Abstract: Valve prostheses, implantation devices, and methods for use are provided. The devices may be used for transcatheter delivery of an aortic valve prosthesis or transapical delivery of a mitral valve prosthesis. The implantation device can utilize movable claspers for both positioning and anchoring the valve prosthesis, reducing the extent of imaging needed during the implantation procedure.

Abstract: A method for replacing a native heart valve with a prosthetic heart valve comprises moving a first portion of a prosthetic heart valve towards a second portion of the prosthetic heart valve along a plurality of guide wires, and lock the first portion to the second portion in a final, radially expanded configuration. The prosthetic heart valve is radially contractible and expandable, and in some embodiments, is self-expanding. Embodiments of the method are minimally invasive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit including a tubular endoprosthesis having an inner surface delimiting a channel with a longitudinal axis. The kit includes a prosthetic valve designed to be implanted in the channel. The valve includes a supporting frame having an outer surface designed to be pressed against the inner surface, and a flexible cover connected to the frame. The inner surface has at least two segments with variable cross-section along the longitudinal axis. The segments form respectively a proximal stop and a distal stop to lock the axial displacement of the outer surface along the inner surface along two opposite directions.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis and a valve prosthesis. The annular prosthesis includes an annular ring for dilating tissue within a biological annulus and a conformable sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member. The valve prosthesis includes a frame and a valve component. The annular ring is introduced into the biological annulus to dilate tissue surrounding the biological annulus and the sewing cuff conforms to tissue above the biological annulus. Fasteners are directed through the sewing cuff to secure the annular prosthesis to the biological annulus. The annular prosthesis may include a baleen element for biasing fabric on the annular ring outwardly to enhance sealing against the biological annulus. A valve prosthesis is then advanced into the sinus cavity, and secured relative to the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may enhance a seal between the valve prosthesis and annular prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic anatomical device, such as, for example an annuloplasty prosthesis, is disclosed in which the prosthesis comprises a generally annular core and a cover surrounding the core, with at least a portion of the cover forming a cuff. In some embodiments, the cover may be particularly configured about the core to form the cuff. Various methods and structures for mitigating or retarding movement between the annular core and the fabric cover are also disclosed.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of implanting a prosthetic aortic valve includes forming a surgical site within a patient's chest that includes a first access port, a second access port, a viewing port and a delivery port. A camera is inserted into the viewing port. The native aortic valve leaflets may each be grasped and removed via tools inserted through the first and second access ports. The prosthetic aortic valve may be delivered through the delivery port to the valve annulus using a delivery device. The prosthetic aortic valve is implanted at the valve annulus and the delivery device is withdrawn. A surgeon may perform the remotely operated steps while viewing images provided by the camera.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating obesity are provided, and more particularly, methods and devices for performing gastric bypasses are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment a gastric bypass procedure is provided that includes forming a gastro-entero anastomosis between a stomach and an intestine and forming an entero-entero anastomosis between a portion of the intestine distal to the gastro-entero anastomosis and a portion of the intestine proximal to the gastro-entero anastomosis. A surrogate path is formed between the esophagus and the gastro-entero anastomosis to at least partially direct fluid from the esophagus to the intestine by way of the gastro-entero anastomosis, thereby bypassing the stomach. A variety of devices that are particularly useful in gastric bypass procedures are also disclosed. The devices include anastomotic devices that can be coupled to or integrally formed with a shunt. The devices can include a plurality of tubular bodies that are configured to have an adjustable length.

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) has a support ring (20) and a valve body (30). The valve body (30) is supported by the ring (20) and comprises an annular body portion (31) that is rotatably engageable with the support ring (20). The annular body portion (30) supports a plurality of leaflets (32) that are moveable relative to each other and the annular body portion (30) between: a closed position and an open position upon changes in pressure differential across the valve assembly (10).

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having a valve housing providing a lumen therethrough. The valve housing has a first annulus on one end and a second annulus on the other end spaced apart from the first annulus. A suture cuff is used for attaching the valve housing to heart tissue of a patient. The cuff is attached between the first annulus and the second annulus. The cuff is positioned such that prosthesis is attached in a supra-annular position relative to a tissue annulus of the heart. The design allows for an increased valve lumen.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for implantation in a heart includes an outer orifice ring and an inner orifice ring having an occluding mechanism carried therein. A ring coupling mechanism having helical threads is adapted to couple the outer orifice ring to the inner orifice ring after the outer orifice ring has been coupled to the tissue annulus. The coupling mechanism comprises a first helical thread on an outer diameter of the inner ring and a second helical thread on an inner diameter of the outer ring. At least one of the diameters includes a retaining ridge configured to define an unthreaded region between the retaining ridge and the respective thread. When a helical thread is positioned in the unthreaded region, the inner ring is rotatable in the outer ring with substantially no movement in an axial direction of the valve.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having a valve housing providing a lumen therethrough. The valve housing has a first annulus on one end and a second annulus on the other end spaced apart from the first annulus. A suture cuff is used for attaching the valve housing to heart tissue of a patient. The cuff is attached between the first annulus and the second annulus. The cuff is positioned such that prosthesis is attached in a supra-annular position relative to a tissue annulus of the heart. The design allows for an increased valve lumen.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an orifice ring adapted to carry blood therethrough. An annular recess is formed in an outer surface of the orifice ring and has first and second axially spaced walls. A sewing cuff is adapted to be coupled to a native tissue annulus of a heart and includes an inner annular cuff portion adapted to conform to the first and second recess walls in the orifice ring. A cuff retaining ring extends around the inner annular fabric portion such that the inner annular cuff portion is positioned between the cuff retaining ring and the annular recess.

Abstract: A mechanical heart valve assembly includes an orifice coupled with a stiffening ring and sewing cuff by a lock wire. The lock wire is made from a super-elastic material, e.g., a nickel-titanium alloy, and pre-formed into a C-shape. The lock wire is inserted between the orifice and stiffening ring by piercing the sewing cuff that surrounds the ring, and passing the lock wire into a window in the stiffening ring and into the aligned lock wire grooves on the stiffening ring and orifice. Once seated in the lock wire grooves, the lock wire retains its C-shape, providing a secure coupling between the orifice and stiffening ring.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve for implantation in a heart includes an outer orifice ring for coupling to a tissue annulus of a heart. An inner orifice ring includes at least one leaflet occluder carried in a lumen of the inner orifice ring which is movable between an open position, which allows blood flow through the lumen, and a closed position which blocks blood flow through the lumen. The inner orifice ring is adapted to be coupled to the outer orifice ring after the outer orifice ring has been attached to the tissue annulus.