Abstract: Robotic and/or surgical devices, systems, and methods include a manipulator configured to be mounted to a cannula and a processor. The processor is configured to detect a mounting state of the cannula, detect an input indicating the system is to be in a set-up mode, and inhibit transition of the system to the set-up mode in response to the detected mounting state. In some embodiments, detecting the input indicating the system is to be in the set-up mode includes detecting an activation of a dedicated input button. In some embodiments, detecting the input indicating the system is to be in the set-up mode comprises detecting a joint operation of a first kinematic structure coupling the manipulator with a platform that is supported by a second kinematic structure.

Abstract: A guiding apparatus for remote medical treatments includes a first pivoting link pivotally connected to a pivot shaft, a second pivoting link pivotally connected to the first pivoting link, a driver pulley member capable of fixing the first pivoting link and the second pivoting link to each other through screw fastening, a driven pulley member capable of fixing the first pivoting link to the pivot shaft through screw fastening, and a locking wire connected to the driver pulley member and the driven pulley member to transmit a rotational force from the driver pulley member to the driven pulley member. As the driver pulley member rotates, the driven pulley member rotates together, so that the fixing of the first pivoting link and the second pivoting link to each other and the fixing of the first pivoting link to the pivot shaft is accomplished simultaneously.

Abstract: Described herein are attached growth reactor systems which increase nitrifying bacteria biomass through a variety of means during warm weather. As a consequence, the attached growth reactor system contains sufficient nitrifying bacteria biomass to remove ammonia from wastewater in cold to moderate climates. In one example, there are two attached growth reactors into which wastewater is distributed discontinuously. Specifically, wastewater is transferred to the first attached growth reactor for a first period of time and then is transferred to the second attached growth reactor for a second period of time during warm weather which effectively doubles the nitrifying bacteria biomass in the system. During cold weather, approximately half of the wastewater is applied to each reactor simultaneously.

Abstract: A package including at least one bumper having an elliptical shape that extends from a first end to a second end along a first plane and having a protrusion that extends from a first front along a second plane; and a first tray having a first cavity that extends from a second front along the second plane, wherein the first cavity includes at least one groove configured and dimensioned to receive the at least one bumper is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a tracing platform configured to rigidly attach to an anatomy of a patient that has at least one surface configured to provide a defined path (represented by path definition data) for tracing by a surgical instrument. An intra-operative computing unit receives pose data for the instrument when tracing the path and calculates a location of the defined path using the pose data and the path definition data. A change in location may be determined from pose data of different traces. Tracing the defined path generates a plurality of pose data which may increase accuracy of the location calculations. Redundant trace data may be received to eliminate bias. A geometric feature (e.g. V-groove), shape and/or magnetic properties of the platform may assist with tracing. The platform may rigidly attach to a bone using at least one of spikes, a bone screw, a cerclage wire, and a bone clamp.

Abstract: The electronic vision system for assisting a skin care professional during treatment generally has: a support structure; a monitor being mounted to the support structure and having a sagittal plane; a video camera mounted to the support structure via an articulation, a field of view extending along an optical axis and a sagittal axis, the articulation having at least one pivot joint allowing pivoting movement of the optical axis relative to the monitor and preventing rotation of the video camera relative to the monitor and maintaining the parallelism of the sagittal axis of the video camera and the sagittal plane of the monitor; and a signal connection between the video camera and the monitor allowing the monitor to display a real-time video.

Abstract: A system for performing a scanning session of a patient's body, the system comprising: a radiation source; a radiation sensor; a patient positioner for placing the patient between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed position during each scan; at least one Pseudo-Random Grid (PRG) comprising randomly spaced perpendicular gridlines, the PRG being at least partially radiopaque and positioned between the radiation source and the radiation sensor in a fixed manner with respect to the patient positioner during the scanning session, wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is configured to move independently, and wherein at least one of said radiation source and said radiation sensor is moved to multiple different positions during the scanning session such that energy emitted from the radiation source passes through said PRG and said patient's body and collected by a surface of said radiation sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking a dental tool within an oral cavity for taking and/or updating of a dental impression are described. In some embodiments, a marker, optionally a magnetic marker, is coupled to position movements of a rotatable dental tool. In some embodiments, detected movements of the marker are used, optionally in combination with other tracking data, to map contours which a portion of the rotatable dental tool follows during interaction with a dental surface. Optionally, the interaction occurs during grinding, drilling, and/or other procedures; which may be preparatory, for example, to the manufacture and/or fitting of a dental prosthetic.

Abstract: Dental instrumentation for use in guiding a cutting tool to remove tooth structure from a working tooth is prepared. A digital model of cutting guide shell structure for placement around a portion of the tooth to be treated is combined with preset tool movements to be made by the cutting tool by one or more processors to define final cutting guide data corresponding to final cutting guide structure for guiding the cutting tool. A digital model of a fixation instrument configuration for fixing the dental instrumentation to an adjacent tooth to the working tooth is combined with the final cutting guide data by one or more processors to define final instrument configuration data corresponding to a final instrument configuration for releasably fixing the dental instrumentation to the adjacent tooth and for guiding the cutting tool in the removal of the tooth structure from the tooth to be treated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a precise and practical surgical guide system and process for dental surgical implants. According to some aspects, the system implements a reference point throughout the design and procedure to provide one or more guides for a specific part of the procedure. In some embodiments, the digital and physical data utilized in the design and planning, and production of the guide system may be implemented in virtual reality and/or augmented reality systems.

Abstract: A matrix ring includes a body that has a yoke, a first side arm extending from a first end of the yoke, a second side arm extending from a second end of the yoke, a first tine extending downwardly and inwardly from the first side arm, and a second tine extending downwardly and inwardly from the second side arm and converging toward the first tine. A first tip covers at least a portion of the first tine, and a second tip covers at least a portion of the second tine. The first and second tips are each bifurcated by a tine gap to provide a first tip finger and a second tip finger.

Abstract: A dental protection assembly includes a first shield that is selectively worn on an upper set of teeth. The first shield is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit food and liquid from contacting the upper set of teeth. The first shield is partially comprised of a deformable material. A first adhesive is positioned on the first shield to adhere to the upper set of teeth. A second shield is selectively worn on a lower set of teeth. The second shield is comprised of a fluid impermeable material to inhibit food and liquid from contacting the lower set of teeth. The second shield is partially comprised of a deformable material. A second adhesive is positioned on the second shield to adhere to the lower set of teeth.

Abstract: An aligner fabrication system combines design data and material to form a plurality of dental molds with which a plurality of aligners are formed. The aligner fabrication system includes a build assembly that defines a build surface on which the dental molds are formed. The build assembly is constructed of a plurality of individual build platforms that are removably coupled together. Each individual build platform is associated with an identification entity. The dental molds are formed on the build surface. One dental mold is formed on one individual build platform. The design data associated with the one dental mold is linkable to the identification entity on the one individual build platform.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for generating a virtual depiction of an orthodontic treatment of a patient is disclosed herein. The computer-implemented method may involve gathering a three-dimensional (3D) model modeling the patient's dentition at a specific treatment stage of an orthodontic treatment plan. An image of the patient's face and dentition may be gathered. A first set of reference points modeled on the 3D model of the patient's dentition and a second set of reference points represented on the dentition of the image of the patient may be received. The image of the patient's dentition may be projected into a 3D space to create a projected 3D model of the image of the patient's dentition. Based on a comparison of the first reference points and projections of the second set of reference points, a modified image of the patient may be constructed and/or modeled.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for virtually representing an orthodontic treatment outcome using automated detection of facial and dental reference objects is disclosed herein. The computer-implemented method may involve modeling initial positions of an orthodontic patient's teeth in a three-dimensional (3D) virtual model and determining the effect of application of various force systems applied through an orthodontic treatment plan on the patient's teeth. Images of the patient's face may be used to identify facial reference objects. Dental reference objects of the patient's dentition may be identified from the 3D virtual model. A relationship between the facial reference objects and the dental reference objects may form the basis of modifications to the orthodontic treatment plan and/or modeling final orthodontic positions of the orthodontic treatment plan.

Abstract: A method may include: receiving an image of a mouth region of a patient's face; extracting teeth contours within the image of the mouth region of the patient's face; locating a mouth opening within the image of the mouth region of the patient's face; extracting the tooth contours from a 3D model of the patient's teeth; and aligning the tooth contours from the 3D model with the tooth contours of the teeth within the image of the mouth region of the patient's face.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed, at least in part, to a self ligating orthodontic bracket having a rotatable member for securing an archwire within a slot of the bracket. Embodiments of the orthodontic bracket disclosed herein include a bracket body containing the archwire slot as well as tie wings for attaching various orthodontic devices (e.g., elastomeric bands) to the bracket. The rotatable member is rotatable in a first direction (e.g., counter clockwise) relative to a body of the bracket for securing or locking the archwire within the slot, and for rotating in an opposite direction (e.g., a clockwise direction) relative to the bracket body for unsecuring or unlocking the archwire so that it is substantially unrestrained from exiting the slot.

Abstract: A medical implant and a method of implanting a medical implant are disclosed. The medical implant (20) is elongate and for fixation in a patient, and comprises an apical bone anchoring portion (200) for bone apposition, and an unthreaded coronal portion (210), wherein said coronal portion (210) has a length (L2) exceeding or equaling a length (L1) of said apical portion (200), and wherein said apical portion (200) has a maximum outer diameter (D1) that is equal to or larger than a maximum outer diameter (D2) of said coronal portion. In a method of implanting a medical implant, an apical part is affixed in the zygomatic bone, and a coronal part is positioned outside the maxilla in the mucous membrane.

Abstract: A guide-sleeve is couplable to an oral surgical guide at a fixed rotational orientation, height, and angle with respect to oral anatomy. An implant delivery device, couplable to a dental implant, drives the implant into tissue of the subject by rotation of the delivery device about its longitudinal axis until the delivery device lockingly engages the guide-sleeve. When the implant lockingly engages the guide-sleeve, the implant is disposed in the tissue at a fixed rotational orientation, depth, and angle with respect to the oral anatomy, and any further advancement and rotation of the dental implant with respect to the tissue is prevented. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Taking an intraoral scan of a patient's mouth with existing implants, creating a digital model of the patient's mouth, digitally designing a denture bar based on the digital mouth model, fabricating a physical bar based on the digital bar model, delivering the physical bar into the patient's mouth, capturing records of the patient's mouth and installed physical bar, producing a physical denture and joining it to the physical bar, and delivering the physical denture and bar into the patient's mouth, all in no more than three dental office visits. The step of digitally designing a denture bar typically includes selecting a cement gap for the abutments based on errors in the digital mouth model resulting from the intraoral scan, as well as designing lateral cement ports into the digital bar model. And the step of fabricating a physical bar typically includes using additive manufacturing such as 3D printing.

Abstract: An articulator having a maxillary member and a mandibular member, which are connected to each other via condylar articulations, wherein a maxillary adaptor is attachable or attached at the maxillary member and a mandibular adaptor at the mandibular member, wherein a maxillary alignment member especially is form-fittingly connected to the maxillary adaptor and a mandibular alignment member is especially form-fittingly connected with the mandibular adaptor, and wherein the alignment members are automatically alignable to each other and comprising scanning members, by means of which the arrangement of alignment members and adaptors is scannable in a scanner and especially the relative position thereof moreover is detectable in relation to the articulator via the scanner.

Abstract: A dental model including an implant analog and surrounding modeled dentition is disclosed, and also systems and methods for application of such a dental model in implant dentistry. The implant analog models an actual dental implant in the mouth of a patient and the modeled surrounding dentition models actual dentition surrounding the actual dental implant in the mouth of the patient. In example forms, the implant analog and modeled dentition comprise an integrally formed monolithic body generated from a digital intra-oral scan of the patient.

Abstract: A method of coloring a pre-sintered dental restoration comprises securing a pre-sintered dental restoration having multiple different layers having a different chemical composition of color pigments between adjacent layers; dipping the pre-sintered dental restoration into a coloring liquid, and sintering the pre-sintered dental restoration to acquire a fully sintered ceramic restoration having a translucency and color intensity/chroma with an inverse relationship with the translucency increasing in one direction of the restoration and the color intensity/chroma decreasing in the same direction of the restoration.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning instrument is equipped with a base part and a cleaning part. The base part has a shaft part and a grip part. At least the shape of the base part is set in a manner such that a first pressing force required to press a portion spaced 2.5 mm apart from a tip of the cleaning part in 10 mm is 0.3 N or more and 1.4 N or less in a state in which a portion spaced 10 mm apart from the tip of the cleaning part is fixed, and a second pressing force required to press a portion spaced 8.0 mm apart from the tip of the cleaning part in 10 mm is 0.5 N or more and 2.5 N or less in a state in which a portion spaced 35 mm apart from the tip of the cleaning part is fixed.

Abstract: An oral irrigator handle for receiving an oral hygiene agent is described. The handle may be connected to a countertop oral irrigator or may be a portion of a handheld oral irrigator. The handle includes a chamber for receiving the oral hygiene agent, where the chamber body positioned within the fluid path of the handle. Fluid flowing into the handle, flows into the chamber, allowing the fluid to intermix with the agent, and then flows from the chamber to a tip connected to the handle.

Abstract: A motor device includes a motor housing, a stator core having at least two poles fixedly installed in the stator housing symmetrically, a coil winding wound around the stator core, and an insulating coil holder for insulating the stator core from the coil winding, and the motor device further includes at least two pairs of magnetic steel structures cooperating with the stator core. All of the magnetic steel structures are fixedly connected to the periphery of the shaft coupling, and the shaft coupling is fixedly connected to the motor shaft. An electric toothbrush having the above motor device is further provided.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush is provided with vibration-isolating zones that substantially isolate vibrations in the head and reduce vibrations transmitted to the handle without sacrificing structural integrity around the vibration-isolation zones. Such zones may generally comprise neck material that is reduced in cross-section, thinned, replaced by dampening material, or removed altogether to create transmission-inhibiting voids. The vibration-isolating zones may be further supported by the housing of the vibratory element to maintain the structural integrity around the zones and to thereby alleviate weakness conditions that might subject the toothbrush to fatigue and breakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light curing device comprising a light source that is arranged in the hand-held light curing device and has in particular a plurality of mutually adjacent chips which are arranged next to one another and form a light source and in front of which a light guiding element extends. The light curing device also comprises at least one sensor, which is sensitive to light in the emission wavelength range of the light source, and a control device for controlling the light source during the polymerization process, the sensor being connected to the control device. The control device continuously or at least periodically monitors the output signal of the sensor during the polymerization process and adapts the light output and/or the polymerization time in the event of a reduction of the output signal.

Abstract: A oral treatment system that emits electromagnetic radiation onto surfaces of a user's teeth and may also dispense a oral treatment material for contact with the user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment system includes a mouthpiece comprising a wall and a bite platform extending from the wall that collectively define a first channel for receiving a user's teeth; an electromagnetic radiation source coupled to the mouthpiece and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation onto surfaces of the user's teeth that are positioned in the first channel; and one or more apertures in at least one of the wall or the bite platform, the one or more apertures configured to dispense a oral treatment material to the first channel for contact with the surfaces of the user's teeth that are positioned in the first channel.

Abstract: A vaccination device can be used to vaccinate day-old chicks. To vaccinate the day-old chicks safely while ensuring vaccination efficacy, the vaccination device can include a vaccination needle configured to extend from the vaccination device at a vaccination delivery location and an action plate. The action plate can be coupled to the vaccination device such that the action plate is positioned next to the vaccination delivery location. The action plate can include an action button, wherein the action button is configured to receive a day-old chick presented to the action plate in a predetermined loading position, receive a press of the action button, and in response to pressing the action button, cause the vaccination needle to extend from the vaccination device at the vaccination delivery location to deliver a subcutaneous injection to the day-old chick.

Abstract: A poultice application pad includes a generally planar poultice layer for application to a treatment area of a limb of an animal, and a backing sheet, adjacent to the poultice layer, which backing sheet supports and holds the form of the poultice layer when contacting the first side of the poultice layer to the treatment area to reduce application time and displacement of the mud/clay mixture beyond the treatment area. Also disclosed is a set of such poultice application pads stacked one on top of another within a sealable container.

Abstract: A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, a first adhesive layer disposed on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and a second adhesive layer disposed over the first adhesive layer and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, wherein the second adhesive layer is removable from the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sling for urinary incontinence surgery. The present invention allows a mesh tape to be easily mounted by means of a spacing unit disposed in the center part of the mesh tape and also enables optimal tension adjustment of the mesh tape, thereby maximizing the effect of female urinary incontinence treatment surgery. Moreover, the present invention prevents the mesh tape from pressing the urethra excessively, thereby allowing a patient to easily urinate after surgery, and tension adjustment of the mesh tape is very easy.

Abstract: A post-surgical healing accelerator (PSHA) device for tissue and nerve repair at an injury site. The device includes (a) a substrate, (b) a scaffold disposed on a surface of the substrate, and (c) a population of cells attached to the scaffold. The scaffold comprises at least one modified polymer selected from a modified collagen, a modified gelatin, a modified alginate, a modified cellulose, a modified hyaluronic acid, and others, with (i) modifications configured to increase an interaction between the scaffold and the cells, (ii) modifications configured to increase an association of the at least one modified polymer with the substrate, and (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii). The cells attached to the scaffold are configured to carry out tissue and/or nerve repair at an injury site of a subject through at least one of growth, differentiation, and migration following an application of the device to the injury site of the subject.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a filter valve coupled to the catheters. The filter valve is dynamically reconfigurable to automatically block and permit fluid flow through a vessel based on a local fluid pressure conditions about the filter valve. In embodiments, the filter valve has a proximal end fixed to the catheter, and a distal end which may be movable over the catheter. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

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: Implantable passive engineered mechanisms and a method for implanting such devices in a subject are described. The implantable passive engineered mechanism may be made of or comprise a biocompatible material and is appropriately sized for implantation in a subject. Exemplary implantable passive engineered mechanisms may be selected from a strut, a pulley, a lever, a compliant mechanism, a scissor lift, a tendon network, springs, planetary gears, rigid or soft hydraulics, a linkage system, a cam/clutch system, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the system comprises plural inserts, such as pulleys, levers, and/or tendon networks. Plural inserts may be arranged hierarchically to distribute force differentially from an input to one or more outputs.

Abstract: Methods for reconstructing a joint include fixating at least one suture inside a joint space, retrieving the at least one suture from inside the joint space, passing the at least one suture through a graft at a location external to the joint space, shuttling the graft into the joint space, and fixating the graft to bone using the at least one suture.

Abstract: A system comprising a hollow member is used to deliver a constrained corneal implant into a corneal pocket. The hollow member may be tapered and the system may further include an implant deformation chamber and an axial pusher to advance the implant through the hollow member.

Abstract: An intra ocular lens (IOL) for placement in the capsular bag and securing the IOL in an opening in an anterior part of a capsular bag, with an anterior capsular bag flap surrounding said opening. An anterior side, which in use when the IOL is implanted in an eye is directed towards a cornea of the eye. A posterior side, which in use when the IOL is implanted in an eye is directed towards a retina of the eye. The IOL comprises an optical structure, at least two posterior supports to provide support for a posterior surface of an anterior capsular bag flap, and at least two anterior supports to provide support for an anterior surface of an anterior capsular bag flap, when IOL residing inside and outside of the anterior capsular bag flap respectively.

Abstract: A method of treating a lens of a patient's eye includes generating a light beam, deflecting the light beam using a scanner to form a treatment pattern of the light beam, delivering the treatment pattern to the lens of a patient's eye to create a plurality of cuts in the lens in the form of the treatment pattern to break the lens up into a plurality of pieces, and removing the lens pieces from the patient's eye. The lens pieces can then be mechanically removed. The light beam can be used to create larger segmenting cuts into the lens, as well as smaller softening cuts that soften the lens for easier removal.

Abstract: A system controller for an ophthalmic lens comprising an electronic system which actuates a variable-focus optic is disclosed herein. The system controller is part of an electronic system incorporated into the ophthalmic lens. The electronic system includes one or more batteries or other power sources, power management circuitry, one or more sensors, clock generation circuitry, control algorithms and circuitry, and lens driver circuitry. The controller including multiple state machines configured as digital logic gates.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for providing improved ophthalmic lenses, particularly intraocular lenses (IOLs). Exemplary diffractive intraocular implants (IOLs) can include a diffractive profile having multiple diffractive zones. The diffractive zones can include a central zone that includes one or more echelettes and a peripheral zone beyond the central zone having one or more peripheral echelettes. The central diffractive zone can work in a higher diffractive order than a remainder of the diffractive profile. The combination of the central and peripheral zones and an optional intermediate zone provides a longer depth of focus than a diffractive profile defined just by a peripheral and/or optional intermediate zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intraocular lens comprising: a primary lens (1000) having a first focal length, a first surface, and a second surface; a secondary lens (2000) having at least two focal lengths, a first surface (2100), and a second surface (2200), wherein the second surface (2200) of the secondary lens (2000) conforms to the first surface of the primary lens (1000), while the secondary lens (2000) is attached to the primary lens (1000) by peelable adhesive forces over substantially its second surface (2200).

Abstract: This invention is related to a cartridge Injector System developed to be used for intraocular lens implantation, that enables the lens injection via a microsurgical incision in the eye and basically wraps the lens (L) by holding from the edges and provides the lens implantation with this method, also related with twisting body (7) keeping the lens in a closed environment.

Abstract: A tympanoplatic patch applicator comprising: a handle disposed with a deployment control; a deployment stem comprising multiple nested sleeves connected to the handle; a patch configured to be affixed to the distal end of the deployment stem via an actuation filament embedded in the deployment stem; and a filament-based deployment system controllable by the deployment control, wherein the deployment stem is configured to position the patch at the internal side of a perforated tympanic membrane in the middle ear by introducing the patch into the ear canal and penetrating the perforated tympanic membrane with the distal end of the deployment stem, and wherein the filament-based deployment system is configured to release the patch from the distal end of the deployment stem, thereby deploying the patch on the internal side of the perforated tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable in delivering a docking device to a native valve of a patient's heart. A distal region of a delivery catheter can be positioned in an atrium of the heart and a distal tip can be positioned at or near a commissure of the native valve. The docking device can be located within the delivery catheter. A pusher, such as a pusher wire or tube, of a pusher tool can be advanced distally through the delivery catheter, wherein the pusher can push the docking device along within the delivery catheter. The docking device can be connected to the pusher tool by a line, such as a suture. A member of the pusher tool can be rotatable to change the amount of the suture extending from the pusher tool.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a seal for a stent-valve, and methods of production, are described. In some embodiments, the seal or a skirt comprises a fabric wall portion and a polymeric material fused to the fabric wall portion, the polymeric material having a melting temperature that is lower than that of the fabric wall portion. The fibres of the fabric may remain unmelted at the interface with the polymeric material, the polymeric material being attached to material to the fibres of the fabric wall portion by fusion. The polymeric material may provide a welded joint to another fabric wall portion and/or may reinforce the fabric and/or may occlude pores of the fabric.

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 devices 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. The inventive devices may be used, for example, to treat subjects having heart failure, pulmonary congestion, or myocardial infarction, among other pathologies.

Abstract: A prosthetic apparatus for implantation in a native mitral valve includes a main body for placement within the native mitral annulus. The main body is compressible to a radially compressed state for delivery into the heart and is self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state for implantation. A valve structure is mounted within a lumen of the main body and preferably forms three leaflets made of pericardium. An atrial sealing member is disposed along an atrial portion of the main body and ventricular anchors are coupled to a ventricular portion of the main body. The atrial sealing member impedes the flow of blood between the main body and the native annulus. The ventricular anchors are positioned outside the main body for capturing native mitral valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors.