Abstract:
Some disclosed suture securement devices comprise a flat, thin, generally planar body that has one or more suture engagement slots extending into the body from a perimeter inlet for receiving sutures laterally into the device. The slots can be resiliently widened to receive a suture and then released to clamp onto the suture. Some embodiments include two or more such suture engagement slots that independently receive and secure different sutures. Some embodiments include one or more locking tabs that have a closed position that retains the slots against widening and blocks the inlet to the slot. In some embodiment two or more slots are position next to each other on the same side of the device, while in other embodiments slots are positioned on opposite sides of the device. Other types of suture securement devices are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Some disclosed suture securement devices comprise a flat, thin, generally planar body that has one or more suture engagement slots extending into the body from a perimeter inlet for receiving sutures laterally into the device. The slots can be resiliently widened to receive a suture and then released to clamp onto the suture. Some embodiments include two or more such suture engagement slots that independently receive and secure different sutures. Some embodiments include one or more locking tabs that have a closed position that retains the slots against widening and blocks the inlet to the slot. In some embodiment two or more slots are position next to each other on the same side of the device, while in other embodiments slots are positioned on opposite sides of the device. Other types of suture securement devices are also disclosed.
Abstract:
An expandable docking station includes an annular valve seat having an end, an annular outer wall comprising struts disposed around the valve seat, and links that connect the end of the annular valve seat to the annular outer wall. Each of the links extends from the struts of the annular outer wall directly toward a longitudinal axis that runs longitudinally through a center of the docking station, and to a corresponding one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending legs at least partially defining the annular valve seat. The outer wall is configured to conform to an interior shape of a blood vessel, when expanded inside the blood vessel, such that the outer wall can expand in multiple locations to conform to multiple bulges of the blood vessel and can contract in multiple locations to conform to multiple narrowed regions of the blood vessel.
Abstract:
An expandable sheath is disclosed herein, which has a first polymeric layer and a braided layer positioned radially outward of the first polymeric layer. The braided layer includes a plurality of filaments braided together. The expandable sheaths further include a resilient elastic layer positioned radially outward of the braided layer. The elastic layer is configured to apply radial force to the braided layer and the first polymeric layer. The expandable sheath further includes a second polymeric layer positioned radially outward of the elastic layer and bonded to the first polymeric layer such that the braided layer and the elastic layer are encapsulated between the first and second polymeric layers. Methods of making and using the devices disclosed herein are also disclosed, as are crimping devices that may be used in methods of making the devices disclosed herein.
Abstract:
A septal closure and port device for implantation in the atrial septum of a patient's heart comprises an expandable frame can comprise a central portion defining a lumen, and first and second opposing end portions. The frame is configured to expand and contract between a compressed, tubular configuration for delivery through the patient's vasculature and an expanded configuration in which the first and second end portions extend radially outwardly from the opposite ends of the central portion. The device can further comprise a valve member supported on the frame and positioned to block at least the flow of blood from the left atrium to the right atrium through the lumen of the frame. The valve member is configured to permit a medical instrument inserted through the lumen and into the left atrium, such as for performing a subsequent medical procedure in the left side of the heart.
Abstract:
A septal closure and port device for implantation in the atrial septum of a patient's heart includes an expandable frame having a central portion defining a lumen, and first and second opposing end portions. The frame is configured to expand and contract between a compressed, tubular configuration for delivery through the patient's vasculature and an expanded configuration in which the first and second end portions extend radially outwardly from the opposite ends of the central portion. The device can further include a valve member supported on the frame and positioned to block at least the flow of blood from the left atrium to the right atrium through the lumen of the frame. The valve member is configured to permit a medical instrument to be inserted through the lumen and into the left atrium, such as for performing a subsequent medical procedure in the left side of the heart.
Abstract:
Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.
Abstract:
Methods for the conditioning of bioprosthetic material employ bovine pericardial membrane. A laser directed at the fibrous surface of the membrane and moved relative thereto reduces the thickness of the membrane to a specific uniform thickness and smoothes the surface. The wavelength, power and pulse rate of the laser are selected which will smooth the fibrous surface as well as ablate the surface to the appropriate thickness. Alternatively, a dermatome is used to remove a layer of material from the fibrous surface of the membrane. Thinning may also employ compression. Stepwise compression with cross-linking to stabilize the membrane is used to avoid damaging the membrane through inelastic compression. Rather, the membrane is bound in the elastic compressed state through addition cross-linking. The foregoing several thinning techniques may be employed together to achieve strong thin membranes.
Abstract:
A multiple-fire securing device includes a hollow outer shaft, a reloader, a reloader movement assembly, a rail, and securing structures each defining an inner securing orifice. The reloader longitudinally moves within the outer shaft and has a distal end shaped to temporarily contact one of the securing structures. The rail is disposed within the reloader and has an installing location. The securing structures are disposed on the rail. The reloader movement assembly moves the reloader longitudinally in a distal direction to deliver a first securing structure to the installing location from a first proximal position and moves the reloader proximally away from the installing location without the first securing structure to a position in which the distal end of the reloader temporarily contacts a second one of the securing structures. The second and successive securing structures are moved one at a time to the installing location.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to implantable sealing devices, delivery apparatuses, and methods of their use, for closing surgical openings or defects in a sidewall of a vessel in a subject. In several embodiments, the disclosed implantable sealing devices, delivery apparatuses, and methods can be used to close a surgical opening in a sidewall of the heart.