally invasive surgical treatment method for periodontitis for the removal of deep pockets, elimination of disease, creation of reattachment of the gingiva to the tooth surface and true regeneration of the attachment apparatus (new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone) on a previously diseased root surface. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ including eGUI or another device capable of laser dosimetry, such as an original MVP-7™ type laser without the eGUI, achieves this with the LANAP protocol (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) and the LENAP protocol (laser excisional new attachment procedure).

Abstract: There is a need for a minimally invasive surgical treatment method for periodontitis for the removal of deep pockets, elimination of disease, creation of reattachment of the gingiva to the tooth surface and true regeneration of the attachment apparatus (new cementum, new periodontal ligament, and new alveolar bone) on a previously diseased root surface. The PerioLase® MVP-7™ including eGUI or another device capable of laser dosimetry, such as an original MVP-7™ type laser without the eGUI, achieves this with the LANAP protocol (laser-assisted new attachment procedure) and the LENAP protocol (laser excisional new attachment procedure).

Abstract: An electric motor that enables to promote a further downsizing and performance enhancement, and a dental device that includes the electric motor. A brushless slotless electric motor 10 includes: a stator 3 that includes a stator core 301 and a plurality of coils 31 to 33 disposed inside of the stator core 301; a rotor 2 that includes a shaft 21, the rotor 2 being rotated around the shaft 21 with respect to the stator 3; and a medium pathway 40 through which a medium passes, the medium being supplied for actualizing a function of a dental handpiece 9A to which the electric motor 10 is applied. The plurality of coils 31 to 33 are adjacent to each other in a rotation direction of the rotor 2 so as not to lap mutually. The medium pathway 40 is disposed between the adjacent coils 31 to 33.

Abstract: Provided are an electric motor that enables to achieve downsizing while securing performance, and a dental device that includes the electric motor. A brushless slotless electric motor 10 includes: a stator 3 that includes a stator core 301 and a plurality of coils 31 to 33, the plurality of coils 31 to 33 being disposed at an inside of the stator core 301; and a rotor 2 that includes a shaft 21 and a magnet 22, the rotor 2 being rotated around the shaft 21 with respect to the stator 3. The plurality of coils 31 to 33 are adjacent to each other in a rotation direction of the rotor 2 so as not to lap mutually. Lf<Lc is satisfied where Lf is a length of the stator core 301 in an axial direction and Lc is a length of the coil in the axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth or re-restoration of a previously filled anterior tooth, and to dental matrices and composite resin dispensers that may be used in the methods for the restoration of a decayed portion of an anterior tooth.

Abstract: An orthodontic extraoral traction appliance includes at least one central body, one or more rest portions to be positioned on the patient's head, and one or more traction portions, which engage an intraoral brace. The appliance is provided with one or more sensors for detecting and/or measuring the force exerted by the traction portions.

Abstract: A crimp stop is made of a metal formed member having a U-shaped cross-section. The metal formed member has a size and shape configured to receive an orthodontic archwire into the U-shaped cross-section and configured to be crimped onto the orthodontic archwire so as to maintain position of the metal formed member after being crimped on the orthodontic archwire by friction. The metal formed member has a curved portion and a pair of legs attached to the curved portion; the legs are not parallel to each other and diverge at an angle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental implant consisting of an anchoring body defined between an apical end and a cervical end, wherein said anchoring body is a body having a first predetermined length and, on the outer surface thereof and along the entirety of said first predetermined length, at least one thread, wherein said anchoring body has, over at least a coronal portion, a portion of said at least one thread that has a nominal diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of said anchoring body at a first ratio of 2.00 to 4.00, preferably 2.00 to 3.00.

Abstract: A universal digital implant scanning code (UDDISC) is provided on a dental implant body and/or any device attached to the dental implant body (e.g., the dental implant carrier). Implant bodies and platforms are available in many different types of sizes and configurations from many different companies. The UDDISC allows for an immediate digital scan of the dental implant in relationship to the patient's dentition.

Abstract: A dental imager includes an elongated handle with a rotatable head coupled to a distal end thereof and having a central platform with a plurality of arcuate scanning arms pivotally coupled thereto by a hinge. The arcuate scanning arms are of a shape and size for general deployment around a tooth and each include at least one scanner and a roller guide that comfortably rolls along the surface of the tooth or gums to bias the scanners a desired distance from the surface of the tooth, conducive for imaging thereof. In this respect, such a dental imager may be used in a process to scan and record the contours of an intraoral surface, the data of which may be used to create a digital three-dimensional surface impression printable by a 3D printer or the like.

Abstract: According to the invention, a method and system are provided for scanning, and for facilitating scanning of, an intraoral cavity. The target parts of the intraoral cavity that it is desired to have scanned are identified, and the spatial s relationships between a scanning device and the target parts of the intraoral cavity suitable for enabling said target parts to be scanned by said scanning device, are also identified or otherwise determined. These relationships are then displayed, and the displayed relationships are used as a guide for scanning the intraoral cavity.

Abstract: Systems and processes for the duplication of dentures from existing dentures. The interior and exterior of the dentures are scanned and a best fit procedure is used to create a fully digitized denture. The denture teeth are selected from a library that is the closest fit to the original denture teeth. The library teeth are offset a preset distance to compensate for the best fit. The teeth are then subtracted from the digitized denture. The margins of the denture are then cleaned after subtracting the teeth. The denture base is then ready for manufacturing. The teeth are then installed onto the denture base and provided to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit of parts comprising a dental mill blank comprising a porous zirconia material and a colouring solution for colouring the porous zirconia material. The porous zirconia material comprises Zr oxide calculated as ZrO2: from 80 to 97 wt.-%, Al oxide calculated as Al2O3: from 0 to 0.15 wt.-%, Y oxide calculated as Y2O3: from 1 to 10 wt.-%, Bi oxide calculated as Bi2O3: from 0.01 to 0.2 wt.-%, the porous zirconia material not comprising Fe calculated as Fe2O3 in an amount of more than 0.01 wt.-%, wt.-% with respect to the weight of the porous zirconia material. The colouring solution comprises solvent(s), colouring agent(s) comprising metal ions selected from Tb, Er, Pr, Mn or combinations thereof, the solution not comprising Fe ions in an amount of more than 0.01 wt.-%, the solution not comprising Bi ions in an amount of more than 0.01 wt.-%, wt.-% with respect to the weight of the colouring solution.

Abstract: The present invention to a method of denture manufacture that incorporates CAM-formed occlusal inserts, crowns, or overlays made of zirconia, resulting in a natural fit, feel, and wear essentially equivalent to the wear properties of natural teeth.

Abstract: An interdental cleaner has a rod-shaped carrier consisting of plastic, which has a cleaning device in an axial end area. The cleaning device comprises at least one fabric part, which extends in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the carrier and which has mutually intersecting thread systems with warp threads and weft threads. Provisions are made for the fabric part to be connected to the carrier and to radially project from same, wherein thread systems or the warp threads, on the one hand, and the weft threads, on the other hand, extend at an angle in the range of 20° to 70° to the longitudinal axis of the rod-shaped carrier and pass through the rod-shaped carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental suction device for managing fluid in a patient's mouth during a dental procedure. The dental suction device comprises a pliable tube having a first end for connection to a vacuum source and a second end that can be looped to form a suction end for positioning in a patient's mouth. The loop is adjustably secured by a pair of retaining collars positioned a certain distance apart from each other along the second end of the tube and connected together by a tie. The loop, adjusted to accommodate the shape of the patient's mouth, is secured around the terminal end of a row of teeth in the patient's mouth. In this way, the dental suction device can be maintained and operated in the patient's mouth during a dental procedure.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush apparatus including an electric toothbrush handle and a cap coupled thereto for protecting tooth cleaning elements and a user actuatable switch. The electric toothbrush apparatus includes an electric toothbrush handle extending along a handle axis. The electric toothbrush handle comprises a handle portion comprising user actuatable input means, a power source, and a motion inducing assembly. A cap is detachably coupled to the electric toothbrush handle. The cap comprises a tubular sidewall forming a cavity about a cap axis and a protective member axially extending from a bottom edge of the tubular sidewall in a cantilevered manner so as to overly the user actuatable input means to prevent accidental actuation thereof.

Abstract: A liquid mixture obtained by mixing a bolus and an adjusting agent is poured into a tray-shaped container, and during spreading of bolus particles constituting the bolus along the bottom surface, the tray-shaped container is placed in a first inclined state in which the bottom surface is inclined by increasing the height of one edge side in the left-right direction of the tray-shaped container relative to the other edge side thereof, and the liquid mixture in the tray-shaped container is moved toward the other edge side, after which the tray-shaped container is placed in a second inclined state in which the bottom surface is inclined in the reverse direction by reducing the height of one edge side of the tray-shaped container relative to the other edge side thereof, after which the bottom surface is placed in a horizontal state, and the bolus particles are thereby spread.

Abstract: An interproximal articulation holder (10) has an arm (12) having a handle (11) at one end and an oppositely disposed holding head (16). The holding head is part of a marking portion (13) which also includes a piece of articulation film (18) having a generally rectangular shaped exposed area (18?) extending beyond the holding head (16). The arm or holding head may include a score or score line (19) which enables the arm or head to be manually bent at an angle. This arm may also include forming notches (20) to aid in the bending process. The handle, arm and holding head may be formed of two or more outer layers of stock paper (21) laminated together with an inner layer of the wax coated articulation film positioned or sandwiched between the stock paper layers.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence includes implanting an artificial urinary sphincter in a body of a user, where the artificial urinary sphincter has one and only one reservoir and a pump. The method includes implanting the pump in a body of the user and implanting the reservoir around a urethra of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for creating an internal reconstruction tissue graft. Templates may be used to create a multitude of patterns in a variety of tissue reconstruction grafts. An apparatus may be used to create an internal tissue graft for reconstruction through either compression and/or removal of segments. An apparatus may be used, through either compression and or removal of segments of a preformed template made of synthetics and or metal that mirrors a template that can be used as an internal tissue graft for reconstruction. In a method, such as using software analysis and an apparatus, the physical properties of the tissue graft and its pre- and post-operative properties and appearance may be measured.

Abstract: Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then is expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.

Abstract: The embolic protection device (10) has an expandable tubular structure supporting a filter mesh material (12). The embolic protection device is compressed to a small diameter for insertion into a patient's aorta, then expanded within the aorta with the filter mesh material positioned to allow blood to enter sidebranch vessels connected to the aorta and to prevent embolic material from entering the sidebranch vessels. The filter mesh material may be configured with waves or undulations (26) for increased surface area and/or with two layers of mesh material to provide additional protection against embolization and to prevent inadvertent occlusion of the sidebranch vessels.

Abstract: An orthotopic artificial bladder endoprosthesis includes a casing made of a PGA fiber fabric; the casing having two first connectors for the connection with the ureters of a patient and a further connector for the connection with the urethra of a patient; an inflatable element inserted in the casing; the inflatable element being switchable between an inflated configuration, in which it supports and maintains in position the casing, and a deflated configuration.

Abstract: A stent graft (2) for placement in the thoracic arch of a patient has a first tubular body portion (6) with a first lumen therein for placement in the ascending aorta of a patient and a second tubular body portion (8) to extend along the thoracic arch and down the descending aorta. The second tubular body portion is of a lesser diameter than the first tubular body portion. There is a step portion (10) between the first body portion and the second body portion. The step portion is joined to and continuous with the first portion and the second portion. A first side of each of the first body portion, the step portion and the second body portion are substantially aligned so that there is a step (18) defined on a second side opposite to the first side of the body portion. There is an aperture (30) in the step portion and an internal tube (32) extending from the aperture towards the first body portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a collagen construct comprising a plurality of elongate strips, wherein each strip contains a plurality of collagen fibres that are substantially aligned along the length of the respective strips, and the strips are braided or woven together to produce a collagen construct in the form of a rope that can be used for replacing tendons or ligaments, such as cruciate ligaments. Also disclosed is a method for making or producing the collagen construct from a collagen membrane having a plurality of collagen fibres being substantially aligned parallel to each other in a common direction. The membrane is cut along cut lines that are orientated substantially parallel to that common direction, thereby to separate elongate strips from the membrane. The strips are then braided or woven together to form the collagen construct.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to improve both the reliability of soft tissue repair procedures and the speed at which the procedures are completed are provided. The devices and systems include one or more tissue augmentation constructs, which include constructs that are configured to increase a footprint across which suture applied force to tissue when the suture is tied down onto the tissue. The tissue augmentation constructs can be quickly and easily associated with the repair suture, and can be useful in many different tissue repair procedures that are disclosed in the application. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more constructs are disposed on a suture threader, which can be used to associate the construct(s) with a repair suture(s) being used to repair the soft tissue. Tissue augmentation constructs can include various blocks and patches, among other formations. Exemplary methods for manufacturing the tissue augmentation constructs are also provided.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods to improve both the reliability of soft tissue repair procedures and the speed at which the procedures are completed are provided. The devices and systems include one or more tissue augmentation constructs, which include constructs that are configured to increase a footprint across which suture applied force to tissue when the suture is tied down onto the tissue. The tissue augmentation constructs can be quickly and easily associated with the repair suture, and can be useful in many different tissue repair procedures that are disclosed in the application. In one exemplary embodiment, one or more constructs are disposed on a suture threader, which can be used to associate the construct(s) with a repair suture(s) being used to repair the soft tissue. Tissue augmentation constructs can include various blocks and patches, among other formations. Exemplary methods for manufacturing the tissue augmentation constructs are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a delivery device and screw combination. The combination includes a delivery device comprising a handle and a shaft coupled to the handle, the shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, a non-circular cannulation, and markings along a length of the shaft; an interference screw coupled to the delivery device comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the screw including threads extending in an open helical form from the proximal end to the distal end, a suture bridge located at a distal end of the screw and housed within a slot of the delivery device shaft, and a plurality of runners extending longitudinally along an interior of the screw, the runners housed within grooves of the delivery device shaft; and a suture disposed around the suture bridge, ends of the suture extending through the cannulation of the delivery device shaft.

Abstract: Absorbable implants for breast surgery that conform to the breast parenchyma and surrounding chest wall have been developed. These implants support newly lifted breast parenchyma, and/or a breast implant. The implants have mechanical properties sufficient to support a reconstructed breast, and allow the in-growth of tissue into the implant as it degrades. The implants have a strength retention profile allowing the support of the breast to be transitioned from the implant to regenerated host tissue, without significant loss of support. Three-dimensional implants for use in minimally invasive mastopexy/breast reconstruction procedures are also described, that confer shape to a patient's breast. These implants are self-reinforced, can be temporarily deformed, implanted in a suitably dissected tissue plane, and resume their preformed three-dimensional shape. The implants are preferably made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is a phakic intraocular lens for implantation between an iris and a crystalline lens. The phakic intraocular lens includes a diffraction grating 5 disposed in a lens central part 2 and having circular, coaxial grooves formed thereon, and a support part 3 disposed outside the diffraction grating 5 and supporting the diffraction grating 5. A hole 6 is formed in the center of the diffraction grating 5.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for providing a subject with vision at various distances includes an optic having a first surface with a first shape, an opposing second surface with a second shape, a multifocal refractive profile, and one or more diffractive portions. The optic may include at least one multifocal diffractive profile. In some embodiments, multifocal diffractive and the multifocal refractive profiles are disposed on different, distinct, or non-overlapping portions or apertures of the optic. Alternatively, portions of the multifocal diffractive profiles and the multifocal refractive profiles may overlap within a common aperture or zone of the optic.

Abstract: An intraocular lens includes a deformable optic, a rigid optic, and a support structure. The deformable optic is disposed about an optical axis and comprises a solid material and a deformable surface. The rigid optic is disposed about the optical axis and comprises a solid material and a rigid surface. The support structure is operably coupled to at least one of the optics for pressing the deformable surface and the rigid surface together in response to or in the absences of an ocular force, whereby at least a portion of the deformable surface changes shape such that the optical power of the at least a portion of the deformable surface and/or the intraocular lens changes by at least 2 Diopter.

Abstract: A medical implant device includes a prosthesis adapted to replace at least a portion of a bone. The prosthesis includes a drug-eluting polymer adapted to deliver a drug to at least a portion of an area surrounding the prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral valve may be anchored in a native mitral valve. The prosthetic mitral valve preferably has a large anterior prosthetic leaflet that spans the entire width of the native anterior leaflet and the anterior prosthetic leaflet moves away from left ventricular outflow tract during systole to create a clear unobstructed outflow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intracardiac device (60) suitable for endovascular and/or transapical implantation at a cardiac valve annulus, wherein said device comprises means for reducing paravalvular leakage (PVL), said means being selected from the group consisting of: lateral-edge extensions, one or more tubular sealing elements, one or more barbs, an inferiorly-directed circumferential fabric skirt (68) attached to the inner circumference of the intracardiac device and an inferiorly-directed fabric curtain attached to the outer circumference of said device.

Abstract: A device for regulating blood pressure between a patient's left atrium and right atrium comprises an hourglass-shaped stent comprising a neck region and first and second flared end regions, the neck region disposed between the first and second end regions and configured to engage the fossa ovalis of the patient's atrial septum; and a one-way tissue valve coupled to the first flared end region and configured to shunt blood from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds blood pressure in the right atrium. The inventive device may include a biodegradable material that biodegrades to offset flow changes caused by tissue ingrowth. The inventive device may reduce left atrial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and may increase cardiac output, increase ejection fraction, relieve pulmonary congestion, and lower pulmonary artery pressure, among other benefits.