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 valve body and atrial anchors and ventricular anchors extending from the valve body. An atrial anchor may include a pivoting portion configured to extend in an upstream direction when the prosthetic heart valve is in a delivery configuration and in a downstream direction when the prosthetic heart valve is in a deployed-anchor configuration. A portion of a ventricular anchor may be configured to abut the annular valve body when the prosthetic heart valve is arranged in the delivery configuration.

Abstract: An implantable valve replacement system for a cardiovascular valve may include an adjustable stabilizing ring. The stabilizing ring may be composed of a body member that is transitionable from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry. The stabilizing ring may further include a plurality of anchors deployable in the annular operable geometry to engage the annulus of the cardiovascular valve. The ring may be used in conjunction with an implantable valve frame. The valve frame may be located within the ring and the ring, in turn, may be stabilized through the anchors engaging the valve annulus. The valve replacement system may be applied by engaging the ring in its annular operable geometry with the valve annulus through the anchors. The valve frame may be inserted through the opening of the ring, thereby forming a stabilizing mechanical contact between the frame and the annulus.

Abstract: A spacer for creating a docking station for a transcatheter heart valve is provided. The spacer changes an effective diameter and/or a shape of an implanted bioprosthetic structure such as a bioprosthetic heart valve or annuloplasty ring, providing a supporting structure into which the transcatheter valve expands without over expanding. The spacer may be deployed through an interventional technique either through transseptal access, transfemoral access, or transapical access and is typically deployed at least in part on an inflow portion of the implanted bioprosthetic structure.

Abstract: Anchoring assemblies that increase the surface area and/or amount of anchored tissue include a barb anchor, translatably disposed within the opening of an anchor housing, the barb anchor comprising a barb arm, the barb arm including a linear configuration wherein the barb arm is aligned with an axis of the opening and a deflected configuration wherein at least a portion the barb arm is deflected away from a central axis of the opening of the anchor housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation enhancement element for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, catheter and driver; and a method for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: An exemplary method of performing an annuloplasty procedure includes introducing a catheter into a left atrium of a heart, deploying a first member from the catheter, anchoring the first member to a posterior side of a mitral valve annulus in the left atrium, deploying a second member from the catheter, anchoring the second member to an anterior side of the mitral valve annulus in the left atrium, deploying a flexible tensile member from the catheter, attaching the tensile member to both the first member and the second member and applying tension to the tensile member to draw the first member and the second member toward one another and bring the posterior side and the anterior side of the mitral valve annulus into closer approximation. Annuloplasty systems and components are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device structured to suppress mitral regurgitation by restricting prolapse of a mitral valve leaflet and including a base correspondingly dimensioned to the mitral valve and including a central portion, structured to allow blood flow there through and a peripheral portion or ring connected to the central portion in substantially surrounding relation thereto. An operative position of the base includes the central portion disposed in overlying, movement restricting relation to at least one of the valve leaflets and the ring concurrently anchored adjacent or directly to the native annulus of the mitral valve. The physical characteristics of the base facilitate its movement with and conformance to the mitral valve during diastole and systole cycles of the heart.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to valve replacement devices that are foldable for catheter-based deployment to the site of implantation, as well as systems for the delivery of valve prostheses, including prostheses having the special characteristics of the disclosed valve replacement devices. The devices include highly effective adhering mechanisms for secure and enduring precision implantation. The adhering mechanisms may employ a unique sealing mechanism that includes a cuff that expands slowly whereby the device is not secured in place until the completion of the implantation procedure. The implanted device, optionally together with the cuff, prevents perivalvular leaks and incorporate an appropriate leaflet system for reliable functioning in situ.

Abstract: Systems for mitral valve repair are disclosed where one or more mitral valve interventional devices may be advanced intravascularly into the heart of a patient and deployed upon or along the mitral valve to stabilize the valve leaflets. The interventional device may also facilitate the placement or anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve implant. The interventional device may generally comprise a distal set of arms pivotably and/or rotating coupled to a proximal set of arms which are also pivotably and/or rotating coupled. The distal set of arms may be advanced past the catheter opening to a subannular position (e.g., below the mitral valve) and reconfigured from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed securement configuration. The proximal arm members may then be deployed such that the distal and proximal arm members may grip the leaflets between the two sets of arms to stabilize the leaflets.

Abstract: A low profile implant, system and method of deployment includes a frame comprising an elongate body having ends that overlap to form an annular configuration of the frame. A circumference of the frame may be modified by varying an extent of the overlap between the ends of the elongate body. The elongate structure may extend through a sleeve of a number of respective anchor housings of the implant along a first axis, and anchors may be deployed through bores in the anchor housings along a second axis to secure the anchor housings to tissue. The implant may be deployed about and anchored to a valve annulus, and the circumference of the frame, and associated anchored tissue, may be adjusted to reconfigure the valve annulus.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant is disclosed comprising first and second support rings arranged in a coiled configuration around an axial direction, and being adapted to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets to pinch said leaflets. At least part of said first and second support ring is formed from a carbon fiber material. The first and second support rings are resiliently movable with respect to each other in opposite directions along said axial direction. A method of manufacturing an annuloplasty implant is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for use in the transcatheter treatment of mitral valve regurgitation, specifically a coaptation assistance devices for implantation across the valve; a system including the coaptation enhancement element and anchors for implantation; a system including the coaptation enhancement element, and one or more of the following: transseptal sheath, anchor delivery catheter, implant delivery catheter, and clip delivery catheter; and methods for transcatheter implantation of a coaptation element across a heart valve.

Abstract: A two-part aortic annular support system for supporting an aortic annulus during aortic valve repair procedures for prevention of further annular dilation. The first part comprises a composite annular ring that is positionable from within an aortic valve into the left ventricular outflow tract at the level of annular plane. The composite ring comprises a semi-rigid section and a resiliently deformable section. The semi-rigid section is shorter in length than the deformable section. The deformable section is extendible into a commissure of the aortic valve. The second part is a resilient band that is positionable external to the aortic root. The resilient band is securable to the composite ring through the aortic annulus by suturing. The present disclosure also relates to a use of the aortic annular support system and a method of inserting and securing the aortic annular support system during a surgical intervention.

Abstract: There is provided herein a supra mitral device for mitral/tricuspid valve repair in a subject in need thereof, the device comprising: a main body portion having essentially annular D-shape with an eccentric opening, such that a posterior section of said main body portion is wider than an anterior section of said main body portion, said posterior section of said main body portion configured for coverage and attachment to essentially the whole section of the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve which faces the left atrium on systole, thereby preventing and/or reducing mitral regurgitation, wherein said posterior section of said main body portion is made of a pliable material, adapted to stiffen after implantation of the device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an annuloplasty device that includes a wire configured to extend around at least part of an annulus of a cardiac or vascular valve, such as at least partially around a circumference of the annulus, and a plurality of anchors. The anchors of the plurality of anchors are configured to engage the wire and anchor the wire to the annulus. The wire is configured to urge at least some anchors of the plurality of anchors toward each other in a radially inward direction to decrease a distance between valve leaflets that extend from the annulus.

Abstract: Implants, implant systems, and methods for treatment of mitral valve regurgitation and other valve diseases generally include a coaptation assist body which remains within the blood flow path as the leaflets of the valve move, the valve bodies often being relatively thin, elongate (along the blood flow path), and/or conformable structures which extend laterally from commissure to commissure, allowing the native leaflets to engage and seal against the large, opposed surfaces on either side of the valve body during the heart cycle phase when the ventricle contracts to empty that chamber of blood, and allows blood to pass around the valve body so that blood flows from the atrium to the ventricle during the filling phase of the heart cycle. Separate deployment of independent anchors near each of the commissures may facilitate positioning and support of an exemplary triangular valve body, with a third anchor being deployed in the ventricle.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for treating a subject with a diseased mitral valve. A docking element is implanted within the subject's left atrium such that no portion of the docking element extends through the subject's mitral valve. The docking element includes a ring having a smaller size than that of the subject's mitral annulus, and which configured to be implanted within 15 mm of the mitral annulus. A frame extends upwardly from the ring, a portion of the frame being configured to be disposed in a vicinity of the mitral annulus and to generate tissue ingrowth from the subject's atrial walls in the vicinity of the mitral annulus. A material disposed between the portion of the frame and the ring is configured to form a seal between atrial walls in the vicinity of the mitral annulus and the ring. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for an atrial retractor designed to expose the valves of the heart. The device is made in the shape of an interrupted ring with inset legs to reach into the atria. Segments of the ring, legs, and feet may be made of an elastic material to provide force for retraction of tissue to allow the workspace to be accessible for any surgical procedure to the valves.

Abstract: Within a delivery passage of a catheter, an elongated and flexible annuloplasty structure is transluminally advanced toward a heart of a subject while the annuloplasty structure is in a substantially linear configuration in which a distal end of the annuloplasty structure is closer than a proximal end of the annuloplasty structure to a distal opening of the catheter. Subsequently, the distal end of the annuloplasty structure is advanced, followed by the proximal end of the annuloplasty structure, out of the catheter and into an atrium of the heart. Within the atrium, the annuloplasty structure is transitioned toward a ring form by the distal end of the annuloplasty structure being brought towards the proximal end of the annuloplasty structure. While the annuloplasty structure remains in the ring form, the annuloplasty structure is placed against tissue of the annulus and is anchored to the tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the function of a defective heart valve, and particularly for reducing regurgitation through an atrioventricular heart valve—i.e., the mitral valve and the tricuspid valve. For a tricuspid repair, the device includes an anchor deployed in the tissue of the right ventricle, in an orifice opening to the right atrium, or anchored to the tricuspid valve. A flexible anchor rail connects to the anchor and a coaptation element on a catheter rides over the anchor rail. The catheter attaches to the proximal end of the coaptation element, and a locking mechanism fixes the position of the coaptation element relative to the anchor rail. Finally, there is a proximal anchoring feature to fix the proximal end of the coaptation catheter subcutaneously adjacent the subclavian vein. The coaptation element includes an inert covering and helps reduce regurgitation through contact with the valve leaflets.

Abstract: A cardiac valve annulus may be constricted by using an apparatus to deliver a cord to the annulus, affixing the cord, and subsequently tightening that cord. In some embodiments, this apparatus includes a housing, a spool, and an elongated core with lumens that run through the core. The lumens are dimensioned to slidably accommodate portions of the cord. The cord, the lumens, and the spool are configured so that after a distal loop portion of the cord is anchored to the annulus, movement of the housing in a proximal direction will (a) cause the core to progressively move in a proximal direction with respect to portions of the cord and (b) cause extension sections of the cord to progressively unwind from the spool and be progressively drawn into the lumens.

Abstract: An epicardial clip for reshaping the annulus of the mitral valve of a heart includes a curved member having an anterior segment configured to be positioned in the transverse sinus of the heart, a posterior segment configured to be positioned on the posterior side of the heart, such as on or inferior to the atrioventricular groove, and a lateral segment extending between the anterior segment and the posterior segment. The lateral segment includes a curve such that the first end of the member is positioned at or above the plane of the mitral valve and the second end of the member is positioned at or below the plane of the mitral valve.

Abstract: A prolapse prevention device formed by a continuous wire-like structure having a first end and a second end disconnected from each other. The continuous wire-like structure of the prolapse prevention device is substantially straight in a delivery configuration. The prolapse prevention device in a deployed configuration includes a centering ring of the continuous wire-like structure configured to seat adjacent to and upstream of an annulus of a heart valve in situ, a vertical support of the continuous wire-like structure which extends from the centering ring and includes an apex configured to seat against a roof of an atrium in situ, and a leaflet backstop of the continuous wire-like structure extending radially inward from the centering ring and configured to contact at least at least a first leaflet of the heart valve in situ to exert a pressure in a downstream direction on the first leaflet to prevent the first leaflet from prolapsing into the atrium.

Abstract: A method for repairing a native valve of a patient during a non-open-heart procedure includes attaching two or more attachment members to the native valve. The method also includes applying a force to the two or more attachment members such that the two or more attachment members cause a cinching effect on at least a portion of the native valve. The method further includes securing the two or more attachment members with one or more anchor members such that the two or more attachment members maintain the cinching effect.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes delivering to a native valve annulus (e.g., a native mitral valve annulus) of a heart a prosthetic heart valve having a body expandable from a collapsed, delivery configuration to an expanded, deployed configuration. The method can further include, after the delivering, causing the prosthetic heart valve to move from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration. With the prosthetic heart valve in its deployed configuration, an anchor can be delivered and secured to at least one of a fibrous trigone of the heart or an anterior native leaflet of the native valve. With the prosthetic heart valve disposed in the native valve annulus and in its deployed configuration, an anchoring tether can extending from the anchor can be secured to a wall of the heart to urge the anterior native leaflet towards the body of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for delivery of an annuloplasty implant for a patient are disclosed. The delivery system comprises a commissure locator device for locating a commissure, comprising; an extension member, a catheter, and wherein the extension member is extendable relative the catheter for location of at least one commissure of a cardiac valve, and a coronary sinus contractor for temporary insertion into the coronary sinus (CS) and having a displacement unit being temporarily transferable to an activated state in Which the shape of the annulus Of the heart valve is modified to a modified shape to be retained by said annuloplasty implant.

Abstract: An implant structure, comprises a body portion, a first adjusting mechanism, and a second adjusting mechanism. The body portion is configured to be secured around an annulus of a native valve of a heart of a patient. The first adjusting mechanism is coupled to a first portion of the body portion, and comprises a first ring that surrounds the first portion and is moveable with respect to the body portion. The second adjusting mechanism is coupled to a second portion of the body portion, and comprises a second ring that surrounds the second portion and is moveable with respect to the body portion. A first elongate tool is configured to remodel tissue of the heart by actuating the first adjusting mechanism. A second elongate tool is configured to remodel tissue of the heart by actuating the second adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A system for reshaping a valve annulus includes an elongate template having a length along a longitudinal axis and at least one concavity in a generally lateral direction along said length. The pre-shaped template is positioned against at least a region of an inner peripheral wall of the valve annulus, and at least one anchor on the template is advanced into a lateral wall of the valve annulus to reposition at least one segment of the region of the inner peripheral wall of the valve annulus into said concavity. In this way, a peripheral length of the valve annulus can be foreshortened and/or reshaped to improve coaption of the valve leaflets and/or to eliminate or decrease regurgitation of a valve.

Abstract: The invention is a prosthetic device for improving function of a mitral valve. The device includes a sealing member configured for positioning between mitral valve leaflets. The device also includes an expandable anchor frame configured to be positioned within one or more heart chambers, for maintaining the sealing member at a desired position between valve leaflets. The sealing member reduces mitral regurgitation be filling the gap that can occur between opposing leaflets of a damaged mitral valve, thus restoring proper mitral valve closure.

Abstract: An interventional curvature device for temporarily adjusting the structure of a heart during a heart valve repair procedure in order to enhance the effectiveness of the heart valve repair procedure. The curvature device is adjustable between a collapsed configuration with a profile suitable for delivery of the device to a coronary sinus and great cardiac vein of a patient, and an expanded configuration for lodging of the device at the coronary sinus and great cardiac vein. The curvature device has a distal section that anchors within the great cardiac vein, and a proximal section that anchors within the coronary sinus. A tether is coupled to the distal end of the device and extends through the device and past the proximal end. An increase in tension in the tether increases the curvature of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart implant comprising an attachment element (2), particularly a tubular attachment element for attaching a sheath (4), preferably having a sheath (4) being coaxially positioned around at least a part of the attachment element (2) and fixed to it, the attachment element (2) having a lower end (2a) and an upper end (2b) and several strips (3) at least at one of the ends, preferably being split into several strips at least at one of the ends (2b), preferably only at the upper end (2b), the strips (3) forming an expandable anchoring cage, particularly for fixing the heart implant to a lumen of the heart, preferably the atrium, by surface contact between an exterior surface of the expandable cage and an interior lumen surface, the strips (3) of the anchoring cage ending in respective strip tips (7) at the end of their extension in the compressed state, particularly during delivery through a catheter (1), the strip tips (7) forming the distal or proximal end of the implant, particularl

Abstract: This invention relates to a delivery apparatus and method for deployment of a mitral valve replacement.

Abstract: A heart valve repair device, comprising an atrial-fixation member having an expandable mesh configured to have oval or circular shape in a deployed configuration, the atrial-fixation member defining a central lumen; and a baffle extending from a portion of the atrial-fixation member, the baffle having an anterior portion with a smooth, atraumatic surface configured to coapt with at least a portion of one or more native leaflets of a native heart valve, a posterior portion configured to engage and displace at least a portion of another native leaflet of the native heart valve, wherein the baffle extends radially inward from the atrial-fixation member into the central lumen to approximate a closed position of the displaced native leaflet.

Abstract: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets, to inhibit prolapse into the left atrium. At least one marginal chordae is severed, to permit leaflet closure against the band.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repairing a cardiac valve, the apparatus including a catheter sized for delivery through vasculature of a subject and an elongated and flexible annuloplasty structure having an elongated lumen and an annuloplasty structure axis extending along the lumen. The annuloplasty structure is sized and configured for delivery to a heart of the subject through the catheter substantially along a catheter axis of the catheter while the annuloplasty structure axis is substantially parallel to the catheter axis. The apparatus also includes a plurality of anchors configured for delivery to a region of cardiac tissue from a proximal end of the catheter toward a distal end of the catheter and substantially along the annuloplasty structure axis and the catheter axis while at least a portion of the annuloplasty structure is within a delivery passage of the catheter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An auxetic polygonal cell may have a plurality of chiral structures capable of rotation. The plurality of chiral structures may at least partially enclose a volume. Each of the chiral structures may include a first cross member having a first set of distal ends and a second cross member intersecting the first cross member, the second cross member having a second set of distal ends. The chiral structures may also include a first set of legs, wherein each leg of the first set of legs extends from at least one distal end of the first set of distal ends and a second set of legs, wherein each leg of the second set of legs extends from at least one distal end of the second set of distal ends.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a tissue shaping device adapted to be disposed in a vessel near a patient's heart to reshape the patient's heart. Such tissue shaping device can include an expandable proximal anchor; a proximal anchor lock adapted to lock the proximal anchor in an expanded configuration; an expandable distal anchor; a distal anchor lock adapted to lock the distal anchor in an expanded configuration; and a connector disposed between the proximal anchor and the distal anchor, the connector having a substantially non-circular cross-section.

Abstract: Anchor devices and methods can be used to secure a prosthetic valve to a native valve annulus. The anchor device can be a separate expandable element from the prosthetic valve that is first advanced to the annulus and deployed, after which an expandable prosthetic valve is advanced to within the annulus and deployed. The combination of the two elements can apply a clamping force to the valve leaflets which holds the prosthetic valve in place. The anchor device can have a lower or ventricular portion and an upper or atrial portion. The anchor device can include one or more leaflet clamping portions. One, two, or more upstanding vertical posts between the clamping portions can extend upward at the valve commissures and support the upper portion, which can include one or more structures for leak prevention.

Abstract: Mitral valve prolapse and mitral regurgitation can be treating by implanting in the mitral annulus a transvalvular intraannular band. The band has a first end, a first anchoring portion located proximate the first end, a second end, a second anchoring portion located proximate the second end, and a central portion. The central portion is positioned so that it extends transversely across a coaptive edge formed by the closure of the mitral valve leaflets. The band may be implanted via translumenal access or via thoracotomy.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for treatment of a diseased heart valve having native anterior and posterior leaflets that move between an open configuration and a closed position to regulate blood flow through the heart valve during a cardiac cycle of a heart. The prosthetic heart valve having a crescent shaped stent, at least one prosthetic leaflet mounted on an inner surface of the stent, and at least one prong structure coupling a portion of the at least one prosthetic leaflet to a lower ventricular portion of the stent frame. The prosthetic heart valve further having systems for anchoring the upper flared portion of the stent to a posterior portion of the native valve annulus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for repairing a cardiac valve, the apparatus can include a flexible annuloplasty structure having a sleeve with an elongated tubular side wall and a distal tip. A first tissue anchor can passing through the distal tip of the sleeve, and a second tissue anchor can pass through a section of the tubular side wall. The first and second tissue anchors can extend in a substantially same direction. A longitudinal portion of the tubular side wall can be disposed between the first and second tissue anchors, and have a first lateral part opposite a second lateral part and closer to the first and second tissue anchors than the second lateral part is to the first and second tissue anchors. The second lateral part can have a degree of tension that is larger than a degree of tension of the first lateral part.

Abstract: A system for reshaping a valve annulus includes an elongate template having a length along a longitudinal axis and at least one concavity in a generally lateral direction along said length. The pre-shaped template is positioned against at least a region of an inner peripheral wall of the valve annulus, and at least one anchor on the template is advanced into a lateral wall of the valve annulus to reposition at least one segment of the region of the inner peripheral wall of the valve annulus into said concavity. In this way, a peripheral length of the valve annulus can be foreshortened and/or reshaped to improve coaption of the valve leaflets and/or to eliminate or decrease regurgitation of a valve.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring for attachment to an annulus of a tricuspid valve comprises an elongate tube of suturable material comprising a central segment and first and second end segments. An arcuate stiff ener is received in the central segment of the tube and extends the length thereof. The arcuate stiffener is circumferentially confined within the central segment to prevent circumferential movement of the stiffener relative to the tube. The first and second end segments of the tube lack a stiffener and are axially deformable.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve may comprise a tubular anchor member actuatable between an elongated delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, a buckle member fixedly attached to the anchor member, a post member axially translatable relative to the buckle member, an actuator member including a suture member forming a loop unreleasably attached to a distal end thereof, the actuator member being releasably connected to a proximal end of the post member by the loop, a release pin extending axially along the actuator member and through the loop in a first position, wherein axial translation of the release pin to a second position proximal the first position disconnects the actuator member from the post member, and a valve leaflet attached to the post member.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating blood flow regurgitation through a native heart valve (16) includes a selective occlusion device sized and configured to be implanted in the native heart valve (16) and selectively operating with at least one of the first or second native leaflets (16a, 16b) to allow blood flow through the native heart valve (16) when the heart cycle is in diastole and reduce blood flow regurgitation through the native heart valve (16) when the heart cycle is in systole. A clip structure (50) is coupled with the selective occlusion device. The clip structure (50) is configured to be affixed to a margin of at least one of the first or second native leaflets (16a, 16b) to secure the selective occlusion device to the native heart valve (16).

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant comprises a plurality of individual wires, each extending in a longitudinal direction of the implant between first and second opposite ends of the implant. A locking unit arranged at at least one of the ends comprises a locking structure connected to the plurality of individual wires, thereby collecting said plurality of individual wires together at at least one of the ends. The locking structure is configured to allow a relative movement between at least two of the plurality of individual wires inside the locking structure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to prostheses including a support structure having a proximal end and a distal end, and a motion limiting member attached to the distal end of the support structure, wherein the motion limiting member is configured to restrict radial expansion of the distal end of the support structure. Methods for delivering the prosthesis are also provided.

Abstract: An anchoring device that can be positioned within a native valve, such as the native mitral valve, to secure a replacement prosthetic valve in place. The anchoring device can comprise a docking station formed of a super elastic wire-like member defining a continuous, closed shape. The docking station can have an upper or atrial ring with at least two ring portions or half rings that are spaced apart across gaps. Descending bends from the ends of the two ring portions lead to a pair of anchors. The anchors can include oppositely-directed rounded V-shaped arms that extend generally parallel to the upper ring. When installed by a delivery device, the anchors can be located in the subvalvular space or the region/vicinity of the native leaflets and pinch the leaflets and the annulus against the upper ring which is located on the other side of the annulus.

Abstract: An implant system for capturing a regurgitant jet to effect preserving the atrioventricular pressure gradient and ventricular remodeling in a human heart including an expandable implant for positioning in the atrial/ventricular valve of the human heart and at least partially within the atrium and/or the ventricle, the expandable implant defining a first position for at least partially capturing the atrioventricular pressure gradient and regurgitant trans-valvular blood flow and associated driving forces during systole and a second position for steering flow from the atrium to the ventricle to enhance vorticular flow during diastole; a therapeutic apical base plate attachable to the apex of the heart; and a tethering conduit connected between the expandable implant and the therapeutic apical base plate assembly that transducts the energy and/or forces of captured regurgitant trans-valvular blood flow or atrioventricular pressure to the structures of the ventricle and the ventricular wall.