Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for ablating tissue. The method may comprise, for example, aligning a needle of a medical device with the target tissue; piercing tissue adjacent to the target tissue with the needle; sliding into the target tissue a laser fiber moveably disposed within the needle, wherein the needle is hollow and the laser fiber includes a prism; and delivering laser energy through the laser fiber and prism.

Abstract: A system for ablation planning and treatment includes a delineation module (124) configured to distinguish tissue types in an image, the tissue types including at least a core tissue and a margin zone encapsulating the core tissue. A treatment planning module (140) is configured to apply weightings in a cost function to prioritize ablation coverage of the tissue types including the core tissue and the margin zone to determine ablation characteristics that achieve an ablation composite in accordance with user preferences. A graphical user interface (122) is rendered on a display to indicate the core tissue, the margin zone, the ablation composite and permit module user selection of one or more treatment methods.

Abstract: A dose planning system includes a biopsy map creation module configured for receiving biopsy information for an organ of interest regarding biopsy locations and tissue characteristics of tissue found at the biopsy locations and creating a spatially annotated biopsy map for the organ, by linking the spatial information on the biopsy locations to the tissue characteristics of tissue found at the corresponding biopsy locations. A probability map calculation module is configured for creating a tumor probability map by calculating a tumor probability for locations in the organ from which no biopsy was taken by using the tumor and/or tissue characteristics from the biopsy locations and a dose planning module configured for creating a dose plan based on the tumor probability map. The planning constraints are such that on average a higher tumor probability results in a higher planned dose and a lower tumor probability results in a lower planned dose.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical imaging system (10) for planning an implantation of a cardiac implant (42), comprising: a receiving unit (12) for receiving a plurality of three-dimensional (3D) cardiac images (14, 14?) showing different conditions of a heart (32) during a cardiac cycle; a segmentation unit (22) for segmenting within the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?) a target implant region (38) and a locally adjacent region (40) that could interfere with the cardiac implant (42); a simulation unit (24) for simulating the implantation of the cardiac implant (42) within the target implant region (40) in at least two of the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?); a collision evaluation unit (26) for evaluating an overlap (46) of the simulated cardiac implant (42) with the segmented locally adjacent region (40) in at least two of the plurality of 3D cardiac images (14, 14?); and a feedback unit (28) for providing feedback information to a user concerning the evaluated overlap (46).

Abstract: A method of performing a percutaneous multi-probe treatment includes: acquiring a scan image of an object to be treated with multi-probe percutaneous insertions; determining a first point in a region of interest (ROI) in the scan image; determining a second point at a surface of the object in the scan image; generating a reference trajectory by connecting the first point and the second point; arranging, around the first point, a number of third points corresponding to tips of probes to be inserted into the object; generating planned insertion trajectories for the probes based on the number of probes to be inserted and the reference trajectory; and causing a monitor to display superposed on the scan image, at least one of the planned insertion trajectories. The planned insertion trajectories extend in a geometric relationship to the reference trajectory and pass through the third points and through one or more second points.

Abstract: A multi-stage dilator and cannula assembly for use in surgical procedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures, to provide tissue dilation and opening of a portal to enable the surgeon to access and provide treatment to anatomical feature of interest.

Abstract: A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a medium using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive positioning system for screwing and fixing a bone, where a intramedullary nail is inserted to marrow of the bone, and the intramedullary nail comprises a wall and at least one through-hole through the wall for screwing and fixing by at least one corresponding set screw, the system comprises: an in vitro locator having at least one light source to emit a laser with a wavelength to the muscle tissue to form an incident light and running through the muscle tissue and the bone to form a penetrated light, an optical holder having an optical lens and a positioning ring portion for removably disposing the optical lens, wherein the focusing spot of the incident light, the focusing spot of the penetrated light, and the at least one through-hole are aligned in a line to confirm a linear position for screwing and fixing the intramedullary nail.

Abstract: Collisions between a minimally invasive surgical instrument and patient tissue are prevented in various ways. A real time image of a surgical site is mosaiced over a previously recorded more distal image of the site. Surgical instruments are visible in the real time image, and representations of the surgical instruments as they would appear in the previously recorded image are generated and displayed on the previously recorded image. Consequently, a person moving the surgical instruments sees a representation of the instruments outside the field of view of an imaging system taking the real time images.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various actuation system embodiments, including fluid actuation systems, drive train actuation systems, and motorless actuation systems. Additional embodiments include a reversibly lockable tube that can provide access for a medical device to a patient's cavity and further provides a reversible rigidity or stability during operation of the device. Further embodiments include various operational components for medical devices, including medical device arm mechanisms that have both axial and rotational movement while maintaining a relatively compact structure. medical device winch components, medical device biopsy/stapler/clamp mechanisms, and medical device adjustable focus mechanisms.

Abstract: A surgical system (200) includes a surgical instrument (260) that is sensitive to backlash that would adversely affect the transmission of controlled torque and position to the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument (260) is coupled to motors in a surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) via a mechanical interface. The combination of the mechanical interface and surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240) have low backlash, e.g., less than 0.7 degrees. The backlash is controlled in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly (240). From the drive output disk (545) in the surgical instrument manipulator assembly to the driven disk (964) of the surgical instrument, the mechanical interface has zero backlash for torque levels used in surgical procedures.

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

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for near field communication (NFC) between a surgical instrument and a robotic surgical system are provided. In general, a surgical tool is configured to move between different modes of communication with a robotic surgical system to which the tool is releasably and replaceably coupled. The different modes of communication are detectable by the robotic surgical system by the tool's frequency of NFC with the robotic surgical system. The tool includes a mechanism configured to be manipulated by a user of the tool to move the tool between the different modes of communication. The tool operating in a first mode of communication indicates to the robotic surgical system that the tool is operating in a normal state. The tool operating in each of one or more additional modes of communication indicates that the tool is operating in an error state.

Abstract: Provided are surgical instruments, and more particularly, surgical instruments that may be manually operated to perform laparoscopic operations or various surgical operations.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a linkage, an input handle, and a processing unit. The linkage moveably supports a surgical tool relative to a base. The input handle is moveable in a plurality of directions. The processing unit is in communication with the input handle and is operatively associated with the linkage to move the surgical tool based on a scaled movement of the input handle. The scaling varies depending on whether the input handle is moved towards a center of a workspace or away from the center of the workspace. The workspace represents a movement range of the input handle.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device package may include a backing card that is configured to secure a medical device to a major surface of the backing card. The backing card is configured to be assembled from an open state into a closed state in which flaps on one or more ends of a central region of the backing card move over some of the central region and cover some of the secured medical device. The closed state defines a reduced footprint relative to the unfolded state. The backing card may be sealed in a pouch, which may then be housed in a carton. The carton includes exterior walls that enclose the sealed backing card and spacing elements that receive the sealed backing card at a relative location within the carton and holds the backing card a threshold distance from the exterior walls of the carton.

Abstract: A set of three-dimensional markers enables accurate transfer of scanned dental information from an intra-oral scanner to a virtual articulator, for axis transposition in axiography and for accurate determination of individual values, such as Bennett and condylar guidance angles. The set of three-dimensional markers includes a first marker, which is aligned with a buccal face of an upper incisor, and a second marker, which is positioned outside buccal surfaces of the teeth. The first marker consists of three elements which fit together in a number of different combinations to form a single piece. For edentulous patients, a third marker and a spacer element are provided.

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 of determining an orthodontic treatment comprising: obtaining 3D model of simulated position of teeth following proposed orthodontic treatment; the 3D model comprising a point cloud representation having vector points representative of teeth surface; generating an axis aligned boundary box around each tooth; identifying a pair of tooth-tooth bounding boxes of adjacent teeth that intersect; defining an area of overlap of the pair of tooth-tooth bounding boxes; mapping the area of overlap onto the plurality of vector points, the plurality of vector points populating a 3D grid, having cells, of a simulation space; identifying a subset of the cells including the mapped overlap area, and for only the subset of the cells determining a distance between the vector points relating to adjacent teeth; and determining the proposed orthodontic treatment as the determined orthodontic treatment if the determined distance is more than a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for determining a boundary between teeth and gingiva of an archform and/or between teeth and other teeth. Curves may be defined on the surface of teeth and gingiva in the archform. An indication of curvature at various points on the curves may be determined. A predicted likelihood parameter that each of the points corresponds to the boundary between the teeth and gingiva may be determined based on the indication of curvature. A smoothing function and the predicted likelihood parameter may be used to determine a boundary point for each curve. The boundary points may be connected to form the boundary between the teeth and gingiva.

Abstract: Described is a vibrating device for delivering energy to at least a portion of a dental appliance. The vibrating device may be inserted into a biting element or attached to a biting element to apply vibrations to the dental appliance to aid in aligning a user's teeth.

Abstract: A dental implant for insertion in a jaw bone has a receiving opening arranged on a coronal end of the dental implant for an abutment, the receiving opening when viewed from the coronal end having a taper section and an indexing section, the indexing section having at least one outwardly extending groove arranged along a circular circumference, the taper section having a conical angle of less than 3°.

Abstract: A system comprises a scanner, an augmented reality (AR) display and a computing device. The scanner generates intraoral images of a dental arch and the AR display generates additional image data representative of a view from a wearer of the AR display. The computing device receives the intraoral images from the intraoral scanner, generates a virtual three-dimensional model of at least a portion of the dental arch from the intraoral images, receives the additional image data from the AR display, determines, from the additional image data, a region of the view that is outside of the dental arch, generates a visual overlay comprising the virtual three-dimensional model, and sends the visual overlay to the AR display. The AR display displays the visual overlay such that the virtual three-dimensional model is shown in the region of the view that is outside of the dental arch.

Abstract: Disclosed in a method, a user interface and a system for use in determining shade of a patient's tooth, wherein a digital 3D representation including shape data and texture data for the tooth is obtained. A tooth shade value for at least one point on the tooth is determined based on the texture data of the corresponding point of the digital 3D representation and on known texture values of one or more reference tooth shade values.

Abstract: Casting jigs, methods, and kits that may be used in manufacture of anatomical healing caps. A casting jig may include a body having one or more wells within the body, each well being open at a proximal end thereof and having a negative shape corresponding to an anatomical healing cuff body of a given tooth position. The casting jig includes an opening through the bottom surface through which an elongate handle may be inserted, allowing a temporary abutment to be coupled into the distal end of the elongate handle, so that the abutment is disposed in the well, held in place by the handle, as it is used as a core about which the anatomical healing cuff body is formed. A crown forming jig for forming an inexpensive, chair-side prepared bis-acrylic temporary crown that may be easily and quickly installed over the anatomical healing cuff body is also disclosed.

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 mobile unit for animal ovarian tissue processing comprises an enclosure supported on a wheeled chassis. A collecting chamber defined within the enclosure comprises a restraint mounted to the enclosure and configured to restrain an animal in a standing position, at least one access sized to provide the animal ingress to, and egress from, the collecting chamber, an ovum aspiration system disposed in the collecting chamber to retrieve oocytes from the animal and an imaging scanner disposed in the collecting chamber to guide the ovum aspiration system to the oocytes. A processing chamber defined within the enclosure contiguous to the collecting chamber is isolated from the collecting chamber by at least one dividing wall extending between the collecting chamber and the processing chamber. The processing chamber includes an incubator to incubate the oocytes. A temperature control unit maintains a temperature of the retrieved oocytes between a predetermined temperature range.

Abstract: This present invention generally relates to devices and methods for repairing an aperture in a biological tissue. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue including a handle, an elongate shaft connected to the handle, and a deployment scaffold connected to the shaft, in which the scaffold is configured to releasably retain a surgical implant and the scaffold is configured to deploy and attach the surgical implant to the biological tissue.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an implant includes a support member configured to be placed within a body of a patient and provide support to a portion of the body of the patient, a tether coupled to an end portion of the support member; and an anchor configured to be disposed within a tissue of the body of the patient to help retain the implant in place within the body of the patient. The tether is coupled to the anchor such that the tether may move with respect to the anchor in a first direction but is retrained from moving in a second direction.

Abstract: A tissue graft packaging system having a retainer including first and second members with respective first and second pluralities of channel sidewalls that define first and second pluralities of channels, and first and second engagement means configured to removeably interconnect the first and second members. The first and second pluralities of channel sidewalls are configured to create a continuous interior space between the first and second members. A tissue graft, such as a cryopreserved viable tissue graft, is contained within the continuous interior space of the retainer. Processes for packaging, thawing and rinsing the tissue graft using the tissue graft packaging system and its retainer are also disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable medical device such as a filter has a generally conical shape formed by a set of filter legs extending from a free distal end to an apex of the assembly and specifically to a coupling device. A retrieval element such as a hook extends from the hub of. A spacer member is disposed at the hub and is formed of a plurality of curved wire elements. The spacer member has a radius or width smaller than the greatest radius of the filter device, defined by the free ends of the filter legs. The spacer member allows the filter assembly to tilt within a vessel but limits the tilt to a maximum desired or permitted tilt, ensuring that the retrieval device remains spaced from the vessel wall and therefore not subject to tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: A method of capturing and removing a thrombus from a large vein is performed using a percutaneous thrombectomy device. The thrombectomy device includes a delivery sheath, a filter body, and an inner catheter provided with an agitation member. The sheath is advanced until a distal end is positioned proximal to the thrombus. The filter body is deployed distal to the sheath and proximal to the thrombus. The filter body preferably has a funnel shape with a tapered proximal end portion and an open distal end. The inner catheter is advanced through the sheath for contacting the thrombus with the agitation member. The agitation member is actuated to disrupt the thrombus. Thrombus particles are captured using the filter body and negative pressure is preferably applied through the sheath. The method is well-suited for treating deep vein thrombosis and does not require the use of thrombolytic drugs.

Abstract: Excessive dilation of the annulus of a mitral valve may lead to regurgitation of blood during ventricular contraction. This regurgitation may lead to a reduction in cardiac output. Disclosed are systems and methods relating to an implant configured for reshaping a mitral valve. The implant comprises a plurality of struts with anchors for tissue engagement. The implant is compressible to a first, reduced diameter for transluminal navigation and delivery to the left atrium of a heart. The implant may then expand to a second, enlarged diameter to embed its anchors to the tissue surrounding and/or including the mitral valve. The implant may then contract to a third, intermediate diameter, pulling the tissue radially inwardly, thereby reducing the mitral valve and lessening any of the associated symptoms including mitral regurgitation.

Abstract: A nephroureteral catheter is provided that comprises a detachable portion such that when the detachable portion is removed, the catheter converts into an internal stent. The catheter includes a tube with two retention features, a detachable portion, and an inner tube. The inner tube is removably insertable into both the tube and the detachable portion, and a wire extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the inner tube and through the tube, to keep the pieces attached. The wire may be removed to remove the inner tube and then the detachable portion from the tube. When the detachable portion is attached to the tube, the catheter is a nephroureteral catheter. When the detachable portion is removed from the tube, the catheter becomes a stent.

Abstract: A system for applying a fiber matrix on a tubular member is provided. A mandrel, configured for atraumatic placement within the tubular member, is included. Methods for atraumatic placement of a mandrel into a tubular member are also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a stent-graft that has both shape-maintainability and flexibility, and when implanted in a living body, the stent-graft performs its intended functions for a considerably long period of time relative to conventional stent-grafts, without causing conflict. The stent-graft comprises a stent comprising multiple elastic rings and a graft. An auxiliary elastic wire whose rigidity is lower than that of the stent is arranged at the end-part of the graft, and the auxiliary elastic wire is connected to the multiple elastic rings at the opening part.

Abstract: Provided is a covered endovascular stent-graft comprising a first membrana tectoria for modeling a vascular shape and a stent-graft skeleton fitted to the outside of the first membrana tectoria, at least part of the outer surface of the stent-graft skeleton being covered with a second membrana tectoria; the first membrana tectoria and the second membrana tectoria are combined so that at least part of the stent-graft skeleton is covered between the first membrana tectoria and the second membrana tectoria, wherein the first membrana tectoria and/or the second membrana tectoria is/are a polyvinylidene fluoride resin membrana tectoria. The polyvinylidene fluoride resin membrana tectoria of the covered endovascular stent-graft makes the cost reduced and has good mechanical properties and biological properties.

Abstract: Improved breast prostheses, methods of making breast prostheses, and methods of treatment using such breast prostheses are described.

Abstract: Intraocular lenses and related assemblies and intraocular attachment methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an intraocular lens assembly comprises a helical-shaped coil fastener to affix an intraocular lens to an iris to correct for astigmatism, presbyopia, and/or myopia or hyperopia. The helical-shaped coil fastener comprises a head and a helical wire extending from a bottom surface of the head and comprising a pointed tip opposite the head. The helical-shaped coil fastener is configured to be affixed to the iris by rotatable penetration of the iris, and thus can be removed from the iris by reverse rotation of the helical-shaped coil fastener. The helical-shaped coil fastener has a low volume, large surface area, low cross-sectional area of penetration, and an oblique angle of penetration. Thus, the helical-shaped coil fastener is easy to apply, easy to remove, minimizes tissue damage, maximizes stability, and minimizes penetration force.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, machine, device, manufacture, circuit, composition of matter, and/or user interface adapted for and/or resulting from, and/or a method and/or machine-readable medium comprising machine-implementable instructions for, activities that can comprise and/or relate to, via a device implanted in a mammal, sensing a ciliary muscle movement and/or force and/or converting the ciliary muscle movement and/or force to a signal and/or a predetermined form of power.

Abstract: This disclosure features elongated prosthetic devices that can be used to repair, e.g., resurface or occlude, a defect of a semicircular canal, e.g., a superior semicircular canal dehiscence, as well as methods of making and using these devices. For example, the devices can be made using three-dimensional (3D) printing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a sewing cuff for aortic heart valves that better approximates native anatomy by better mating with the crown-like anatomical annulus. Limiting distortion of the crown-like annulus provides better blood flow and overall valve function and provides a physician greater ease of implantation since native anatomy is not flattened. Thus, the surgeon may attach sutures to the fibrous tissue of the crown-like anatomical annulus without distorting the shape of the native anatomy. An embodiment includes a scalloped sewing cuff assembly (with semilunar arches) that tracks the crown-like annulus. Another embodiment provides a sewing cuff positioned over the majority of the valve's length, thus allowing the surgeon greater flexibility as to where he or she can attach sutures to the surgical annulus. Conventional valves, which are primarily “low-profile” devices, do not offer such ability. Other embodiments are described herein.

Abstract: A hybrid prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be expanded post implant in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein (a valve-in-valve procedure). The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander. An inflow stent frame is expandable for anchoring the valve in place, and may have an outflow end that is collapsible for delivery and expandable post-implant to facilitate a valve-in-valve procedure.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide a medical device for implantation in a patient-comprising a stent and a valve. The stent comprises a proximal region comprising a cylindrical shape having a first outer diameter in an expanded state, and a distal region comprising a cylindrical shape having a second outer diameter in the expanded state. The second outer diameter is greater than the first outer diameter. A proximal region of the valve is at least partially positioned within the proximal region of the stent, and the distal region of the valve is at least partially positioned within one of tapered and distal regions of the stent. When implanted, the proximal region of the stent and the proximal region of the valve are aligned with a native valve, and the distal region of the valve is distally spaced-apart from the native valve.

Abstract: A transcatheter heart valve prosthesis configured in accordance herewith includes an expandable frame having a plurality of commissure posts extending therefrom, a radially expandable tubular component attached to the plurality of commissure posts, and a locking mechanism operably coupled to a wire. The wire is at least partially slideably disposed within a channel formed in a wall of the tubular component and the locking mechanism is configured to permit the wire to be advanced within the channel to thereby transition the tubular component into a deployed configuration that at least partially engages tissue at the native heart valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a prosthetic heart valve at a native heart valve comprises an adjustable-lumen prosthetic valve support. In a delivery state, the prosthetic valve support is transluminally deliverable to the heart. The prosthetic valve support is transitionable, within the heart, into an implantation state for implantation at the native valve. In the implantation state, the prosthetic valve support has an inner edge that defines a lumen through the prosthetic valve support, the lumen having a first diameter. After the prosthetic valve support is implanted at the native valve, the prosthetic valve support is transitionable into an enlarged state in which the lumen has a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In the enlarged state, the prosthetic valve support is configured to support, at the native valve, the prosthetic heart valve within the lumen.

Abstract: The disclosure provides insertion tools and articles that facilitate entry of a medical device, such as a balloon catheter, into the body. In embodiments the insertion tools have an elongate hollow body (50) that is able to protect a portion of a medical device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, during an insertion procedure. In one embodiment the insertion tool has an elongate hollow body (131), a tapered distal end (135), and a locking mechanism (133) at the proximal end which can secure a portion of a balloon catheter. An opening at the distal end can allow passage of the balloon in a folded uninflated state.

Abstract: A guide catheter is described for introduction into a patient's vasculature, to provide a substantially continuous guide lumen within the vasculature to the ascending aorta, through which one or more other functional catheters may be introduced and removed during the procedure. The guide catheter includes an aligner at its distal region for aligning the position and/or inclination of the distal region of the guide catheter with respect to the ascending aorta. The aligner includes an embolic protection filter. The guide catheter is made of material collapsible/distensible in cross section to adopt a small shape when no catheter is present inside, and to distend to a large shape to accommodate passage of functional catheter therethrough. The cross-section shape collapses/distends by folding/unfolding of material without elastic stretching of the material.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a prosthetic valve (e.g., prosthetic heart valve) and a valve delivery apparatus for delivery of the prosthetic valve to a native valve site via the human vasculature. The delivery apparatus is particularly suited for advancing a prosthetic heart valve through the aorta (i.e., in a retrograde approach) for replacing a diseased native aortic valve. The delivery apparatus in particular embodiments is configured to deploy a prosthetic valve from a delivery sheath in a precise and controlled manner at the target location within the body.

Abstract: Prosthetic heart valves and methods of use of prosthetic heart valves may be provided. In one implementation, a prosthetic heart valve may include an annular outer frame, an inner frame, and at least one connector configured to secure the outer frame to the inner frame. The connector may be spaced apart from at least one of the downstream end of the outer frame or the downstream end of the inner frame. The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to maintain a greater distance between the downstream ends of the outer and inner frames when the prosthetic heart valve is radially compressed than when the prosthetic heart valve is radially expanded.