Abstract: A device (e.g., an annulus-constricting device) with N anchors may be affixed to a cardiac valve annulus as follows. First, the device is delivered to the vicinity of the annulus via a catheter. Next, the position and layout of the device is adjusted via the catheter. Next, only those anchors which are properly positioned are driven into the annulus or tissue adjacent to the annulus. The remaining anchors remain unlaunched at this point. The unlaunched anchors are subsequently moved into a good position using either a manipulating tool or catheter-steering techniques, after which they are driven into the annulus or tissue adjacent to the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bileaflet heart valve that has a central flow hemodynamic configuration similar to the human aortic valve. Further, the present invention provides a bileaflet heart valve that successfully removes the incidence of thrombosis. This design minimizes the mechanical resistance against leaflet movement and allows for a greater washing effect to minimize thrombosis.

Abstract: A method is presented for tricuspid valve commissural annuloplasty for secondary tricuspid insufficiency. The method comprises suturing through a valve annulus, and bringing the valve annulus to its normal size while eliminating its regurgitation. The suturing comprises applying individual sutures on pledgets through the tricuspid valve annulus from a right ventricle side along anteroposterior and posteroseptal commissures on both sides of each of said commissures, spaced-apart from them; taking out needles of said sutures from a right atrium side and tying knots along the commissures between them.

Abstract: An epicardial anchor system comprising a tether attachment member defining a portion of a tether passageway configured to receive a portion of a tether extending from a heart valve, a base having a rim defining a void along a circumference of the rim, and a tether capture device adjacent the tether attachment member and hingedly attached to the epicardial anchor, the tether capture device including an opening configured to receive the portion of the tether therethrough and a slot configured to capture the portion of the tether extending through the opening, and an actuation mechanism configured to flip the tether capture device from an unactuated condition to an actuated condition, wherein in the unactuated condition, the tether capture device is spaced from the void defined by the rim, and in the actuated condition, a first portion of the tether capture device is positioned within the void defined by the rim.

Abstract: A transcatheter atrio-ventricular valve prosthesis for functional replacement of an atrio-ventricular heart valve in a connection channel, the prosthesis comprising a radially expandable tubular body extending along an axis, and a valve arranged within and attached to the tubular body. The tubular body is provided with an outer circumferential groove which is open to the radial outside of the tubular body, whereby the tubular body is separated by the outer circumferential groove into first and second body sections. The tubular body is provided with a first plurality of projections which extend from the first or second body section in an axial direction of the tubular body and each of which has a free end arranged to overlap the outer circumferential groove. An elongate outer member may be disposed at the exterior of the connection channel wall structure at a level of the circumferential groove.

Abstract: Dislodgment of a constricting cord from an annulus can be prevented by delivering the distal loop portion of the constricting cord to the annulus using a percutaneous delivery tool, and launching anchors into the annulus so as to affix the distal loop portion of the constricting cord to the annulus. The percutaneous delivery tool is withdrawn in a proximal direction after the anchors have been launched. A pushing member is pressed in a distal direction so that the pushing member holds a portion of the constricting cord against the annulus with enough pressure to prevent dislodgment of any of the anchors during the withdrawal of the percutaneous delivery tool.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve, solving the technical problem of an existing prosthetic valve, when implanted in a certain valve site, not being adaptive to the physiological anatomy condition of the heart, being difficult to mount and fix properly and being easy to become displaced, and consequently affecting the function of the valve. The prosthetic valve comprises an annular frame (2) which has a mesh structure and can radially expand to deform; a connection line (10) is provided on the frame (2); the prosthetic valve is connected and fixed to an anatomical structure of a mounting position of a human body by means of the connection line (10); the connection line (10) surrounds the outside of the frame (2) to form several connection portions which extend out along the radial direction of the frame (2); the space surrounded by the connection portions can receive the thickness of the anatomical structure.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein include a heart valve replacement system that may be delivered to the targeted heart valve site via a delivery catheter. In some embodiments, the heart valve replacement system can assemble a valve device after the valve device is delivered to the heart. In some embodiments, heart valve replacement system includes two anterior flaps that are separate but overlap each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transcatheter method for providing fluid communication between two anatomical compartments. The present invention also relates to a transcatheter system comprising an intracorporeal connector for fluid communication between two anatomical compartments through at least one anatomical wall, wherein said connector is adapted to receive a flow regulating device, a connector, a flow regulating device and an insertion device.

Abstract: An occluder device for occluding a gap between a medical device and adjacent body tissue includes a conformable body having a hollow interior, a leading end and a trailing end; and a port disposed at the trailing end of the body and in fluid communication with the interior of the body.

Abstract: A percutaneous prosthetic heart valve assembly comprising a radially expandable anchor docking member, the anchor docking member having an unexpanded state and an expanded state, in the expanded state, the anchor docking member comprising a mechanism for receiving and engaging an implantable heart valve and a bioabsorbable gasket member disposed about the anchor docking member, the bioabsorbable gasket member comprising a bioabsorbable polymer material, the bioabsorbable gasket member having an unexpanded and an expanded state.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets coupled to the stent. The prosthetic heart valve may also include a sealing ring coupled to the inflow end of the stent, the sealing ring comprising a tube extending circumferentially around the inflow end of the stent. The tube may be formed from a wire coiled into a repeating shape, such as a rectangle or a diamond, so that the tube is collapsible. A covering may at least partially surround the tube. The sealing ring may include a first filler positioned within the tube and/or a second filler positioned between the tube and the covering.

Abstract: A heart valve sizing ring is disclosed. The sizing ring includes an outer ring; and an inner ring configured and arranged to couple to the outer ring. The outer ring and inner ring having a pair of complementary mating surfaces configured and arranged to grip sutures therebetween when coupled together. When coupled around sutures, the assembled ring may be tightened down against the heart valve to test the fit as if the sizing ring were a similarly sized prosthetic heart valve ring. The surgeon can then remove the sizing ring and replace it with a prosthetic ring.

Abstract: A system for implanting a heart valve that includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and a preformed groove disposed at an outer surface of the tubular body between the inflow end and the outflow end, wherein the preformed groove extends at least partially around the tubular body and having a circumferential opening facing radially outward of the tubular body. A valve may be disposed within and attached to the tubular body. Additionally, a trapping member may be configured to form at least a partial loop encircling the preformed groove so as to trap portions of native valve leaflets and/or chords in the preformed groove, the trapping member including one or more barbs.

Abstract: A system for implanting a heart valve that includes a radially self-expandable tubular body having an inflow end and a preformed groove disposed at an outer surface of the tubular body between the inflow end and the outflow end, wherein the preformed groove extends at least partially around the tubular body and having a circumferential opening facing radially outward of the tubular body. A valve may be disposed within and attached to the tubular body. Additionally, a trapping member may be configured to form at least a partial loop encircling the preformed groove so as to trap portions of native valve leaflets and/or chords in the preformed groove, the trapping member including one or more barbs.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent extending from an inflow end to an outflow end and a plurality of prosthetic valve leaflets coupled to the stent. The prosthetic heart valve may also include a sealing ring coupled to the inflow end of the stent, the sealing ring comprising a tube extending circumferentially around the inflow end of the stent. The tube may be formed from a wire coiled into a repeating shape, such as a rectangle or a diamond, so that the tube is collapsible. A covering may at least partially surround the tube. The sealing ring may include a first filler positioned within the tube and/or a second filler positioned between the tube and the covering.

Abstract: An apparatus for cinching an anatomic passage (e.g., the annulus of the mitral valve or another cardiac valve) includes a cinching cord, slotted anchors, and corresponding sliding members disposed in the slots of the anchors. The sliding members are held captive within the slots by a protrusion on one side of the slot and by the presence of the cinching cord in apertures of the sliding members on the other side of the slot, because the cinching cord passes through the aperture in each of the sliding members. In some embodiments, at least one sleeve of material that accepts tissue ingrowth is disposed over the cinching cord. A closed loop of cord may also be used in place of the cinching cord in alternative embodiments, so that subsequent to implantation, the closed loop of cord prevents the anatomic annulus from expanding.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly comprises a first prosthesis configured to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state at which the first annular prosthesis contacts native tissue of a body lumen. The heart valve assembly also comprises a second prosthesis comprising a valve, and a connection adapter that secures the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis, the connection adapter having a multi-lobed circumference.

Abstract: A pharmacological delivery implement for use with cardiac repair devices. The pharmacological delivery implement comprises a porous member defining an outer surface, an internal channel configured to selectively house a pharmacological agent, and a plurality of release holes each extending from the outer surface to the internal channel. Following implantation of the pharmacological delivery implement, at least a portion of the pharmacological agent exits the internal channel through the plurality of release holes.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, the stent including a plurality of struts. A cuff may be coupled to the stent so that a flat, bottom edge of the cuff lies adjacent the proximal end of the stent. A pattern of stitches may be circumferentially disposed around the flat bottom edge of the cuff, the pattern of stitches alternating between stitches sewn to the cuff only and stitches sewn to both the cuff and the stent.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (100) includes a flexible anchoring member (110) at least partially surrounding and coupled to an inner valve support (120). The device can further include a prosthetic valve (130) coupled to, mounted within, or otherwise carried by the valve support. The valve support includes a plurality of posts (122) connected circumferentially by a plurality of struts (124), where the posts extend along an axial direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis (101) and the struts extend circumferentially around and transverse to the longitudinal axis. The posts extend an entire longitudinal height HI of the valve support 120. The device also includes one or more sealing members (140) and tissue engaging elements (170) like spikes.

Abstract: An arterial anchor device and a venous anchor device operably coupled by graft material to form an anastomotic convector is provided. The arterial anchor device comprises a generally tubular main body including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end defining a plurality of flanges integrally formed with the tubular main body and being movable from a first loaded position to a second expanded position. The venous anchor device includes a tubular main body having a metal frame structure and including a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end including a plurality of barbs thereon wherein said distal end has an outer diameter greater than the proximal end. The arterial anchor device and venous devices are fluidly connected by a graft to form an anastomotic connector.

Abstract: A device for supporting soft tissue comprises a tubular body and is constituted of a sequence of compliant portions and anchoring portions. The anchoring portions each comprise anchor members adapted to penetrate into soft tissue. The compliant portions each comprise deformable members extending between ends of the compliant portion, at least one of a distance and orientation between said ends being adjustable by application of a force on the tubular body. The tubular body comprises a ring-like shape reached at least by deformation of the compliant portions, the ring-like shape having the anchor members of the anchoring portions protruding circumferentially along a direction defined by a vector having a component being at least tangential to the curve of the ring-like shape, for the retaining members to penetrate the soft tissue. A method for anchoring the device to soft tissue is also provided.

Abstract: A medical device used in cardiac surgery for replacement of diseased heart valves in humans. A heart valve prosthesis comprising a housing 1 having a projection 3 along its whole perimeter 2, an occluder 4 which restricts the blood backflow (I), and a cuff 5 made of fabric and having a mounting surface 6which comes into contact with cardiac tissues (II), and an outer surface 7 which comes into contact with the blood flow. Inside the cuff 5 are located a stent 8 forming an opening 9 for installation of the prosthesis housing 1, a supporting element 10 and a retaining element 11 which fix the projection 3 of the housing 1 within the stent 8 of the cuff 5 forming a quick-dismountable junction of the housing 1 with the cuff 5.

Abstract: Various systems, devices and methods associated with the placement of a dock or anchor (72) for a prosthetic mitral valve (120). The anchor (72) may take the form of a helical anchor having multiple coils (104, 108) and/or a stent-like structure. Various methods include different levels of minimal invasive procedures for delivering the prosthetic valve anchor (72) and prosthetic valve (120), as well as tissue anchors for plication or other purposes to the mitral valve position in the heart (14).

Abstract: Multiple component heart valves and apparatus and methods for implanting them are provided. The heart valve generally includes a first annular prosthesis and a second valve prosthesis. The first prosthesis includes an annular member compressible from a relaxed condition to a contracted condition to facilitate delivery into a biological annulus, the annular member being resiliently expandable towards the relaxed condition. The first prosthesis also includes guide rails extending therefrom. The second prosthesis includes an annular frame, valve elements, and receptacles for receiving respective guide rails therethrough when the second prosthesis is directed towards the first prosthesis. In addition, a valve holder may releasably carry the valve prosthesis that includes channels for receiving respective guide rails therethrough when the guide rails are received through the valve prosthesis.

Abstract: A prosthetic mitral heart valve including a contoured sewing ring that better matches the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring includes an inflow end and an outflow end, the outflow and having at least one raised portion. There may be two raised portions located approximately 120° apart from each other and designed to register with two anterior trigones of the mitral valve annulus. The sewing ring may be formed by a suture-permeable annular member surrounded by a fabric covering, the annular member desirably being molded of silicone. The raised portion(s) may gently curve upward to a height of about 2 mm above the adjacent portions of the outflow end of the sewing ring. The sewing ring may also be constructed so as to be more flexible around a posterior aspect than around an anterior aspect to accommodate calcified tissue more commonly found around the posterior annulus. The contoured sewing ring can be combined with various types of heart valve including bioprosthetic and mechanical valves.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member.

Abstract: A method for implanting a heart valve assembly includes a first annular prosthesis for implantation within a tissue annulus, a second valve prosthesis, and a multi-lobed connection adapter to secure the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis. In one embodiment, the adapter is arranged to allow the second prosthesis to be secured to the first prosthesis in a predetermined angular orientation. During use, the first annular prosthesis is implanted into the annulus, and the second valve prosthesis is inserted into the annulus. The adapter secures the second prosthesis relative to the first prosthesis to align the second prosthesis with the first prosthesis in a predetermined angular orientation; and secure the second prosthesis to the first prosthesis in the predetermined angular orientation.

Abstract: A prosthesis can be configured to be deployed within a body cavity. The prosthesis has an expandable frame, a plurality of proximal anchors, and a plurality of distal anchors, where the various anchors are connected to the frame. Radial expansion of the frame can cause the ends of the proximal anchors and the ends of the distal anchors to draw closer together.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve has a base stent that is deployed at a treatment site, and a valve component configured to quickly connect to the base stent. The base stent may take the form of a self- or balloon-expandable stent that expands outward against the native valve with or without leaflet excision. The valve component has a non-expandable prosthetic valve and a self- or balloon-expandable coupling stent for attachment to the base stent, thereby fixing the position of the valve component relative to the base stent. The prosthetic valve may be a commercially available valve with a sewing ring and the coupling stent attaches to the sewing ring. The system is particularly suited for rapid deployment of heart valves in a conventional open-heart surgical environment.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a base including a multi-lobular annular shape within a plane, a valve member or other annular body including a multi-lobular shape complementary to the shape of the base, and cooperating connectors on the base and the annular body for connecting the annular body to the base. The base includes an anchoring ring, and a flexible cuff for attaching the base to a biological annulus. The base and the annular body include guides for aligning their multi-lobular shapes, e.g., visual, tactile, or other markers, or tethers that extend from the base that are slidable through the annular body. During use, the base is attached to a biological annulus, the annular body is directed adjacent the annulus, oriented such that the multi-lobular shape of the annular body valve member is aligned with the base, and the annular body is attached to the base.

Abstract: Techniques are described for delivering a replacement valve to a target location in a patient. In one example, a medical device system includes an implantable medical device comprising an expandable anchor, a locking member engaged to a first end of the anchor, two posts configured to engage the locking member, each of the posts being engaged to a portion of the anchor, each post defining a hole at a distal end of the post, and a fastening element extending through each hole of a respective post and being engaged to a second end of the anchor, where, in a locked configuration, the posts are secured to the locking member.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular stent having annularly spaced commissure portions. The tips of the commissure portions are preferably covered with fabric, and then additional fabric covers that fabric and the remainder of the stent, both inside and out (possibly also including a sewing ring insert at or near the base or inflow edge). The fabric is then covered by a layer of tissue, again both inside and out. A single sheet of additional tissue is mounted around the outside of the previously assembled components. This additional tissue forms the leaflet portions of the valve. The leaflet portions of the additional tissue are shaped by contact with a shaped mandrel, and the tissue of the structure is subjected to fixation (e.g., cross-linking) to produce a completed valve.

Abstract: A suture locking assembly for use with a heart valve repair device. The suture locking assembly including a rim and a suture band. The rim defines a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rim is configured to extend at least partially around a periphery of the heart valve repair device. The suture band is maintained between the first flange and the second flange. The suture locking assembly is configured to securely maintain a suture segment that is pulled from a first position to a second position relative the suture locking assembly, the second position being at least partially defined near an outer periphery of the rim.

Abstract: An invasive cardiac valve comprises a tubular stent (1) and a valve (2). One end of the tubular stent (1) is of a frusto-conical structure, the other end is wide open, and the diameter of the open end is greater than the diameter of the frusto-conical end. The valve (2) is attached to the frusto-conical end of the tubular stent (1); and a delivery and retrieval hole (4) of the cardiac valve is provided at the top of the open end of the tubular stent (1). Because the diameter of the open end is greater than the diameter of the frusto-conical end, the cardiac valve can be effectively fixed in a position of aortic annulus to prevent the cardiac valve displacement caused by the impact of the blood flow. Because the valve (2) is attached to the frusto-conical end of the tubular stent (1), the valve (2) can totally avoid the left and right coronary ostia and does not affect the haemodynamics of the coronary artery.

Abstract: A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis and a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus. The prosthesis includes an annular member, a flexible core at least partially defining a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member, a rail ring disposed between the flexible core and the annular member, and a plurality of guide rails extending from the rail ring through respective openings in the flexible core. A fabric covering covers the prosthesis, and the guide rails extend through respective openings in the fabric covering. The prosthetic valve includes a frame including receptacles for receiving respective guide rails. After implanting the prosthesis within a biological annulus, the prosthetic valve is advanced along the guide rails until retention elements on the guide rails engage the receptacles to secure the prosthetic valve relative to the prosthesis.

Abstract: Tissue restraining systems and devices as well as methods of using these devices are disclosed herein. According to aspects illustrated herein, there is provided a tissue restraining device that may include an annuloplasty member having one or more contact points along a portion of the annuloplasty member in a spaced relation to one another. The tissue restraining device may also include a second anchor for placement in a substantially opposing, spaced relation to the annuloplasty member. A restraining matrix may extend from the contact points of the annuloplasty member to the second anchor.

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 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 fixation band has a tubular frame and a tube, wherein the tubular frame comprises longitudinally-extending members having a hook on its distal end and fixation means on its proximal end. The tubular frame preferably comprises a laterally-extending member for stabilization. The tube is positioned inside longitudinally-extending members and a sewing cuff is formed in the tube distal to the distalmost end of the longitudinally-extending members. A standard prosthetic valve can be secured to the fixation band by suturing the prosthetic valve's sewing cuff to the fixation band's sewing cuff and the prosthetic valve can be advanced to a valve seat. By pulling the tubular frame proximally, the hooks pass into surrounding tissue so that the fixation band and prosthetic valve are fixed against proximal movement. The fixation means then secure the fixation band to the surrounding tissue so that the prosthetic valve is fixed against distal movement.

Abstract: A device for connection between a heart prosthesis and a person's natural auricles includes a structure for joining to the natural auricles with individual suture attachments mounted so as to be free in rotation and movable.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for thermally and/or mechanically treating tissue, such as valvular structures, to reconfigure or shrink the tissue in a controlled manner. Mechanical clips are implanted over the leaflets of a valve, e.g., in the heart, either alone or after thermal treatment to cause the valve to close more tightly. The clips are delivered by a catheter and may be configured to traverse directly over the valve itself or to lie partially over the periphery of the valve to prevent obstruction of the valve channel. The clips can be coated with drugs or a radiopaque coating. Alternatively, individual anchors with a tensioning element, like a suture, may be used to approximate the valves towards each other. The catheter can also incorporate sensors or energy delivery devices, e.g., transducers, on its distal end.

Abstract: A highly flexible tissue-type heart valve is disclosed having a structural stent in a generally cylindrical configuration with cusps and commissures that are permitted to move radially. The stent commissures are constructed so that the cusps are pivotably or flexibly coupled together at the commissures to permit relative movement therebetween. The stent may be cloth-covered and may be a single element or may be made in three separate elements for a three cusp valve, each element having a cusp portion and two commissure portions; adjacent commissure portions for each pair of adjacent stent element combining to form the stent commissures. If the stent has separate elements their commissure portions may be pivotably or flexible coupled, or may be designed to completely separate into independent leaflets at bioresorbable couples. The cloth covering may have an outwardly projecting flap that mates with valve leaflets (e.g., pericardial leaflets) along the cusps and commissures.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member.

Abstract: A suture locking assembly for use with a heart valve repair device. The suture locking assembly including a rim and a suture band. The rim defines a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rim is configured to extend at least partially around a periphery of the heart valve repair device. The suture band is maintained between the first flange and the second flange. The suture locking assembly is configured to securely maintain a suture segment that is pulled from a first position to a second position relative the suture locking assembly, the second position being at least partially defined near an outer periphery of the rim.

Abstract: A suture locking assembly for use with a heart valve repair device. The suture locking assembly including a rim and a suture band. The rim defines a first flange and a second flange spaced from the first flange. The rim is configured to extend at least partially around a periphery of the heart valve repair device. The suture band is maintained between the first flange and the second flange. The suture locking assembly is configured to securely maintain a suture segment that is pulled from a first position to a second position relative the suture locking assembly, the second position being at least partially defined near an outer periphery of the rim.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve assembly includes a gasket member and a valve member including a plurality of fasteners and a plurality of engagement members corresponding to the fasteners. The fasteners and/or engagement members may be configured to guide the engagement members into engagement with the fasteners. For example, the fasteners may include U-shaped spring-biased clips, e.g., attached to a core or other portion of a sewing cuff of the gasket member, and the engagement members may include latches or barbed protrusions that engage one or more holes in the fasteners. During use, the gasket member is introduced into a tissue annulus, and secured to the annulus, e.g., using a plurality of clips directed through the sewing cuff. The valve member is then introduced into the annulus and the engagement members are snapped or otherwise guided into engagement with the fasteners to secure the valve member relative to the gasket member.

Abstract: An intraparietal reinforcing device is designed to be integrated into a biological valvular prosthesis consisting of a biological cardiac valve having a valve plane formed by leaflets attached laterally to an external wall along commissurae. The device can be placed in the organic tissue of the valve, and includes a base and a stabilizing part mounted thereon. The device can be inserted inside the external wall of the valve to reinforce the valve's structure and to maintain the valve's shape after implantation. The stabilizing part includes at least two intraparietal shafts, designed to be inserted into the valve tissue and positioned on the base so that, once the device is put in place on the valve, they are displaced laterally to the intersection point of the intersection line of the external wall with the commissurae and of the valve plane. A biological prosthesis may be provided with such a device.