Abstract:
A heart valve repair implant may include a first implant section having a first axial core, and a plurality of spines extending radially outward from the first axial core in an expanded configuration; a second implant section having a second axial core configured to slide over the first axial core, and a mesh portion configured to extend radially outward from the second axial core in an expanded configuration; a third implant section having a central tensioning element extending through the first axial core, and a plurality of arms extending radially outward from the central tensioning element and configured to extend axially between the plurality of spines and through the mesh portion; and a securement element disposed on the central tensioning element.
Abstract:
A surgical instrument implementing a leaflet grabbing mechanism by a leaflet grabbing structure is provided, in which the leaflet can be grabbed and clamped between a first and a second abutment surface. The first, proximally facing abutment surface in this belongs to a swivel-out portion of the leaflet grabbing structure. More in particular, swivel-out portion comprises at least a first arm (111) and a second arm (112). In a released state, when the leaflet grabbing structure is released from a catheter, the arms are capable of swiveling: the first arm is capable of swiveling out with respect to a main body (101) to which it is attached, and the second arm is capable of swiveling relative to the first arm so that in a leaflet grabbing position the first abutment surface faces proximally. The second arm comprises a recess arranged so that a chord extending between a released distal implant part and a proximal implant part can extend therethrough and be released by a lateral relative movement. The second abutment surface may be constituted by a press pad formed by a distal end face of the counterportion (80) that is releasable from the catheter and axially movable relative to the main body.
Abstract:
A device for engagement with a bone includes a dynamically expandable tip (12), a dynamically expandable ring (40), or other dynamically expandable insert (60, 62, 401L) that reacts to forces pushing the implant into bone tissue. The tip (12), ring (40) or insert (60, 62, 401L) expands at least normal to the direction of motion, increasing contact area between the surrounding bone tissue and the material and thereby reducing the occurrence of high areas of contact stress in the adjacent bone tissue. The tip (12), ring (40) or insert (60, 62, 401L) translates forces along an axis of motion into lateral frictional forces that can resist penetration into the bone tissue without the need for additional operator or patient interaction. A method of reducing migration of the device for engagement includes the steps of providing the device and inserting the device within bone tissue.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for providing transapical access to a heart chamber for performing an intra cardiac procedure are described. The systems include a helical needle driver and a dilator. The helical needle driver rotates and translates a shuttle member which advances one or more helical needles to place a helical suture within the myocardium. After removing the needles, the dilator is advanced through the pre-placed helical suture, dilating both a passage and the circumscribing suture. After performing procedure, the pre-placed suture may be closed by proximally retracting an external end of the suture.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the invention are related to an apparatus for suturing a tissue. The apparatus includes an outer tube, a thread threaded in the outer tube and at least one anchoring element located inside the outer tube and configured to be inserted into the tissue from an outlet end of the outer tube. The outer tube is configured to freely accommodate the thread and the at least one anchoring element, and the anchoring element includes a body adapted to be threaded on the thread and having at least locking element for locking the thread to the anchoring element.
Abstract:
A system and method for percutaneous heart valve replacement includes implanting a heart valve replacement prosthetic into tissue and driving anchors into the heart valve replacement to affix the prosthetic to the tissue.
Abstract:
A kit for stabilizing an intervertebral disc space, wherein the kit includes a cage, a suture and a plurality of suture anchors. The suture anchors are pressed into the anterior faces of the vertebral bodies holding the cage, while the ends of the suture are formed into a loose, preformed Giant Knot to allow their tightening to be accomplished through a minimally invasive portal.
Abstract:
A prosthetic valve assembly and method of implanting same is disclosed. The prosthetic valve assembly includes a prosthetic valve formed by support frame and valve leaflets, with one or more tethers each having a first end secured to the support frame and the second end attached to, or configured for attachment to, to papillary muscles or other ventricular tissue. The tether is configured and positioned so as to avoid contact or other interference with movement of the valve leaflets, while at the same time providing a tethering action between the support frame and the ventricular tissue. The valve leaflets may be flexible (e.g., so-called tissue or synthetic leaflets) or mechanical.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided including an implantable structure (22), including a flexible sleeve (26), having first and second sleeve ends (49, 51), a contracting assembly (40), which is configured to longitudinally contract the sleeve (26). The contracting assembly (40) includes a contracting mechanism (28), which is at a first site of the sleeve (26); and a longitudinal contracting member (30), having (a) a first member end, (b) a second member end (53), coupled to the sleeve (26) at a second site longitudinally between the first site and the second sleeve end (49 or 51), exclusive. A force -distributing element (540) is couplable to the sleeve (26) in a vicinity of the second sleeve end (49 or 51), element (540) is configured to distribute a contraction force by the contracting member (30) between the second member end (53) and the second sleeve end (49 or 51). Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
A system is disclosed including a first expandable anchor and a second expandable anchors. The anchors may be delivered to opposing sides of a fascial opening and expanding to a predetermined size to secure the anchor at the site of delivery. A strap, designed to pull the anchors together, may extend from the first anchor to the second anchor. Upon deployment, a tension force may be exerted on the strap in order to pull the anchors toward one another and close the fascial opening. Methods and apparatus for closing the fascial opening are also disclosed.