 Patent Application Title |
Patent App Num. |
Date |
| Capping bioprosthetic tissue to reduce calcification | 20130134064 | 20130530 |
 A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
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| Methods of implanting minimally-invasive prosthetic heart valves | 20130131790 | 20130523 |
 Expandable prosthetic heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement are disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, an expandable prosthetic heart valve includes a support stent comprising an expandable tubular base along an inflow end and three upstanding commissure posts along an outflow end. The three commissure posts are spaced at 120 degree intervals with gaps therebetween. The prosthetic heart valve further includes a tubular flexible member having a prosthetic section and a fabric section. The prosthetic section is connected to the three commissure posts and defines three leaflets, preferably formed of pericardial tissue. The fabric section is sutured to the expandable tubular base. The tubular base may be formed with a shape memory material and is sized for deployment with an annulus of a native aortic valve.... |
| Dual sterilization containment vessel | 20130118949 | 20130516 |
 The disclosure pertains to a vessel for holding replacement heart valves and associated positioning and installation apparatus which is configured and adapted to contain a biocidal sterilization fluid during and following exposure of a delivery system for the replacement heart valve to sterilization by ionizing radiation and methods of use therefor. The vessel includes a shield which limits exposure of biologically derived material therein to radiation. The vessel also provides a storage and shipping container for the replacement heart valve in which the biologically derived material is maintained in a sterile fluid environment.
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| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20130090727 | 20130411 |
 Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Quick-connect prosthetic heart valve and methods | 20130053949 | 20130228 |
 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... |
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| Method for treating an aortic valve | 20130023983 | 20130124 |
| Expandable, percutaneously deployable, prosthetic heart valves and systems for minimally invasive replacement of damaged or diseased native aortic valves comprise an expandable, tubular stent body and a unidirectional valve assembly. Embodiments of the stent body comprise an annulus anchoring section, a sinus section, and an outflow section, with the outflow section flared outwardly from the sinus section in an expanded configuration. Embodiments of the stent body are self-expanding, comprising, for example nitinol. The valve assembly disposed within the sinus section of the stent body and sutured thereto. Embodiments of the valve assembly comprise three leaflets, each leaflet comprising a curved outer edge sutured to the sinus section of the stent body, and a coapting free edge. Embodiments of the valve leaflets comprise pericardium, for example, porcine... |
| Techniques for attaching flexible leaflets of prosthetic heart valves to supporting structures | 20130018456 | 20130117 |
| A prosthetic heart valve has an annular valve-perimeter-shape-defining structure having a radially outer surface. A clip structure is provided on the outer surface. This clip structure is used to attach flexible valve leaflets to the shape-defining structure. One or more retainer members may be used to help hold the leaflets in the clip structure.
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| Perivalvular sealing for transcatheter heart valve | 20130018458 | 20130117 |
| The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of catheter-based prosthetic heart valves, and in particular, prosthetic heart valves having sealing devices configured to seal the interface between the prosthetic valve and the surrounding tissue of the native annulus in which the prosthetic valve is implanted. In one embodiment, a prosthetic heart valve includes an annular sealing member that can be placed in a delivery orientation extending axially away from one end of the valve when the valve is in a radially compressed state. When the valve is expanded, the expansion of the frame causes the sealing member to be pulled to an operative orientation covering a portion of the frame. The present disclosure also discloses new mechanisms and techniques for mounting valve leaflets to a frame... |
| Heart valve repair devices and methods | 20130006352 | 20130103 |
| Devices and methods for the repair of the functioning of heart valves are provided. A device may comprise a first section having a generally spiral shape and a second section connected to the first section. A method involves positioning the device such that chords associated with the heart valve are positioned within the path of the generally spiral shape of the first section and positioning the second section on an opposite side of the heart valve. The first section may be turned in a manner such that the chords move closer to the center of the first section. The first section draws the chords closer together, thereby pulling the valve leaflets closer together in order to facilitate their coaptation and proper closing.
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| Systems and delivery handles for delivering prosthetic heart valves disposed on valve holders | 20120316639 | 20121213 |
| A system delivering a prosthetic heart valve includes a delivery handle, a heart valve, and a valve holder. The delivery handle includes a rod, a button, and a valve holder attachment interface, where the button is configured to move between a first position and a second position along an axial length of the rod, and the valve holder attachment interface is mechanically coupled to the button and configured to move between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The heart valve includes a prosthetic valve. The valve holder is connected to a proximal end of the heart valve and includes a boss, a holder ring, and a handle attachment interface. The holder ring includes the heart valve mounted thereto and is coupled to the boss, and... |
| Percutaneous transcatheter repair of heart valves via trans-apical access | 20120310330 | 20121206 |
| Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for repairing heart valves through percutaneous transcatheter delivery and fixation of annuloplasty rings to heart valves via a trans-apical approach to accessing the heart. A guiding sheath may be introduced into a ventricle of the heart through an access site at an apex of the heart. A distal end of the guiding sheath can be positioned retrograde through the target valve. An annuloplasty ring arranged in a compressed delivery geometry is advanced through the guiding sheath and into a distal portion of the guiding sheath positioned within the atrium of the heart. The distal end of the guiding sheath is retracted, thereby exposing the annuloplasty ring. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded from the delivery geometry to an operable geometry.... |
| Device for the implantation and fixation of prosthetic valves | 20120310336 | 20121206 |
| A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by... |
| Fracturing calcifications in heart valves | 20120253358 | 20121004 |
| A device for fracturing calcifications in heart valves including an expandable stabilizer (14) and expandable impactor arms (20) assembled on and deployed by a delivery system (10), wherein the delivery system (10) is operable to move the impactor arms (20), while in an expanded position, with respect to the stabilizer (14) with sufficient energy so as to fracture a calcification located in tissure which is sandwiched between the stabilizer (14) and the impactor arms (20).
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| Conformable prostheses for implanting two-piece heart valves and methods for using them | 20120226348 | 20120906 |
| 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... |
| Methods and devices for repair or replacement of heart valves or adjacent tissue without the need for full cardiopulmonary support | 20120221100 | 20120830 |
| Methods and systems for endovascular, endocardiac, or endoluminal approaches to a patient's heart to perform surgical procedures that may be performed or used without requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass. Furthermore, these procedures can be performed through a relatively small number of small incisions. These procedures may illustratively include heart valve implantation, heart valve repair, resection of a diseased heart valve, replacement of a heart valve, repair of a ventricular aneurysm, repair of an arrhythmia, repair of an aortic dissection, etc. Such minimally invasive procedures are preferably performed transapically (i.e., through the heart muscle at its left or right ventricular apex).
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| Smart expandable member for medical applications | 20120172910 | 20120705 |
| Devices and methods for assessing the compliance of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices and methods are particularly adapted for determining the compliance of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an expandable member fixed to a distal end of the catheter. Located within the expandable member is an imaging member. The methods typically comprise deploying the balloon percutaneously to a target location, expanding the balloon, and determining the compliance of a lumen, particularly a cardiac valve. An optical coherence tomography apparatus is a preferred apparatus for determining compliance.
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| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20120165926 | 20120628 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Prosthetic heart valve delivery systems and packaging | 20120158128 | 20120621 |
| Packaging for dry prosthetic tissue heart valves and their delivery systems includes a primary sterile barrier that permits gas sterilization of the tissue implant, and a secondary sterile barrier that also prevents oxidation of the implant during long-term storage. Dry tissue heart valves and their delivery systems are placed within a primary container such as a rigid tray that limits movement of the components therein. The primary container is placed within a secondary container, and the assembly is then sterilized. The outer sterile barrier may include a double seal so that a first gas-permeable seal can be closed for sterilization, after which a second gas-impermeable seal can be closed to seal out any further oxygen contact with the tissue implant. A collapsible delivery handle for a... |
| Prosthetic heart valve packaging and deployment methods | 20120150288 | 20120614 |
| Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for securely retaining a heart valve within a jar and facilitating retrieval therefrom. The assembly includes a packaging sleeve that fits closely within the jar and has a clip structure for securing a valve holder. Contrary to previous designs, in one embodiment the valve holder is directed downward into the jar, and the valve is retained with an inflow end upward. The valve may have flexible leaflets, and a leaflet parting member on the end of the shaft extends through the leaflets and couples with the valve holder. The assembly of the packaging sleeve, valve, and holder can then be removed from the jar and a valve delivery tube connected with the holder, or to the leaflet parting... |
| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthesis | 20120150289 | 20120614 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Percutaneous transcatheter repair of heart valves | 20120123531 | 20120517 |
| Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for repairing heart valves through percutaneous transcatheter delivery and fixation of annuloplasty rings to heart valves. An annuloplasty ring includes an outer hollow member including a plurality of segments. Adjacent segments cooperate with one another to change the outer hollow member from an elongate insertion geometry to an annular operable geometry. The annuloplasty ring also includes an internal anchor member located at least partially within the outer hollow member. The internal anchor member includes a plurality of anchors configured to attach the annuloplasty ring to tissue of a heart valve annulus. The internal anchor member is configured to move the plurality of anchors with respect to a plurality of windows in the outer hollow member to selectively deploy the plurality... |
| Prosthetic heart valve frame with flexible commissures | 20120078357 | 20120329 |
| A prosthetic heart valve can include a valve frame having a wireform portion and a stent portion. The wireform and stent portions can be undetachably coupled together via a plurality of upright struts so as to form a one-piece prosthetic heart valve frame. Alternatively, a self-expanding wireform portion and a balloon-expandable stent portion can be coupled together via one or more leaflets and a subassembly having a flexible leaflet support stent and a sealing ring. The wireform portion can include cusps and commissures configured to support a plurality of leaflets. The prosthetic valve can be radially collapsible for minimally invasive and/or transcatheter delivery techniques. Disclosed embodiments can also provide flexion of the wireform portion (e.g., of the commissures) in response to physiologic pulsatile loading when the... |
| Devices and methods for heart valve treatment | 20120078358 | 20120329 |
| Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
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| Transapical delivery system for heart valves | 20110015729 | 20110120 |
| A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment,... |
| Transapical delivery system for heart valves | 20110015728 | 20110120 |
| A delivery system and method for delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. The system includes a delivery catheter having a steering mechanism thereon for delivering a balloon-expandable prosthetic heart valve to the aortic annulus in an antegrade fashion through an introducer passing into the left ventricle through its apex. The introducer may have a more floppy distal section than a proximal section to reduce trauma to the heart wall while preserving good operating field stability. The delivery catheter includes a deflecting segment just proximal to a distal balloon to facilitate positioning of the prosthetic heart valve in the proper orientation within the aortic annulus. A trigger in a catheter handle may be coupled to a deflection wire that actuates the deflecting segment,... |
| Method for the treatment of biological tissue of animal or human origin, such as porcine, bovine pericardium or human cadaver heart valves, and biological tissue treated accordingly | 20100317080 | 20101216 |
| A method for treating glutardialdehyde-stabilised biological tissue of animal or human origin, such as porcine, bovine pericardium or human cadaver heart valves, provides a physical plasma treatment of the, in particular, collagen tissue for increasing the biocompatibility, cell colonisation and durability thereof.
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| Holders for prosthetic aortic heart valves | 20100312334 | 20101209 |
| A holder for a flexible leaflet prosthetic aortic heart valve that is less bulky than earlier holders and minimizes obstructions to vision and working space around the valve to facilitate implantation thereof. The holder may have a central hub and three outwardly extending legs that connect directly and exclusively to tips of the commissures of the aortic heart valve for better tactile feedback when parachuting and seating the valve in the annulus. The legs are sized so that they do not overlap the commissure tips and therefore afford a better view of the sewing ring adjacent the commissures. The legs may be narrow in the midsection or split into two rails to increase visibility of the valve leaflets. The hub may be vaulted axially upward relative... |
| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20100312332 | 20101209 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Prosthetic heart valves, scaffolding structures, and systems and methods for implantation of same | 20100305691 | 20101202 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
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| Stented prosthetic heart valves | 20100305685 | 20101202 |
| A surgical sutureless valve that is attached to a stent frame for delivery to a location in a patient using percutaneous implantation devices and methods.
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| Device for the in situ delivery of heart valves | 20100292784 | 20101118 |
| A device for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis includes a distal valve holder portion and a shaft extending towards the valve holder portion. The shaft is selectively bendable to a curved shape to vary the spatial orientation of the valve holder portion with respect to the desired implantation site.
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| Device for the in situ delivery of heart valves | 20100292782 | 20101118 |
| A device for deploying a cardiac valve prosthesis includes at least one constraint member for radially constraining radially expandable annular portions of the valve. The constraint member is actuatable to release the annular formations constrained thereby and permit radial expansion of these annular formations. The constraint member has associated a first, slow-acting actuating mechanism and a second, fast-acting mechanism, adapted to produce relatively slow and fast release of the annular formations constrained thereby. The device may include a first constraint member and second constraint member in the form of telescoping sleeves. The slow-acting actuating mechanism will thus act on the outer sleeve, while the fast-acting mechanism will act on the inner sleeve to produce, respectively, slow and fast release of the annular formations.
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| Delivery and retrieval systems for collapsible/expandable prosthetic heart valves | 20100286768 | 20101111 |
| A system for delivering a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve into a patient includes a valve support structure (140) around which the valve (10) is disposed in a collapsed condition. A sheath structure (110) surrounds the collapsed valve, but can be moved relative to the valve to uncover it for expansion at the desired implant site in the patient. The sheath structure may be variously mounted and moved to deploy the valve in various ways. For example, the sheath structure may include multiple parts, each of which can be moved separately to separately deploy various parts of the valve. The apparatus may have other aspects, such as the ability to reverse deployment of the valve, the ability to pass other instrumentation through the valve delivery... |
| Prosthetic heart valves and methods of attaching same | 20100274354 | 20101028 |
| A stented valve including a compressible and expandable stent frame having a generally tubular body portion having an interior area and a longitudinal axis, a bioprosthetic valve positioned at least partially within the interior area of the tubular body portion of the stent frame and having an inner wall from which a plurality of leaflets extend; and a tubular covering material including a first portion extending from a first end of the stent frame to a second end of the stent frame, and a second portion extending beyond the second end of the stent frame.
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| Stents for prosthetic heart valves and methods of making same | 20100268324 | 20101021 |
| A single piece stent construction having a plurality of commissure posts, each of which extends upwardly from a solid ring along a bend line and generally along a central longitudinal axis of the stent.
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| Prosthetic heart valves, support structures and systems and methods for implanting the same, | 20100256752 | 20101007 |
| The implantable heart valve can have an inverted configuration and can include a support structure and at least two valve leaflets. Preferably, when the valve is placed in proximity with an aortic valve implantation site of a subject and engaged with the implantation site, the valve leaflets are configured to deflect towards the aortic wall into a first position for resisting the flow of blood towards the left ventricle and configured to deflect away from a aortic wall into a second position for allowing the flow of blood from a left ventricle, with the support structure configured to remain static during leaflet deflection.
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| Prosthetic heart valves, scaffolding structures, and systems and methods for implantation of same | 20100256750 | 20101007 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
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| Prosthetic heart valves, scaffolding structures, and systems and methods for implantation of same | 20100256724 | 20101007 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
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| Collapsible/expandable prosthetic heart valves with native calcified leaflet retention features | 20100249923 | 20100930 |
| A prosthetic heart valve is circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into a patient. The valve re-expands to operating size at the implant site in the patient. A frame structure of the valve includes restraining structure that can help to push one or more of the patient's native heart valve leaflets radially outwardly so that this native leaflet tissue does not interfere with the operation or service life of the prosthetic valve.
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| Collapsible/expandable prosthetic heart valves with non-expanding stent posts and retrieval features | 20100249911 | 20100930 |
| A frame structure for a collapsible and re-expandable prosthetic heart valve. The frame structure includes an annular annulus portion that is configured for implanting in or near a patient's native heart valve annulus. This annulus portion of the frame structure may include a plurality of annularly spaced commissure post structures interconnected by connecting structures. The commissure post structures may be more resistant to annular collapse than the connecting structures. In the case of a prosthetic aortic valve, the frame structure may also include an annular aortic portion. The aortic portion may include a plurality of attachment points (for tethers) closest to the annulus portion. Such attachment points and tethers can facilitate re-collapse of a partly deployed valve in the event of a need to reposition or... |
| Reimplantable heart valve prosthesis and instrument for its installation | 20100241221 | 20100923 |
| The invention relates to medical devices and can be used in cardiac surgery for replacement of the diseased native heart valves in humans. The objective of the invention is to decrease risks of trauma to the patient during reimplantation of the heart valve prosthesis. A heart valve prosthesis (FIG. 2), 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 6 which 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,... |
| Tissue engineered human pulmonary valves with cyclic pressure bioreactor accelerated seeding strategies and methods for assessing inflammatory potential of putative scaffolds for tissue engineered heart valves | 20100222877 | 20100902 |
| The invention provides for bioengineered or tissue engineered heart valves that are more efficiently recellularized and/or have a decreased inflammatory potential. The heart valves are generally decellularized and then recellularized using autologous cells wherein the valves are subjected to pulsatile motion during the recellularization process. Tissue engineered heart valves subjected to the pulsatile motion are characterized by having at least 20% of the cells that remain on or in said previously decellularized tissue two weeks after the recellularization process are located below or interior to the basement membrane of said tissue. A method of making bioengineered tissues having these characteristic is also disclosed. Further provided is a bio-assay and related method for determining the inflammatory potential of a tissue.
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| Assessment of aortic heart valve to facilitate repair or replacement | 20100217119 | 20100826 |
| Devices and methods for assessing the size, shape, and topography of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices and methods are particularly adapted for determining the size, shape, topography, and compliance of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an assessment mechanism fixed to a distal end of the catheter. The assessment mechanism generally includes an expandable member, such as a balloon. The assessment mechanism may also include an imaging member, a physical assessment member, an electronic mapping construction, an alignment mechanism, a valvuloplasty balloon, or any combinations thereof. The methods typically comprise deploying the balloon percutaneously to a target location, expanding the balloon, and determining one or more... |
| Minimally-invasive heart valves | 20100211165 | 20100819 |
| Expandable prosthetic heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement are disclosed. In one preferred embodiment, an expandable prosthetic heart valve includes a support stent comprising an expandable tubular base along an inflow end and three upstanding commissure posts along an outflow end. The three commissure posts are spaced at 120 degree intervals with gaps therebetween. The prosthetic heart valve further includes a tubular flexible member having a prosthetic section and a fabric section. The prosthetic section is connected to the three commissure posts and defines three leaflets, preferably formed of pericardial tissue. The fabric section is sutured to the expandable tubular base. The tubular base may be formed with a shape memory material and is sized for deployment with an annulus of a native aortic valve.... |
| Two-stage collapsible/expandable prosthetic heart valves and anchoring systems | 20100204785 | 20100812 |
| Prosthetic heart valve apparatus is adapted for delivery into a patient in a circumferentially collapsed condition, followed by circumferential re-expansion at the implant site in the patient. The apparatus includes an annular anchoring structure that can be implanted in the patient first. The apparatus further includes an annular valve support structure, which supports a flexible leaflet structure of the valve. The support and leaflet structures are initially separate from the anchoring structure, but they can be implanted in the patient by interengagement of the support structure with the already-implanted anchoring structure.
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| Prosthetic aortic heart valves | 20100204781 | 20100812 |
| A prosthetic aortic valve includes an annular, annulus inflow portion that is designed to reside in or near the patient's native aortic valve annulus, and an annular, aortic outflow portion that is designed to reside in the patient's aorta down-stream from at least a portion of the valsalva sinus. The annulus inflow portion and the aortic outflow portion are connected to one another by a plurality of connecting struts that are confined to regions near the commissures of the patient's native aortic valve. The connecting struts are designed to bulge out into the valsalva sinus to help anchor the prosthetic valve in place. The valve is circumferentially collapsible to a relatively small diameter for less-invasive delivery into the patient. The valve circumferentially expands to a larger... |
| Apparatus and method for implanting collapsible/expandable prosthetic heart valves | 20100191326 | 20100729 |
| Apparatus for delivering a prosthetic heart valve into a patient by means that are less invasive than conventional open-chest, open-heart surgery. The prosthetic valve may be collapsed while in a delivery device. When the valve reaches the desired implant site in the patient, the valve can be released from the delivery device, which allows the valve to re-expand to the configuration in which it can function as a heart valve. For example, the delivery device may be constructed to facilitate delivery of the prosthetic valve into the patient via the apex of the patient's heart.
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| Conformable prostheses for implanting two-piece heart valves and methods for using them | 20100191327 | 20100729 |
| 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... |
| Devices and methods for heart valve treatment | 20100185276 | 20100722 |
| Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
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| Collapsible prosthetic heart valves | 20100185277 | 20100722 |
| Prosthetic heart valves, which are collapsible to a relatively small circumferential size for less invasive delivery into a patient and which then re-expand to operating size at an implant site in the patient, include a collapsible/expandable stent-like supporting structure and various components of flexible, sheet-like material that are attached to the supporting structure. For example, these sheet-like other components may include prosthetic valve leaflets, layers of buffering material, cuff material, etc. Improved structures and techniques are provided for securing such other components to the stent-like supporting structure of the valve.
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| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20100179634 | 20100715 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Thorascopic heart valve repair method and apparatus | 20100174297 | 20100708 |
| An instrument for performing thorascopic repair of heart valves includes a shaft for extending through the chest cavity and into a heart chamber providing access to a valve needing repair. A movable tip on the shaft is operable to capture a valve leaflet and a needle is operable to penetrate a capture valve leaflet and draw the suture therethrough. The suture is thus fastened to the valve leaflet and the instrument is withdrawn from the heart chamber transporting the suture outside the heart chamber. The suture is anchored to the heart wall with proper tension as determined by observing valve operation with an ultrasonic imaging system.
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| Methods and systems for reducing paravalvular leakage in heart valves | 20100168844 | 20100701 |
| A replacement valve comprises a valve body having an inflow end, an outflow end, and a valve support structure, and a valve cuff surrounding the inflow end of the valve body. The valve support structure surrounds the valve body, and the valve cuff is coupled to the valve support structure. The valve cuff includes a skirt portion and at least one flange coupled to and protruding from the skirt portion, the at least one flange forming a seal around the inflow end of the valve body.
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| Scoring catheter and method for treating diseased heart valves | 20090306582 | 20091210 |
| The present invention provides a valvuloplasty catheter which has a scoring element at its distal part to score stenotic, calcified heart valves in radial direction and to make the single valve flaps/leaflets work again. In addition to this, the device could comprise an attached balloon to post-dilate the valve after the scoring procedure. To reduce a future recalcification, the scoring element and/or the balloon have a pharmacologic coating on their outer surface.
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| Stents for prosthetic heart valves | 20090292350 | 20091126 |
| A stented valve including a stent structure including a generally tubular body portion having a first end, a second end, an interior area, a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of vertical wires extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis around a periphery of the body portion, wherein the plurality of vertical wires includes multiple commissure wires and at least one structural wire positioned between adjacent commissure wires, and a plurality of V-shaped wire structures having a first end, a second end, and a peak between the first and second ends, wherein a first end of each V-shaped structure extends from a first vertical wire and a second end of each V-shaped structure extends from a second vertical wire that is adjacent to the first vertical wire,... |
| Stents for prosthetic heart valves | 20090287299 | 20091119 |
| A stented valve including a stent structure including a generally tubular body portion that has a first end and a second end, wherein an area adjacent the first end has a first stiffness, an area adjacent the second end has a second stiffness, and a central region between the areas at the first and second ends has a third stiffness that is less than the stiffness adjacent the first and second ends, wherein the stent structure can be reconfigured in its central area to match a curved patient anatomical region. The stented valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular portion.
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| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for prosthetic heart valves | 20090287290 | 20091119 |
| A delivery system for delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including a tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a base portion with a plurality of extending elements, wherein each of the extending elements is engageable with a portion of a stent of a prosthetic heart valve. The delivery system further includes a sleeve having an inner area. The sheath is longitudinally moveable relative to the base portion from a first position where the inner area of the sleeve at least partially covers the extending elements of the base portion to a second position where the extending elements are not positioned within the inner area of the sleeve.
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| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for prosthetic heart valves | 20090254165 | 20091008 |
| A delivery system for delivering an implantable stented device to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a driver mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body, an elongated threaded rod located axially distal to the driver mechanism, and a sheath including an elongated tubular portion having a hollow interior portion with a first diameter that is sized for compression and retention of the implantable stented device in a compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen.
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| Method and apparatuses for deploying minimally-invasive heart valves | 20090254177 | 20091008 |
| A system for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus includes a deployment mechanism that engages the valve and regulates the rate of expansion of both the proximal and distal ends thereof. The heart valve may be a rolled-type valve and the deployment mechanism may include a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers that engage the outer layer of the head valve. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the unwinding of the rolled heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment mechanism may include... |
| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for prosthetic heart valves | 20090254165 | 20091008 |
| A delivery system for delivering an implantable stented device to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a driver mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the elongated body, an elongated threaded rod located axially distal to the driver mechanism, and a sheath including an elongated tubular portion having a hollow interior portion with a first diameter that is sized for compression and retention of the implantable stented device in a compressed configuration for delivery to a body lumen.
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| Method and apparatuses for deploying minimally-invasive heart valves | 20090254177 | 20091008 |
| A system for delivering and deploying a self-expandable heart valve to a site of implantation such as the aortic annulus includes a deployment mechanism that engages the valve and regulates the rate of expansion of both the proximal and distal ends thereof. The heart valve may be a rolled-type valve and the deployment mechanism may include a plurality of distal fingers and a plurality of proximal fingers that engage the outer layer of the head valve. Controlled radial movement of the fingers regulates the unwinding of the rolled heart valve. The fingers may be removed prior to inflation of a balloon to fully expand the valve, or the fingers may be repositioned to the inside of the valve for this purpose. The deployment mechanism may include... |
| Catheter for the transvascular implantation of prosthetic heart valves | 20090234443 | 20090917 |
| The invention relates to a catheter for the transvascular implantation of prosthetic heart valves, in particular comprising self-expanding anchorage supports (10), which allow a minimally invasive implantation of prosthetic heart valves. The aim of the invention is to reduce the risk to the patient during the implantation. To achieve this, according to the invention a prosthetic heart valve comprising anchorage supports is temporarily housed in a folded form in a cartridge-type unit (4) during the implantation. The cartridge-type unit can be fixed on the proximal end of a guide system (1), which comprises a flexible region (9) that can be guided through the aorta. Actuating elements (2, 3) run through the interior of the hollow guide system, said elements permitting sections of the cartridge-type unit to... |
| Method and apparatus for conducting an interventional procedure involving heart valves using a robot-based x-ray device | 20090234444 | 20090917 |
| In a method and an apparatus for conducting minimally-invasive procedures involving heart valves at least one multi-access articulated x-ray imaging robot is employed that allows a radiation detector carried by the robot to be moved in arbitrary paths, such as in circle, an ellipse, or along a spiral, around a patient in order to generate multiple projection exposures of the relevant region of the patient during the procedure. An image processor reconstructs a 3D image from the projection exposures substantially in real time during the procedure, and the 3D image is displayed to operating personnel during the procedure.
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| Catheter for the transvascular implantation of prosthetic heart valves | 20090234443 | 20090917 |
| The invention relates to a catheter for the transvascular implantation of prosthetic heart valves, in particular comprising self-expanding anchorage supports (10), which allow a minimally invasive implantation of prosthetic heart valves. The aim of the invention is to reduce the risk to the patient during the implantation. To achieve this, according to the invention a prosthetic heart valve comprising anchorage supports is temporarily housed in a folded form in a cartridge-type unit (4) during the implantation. The cartridge-type unit can be fixed on the proximal end of a guide system (1), which comprises a flexible region (9) that can be guided through the aorta. Actuating elements (2, 3) run through the interior of the hollow guide system, said elements permitting sections of the cartridge-type unit to... |
| Method and apparatus for conducting an interventional procedure involving heart valves using a robot-based x-ray device | 20090234444 | 20090917 |
| In a method and an apparatus for conducting minimally-invasive procedures involving heart valves at least one multi-access articulated x-ray imaging robot is employed that allows a radiation detector carried by the robot to be moved in arbitrary paths, such as in circle, an ellipse, or along a spiral, around a patient in order to generate multiple projection exposures of the relevant region of the patient during the procedure. An image processor reconstructs a 3D image from the projection exposures substantially in real time during the procedure, and the 3D image is displayed to operating personnel during the procedure.
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| Cellulose based heart valve prosthesis | 20090222085 | 20090903 |
| Disclosed are cellulose-based pliable, porous and non-porous prosthesis structures that can be formed to various geometries such as thin films, membranes, hollow tubes, heart valves, including an aortic heart valve. Also disclosed are methods for preparing a cellulose-based porous prosthesis structure.
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| Prosthetic heart valves, support structures and systems and methods for implanting same | 20090210052 | 20090820 |
| Described herein are systems and methods for operation of a prosthetic valve support structure (32) having additional reinforcement coupled with panels (36). Multiple support members (620) are distributed across the inner surface of the valve support structure (32) at regular intervals. Each support member (620) can include a looped portion (621) to act as a hinge (52). Each looped portion (621) is in a location coincidental with the interlace between adjacent panels (36).
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| Prosthetic heart valves, support structures and systems and methods for implanting same | 20090210052 | 20090820 |
| Described herein are systems and methods for operation of a prosthetic valve support structure (32) having additional reinforcement coupled with panels (36). Multiple support members (620) are distributed across the inner surface of the valve support structure (32) at regular intervals. Each support member (620) can include a looped portion (621) to act as a hinge (52). Each looped portion (621) is in a location coincidental with the interlace between adjacent panels (36).
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| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for prosthetic heart valves | 20090198316 | 20090806 |
| A method of deploying an implantable stented device in an anatomical location of a patient, including the steps of providing a delivery system with first and second stent engagement structures at its distal end, attaching a first structural element of the stented device to the first stent engagement structure and attaching a second structural element of the stented device to the second stent engagement structure, advancing the stented device to an implantation site, and sequentially disengaging the first structural element of the stented device from the first stent engagement structure of the delivery system and then disengaging the second structural element of the stented device from the second stent engagement structure.
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| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for prosthetic heart valves | 20090192585 | 20090730 |
| A delivery system for delivering a stented prosthetic heart valve to a lumen of a patient, the delivery system including a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end, and a plurality of wires extending from the distal end of the tubular body, wherein each of the wires has a distal end that is coiled for engagement with a stent of a stented prosthetic heart valve.
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| Delivery systems for prosthetic heart valves | 20090192586 | 20090730 |
| A delivery system for delivery of an implantable stented device to a body lumen, the device having a plurality of structures at its proximal end, wherein the delivery system comprises a first body portion removably attached to a second body portion and wherein the second body portion includes a plurality of attachment components at its distal end for attachment to the plurality of structures at the proximal end of the device.
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| Markers for prosthetic heart valves | 20090192591 | 20090730 |
| A replacement prosthetic heart valve for engagement with a structure of an original prosthetic heart valve that includes at least one visually detectable marker. The replacement heart valve includes a stent structure having a generally tubular body portion and at least one visually detectable marker on a portion of the stent structure, and at least two leaflets attached within the interior area of the tubular body portion of the stent structure. At least one visually detectable marker of the stent structure is alignable with at least one visually detectable marker of the original prosthetic heart valve.
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| Capping bioprosthetic tissue to reduce calcification | 20090164005 | 20090625 |
| A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
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| Capping bioprosthetic tissue to reduce calcification | 20090164005 | 20090625 |
| A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification. The method includes applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or an antioxidant to the tissue to specifically inhibit oxidation in tissue. Also, the method can be used to inhibit oxidation in dehydrated tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the oxidation and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. In one method, tissue leaflets in assembled bioprosthetic heart valves are pretreated with an aldehyde capping agent prior to dehydration and sterilization.
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| Volume rendering apparatus and method | 20090136106 | 20090528 |
| Volume rendering of images of four dimensional (4D) heart image data, in particular cardiac CT data by slab multiplanar reformatting (MPR), is improved by providing an automated method and apparatus for determining and locking onto anatomically relevant viewing parameters. In particular the view plane, view axis and view orientation are changed from frame to frame in the movie so they remain fixed to an anatomical feature of interest, thereby providing a stable movie of the heart feature of interest. Provision of a dynamic view plane compensates not only for translational motion of the heart feature of interest, but also for its tilting and twisting. Tilting effects are highly significant when viewing heart valves, since the valve plane exhibits varying angles of tilt through the heart phases... |
| Prosthetic heart valves, support structures and systems and methods for implanting the same | 20090132035 | 20090521 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices may be adapted for use in minimally invasive or endovascular surgical procedures.
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| Substrate having an electron donating surface with metal particles comprising palladium on said surface | 20090123733 | 20090514 |
| There is disclosed a substrate with an electron donating surface, characterized in having metal particles on said surface, said metal particles comprising palladium and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of gold, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, wherein the amount of said metal particles is from about 0.001 to about 8 μg/cm2. Examples of coated objects include contact lenses, pacemakers, pacemaker electrodes, stents, dental implants, rupture nets, rupture mesh, blood centrifuge equipment, surgical instruments, gloves, blood bags, artificial heart valves, central venous catheters, peripheral venous catheters, vascular ports, haemodialysis equipment, peritoneal dialysis equipment, plasmapheresis devices, inhalation drug delivery devices, vascular grafts, arterial grafts, cardiac assist devices, wound dressings, intermittent catheters, ECG electrodes, peripheral stents, bone replacing implants, orthopaedic implants, orthopaedic devices, tissue... |
| Method and device for automatically determining heart valve damage | 20090105559 | 20090423 |
| A method and device for automatically detecting heart valve damage for four heart valves are proposed. The automatic determination method makes use of three or more heart tone microphones to simultaneously record heart tones of a patient's heart, and then separates the heart tones into four heart tone signals of the aortic valve, the pulmonary valve, the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve of the heart based on the timing characteristics and related techniques. Next, these four heart tone signals are digitally processed into sampling signals. Subsequently, the convolution method is used to process the sampling signals for producing system transfer functions. Finally, the system transfer functions and the reference database are compared to verify and determine damage for the four heart valves. The automatic determination... |
| Method and device for automatically determining heart valve damage | 20090099470 | 20090416 |
| A method and device for automatically detecting heart valve damage for four heart valves are proposed. The automatic determination method makes use of three or more heart tone microphones to simultaneously record heart tones of a patient's heart, and then separates the heart tones into four heart tone signals of the aortic valve, the pulmonary valve, the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve of the heart based on the timing characteristics and related techniques. Next, these four heart tone signals are digitally processed into sampling signals. Subsequently, the convolution method is used to process the sampling signals for producing system transfer functions. Finally, the system transfer functions and the reference database are compared to verify and determine damage for the four heart valves. The automatic determination... |
| Methods and devices for local therapeutic agent delivery to heart valves | 20090069789 | 20090312 |
| Medical devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a heart valve.
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| Method and apparatus for external stabilization of the heart valves and myocardium | 20090024213 | 20090122 |
| The present disclosure is directed to an external cardiac basal annuloplasty system (ECBAS or BACE-System: basal annuloplasty of the cardia externally) and methods for treatment of regurgitation of mitral and tricuspid valves. The BACE-System provides the ability to correct leakage of regurgitation of the valves with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, particularly when the condition is related to dilation of the base of the heart. This ECBAS invention can be applied to the base of the heart epicardially, either to prevent further dilation or to actively reduce the size of the base of the heart. Such devices also include an extension thereto for the treatment of localized myocardial defects, scars and damage.
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| Methods for pre-stressing and capping bioprosthetic tissue | 20080302372 | 20081211 |
| A treatment for bioprosthetic tissue used in implants or for assembled bioprosthetic heart valves to reduce in vivo calcification is disclosed. The method includes preconditioning, pre-stressing, or pre-damaging fixed bioprosthetic tissue in a manner that mimics the damage associated with post-implant use, while, and/or subsequently applying a calcification mitigant such as a capping agent or a linking agent to the damaged tissue. The capping agent suppresses the formation of binding sites in the tissue that are exposed or generated by the damage process (service stress) and otherwise would, upon implant, attract calcium, phosphate, immunogenic factors, or other precursors to calcification. The linking agent will act as an elastic reinforcement or shock-absorbing spring element in the tissue structure at the site of damage from the pre-stressing. In... |
| Prosthetic heart valve | 20080294247 | 20081127 |
| The present invention includes prosthetic heart valves having flexible leaflets and methods for fabricating the valves which improve upon the prior art.
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| Prosthetic heart valve | 20080294248 | 20081127 |
| The present invention includes prosthetic heart valves having flexible leaflets and methods for fabricating the valves which improve upon the prior art.
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| Method and system for treatment of regurgitating heart valves | 20080294249 | 20081127 |
| A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension of the valve. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation.
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| Method and system for treatment of regurgitating heart valves | 20080294250 | 20081127 |
| A system and process for correction of regurgitation of heart valves. With mitral valves in particular, the anterior leaflet is advanced through use of a D-plasty patch and a narrow annuloplasty ring which compresses the lateral dimension on of the valve. The sizes of the patch and ring are selected to provide a sufficient advancement of the leaflet to restore the surface of coaptation.
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| Repair of incompetent heart valves by papillary muscle bulking | 20080269876 | 20081030 |
| Incompetency or regurgitation of a cardiac valve is treated by injecting a space occupying material or implanting a space occupying device within a papillary muscle or in heart tissue near a papillary muscle to cause lengthening or repositioning of the papillary muscle in a manner that improves coaptation of the valve leaflets and lessens valvular incompetency or regurgitation. The procedure may be performed by open thoracotomy, thoracoscopically, by a tran-endocardial catheter based approach or by a trans-coronary catheter based approach.
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| Prosthetic heart valve holder | 20080262603 | 20081023 |
| A holder for prosthetic heart valves including an annular base and prosthetic valve leaflets extending between commissure regions oriented axially with respect to the base. The holder includes a grip element from which a plurality of arms extend for supporting the prosthetic heart valve in an intermediate position between the commissures. Protecting formations extend radially with respect to the grip element to protect the commissure regions. The grip element includes a first rotational element for coupling to a handle and at least one second coupling element for coupling the grip element of the holder to a support element thereby impeding its rotation.
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| Repair of incompetent heart valves by interstitial implantation of space occupying materials or devices | 20080249618 | 20081009 |
| Incompetency or regurgitation of a cardiac valve is treated by injecting a space occupying material(s) or implanting a space occupying device(s) at an interstitial location adjacent to the valve such that the space occupying material or device exerts pressure on the valve causing one or more leaflets of the valve to be favorably repositioned. The procedure may be performed by open thoracotomy, thorascopically or transluminally using a tissue penetrating catheter.
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| Replacement prosthetic heart valves and methods of implantation | 20080243246 | 20081002 |
| A replacement prosthetic heart valve for engagement with a structure of a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The replacement heart valve includes a stent structure including a generally tubular body portion with an interior area and a series of wire portions arranged in a mesh-like configuration, and at least one stent post engaging structure extending radially outwardly from the body portion for engaging with an outer surface of a stent post of the previously implanted prosthetic heart valve. The stent structure further includes at least two leaflets attached within the interior area of the tubular body portion of the stent structure.
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| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for replacement prosthetic heart valves | 20080228254 | 20080918 |
| A method of delivering a replacement prosthetic valve to a previously implanted prosthetic valve including the steps of compressing a replacement prosthetic valve having an expandable stent within a sheath of a delivery system, wherein the delivery system comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a centering structure positioned between the proximal and distal ends, advancing the delivery system and compressed replacement prosthetic valve into a vessel of a patient until the distal end of the delivery system is positioned adjacent to a second side of a previously implanted prosthetic valve, deploying the centering structure to radially reposition the distal end of the delivery system, further advancing the delivery system toward the previously implanted prosthetic valve, and deploying the replacement prosthetic valve
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| Delivery systems and methods of implantation for replacement prosthetic heart valves | 20080228263 | 20080918 |
| A delivery system and method for positioning and partially deploying a replacement valve at an implantation site, verifying the location of the replacement valve relative to the implantation site, and retrieving the partially deployed stent for repositioning relative to the implantation site.
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| Prosthetic heart valves with flexible leaflets | 20080228264 | 20080918 |
| A prosthetic heart valve of the type that includes a hollow annular stent and a plurality of flexible leaflets that are attached to the stent. One or more fixture structures are used to attach the leaflets to the stent so that sutures do not have to be used for that purpose. The fixture structures preferably extend annularly at least substantially all the way around the valve. Surfaces of the fixture structures that can come into contact with portions of the leaflets that move during use of the valve can be shaped to help beneficially shape those leaflet portions during their movements.
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| Amphiphilic fibers and membranes and processes for preparing them | 20080213574 | 20080904 |
| The present invention relates to the fields of chemistry and biology and more particularly to the field of biomaterials. The present invention includes amphiphilic fibers and membranes, which can be used for biomembranes and biocompatible devices. The present invention also relates to processes for preparing amphiphilic fibers and membranes from solutions comprising amphiphilic molecules. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes for preparing fibers and membranes from electrospinning solutions comprising amphiphilic molecules. The present invention further provides fibers and nonwoven membranes comprising amphiphilic fibers chosen from anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants, phospholipids, sulfobetaines, lyotropic liquid crystalline molecules, and/or block copolymers. Electrospun fibers offer the potential for direct fabrication of biologically based, high-surface-area membranes without the use of multiple synthetic steps, complicated electrospinning designs, or... |
| Replacement prosthetic heart valves and methods of implantation | 20080215144 | 20080904 |
| A replacement prosthetic heart valve for engagement with a structure of a previously implanted prosthetic heart valve, the replacement heart valve including a stent structure and at least two leaflets attached within the interior area of a tubular body portion of the stent structure. The stent structure includes a generally tubular body portion having an interior area, at least two upper flange portions for positioning at an outflow end of the previously implanted heart valve, wherein the upper flange portions extend radially outward from the tubular body portion and are biased toward an inflow end of the replacement heart valve, and at least one lower flange portion for positioning at an inflow end of the previously implanted heart valve, wherein the lower flange portions extend radially... |
| Device, system and method for measuring cross-sectional areas in luminal organs | 20080194996 | 20080814 |
| The disclosure of the present application provides for a system for measuring cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in luminal organs. The disclosure of the present application also provides a method and apparatus for measuring cross-sectional areas and pressure gradients in luminal organs, such as, for example, blood vessels, heart valves, and other visceral hollow organs. In at least one embodiment, a method for measuring a cross-sectional area of a targeted treatment site comprises the steps of introducing a device, injecting two solutions, measuring a first conductance, moving the device, injecting two solutions, measuring a second conductance, and calculating cross-sectional areas based upon the two conductance measurements.
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| Devices and methods for heart valve treatment | 20080195200 | 20080814 |
| Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
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| Thorascopic heart valve repair method and apparatus | 20080188873 | 20080807 |
| An instrument for performing thorascopic repair of heart valves includes a shaft for extending through the chest cavity and into a heart chamber providing access to a valve needing repair. A movable tip on the shaft is operable to capture a valve leaflet and a needle is operable to penetrate a capture valve leaflet and draw the suture therethrough. The suture is thus fastened to the valve leaflet and the instrument is withdrawn from the heart chamber transporting the suture outside the heart chamber. The suture is anchored to the heart wall with proper tension as determined by observing valve operation with an ultrasonic imaging system.
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| Methods of implanting two-part heart valves | 20080188929 | 20080807 |
| Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. In a first embodiment, an expandable pre-assembled heart valve includes a plastically-expandable annular base having plurality of upstanding commissure posts. A tubular flexible member including a prosthetic section and a fabric section is provided, with the prosthetic section being connected to the commissure posts and defining leaflets therebetween, and the fabric section being attached to the annular base. In a second embodiment, an expandable heart valve includes an annular tissue-engaging base and a subassembly having an elastic wireform and a plurality of leaflets connected thereto. The annular base and subassembly are separately stored and connected just prior to delivery to the host annulus. Preferably, the leaflet subassembly is stored in its relaxed configuration to avoid... |
| Local delivery of therapeutic agent to heart valves | 20080183143 | 20080731 |
| The present invention relates to implantable medical devices and methods that employ these medical devices to treat heart valves. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided comprising a body. The body may have a portion thereof including therapeutic agent and can be configured to support the device proximate a heart valve. Methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention may also include providing a medical device having a body with at least a portion thereof including a therapeutic agent. These methods may also include positioning the medical device in a location proximate to a downstream surface of the heart valve and securing the device. The therapeutic agent released may then be delivered to the heart valve.
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| Method of manufacturing a tissue-engineered prosthesis | 20080145920 | 20080619 |
| Developing heart valves are exposed to dynamic strains by applying a dynamic pressure difference over the leaflets. The flow is kept to a minimum, serving only as a perfusion system, supplying the developing tissue with fresh nutrients. Standard heart valves were engineered based on B trileaflet scaffolds seeded with cells isolated from the human saphenous vein. Tissue compaction is constrained by the stent, inducing increasing pre-strain in the tissue. The dynamic strains the tissues are exposed to via the dynamic pressure difference, are estimated using finite element methods based on the mechanical properties of the neo-tissue, in order to get inside into the strain distribution over the leaflet.
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| Prosthetic heart valves | 20080082163 | 20080403 |
| A prosthetic heart valve includes a hydrogel material in its sewing cuff. The hydrogel material may be accompanied by an anticoagulant. If the hydrogel (and/or any included anticoagulant) might react with a packaging solution in which the valve is stored after inclusion of the hydrogel (and any anticoagulant), the hydrogel (and any anticoagulant) may be included in a protective but deliberately frangible pouch in the sewing cuff. After the valve is out of the packaging solution, the pouch can be broken to render the hydrogel (and any coagulant) effective following implantation of the valve in a patient.
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| Annuloplasty system and surgical method | 20080065203 | 20080313 |
| An annuloplasty system for repairing incompetent heart valves is provided. This system includes a substantially circular valve reinforcing device adapted to be surgically implanted into around a heart valve annulus; anchoring means for attaching the substantially circular valve reinforcing device to the heart valve, wherein attaching the substantially circular valve reinforcing device to the heart valve annulus reduces the circumference of the heart valve annulus by plicating annular tissue underneath the valve reinforcing device; and constricting means for, if necessary, reducing the circumference of the substantially circular valve reinforcing device, wherein reducing the circumference of the substantially circular valve reinforcing device further reduces the circumference of the heart valve annulus.
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| Foldable prostheses, multiple component prosthetic heart valve assemblies, and apparatus and methods for delivering them | 20080033543 | 20080207 |
| 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.... |
| System for deploying balloon-expandable heart valves | 20080021546 | 20080124 |
| A system and method for deploying balloon-expandable (i.e., plastically-expandable) prosthetic heart valves so that they assumed their desired operational shape. The system includes a balloon that accommodates non-uniform expansion resistance in the heart valve to expanded to its desired tubular or other shape. The heart valve may have substantially more structural elements adjacent one end, typically the inflow end, and the balloon is tapered so as to expand the inflow end before the outflow so that the valve ends up in a tubular shape. Alternatively, a stepped balloon with a larger diameter proximal section adjacent the inflow end of the valve may be used. A method includes applying a non-linear expansion forced to the interior of a plastically-expandable prosthetic heart valve to overcome areas of greater... |
| Assessment of aortic heart valve to facilitate repair or replacement | 20080009746 | 20080110 |
| Devices and methods for assessing the size, shape, and topography of vessel lumens and hollow portions of organs are described. The devices and methods are particularly adapted for determining the size, shape, topography, and compliance of the native heart valves to facilitate the later implantation of a prosthetic heart valve. The devices are typically catheter-based having an assessment mechanism fixed to a distal end of the catheter. The assessment mechanism generally includes an expandable member, such as a balloon. The assessment mechanism may also include an imaging member, a physical assessment member, an electronic mapping construction, an alignment mechanism, a valvuloplasty balloon, or any combinations thereof. The methods typically comprise deploying the balloon percutaneously to a target location, expanding the balloon, and determining one or more... |
| Combating sinus, throat, and blood infections with xylitol delivered in the mouth | 20070293587 | 20071220 |
| A method of suppressing bacteria that cause infections of the throat, sinuses, heart and arteries, and joints (arthritis) by delivering xylitol in a human mouth. The method is effective with troches of pure xylitol or with xylitol chewing gum or liquid, provided sufficient quantities of xylitol are delivered. Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus in the blood are important contributors to plaque in arteries and on heart valves and bacterial arthritis. For people whose blood is not already infected with significant levels of these bacteria, every day use of xylitol sufficient to suppress these bacteria in the oral cavity will reduce their risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and sinus infections. Strep throat is a common throat infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. Frequent bathing with xylitol, such... |
| Multiple component prosthetic heart valve assemblies and methods for delivering them | 20070288089 | 20071213 |
| 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.... |
| Cardioelectromagnetic treatment | 20070276440 | 20071129 |
| Disclosed are methods of treatment or prophylaxis of a disease state or a condition ameliorated or prevented by electromagnetic field application. A person having or susceptible to such disease state or condition is subjected to electromagnetic fields having a frequency between zero and about 200 Hertz. The diseased state or condition may include diseased heart valves, an enlarged heart, circulatory blockage, coronary insufficiencies, and ischemia. The treatment may be administered non-invasively or invasively. An implantable device for invasively administering the treatment may include at least one component emitting electromagnetic fields having a frequency between zero and about 200 Hertz. The component may include at least one inductor.
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| Simulated heat and valve root for training and testing | 20070269784 | 20071122 |
| A simulated heart valve root used for training physicians in techniques of implantation of prosthetic heart valves as well as for more realistically testing the efficacy of prosthetic heart valves. The simulated heart valve root is made of the flexible, tubular body having an inner wall defining an annular ledge within which the prosthetic heart valve is implanted. Discrete nodes or areas of simulated calcification may be provided on the annular ledge. A simulated aortic root includes alternating cusps and commissures with calcification simulated at least at one of the commissures. A tear in the annular ledge may also be provided which simulates a tear that might occur from a valvuloplasty procedure. A reinforcing sleeve may surround the flexible tubular body to provide rigidity or hoop... |
| Multiple component prosthetic heart valve assemblies and apparatus for delivering them | 20070265701 | 20071115 |
| 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.... |
| Percutaneous treatment for heart valves | 20070265702 | 20071115 |
| The invention is directed to percutaneous transvascular therapeutic procedures, particularly for patients with congestive heart failure, and systems for such procedures. A system of the invention for a “Bow-tie” procedure has an elongated guide catheter, a leaf stabilizing device and a tissue grasping device for grasping the free edges of the patient's heart valve slidably disposed within the guide catheter. Preferably, an artificial cordae tendenae is provided if a natural cordae tendenae of the patient has been torn.
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| Simulated heart valve root for training and testing | 20070254273 | 20071101 |
| A simulated heart valve root used for training physicians in techniques of implantation of prosthetic heart valves as well as for more realistically testing the efficacy of prosthetic heart valves. The simulated heart valve root is made of the flexible, tubular body having an inner wall defining an annular ledge within which the prosthetic heart valve is implanted. Discrete nodes or areas of simulated calcification may be provided on the annular ledge. A simulated aortic root includes alternating cusps and commissures with calcification simulated at least at one of the commissures. A tear in the annular ledge may also be provided which simulates a tear that might occur from a valvuloplasty procedure. A reinforcing sleeve may surround the flexible tubular body to provide rigidity or hoop... |
| Two-part expandable heart valve | 20070255398 | 20071101 |
| Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The valves are rolled into a first, contracted configuration for minimally invasive delivery and then unrolled or unfurled at the implantation site. One- and two-piece stents may be used in conjunction with a plurality of flexible leaflet-forming membranes. The one-piece stents may include an annulus anchoring section, a sinus section with the membranes attached over sinus apertures, and a rigid outflow section. The two-piece stent may include a primary stent to provide a tubular base at the annulus, and a secondary stent having the membranes that couples within the primary stent. Lockout tabs to secure the stents in their expanded shapes are provided. Also, alignment structure may be provided to ensure concentric unfurling. Anchoring barbs... |
| Holders for prosthetic aortic heart valves | 20070244551 | 20071018 |
| A holder for a flexible leaflet prosthetic aortic heart valve that is less bulky than earlier holders and minimizes obstructions to vision and working space around the valve to facilitate implantation thereof. The holder may have a central hub and three outwardly extending legs that connect directly and exclusively to tips of the commissures of the aortic heart valve for better tactile feedback when parachuting and seating the valve in the annulus. The legs are sized so that they do not overlap the commissure tips and therefore afford a better view of the sewing ring adjacent the commissures. The legs may be narrow in the midsection or split into two rails to increase visibility of the valve leaflets. The hub may be vaulted axially upward relative... |
| Assessing the location and performance of replacement heart valves | 20070244552 | 20071018 |
| Methods and devices for assessing the operation of a replacement heart valve. The method includes endovascularly delivering a replacement heart valve to a vicinity of a heart valve in an unexpanded configuration, and assessing the operation of the replacement heart valve in the vicinity of the heart valve before fully expanding the replacement heart valve. Methods and devices for assessing the location of a replacement heart valve. The method includes endovascularly delivering a replacement heart valve to a vicinity of the heart valve in an unexpanded configuration, expanding the replacement heart valve to a partially deployed configuration, and assessing the location of the replacement heart valve in the vicinity of the heart valve before fully expanding the replacement heart valve.
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| Heart model for training or demonstrating heart valve replacement or repair | 20070218437 | 20070920 |
| The present invention relates to heart models for surgical training and/or demonstration. More particularly, the present invention relates to heart models, which incorporate features to simulate visual and manipulation of heart valves, to be used as training and/or demonstration subjects for heart valve replacement surgery. The simulated valves may be removable inserts, that are replaceable and disposable, attached to a support platform.
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| Medical device with coating that promotes endothelial cell adherence and differentiation | 20070213801 | 20070913 |
| Compositions and methods are provided for producing a medical device such as a stent, a stent graft, a synthetic vascular graft, heart valves, coated with a biocompatible matrix which incorporates antibodies, antibody fragments, or small molecules, which recognize, bind to and/or interact with a progenitor cell surface antigen to immobilize the cells at the surface of the device. The coating on the device can also contain a compound or growth factor for promoting the progenitor endothelial cell to accelerate adherence, growth and differentiation of the bound cells into mature and functional endothelial cells on the surface of the device to prevent intimal hyperplasia. Methods for preparing such medical devices, compositions, and methods for treating a mammal with vascular disease such as restenosis, artherosclerosis or other types... |
| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20070203560 | 20070830 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20070203561 | 20070830 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Methods and devices for delivery of prosthetic heart valves and other prosthetics | 20070203575 | 20070830 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The preferred delivery device includes a catheter having a deployment mechanism attached to its distal end, and a handle mechanism attached to its proximal end. A plurality of tethers are provided to selectively restrain the valve during deployment. A number of mechanisms for active deployment of partially expanded prosthetic valves are also described.
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| Artificial heart valve and rotary pressure porting mechanisms | 20070193632 | 20070823 |
| This invention provides a simple, rotary, reliable, compact, anticoagulant, artificial or mechanical heart valve based on two rotary pressure porting mechanisms. This valve provides one center flow stream without any obstruction which only human heart valve can provide so far. It employs about ⅕ of the energy that the conventional mechanical heart valve consumes. This mechanical heart valve includes three basic configurations with one leaflet, two and three leaflets for various human heart valve replacement. This valve has the most reliable designs over all existing mechanical heart valves. The reliable features includes less moving part, dual redundant hinge—actuation system and inclusive designs; either loosing proof or falling out proof. Finally most importantly, the invention is provided with an unique anticoagulant mechanisms which include mechanical and medical... |
| Medical device with coating that promotes endothelial cell adherence and differentiation | 20070196422 | 20070823 |
| Compositions and methods are provided for producing a medical device such as a stent, a stent graft, a synthetic vascular graft, heart valves, coated with a biocompatible matrix which incorporates antibodies, antibody fragments, or small molecules, which recognize, bind to and/or interact with a progenitor cell surface antigen to immobilize the cells at the surface of the device. The coating on the device can also contain a compound or growth factor for promoting the progenitor endothelial cell to accelerate adherence, growth and differentiation of the bound cells into mature and functional endothelial cells on the surface of the device to prevent intimal hyperplasia. Methods for preparing such medical devices, compositions, and methods for treating a mammal with vascular disease such as restenosis, artherosclerosis or other types... |
| Tissue control rods for sheet-based tissue engineering | 20070178588 | 20070802 |
| The disclosure provides methods and systems for tissue engineering including an apparatus and methods for the growth, maintenance, and use of robust tissue sheets using tissue manipulation devices. The tissue manipulation devices provide a method of anchoring the tissue sheets to the cell culture substrate to promote prolonged maturation and subsequent increased mechanical strength. The tissue manipulation devices also provide a technique to facilitate removal of the sheet from the culture container and subsequent production steps to assemble more complex three dimensional organs from the robust sheet. The tissue manipulation devices also facilitate automated handling of the sheets in the assembly processes. The disclosure provides methods and composition derived from robust human sheets to build tissue engineered blood vessels, heart valves, stents, and endarterectomy patches and... |
| Gasket with spring collar for prosthetic heart valves and methods for making and using them | 20070179604 | 20070802 |
| A heart valve prostheses includes an annular member implantable within a biological annulus, a collar extending upwardly from the annular member, and a sewing ring extending from the annular member. A spring structure couples the collar to the annular member and biases the collar to align with the annular member at a predetermined distance above the annular member. During use, the prosthesis is introduced into a biological annulus, and fasteners are directed through the sewing ring into surrounding tissue to secure the prosthesis with the annular member within the biological annulus. A mechanical or bioprosthetic valve is introduced and coupled to the collar, e.g., using tabs or other connectors on the collar. The spring structure allows the collar to be directed towards the annular member and/or... |
| Percutaneous transcatheter heart valve | 20070168024 | 20070719 |
| The present invention provides improved devices and methods for replacing or repairing a malfunctioning heart valve. In particular, improved minimally invasive methods and devices are provided for percutaneous transcatheter implantation of expansible prosthetic heart valves within or adjacent a valved anatomic site within the heart. In one embodiment, an expansible prosthetic heart valve comprises an implantable structure, a flexible membrane, and a membrane support. The implantable structure is expansible from a first reduced diameter to a second enlarged diameter and has a flow path therethrough. The flexible membrane is positionable in the flow path for permitting flow in a first direction and substantially resisting flow in a second direction. The membrane support is positionable in the flow path and affixed to the implantable structure.
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| Apparatus, system, and method for treatment of posterior leaflet prolapse | 20070123979 | 20070531 |
| The invention is an apparatus, system, and method for repairing heart valves. A suture line is secured to a papillary muscle, and then passed through a portion of a heart valve leaflet. A reference element is provided at a desired distance from a plane defined by the heart valve annulus. The suture line is secured to the heart valve leaflet at a position adjacent the reference element. The reference element may part of a device configured for placement on or in a heart valve annulus. The reference element may be slidingly secured to the device so that the distance of the reference element from the main body of the device can be varied by a surgeon or other user. The reference element may be a line... |
| Device for the implantation and fixation of prosthetic valves | 20070100440 | 20070503 |
| A device for the transvascular implantation and fixation of prosthetic heart valves having a self-expanding heart valve stent (10) with a prosthetic heart valve (11) at its proximal end is introducible into a patient's main artery. With the objective of optimizing such a device to the extent that the prosthetic heart valve (11) can be implanted into a patient in a minimally-invasive procedure, to ensure optimal positioning accuracy of the prosthesis (11) in the patient's ventricle, the device includes a self-expanding positioning stent (20) introducible into an aortic valve positioned within a patient. The positioning stent is configured separately from the heart valve stent (10) so that the two stents respectively interact in their expanded states such that the heart valve stent (10) is held by... |
| Prosthetic heart valves, support structures and systems and methods for implanting the same | 20070073387 | 20070329 |
| Prosthetic valves and their component parts are described, as are prosthetic valve delivery devices and methods for their use. The prosthetic valves are particularly adapted for use in percutaneous aortic valve replacement procedures. The delivery devices are particularly adapted for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
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| Prosthetic valve crimping device | 20070056346 | 20070315 |
| An improved crimping mechanism well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves. The crimping mechanism includes a plurality of jaws configured for linear non-rotational movement toward a central axis. A rotational plate is formed with a plurality of spiral grooves or tracks for engaging the jaws. Rotational movement of the spiral tracks produces linear movement of the jaws. Nesting of the inner ends of the jaws permits each to be acted on along different radial lines while their inner faces move together evenly to reduce the crimping aperture in a smooth fashion. The crimping mechanism is particularly well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves, such as a prosthetic aortic valve, though it can also be applied to other stented heart valves, venous valves, and even... |
| Method of crimping a prosthetic valve | 20070061009 | 20070315 |
| An improved crimping mechanism and method well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves. The crimping mechanism includes a plurality of jaws configured for linear non-rotational movement toward a central axis. A rotational plate is formed with a plurality of spiral grooves or tracks for engaging the jaws. Rotational movement of the spiral tracks produces linear movement of the jaws. Nesting of the inner ends of the jaws permits each to be acted on along different radial lines while their inner faces move together evenly to reduce the crimping aperture in a smooth fashion. The crimping mechanism is particularly well-suited for use with stented prosthetic heart valves, such as a prosthetic aortic valve, though it can also be applied to other stented heart valves, venous valves,... |
| Medical device with coating that promotes endothelial cell adherence and differentiation | 20070055367 | 20070308 |
| Compositions and methods are provided for producing a medical device such as a stent, a stent graft, a synthetic vascular graft, heart valves, coated with a biocompatible matrix which incorporates antibodies, antibody fragments, or small molecules, which recognize, bind to and/or interact with a progenitor cell surface antigen to immobilize the cells at the surface of the device. The coating on the device can also contain a compound or growth factor for promoting the progenitor endothelial cell to accelerate adherence, growth and differentiation of the bound cells into mature and functional endothelial cells on the surface of the device to prevent intimal hyperplasia. Methods for preparing such medical devices, compositions, and methods for treating a mammal with vascular disease such as restenosis, artherosclerosis or other types... |
| Devices and methods for heart valve treatment | 20070050022 | 20070301 |
| Devices and methods for treating heart valves include members that assist the valve in closing during at least a portion of the cardiac cycle. Such devices include members configured to alter the shape of a valve annulus, reposition at least one papillary muscle, and/or plug an orifice of the valve so as to provide a coaptation surface for the valve leaflets.
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| Medical device with coating that promotes endothelial cell adherence and differentiation | 20070042017 | 20070222 |
| Compositions and methods are provided for producing a medical device such as a stent, a stent graft, a synthetic vascular graft, heart valves, coated with a biocompatible matrix which incorporates antibodies, antibody fragments, or small molecules, which recognize, bind to and/or interact with a progenitor cell surface antigen to immobilize the cells at the surface of the device. The coating on the device can also contain a compound or growth factor for promoting the progenitor endothelial cell to accelerate adherence, growth and differentiation of the bound cells into mature and functional endothelial cells on the surface of the device to prevent intimal hyperplasia. Methods for preparing such medical devices, compositions, and methods for treating a mammal with vascular disease such as restenosis, artherosclerosis or other types... |
| Methods and systems for cardiac valve delivery | 20070027534 | 20070201 |
| The present invention provides systems and methods for the repair, removal, and/or replacement of heart valves. The methods comprise introducing a delivery system into the heart, wherein a prosthesis is disposed on the delivery member attached to the delivery system, advancing the prosthesis to the target site, and disengaging the prosthesis from the delivery member at the target site for implantation. The present invention also provides implant systems for delivering a prosthesis to a target site in or near the heart. In one embodiment of the present invention, the implant system comprises a delivery system, an access system, and a prosthesis.
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| Gasket with collar for prosthetic heart valves and methods for using them | 20070016285 | 20070118 |
| A heart valve assembly includes a prosthesis for receiving a prosthetic valve to replace a preexisting natural or prosthetic heart valve within a biological annulus adjacent a sinus cavity. The prosthesis includes an annular member implantable within the biological annulus for contacting tissue surrounding the biological annulus to provide an opening through the biological annulus, a collar extending upwardly from the annular member, and a sewing cuff extending radially outwardly from the annular member and/or collar. Optionally, the annular member and/or collar may be resiliently compressible, expandable, and/or otherwise biased. A valve member, e.g., a mechanical or bioprosthetic valve may be coupled to the collar, e.g., using a drawstring, sutures, or other connectors, to secure the valve member to the gasket member.
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| Methods for rapid deployment of prosthetic heart valves | 20060287717 | 20061221 |
| A two-stage or component-based valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises a support structure that is deployed at a treatment site. The prosthetic valve further comprises a valve member configured to be quickly connected to the support structure. The support structure may take the form of a stent that is expanded at the site of a native valve. If desired, the native leaflets may remain and the stent may be used to hold the native valve open. In this case, the stent may be balloon expandable and configured to resist the powerful recoil force of the native leaflets. The support structure is provided with a coupling means for attachment to the valve member, thereby... |
| Rapid deployment prosthetic heart valve | 20060287719 | 20061221 |
| A two-stage or component-based valve prosthesis that can be quickly and easily implanted during a surgical procedure is provided. The prosthetic valve comprises a support structure that is deployed at a treatment site. The prosthetic valve further comprises a valve member configured to be quickly connected to the support structure. The support structure may take the form of a stent that is expanded at the site of a native valve. If desired, the native leaflets may remain and the stent may be used to hold the native valve open. In this case, the stent may be balloon expandable and configured to resist the powerful recoil force of the native leaflets. The support structure is provided with a coupling means for attachment to the valve member, thereby... |
| System, including method and apparatus for percutaneous endovascular treatment of functional mitral valve insufficiency | 20060281968 | 20061214 |
| Among the four heart valves, the mitral is the most frequently affected by disease resulting in defective valve opening (stenosis) or incomplete closure (insufficiency). Most often this is due to distortion of the valve apparatus secondary to rheumatic or degenerative disease. These lesions, called “organic” require open heart surgery. In patients with coronary disease or with dilated cardiomyopathy the mitral valve can be insufficient although structurally normal. These valves are “functionally” insufficient. Because of the poor condition of these patients where open heart surgery carries a significant operative risk, less invasive percutaneous alternatives are being explored today. The present novel invention represents a radical departure from other procedures because it repositions the posterior papillary muscle utilizing a device located in the interventricular veins.
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| Production of tissue engineered heart valves | 20060253192 | 20061109 |
| The invention is directed to methods for preparing artificial heart valves by preconditioning a matrix seeded with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells differentiated from isolated progenitor cells. These cell seeded matrices are exposed to fluid conditions that mimic blood flow through the heart to produce tissue engineered heart valves that are analogous to native heart valves.
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| Heart septal defect occlusion devices with adjustable length tether adapting to the unique anatomy of the patient | 20060200196 | 20060907 |
| The present invention relates to heart septal defect occlusion devices with adjustable length tether which can adapt the interseptal length of the device to the unique anatomy of the patient. The right disc as recited in the present invention is made from a double-deck metal mesh with contraction function, and the left disc is made from at least two skeletons covered by membranes. The two discs are active linked together. Because the connection of the two discs has gimbal function and the distance between the two discs may expand and contract suitably, the device can adapt to the unique anatomy of the patient. Therefore the two discs may attach to the heart valves closely and increase its closing ability. Furthermore it can reduce the thrombus and... |
| Conformable prosthesis for implanting two-piece heart valves and methods for using them | 20060195184 | 20060831 |
| 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... |
| Two piece heart valves including multiple lobe valves and methods for implanting them | 20060195185 | 20060831 |
| A heart valve assembly including an annular prosthesis implantable within a biological annulus, a prosthetic valve including a multiple lobular shape for implantation above the biological annulus, and one or more connectors for securing the prosthetic valve to the annular prosthesis. A flexible sewing cuff extends radially from the annular prosthesis that is resiliently flexible for conforming to the multiple lobular shape of the prosthetic valve to enhance a seal between the prosthetic valve and the annular prosthesis. The sewing cuff may include a core resiliently conformable with anatomy surrounding the biological annulus and fabric covering at least a portion of the core.
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| Connectors for two piece heart valves and methods for implanting such heart valves | 20060195186 | 20060831 |
| A heart valve assembly includes an annular prosthesis including an annular member and a sewing cuff extending radially from the annular member, and a valve member including a frame and a plurality of leaflets carried by struts. The annular prosthesis includes a plurality of pockets extending upwardly from the annular prosthesis for receiving a portion of the frame for securing the valve member to the annular prosthesis. Each pocket may include a flexible rim extending upwardly the sewing cuff and a cover at least partially defining a recess. The rim may be deflectable radially outwardly to accommodate a portion of the frame being received in the recess, and may be resiliently biased to return inwardly when released to cover the portion of the frame with the... |
| Rolled minimally invasive heart valves | 20060173537 | 20060803 |
| Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The valves are rolled into a first, contracted configuration for minimally invasive delivery and then unrolled or unfurled at the implantation site. One- and two-piece stents may be used in conjunction with a plurality of flexible leaflet-forming membranes. The one-piece stents may include an annulus anchoring section, a sinus section with the membranes attached over sinus apertures, and a rigid outflow section. The two-piece stent may include a primary stent to provide a tubular base at the annulus, and a secondary stent having the membranes that couples within the primary stent. Lockout tabs to secure the stents in their expanded shapes are provided. Also, alignment structure may be provided to ensure concentric unfurling. Anchoring barbs... |
| Medical device with coating that promotes endothelial cell adherence and differentiation | 20060135476 | 20060622 |
| Compositions and methods are provided for producing a medical device such as a stent, a stent graft, a synthetic vascular graft, heart valves, coated with a biocompatible matrix which incorporates antibodies, antibody fragments, or small molecules, which recognize, bind to and/or interact with a progenitor cell surface antigen to immobilize the cells at the surface of the device. The coating on the device can also contain a compound or growth factor for promoting the progenitor endothelial cell to accelerate adherence, growth and differentiation of the bound cells into mature and functional endothelial cells on the surface of the device to prevent intimal hyperplasia. Methods for preparing such medical devices, compositions, and methods for treating a mammal with vascular disease such as restenosis, artherosclerosis or other types... |
| Method and device for automatically determining heart valve damage | 20060089560 | 20060427 |
| A method and device for automatically detecting heart valve damage for four heart valves are proposed. The automatic determination method makes use of three or more heart tone microphones to simultaneously record heart tones of a patient's heart, and then separates the heart tones into four heart tone signals of the aortic valve, the pulmonary valve, the tricuspid valve and the mitral valve of the heart based on the timing characteristics and related techniques. Next, these four heart tone signals are digitally processed into sampling signals. Subsequently, the convolution method is used to process the sampling signals for producing system transfer functions. Finally, the system transfer functions and the reference database are compared to verify and determine damage for the four heart valves. The automatic determination... |
| Methods and apparatus for coupling an allograft tissue valve and graft | 20060085060 | 20060420 |
| Improvements to prosthetic heart valves and grafts for human implantation, particularly to methods and apparatus for coupling a prosthetic heart valve with an artificial graft during a surgical procedure to replace a defective heart valve and blood vessel section, e.g., the aortic valve and a section of the ascending aorta, are disclosed. An annular exterior surface of the prosthetic heart valve is fitted within a vascular graft lumen to dispose the vascular graft proximal end overlying the annular exterior surface, and the proximal end of an elongated vascular graft is compressed against the valve annular exterior surface in a manner that inhibits blood leakage between the vascular graft and the prosthetic heart valve.
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| Methods and devices for repair or replacement of heart valves or adjacent tissue without the need for full cardiopulmonary support | 20060074484 | 20060406 |
| Methods and systems for endovascular, endocardiac, or endoluminal approaches to a patient's heart to perform surgical procedures that may be performed or used without requiring extracorporeal cardiopulmonary bypass. Furthermore, these procedures can be performed through a relatively small number of small incisions. These procedures may illustratively include heart valve implantation, heart valve repair, resection of a diseased heart valve, replacement of a heart valve, repair of a ventricular aneurysm, repair of an arrhythmia, repair of an aortic dissection, etc. Such minimally invasive procedures are preferably performed transapically (i.e., through the heart muscle at its left or right ventricular apex).
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