St. Jude Medical, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20160074162 | COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - 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. | 03-17-2016 |
20160074159 | COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - 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. | 03-17-2016 |
20160074158 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COLLAPSING PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A crimping tool for use with a collapsible prosthetic valve having a stent frame with a plurality of cell openings, and a valve structure assembled in the stent frame. The crimping tool includes a plurality of resilient tines defining an array around a longitudinal axis of the crimping tool. The array has a first cross-section in an expanded state and a second cross-section less than the first cross-section in a collapsed state. The plurality of tines are adapted to intersect the plurality of cell openings in an assembled position of the crimping tool on the prosthetic valve to prevent pinching of the valve structure by the stent frame as the prosthetic valve is collapsed. | 03-17-2016 |
20160030173 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE INCLUDING STENT STRUCTURE AND TISSUE LEAFLETS, AND RELATED METHODS - A method of making a prosthetic heart valve may include providing an annular stent having a plurality of annularly spaced commissure portions having tips, covering each of the tips with a first fabric cover, covering the first fabric covers and the remainder of the stent with a second fabric cover, covering the second fabric cover with a first tissue membrane, and covering the outside of the first tissue membrane with a second tissue membrane, the second tissue membrane forming leaflet portions that extend inwardly between the commissure portions. | 02-04-2016 |
20150374490 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH NATIVE CALCIFIED LEAFLET RETENTION FEATURES - A prosthetic heart valve includes an annular frame that is adapted for (1) delivery into a patient's native heart valve annulus in a circumferentially collapsed condition, and (2) circumferential re-expansion when in the annulus, the frame, in an expanded condition. The frame having a longitudinal axis, an inflow end and an outflow end, a first portion of the frame adjacent the inflow end inclining radially outwardly in a direction toward the inflow end, and a second portion of the frame between the first portion and the outflow end bulging radially outwardly, the second portion of the frame being positioned between a first axial distance from the inflow end and a second axial distance from the inflow end. The frame also includes a plurality of commissure members. The heart valve further includes a flexible leaflet structure disposed in the frame. | 12-31-2015 |
20150342733 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH NATIVE CALCIFIED LEAFLET RETENTION FEATURES - 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. | 12-03-2015 |
20150216663 | COLLAPSIBLE AND RE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE CUFF DESIGNS AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216658 | COLLAPSIBLE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH STRUCTURES FOR CLAMPING NATIVE TISSUE - A prosthetic heart valve is designed to be circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into the patient. At the implant site the valve re-expands to a larger circumferential size, i.e., the size that it has for operation as a replacement for one of the patient's native heart valves. The valve includes structures that, at the implant site, extend radially outwardly to engage tissue structures above and below the native heart valve annulus. These radially outwardly extending structures clamp the native tissue between them and thereby help to anchor the prosthetic valve at the desired location in the patient. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216657 | COLLAPSIBLE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH STRUCTURES FOR CLAMPING NATIVE TISSUE - A prosthetic heart valve is designed to be circumferentially collapsible for less invasive delivery into the patient. At the implant site the valve re-expands to a larger circumferential size, i.e., the size that it has for operation as a replacement for one of the patient's native heart valves. The valve includes structures that, at the implant site, extend radially outwardly to engage tissue structures above and below the native heart valve annulus. These radially outwardly extending structures clamp the native tissue between them and thereby help to anchor the prosthetic valve at the desired location in the patient. | 08-06-2015 |
20150216654 | COLLAPSIBLE AND RE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE CUFF DESIGNS AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation. | 08-06-2015 |
20150073546 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve (e.g., a prosthetic aortic valve) is designed to be somewhat circumferentially collapsible and then re-expandable. The collapsed condition may be used for less invasive delivery of the valve into a patient. When the valve reaches the implant site in the patient, it re-expands to normal operating size, and also to engage surrounding tissue of the patient. The valve includes a stent portion and a ring portion that is substantially concentric with the stent portion but downstream from the stent portion in the direction of blood flow through the implanted valve. When the valve is implanted, the stent portion engages the patient's tissue at or near the native valve annulus, while the ring portion engages tissue downstream from the native valve site (e.g., the aorta). | 03-12-2015 |
20150032206 | TWO-STAGE COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES AND ANCHORING SYSTEMS - 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. | 01-29-2015 |
20140371766 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR | 12-18-2014 |
20140350667 | COLLAPSIBLE AND RE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE CUFF DESIGNS AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350665 | COLLAPSIBLE AND RE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE CUFF DESIGNS AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation. | 11-27-2014 |
20140350663 | COLLAPSIBLE AND RE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE CUFF DESIGNS AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff having features which promote sealing with the native tissues even where the native tissues are irregular. The cuff may include a portion adapted to bear on the LVOT when the valve is implanted in a native aortic valve. The valve may include elements for biasing the cuff outwardly with respect to the stent body when the stent body is in an expanded condition. The cuff may have portions of different thickness distributed around the circumference of the valve in a pattern matching the shape of the opening defined by the native tissue. All or part of the cuff may be movable relative to the stent during implantation. | 11-27-2014 |
20140303723 | Collapsible/Expandable Prosthetic Heart Valves With Native Calcified Leaflet Retention Features - 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. | 10-09-2014 |
20140303722 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - 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. | 10-09-2014 |
20140296966 | STENT FEATURES FOR COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The stent includes a plurality of distal cells, a plurality of proximal cells, a plurality of support struts coupling the proximal cells to the distal cells, and at least one support post connected to a plurality of proximal cells. The proximal cells are longitudinally spaced apart from the distal cells. Various strut configurations and connections of the struts to the proximal cells and of the proximal cells to the support post improve stent flexibility and reduce stress in the valve leaflets. | 10-02-2014 |
20140257347 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube extending in a longitudinal direction and having an open distal end, a tissue securing component disposed at the distal end of the elongated tube, and a capture tool movable in the elongated tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated tube may have an inner surface and a lumen extending therethrough. The tissue securing component may include a clip having a roller and a support element. The roller may be rotatable relative to the support element. The capture tool may be operable to capture tissue of the heart valve leaflet and to draw the captured tissue into the tissue securing component. The tissue securing component may be adapted to be applied to the captured tissue to hold the captured tissue in a gathered configuration. | 09-11-2014 |
20140243965 | MULTI-LAYER STENT - A collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a stent and a valve assembly. The stent includes an annulus section and at least one foldable section. The stent is movable between an unfolded condition in which the foldable section is longitudinally spaced from the annulus section, and a folded condition in which the foldable section is at least partially positioned radially adjacent the annulus section. The valve assembly is positioned within the annulus section of the stent in the folded condition of the stent. | 08-28-2014 |
20140236292 | Transcatheter Valve Stent Anchors - A stent for use in a prosthetic heart valve has a plurality of expandable and collapsible closed cells, a portion of which form an annulus section adapted for placement within the annulus of the native heart valve. Anchor features of the stent residing within at least some closed cells are adapted to engage tissue of the heart, including native valve leaflets, the sinotubular junction, or another implanted device when the prosthetic valve is implanted in the heart. The anchor features may help to retain the prosthetic valve in position, without interfering with the opening and closing of the valve leaflets. Furthermore, the anchor features may be configured to allow the stent to be resheathed into a delivery device after the portion of the stent with the anchor feature has expanded out of the delivery device. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236289 | PROSTHETIC AORTIC HEART VALVES - 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 downstream 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 operational diameter when deployed at the implant site. | 08-21-2014 |
20140214152 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A repair device for repairing a heart valve leaflet in a patient includes a hollow body with a capture tool and a tissue puncture element at the distal end thereof. The capture tool may be used to capture and stabilize the heart valve leaflet tissue. The tissue puncture element may puncture the leaflet tissue and deploy at least one anchor having a length of suture attached thereto. By tensioning the suture, the leaflet tissue may become plicated. The tensioned suture may then be cinched to maintain the plication. | 07-31-2014 |
20140207174 | PROTECTING AGAINST CEREBRAL EMBOLISM - A permeable plug may be temporarily deployed in a patient to protect blood vessels from blockage by various debris. The plug includes a body formed from a filtering material. The body is collapsible for delivery to a location in a blood vessel and expandable to a filtering configuration in which the body occupies a cross-section of the blood vessel and is held in place by its own expansive force. At least one stud is connected to the body for use in deployment of the plug within the blood vessel and retrieval of the plug from the blood vessel. | 07-24-2014 |
20140207154 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A device and method for repairing a mitral valve leaflet | 07-24-2014 |
20140207136 | MULTIPLE STAGGERED ELECTRODES CONNECTED VIA FLEXIBLE JOINTS - An ablation catheter includes an electrode assembly having a plurality of longitudinally spaced sets of spines, which include a distal set of spines each having a distal end connected to a spine distal junction and a proximal end connected to a first joint, and a proximal set of spines each having a proximal end connected to the distal end of the catheter body and a distal end connected to the first joint or a second joint. The spines include electrodes. Zero or more additional sets of spines are connected between the distal set and proximal set, such that neighboring sets of spines are connected by a joint. Each joint is flexible to permit bending along the longitudinal axis. The electrode assembly is movable between a collapsed arrangement and an expanded arrangement with the intermediate segments of the spines in the expanded arrangement moving outwardly with respect to the collapsed arrangement. | 07-24-2014 |
20140171984 | CLIP FOR REPAIR OF CARDIAC VALVE | 06-19-2014 |
20140167308 | DIPPING MANDREL WITH A GAP - A mandrel ( | 06-19-2014 |
20140142690 | ADJUSTABLE PROSTHETIC ANATOMICAL DEVICE HOLDER AND HANDLE FOR THE IMPLANTATION OF AN ANNULOPLASTY RING - An adjustable prosthetic anatomical holder system may include an adjustable annuloplasty ring, a ring holder, and a positioning handle. The adjustable annuloplasty ring holder facilitates placement and adjustment of the annuloplasty ring during a cardiac surgical procedure. An optional positioning handle holds the adjustable annuloplasty ring during placement and suturing of the ring. The ring holder is constructed from two members that are slidably fit together in telescopic arrangement to accommodate adjustment of the ring size. | 05-22-2014 |
20140128970 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR | 05-08-2014 |
20140114403 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube, a capture tool moveable in the tube between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support located within a distal portion of the tube, and a clamping member pivotable in the tube between an open position spaced from the tissue support and a closed position adjacent the tissue support. The clamping member may have a flattened clamping portion and a C-shaped portion that defines a pocket therein. An open side of the C-shaped portion may face the tissue support. The capture tool and the clamping member may be operable to gather and clamp tissue between the tissue support and the clamping member, such that the clamped tissue has a gathered configuration. The device may also include a releasable clip adapted to hold the clamped tissue in the gathered configuration. | 04-24-2014 |
20140088691 | TOOL FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF A PROSTHETIC ANATOMICAL DEVICE - An adjustment tool enables manipulation of a prosthetic anatomical device such as an annuloplasty ring. The tool includes a compression member which is operative for retarding rotation of the adjustment shaft to preclude inadvertent rotation thereof during use of the tool by the surgeon. A locking device is associated with the adjustment tool to enable the releasable attachment of the tool to the anatomical device during its adjustment by manipulation of the tool. The locking device is oriented into operative and inoperative positions by the engagement and disengagement of locking elements. A scale may be provided on the adjustment tool to assist a surgeon in determining the size or amount of adjustment to the size of the anatomical device during its adjustment. | 03-27-2014 |
20140074226 | ANTI-ROTATION LOCKING FEATURE - An adjustment tool enables manipulation of a prosthetic anatomical device such as an annuloplasty ring. The tool includes a compression member which is operative for retarding rotation of the adjustment shaft to preclude inadvertent rotation thereof during use of the tool by the surgeon. A locking device is associated with the adjustment tool to enable the releasable attachment of the tool to the anatomical device during its adjustment by manipulation of the tool. The locking device is oriented into operative and inoperative positions by the engagement and disengagement of locking elements. A scale may be provided on the adjustment tool to assist a surgeon in determining the size or amount of adjustment to the size of the anatomical device during its adjustment. | 03-13-2014 |
20140067055 | ADJUSTMENT ASSEMBLY FOR AN ADJUSTABLE PROSTHETIC VALVE DEVICE - An adjustment assembly for an adjustable prosthetic valve device includes a gearbox housing formed from two gearbox shells coupled to one another and held together by two gearbox sleeves each having an internal cavity adapted to accommodate respective lateral portions of the gearbox shells when the gearbox shells are coupled to one another. A gear assembly, including a center gear and two driven gears, is supported within the gearbox housing. Gear teeth of each of the driven gears engage gear teeth of the center gear such that rotation of the center gear causes rotation of the driven gears. At least one of the driven gears is adapted to engage a transmission mechanism that transmits the rotation thereof to another part of the adjustable prosthetic valve device to accomplish an adjustment to the size and/or shape of the adjustable prosthetic valve device. | 03-06-2014 |
20140058505 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING SIZING INDICATOR - An adjustment tool enables manipulation of a prosthetic anatomical device such as an annuloplasty ring. The tool includes a compression member which is operative for retarding rotation of the adjustment shaft to preclude inadvertent rotation thereof during use of the tool by the surgeon. A locking device is associated with the adjustment tool to enable the releasable attachment of the tool to the anatomical device during its adjustment by manipulation of the tool. The locking device is oriented into operative and inoperative positions by the engagement and disengagement of locking elements. A scale may be provided on the adjustment tool to assist a surgeon in determining the size or amount of adjustment to the size of the anatomical device during its adjustment. | 02-27-2014 |
20140039511 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A device for transcatheter gathering of tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include an elongated tube extending in a longitudinal direction and a capture tool moveable in the elongated tube between a retracted position and an extended position. The elongated tube may have at least one slot extending generally in the longitudinal direction from a distal end of the elongated tube. The at least one slot may have an open end at the distal end of the elongated tube and a closed end remote therefrom. The capture tool may be operable to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet into the at least one slot. The gathered tissue may have a pleated configuration. | 02-06-2014 |
20140005768 | SLEEVE FOR FACILITATING MOVEMENT OF A TRANSFEMORAL CATHETER | 01-02-2014 |
20130338765 | COLLAPSIBLE AND RE-EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE CUFF DESIGNS AND COMPLEMENTARY TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS - A prosthetic heart valve is provided with a cuff ( | 12-19-2013 |
20130331933 | COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES WITH NON-EXPANDING STENT POSTS AND RETRIEVAL FEATURES - 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 remove the valve. | 12-12-2013 |
20130317602 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR IMPLANTING COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - 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. | 11-28-2013 |
20130297011 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes an operating handle and a catheter assembly. The operating handle may include a housing defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable in a longitudinal direction within the movement space, a deployment actuator coupled to the housing and rotatable relative to the housing, and a coupling assembly rotationally fixed to the deployment actuator. The catheter assembly may include a first shaft around which a compartment is defined and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. Movement of the carriage assembly in the longitudinal direction in the movement space may move the distal sheath between the closed condition and the open condition. The coupling assembly may have an engaged position in which rotation of the deployment actuator moves the carriage assembly, and a disengaged position in which rotation of the deployment actuator does not move the carriage assembly. | 11-07-2013 |
20130253639 | HEART VALVE CHORDAE REPLACEMENT METHODS AND APPARATUS - Apparatus for attaching a prosthetic tether between a leaflet of a patient's heart valve and another portion of the patient's heart to help prevent prolapse of the leaflet and/or to otherwise improve leaflet function. The apparatus can be used with relatively low invasiveness of the patient's body. The apparatus releasably clamps the leaflet during attachment of the tether to the leaflet. The apparatus may include an integrated display for indicating how extensively the leaflet is being clamped, as well as structure for stabilizing the leaflet for better clamping. The apparatus may enter the heart through an aperture in the wall of the heart, and may include structure for helping to reduce blood leakage from that aperture. The apparatus may be able to enter the heart by following a guide wire. The apparatus may include various means for attaching the tether to the leaflet. | 09-26-2013 |
20130253577 | APEX CLOSURE DEVICE - Wound closure devices, systems, and methods may be used to close an opening, such as a puncture wound or incision, formed in tissue, such as heart tissue. A wound closure device may be configured and adapted to be placed within the puncture wound or incision to close and/or seal the puncture wound or incision. A bioadhesive may be used to strengthen the closure and/or seal of the puncture wound after placement of the wound closure device relative to the puncture wound. | 09-26-2013 |
20130245753 | TWO-STAGE COLLAPSIBLE/EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES AND ANCHORING SYSTEMS - 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. | 09-19-2013 |
20130218267 | COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a collapsible and expandable stent having a proximal end, a distal end, an annulus section adjacent the proximal end and an aortic section adjacent the distal end, a plurality of commissure features disposed on the stent, and a collapsible and expandable valve assembly, the valve assembly including a plurality of leaflets connected to the plurality of commissure features. Each commissure feature includes a body having a proximal end a distal end, and a plurality of eyelets arranged in at least two rows and at least two columns for attaching the body to the plurality of leaflets. | 08-22-2013 |
20130218266 | BALLOON EXPANDABLE PLATFORM WITH RETAINING FEATURES FOR A COLLAPSIBLE VALVE - Retainer structures ( | 08-22-2013 |
20130184812 | PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE INCLUDING STENT STRUCTURE AND TISSUE LEAFLETS, AND RELATED METHODS - A method of making a prosthetic heart valve may include providing an annular stent having a plurality of annularly spaced commissure portions having tips, covering each of the tips with a first fabric cover, covering the first fabric covers and the remainder of the stent with a second fabric cover, covering the second fabric cover with a first tissue membrane, and covering the outside of the first tissue membrane with a second tissue membrane, the second tissue membrane forming leaflet portions that extend inwardly between the commissure portions. | 07-18-2013 |
20130166023 | COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE WITH ANGLED FRAME - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent and a valve assembly attached to the stent. The stent has a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end adapted to reside adjacent the aortic annulus of a patient. The proximal end of the stent is oriented at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis. | 06-27-2013 |
20130110228 | DEVICES FOR TRANSCATHETER PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE IMPLANTATION AND ACCESS CLOSURE | 05-02-2013 |
20130090637 | CATHETER DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DENERVATION - A method for denervation comprises: introducing a distal portion of a catheter to an interior of a vessel of patient, the catheter including an elongated catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the catheter body including the distal portion at the distal end and a catheter lumen from the proximal end to the distal end; delivering optical energy via the catheter lumen to the distal portion of the catheter body; emitting an optical beam outwardly from the distal portion, through an optical emission port disposed in the distal portion of the catheter body; and forming at least one trench using the emitted optical beam with sufficient intensity to a depth into a vessel wall of the vessel sufficient to cause tissue removal and physically sever at least one nerve associated with the vessel wall at the depth within that depth range. | 04-11-2013 |
20130073032 | EXPANDABLE RADIOPAQUE MARKER FOR TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE IMPLANTATION - A delivery device for a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a support shaft around which a compartment for the valve is defined, a distal sheath adapted to selectively cover and uncover the compartment and the valve, and a marker cage having a collapsed condition when the distal sheath covers the compartment and an expanded condition when the compartment is uncovered. The marker cage includes at least one rib having a radiopaque marker for determining the positioning of the valve as it is deployed. The valve may be assembled around the marker cage so that the marker cage does not interfere with the radial expansion of the valve during deployment. | 03-21-2013 |
20130023760 | HIGH SPATIAL RESOLUTION OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ROTATION CATHETER - An optical coherence tomography rotation catheter comprises a catheter body and a tubular member that rotates around a longitudinal axis in the catheter body. An optical fiber extends along an interior of the tubular member and has an optical fiber distal end. A light reflecting member is distal of the optical fiber distal end and rotates around the longitudinal axis with the tubular member. The light reflecting member includes a light reflecting surface which is spaced from and faces the optical fiber distal end and which is inclined to reflect the light from the optical fiber in a radial direction at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. The light reflecting member has a diameter of at most about 0.25 mm. The light reflecting surface is polished and coated with a light reflecting film. | 01-24-2013 |
20130018456 | TECHNIQUES FOR ATTACHING FLEXIBLE LEAFLETS OF PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES TO SUPPORTING STRUCTURESAANM Li; XueMeiAACI ShoreviewAAST MNAACO USAAGP Li; XueMei Shoreview MN USAANM Woo; Yi-RenAACI WoodburyAAST MNAACO USAAGP Woo; Yi-Ren Woodbury MN US - 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. | 01-17-2013 |
20120330408 | SYSTEM FOR LOADING A COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - An assembly for collapsing a self-expanding prosthetic heart valve includes a compression member, a support member and a constricting member. The compression member has a tapered wall between its first open end and its second open end, the tapered wall defining an open space adapted to receive the valve. The support member has a base and a recess adapted to receive an end of the valve. The support member and the compression member are movable toward one another to compress the valve and push it through a relatively small aperture in the second open end of the compression member. The second end of the constricting member is sized to receive the compressed valve from the second open end of the compression member for loading into a delivery device. | 12-27-2012 |
20120330407 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HEART VALVE REPAIR - A transcatheter method of gathering tissue of a heart valve leaflet may include inserting an elongated catheter assembly to a position adjacent the heart valve leaflet, the catheter assembly including a capture tool moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a tissue support, and a clamping member moveable between an open position and a closed position. The capture tool may be partially retracted to gather tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. The clamping member may then be moved from the open position toward the closed position so as to clamp a substantial portion of the gathered tissue of the heart valve leaflet between the tissue support and the clamping member. Subsequently, a clip may be applied from the catheter assembly to the clamped tissue so as to hold the clamped tissue substantially in a gathered configuration. | 12-27-2012 |
20120302882 | COMBINATION CATHETER FOR FORWARD AND SIDE LESIONING WITH ACOUSTIC LESION FEEDBACK CAPABILITY - An ablation system comprises a catheter including a pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer disposed in a distal portion and arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam. The transducer emits and receives acoustic pulses to provide transducer detected information regarding the targeted tissue region being ablated. A rotation mechanism rotates at least the distal portion around a longitudinal axis of the catheter. A control and interface system processes the transducer detected information and provides feedback to a user via a user interface and/or the control and interface system to be used to control ablation. The transducer detected information includes a detected lesion depth along a beam emanation direction. The control and interface system includes a lesion depth correction module which converts the detected lesion depth along the beam direction to a corrected lesion depth in a normal direction which is perpendicular to the tissue surface in contact with the ablation element. | 11-29-2012 |
20120296329 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ASSESSING TRANSVASCULAR DENERVATION - A catheter apparatus for assessing denervation comprises: an elongated catheter body; a deployable structure coupled to the catheter body, the deployable structure being deployable outwardly from and contractible inwardly toward the longitudinal axis of the catheter body; one or more ablation elements disposed on the deployable structure to move outwardly and inwardly with the deployable structure; one or more stimulation elements spaced from each other and disposed on the deployable structure to move with the deployable structure, the stimulation elements being powered to supply nerve stimulating signals to the vessel; and one or more recording elements spaced from each other and from the stimulation elements, the recording elements being disposed on the deployable structure to move with the deployable structure, the recording elements configured to record response of the vessel to the nerve stimulating signals. | 11-22-2012 |
20120296232 | METHOD AND APPARATUS OF ASSESSING TRANSVASCULAR DENERVATION - Embodiments of the invention provide catheter devices for assessing transvascular denervation. A method of assessing denervation comprises: introducing intravascularly a catheter to a vessel of a patient, the catheter including one or more recording elements; performing a baseline recording of responses by supplying nerve stimulation to the vessel and recording responses of the vessel to the nerve stimulation; denervating at least some tissue proximate the vessel after performing the baseline recording; performing a post-denervation recording of responses, after the denervating, by supplying nerve stimulation to the vessel and recording responses of the vessel to the nerve stimulation; and assessing denervation of the vessel based on a comparison of the responses of the baseline recording and the responses of the post-denervation recording. | 11-22-2012 |
20120290053 | RENAL NERVE STIMULATION LEAD, DELIVERY SYSTEM, AND METHOD - A lead for nerve modulation comprises an elongated body which includes a proximal end, a distal portion having a distal end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the proximal end and the distal portion. The distal portion includes a distal portion anchoring mechanism to anchor the distal portion to a first biological cavity of a patient. The intermediate portion includes an intermediate portion anchoring mechanism to anchor the intermediate portion to a second biological cavity of the patient. The intermediate portion anchoring mechanism is larger in lateral dimension than and is spaced from the distal portion anchoring mechanism. The distal portion and/or the intermediate portion includes a plurality of modulation electrodes. The distal portion anchoring mechanism and/or the intermediate portion anchoring mechanism is configured to position the modulation electrodes to contact tissue of the patient at multiple locations. | 11-15-2012 |
20120290024 | TRANSVENOUS RENAL NERVE MODULATION FOR TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION, CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, AND CHRONIC RENAL DISEASES - A transvenous renal nerve modulation system comprises: a blood pressure monitoring device to be implanted in a patient to monitor the patient's blood pressure; one or more transvenous renal nerve modulation leads to be implanted in one or more renal blood vessels of the patient; a pulse generator coupled to the transvenous renal nerve modulation leads to deliver electrical pulses to the one or more transvenous renal nerve modulation leads for modulating renal nerves of the patient; and a control unit coupled to the blood pressure monitoring device and the pulse generator to control delivery of the electrical pulses by the pulse generator based on the patient's blood pressure from the blood pressure monitoring device. The pulse generator delivers high frequency pulses of greater than about 10 Hz to the transvenous renal nerve modulation leads if the patient's blood pressure is greater than a high blood pressure threshold. | 11-15-2012 |
20120265192 | ARRANGEMENT AND INTERFACE FOR RF ABLATION SYSTEM WITH ACOUSTIC FEEDBACK - A system for ablation with acoustic feedback comprises: a catheter which includes an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element to ablate a targeted tissue region; and a pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam along a centroid in a beam direction, at a transducer beam angle of between about 30 degrees and about 60 degrees relative to a distal direction of the longitudinal axis at a location of intersection between the longitudinal axis and the beam direction of the centroid of the acoustic beam of the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the transducer transmits and receives acoustic pulses to provide lesion information in the targeted tissue region; an ablation power subsystem; an ultrasonic transmit and receive subsystem to operate the ultrasonic transducer; a control subsystem to control operation of the ablation power subsystem and the ultrasonic transmit and receive subsystem; and a display. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265184 | OPTICAL FEEDBACK RF ABLATOR AND ABLATOR TIP - An ablation catheter comprises an elongated catheter body; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body; an illumination optical element disposed in the distal portion, the illumination optical element being light-transmissive to emit light from the illumination optical element to the targeted tissue region; and a collection optical element disposed in the distal portion, the collection optical element being light-transmissive to collect one or more of returned, backscattered or newly excited light from the targeted tissue region. The illumination or excitation optical element and the collection optical element are axially spaced from one another and axially optically isolated from one another within the distal portion to substantially prevent light from traveling between the illumination optical element and the collection optical element along a path within the distal portion. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265070 | SINGLE TRANSDUCER WITH ANGULAR ORIENTATION FOR LESION FEEDBACK IN ABLATION CATHETER - An ablation catheter comprises: an elongated catheter body extending along a longitudinal axis; at least one ablation element disposed in a distal portion which is adjacent the distal end of the catheter body to ablate a targeted tissue region outside the catheter body; a single pulse-echo ultrasonic transducer disposed in the distal portion and arranged to emit and receive an acoustic beam along a centroid in a beam direction, at a transducer angle of about 30-60 degrees relative to a distal direction of the longitudinal axis at a location of intersection between the longitudinal axis and the beam direction of the centroid of the acoustic beam; and a mechanism to manipulate the distal portion in movement including rotation of at least the distal portion around the longitudinal axis. The single ultrasonic transducer emits and receives acoustic pulses to provide lesion information in the targeted tissue region being ablated. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265069 | ACOUSTIC TRANSDUCER FOR PULSE-ECHO MONITORING AND CONTROL OF THERMALLY ABLATIVE LESIONING IN LAYERED AND NONLAYERED TISSUES, CATHETER CONTACT MONITORING, TISSUE THICKNESS MEASUREMENT AND PRE-POP WARNING - An ablation catheter with acoustic monitoring comprises an elongated catheter body; a distal member disposed adjacent a distal end and including an ablation element to ablate a biological member at a target region outside the catheter body; and one or more acoustic transducers each configured to direct an acoustic beam toward a respective target ablation region and receive reflection echoes therefrom. The distal member includes a transducer housing in which the acoustic transducers are disposed, the transducer housing including at least one transducer window which is the only portion in the distal member through which the acoustic beam passes, at least the at least one transducer window portion of the distal member being made of a material comprising at least 50% carbon by volume, the transducer window material having an acoustic impedance between that of the acoustic transducers and that of the biological member. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265062 | OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY CATHETER FOR ELASTOGRAPHIC PROPERTY MAPPING OF LUMENS UTILIZING MICROPALPATION - An optical coherence tomography (OCT) catheter, for performing high performance elastographic deformation mapping of tissues and plaques, comprises: a catheter having elongated catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the catheter body including a distal portion at the distal end and a catheter lumen; a palpator, disposed in the distal portion, to apply one of a directed fluid or a mechanical indenter to produce a surface-applied palpation force to a target area of the interior body to mechanically displace the interior body and cause elastographic deformation of the target area of one or more surface and subsurface tissues and plaques; and OCT imaging sensor, disposed in the distal portion, to direct and deliver OCT beam for OCT deformation detection including elastographic deformation measurement to provide elastographic mapping of the target area. | 10-18-2012 |
20120265061 | HIGH SPEED ELASTOGRAPHIC PROPERTY MAPPING OF LUMENS UTILIZING MICROPALPATION DELIVERED FROM AN OCT-EQUIPPED CATHETER TIP - A method for performing elastographic deformation mapping of tissues and plaques comprises: introducing a distal portion of a catheter to an interior of an interior body of a patient; applying, from a palpator in the distal portion, one of a directed fluid or a mechanical indenter to produce a surface-applied palpation force to a target area of the interior body to mechanically displace the interior body and cause elastographic deformation of the target area of one or more surface and subsurface tissues and plaques; and directing and delivering an OCT (optical coherence tomography) beam, from an OCT imaging sensor in the distal portion, for OCT deformation detection including elastographic deformation measurement to provide elastographic mapping of the target area. | 10-18-2012 |
20120232821 | MULTI-CHANNEL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY FOR IMAGING AND TEMPERATURE AND FORCE SENSING - Embodiments of the invention provide multi-channel OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for imaging biological tissue or the like, and for temperature and/or force sensing, preferably in real time. In one embodiment, an optical signal processing system comprises: a processor; a memory; a receiving module to receive in real time input from multiple channels of OCT producing interfering optical signals representing multiple measured distances for a target imaging object; a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module to apply FFT on the interfering optical signals in real time to produce Fourier frequencies corresponding to the multiple measured distances; and a calculation module to calculate in real time multiple force components of a force applied on the target imaging object to cause at least some of the multiple measured distances for the target imaging object based on the Fourier frequencies from the FFT module. | 09-13-2012 |
20120229812 | LOW COST HIGH EFFICIENCY SIGNAL INTERROGATION FOR MULTI-CHANNEL OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY - A signal interrogation system comprises an optical coupler to split input laser beam into a first laser beam as a power reference and a second laser beam, the optical coupler being coupled to a first path for the first laser beam and a second path for the second laser beam; an optical circulator disposed in the second path; a bi-directional optical switch disposed in the second path and having on one side a single channel end oriented toward the optical circulator and on another side multiple channel ends with multiple switchable channels; a plurality of optical fibers coupled to the multiple channel ends of the bi-directional optical switch; an interference optical signals path coupled to the optical circulator to receive the interference optical signals from the bi-directional switch; and a balanced photo detector to measure a power difference between the interference optical signals and the power reference. | 09-13-2012 |
20120179174 | SURGICAL DEVICE - A device for automatically providing needles to a sealing apparatus for sealing a puncture in an anatomical structure, the sealing apparatus including a needle insertion lumen and a needle pusher channel having a needle pusher disposed therein. The device may include a housing coupled to the sealing apparatus and a cartridge disposed in the housing. The cartridge has a first and a second needle slot extending from a distal end of the cartridge to a proximal end of the cartridge. The first and second needle slots have first and second needles disposed, e.g., pre-loaded, therein, respectively. The cartridge is moveable relative to the housing between a first position in which the first needle slot is aligned with the needle insertion lumen and the needle pushing channel, and a second position in which the second needle slot is aligned with the needle insertion lumen and the needle pushing channel. | 07-12-2012 |
20120121657 | ENHANCING BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - The present invention relates to a medical device comprising both pyrolytic carbon and an NO generator, methods of making same, and methods of using same. | 05-17-2012 |
20120083874 | DEVICE FOR COLLAPSING AND LOADING A HEART VALVE INTO A MINIMALLY INVASIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM - A device is provided for collapsing a stented bioprosthetic valve, including first section and second sections, each spanning between first and second ends of the device. The second section of the device is associated with the first section to at least partially enclose an internal cavity formed by the first and second sections, the internal cavity tapering from an open insertion portion at a first end of the device to an open exit portion at a second end of the device. The insertion portion has a larger dimension than the exit portion. When the first section and second section are substantially enclosing the internal cavity, a stented bioprosthetic valve may be inserted into the insertion portion and collapsed as it is moved toward and through the exit portion. The valve may then be loaded on an apparatus for insertion into the body. | 04-05-2012 |
20120078359 | ADJUSTABLE ANNULOPLASTY RING SUPPORT - A support for an adjustable annuloplasty ring generally includes a body and a groove. The body has a first end, a second end and an outer surface. The body may also include an inner surface defining a longitudinal bore. The outer surface is configured to slidably receive an annuloplasty ring and a length of adjustable suture. The groove is formed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the body and is dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the suture. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078352 | STAGED DEPLOYMENT DEVICES AND METHODS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for a collapsible heart valve includes an operating handle, including a frame defining a movement space therein, a carriage assembly moveable within the movement space, and a first resheathing lock having a locked position and an unlocked position. The delivery device further includes a catheter assembly, including a first shaft around which a valve-receiving compartment is defined, the first shaft being fixedly connected to one of the frame or the carriage assembly, and a distal sheath operatively connected to the carriage assembly. The distal sheath is moveable between a closed condition adapted to maintain the valve in the compartment and an open condition adapted to fully deploy the valve. With the resheathing lock in the locked position, the distal sheath is unable to move to the open condition to fully deploy the valve. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078351 | DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR COLLAPSIBLE HEART VALVE - A delivery system for delivering a collapsible prosthetic heart valve includes a valve support structure for supporting a collapsible prosthetic heart valve, and a distal sheath movable in a longitudinal direction relative to the valve support structure between a first position in which the distal sheath is adapted to surround a collapsible prosthetic heart valve supported on the valve support structure, and a second position in which the distal sheath is adapted to expose the collapsible prosthetic heart valve for deployment. The distal sheath is at least partially formed of an inner polymer layer, an outer polymer layer, and a tubular supporting member sandwiched between the inner polymer layer and the outer polymer layer. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078350 | RETAINERS FOR TRANSCATHETER HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A delivery device for an implantable medical device having at least one retention member at an end thereof includes a shaft extending in a longitudinal direction, an elongated sheath surrounding a longitudinal portion of the shaft, a compartment defined inside of the sheath and adapted to receive the medical device in an assembled condition, a retainer positioned at one end of the compartment, and at least one acceptance in the retainer adapted to receive the retention member of the medical device in the assembled condition. The sheath is slidable relative to the shaft in the longitudinal direction to uncover and deploy the medical device. The retainer may be rotatable relative to the shaft to reduce torsional forces in the medical device during delivery and deployment. The retainer may have at least one recess facing the compartment for receiving a strut at an end of a stent of the medical device. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078347 | STENT FEATURES FOR COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A prosthetic heart valve includes a stent having an expanded condition and a collapsed condition. The stent includes a plurality of distal cells, a plurality of proximal cells, a plurality of support struts coupling the proximal cells to the distal cells, and at least one support post connected to a plurality of proximal cells. The proximal cells are longitudinally spaced apart from the distal cells. Various strut configurations and connections of the struts to the proximal cells and of the proximal cells to the support post improve stent flexibility and reduce stress in the valve leaflets. | 03-29-2012 |
20120078237 | TIP FOR MEDICAL IMPLANT DELIVERY SYSTEM - A delivery system for delivering and deploying a medical implant, such as a prosthetic heart valve, includes an elongated support member, a sheath, and a tip. The sheath is movable relative to the elongated support member between a distal position overlying the medical implant and a proximal position exposing the medical implant for release from the delivery system. The tip is attached to the elongated support member and is positioned at a distal end of the sheath when the sheath is in the distal position. The tip has a compressed condition and an expanded condition, and a maximum diameter in the expanded condition that is larger than the outer diameter of the sheath. | 03-29-2012 |
20120071968 | ROBOTIC HEART VALVE ANNULUS SIZER - A heart valve annulus sizer is provided for measuring a valve to be fitted with an annuloplasty ring. The sizer may include a body having a peripheral portion defining an opening, at least one rib disposed within the opening and dividing the opening into at least a first opening and a second opening, and an anchor disposed on and projecting from the body. The sizer may include a length of suture connected to the body. The anchor may include an aperture adapted to receive the length of suture. A method of using the sizer is provided that includes grasping the sizer with an instrument and positioning the sizer adjacent to a valve into a position suitable to allow for measurement of the valve. | 03-22-2012 |
20110313417 | ABLATION CATHETER HAVING FLEXIBLE TIP WITH MULTIPLE FLEXIBLE ELECTRODE SEGMENTS - A catheter apparatus comprises an elongated catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end, and at least one fluid lumen extending longitudinally therein; and a plurality of flexible electrode segments on a distal portion of the catheter body adjacent the distal end, each pair of neighboring flexible electrode segments being spaced from each other longitudinally by a corresponding electrically nonconductive segment. Each flexible electrode segment comprises a sidewall provided with one or more elongated stiffness reductions extending through the sidewall, the one or more elongated stiffness reductions providing flexibility in the sidewall for bending movement relative to a longitudinal axis of the catheter body. The electrically nonconductive segment is substantially smaller in length than each of the corresponding pair of neighboring flexible electrode segments. | 12-22-2011 |
20110301703 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COLLAPSING PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - A crimping tool for use with a collapsible prosthetic valve having a stent frame with a plurality of cell openings, and a valve structure assembled in the stent frame. The crimping tool includes a plurality of resilient tines defining an array around a longitudinal axis of the crimping tool. The array has a first cross-section in an expanded state and a second cross-section less than the first cross-section in a collapsed state. The plurality of tines are adapted to intersect the plurality of cell openings in an assembled position of the crimping tool on the prosthetic valve to prevent pinching of the valve structure by the stent frame as the prosthetic valve is collapsed. | 12-08-2011 |
20110282424 | PERCUTANEOUS LEAD WITH DISTAL FIXATION - A lead includes an elongated body and an anchor segment disposed between the distal end of the body and electrodes on a distal portion of the body. The anchor segment has lobes which are separated by slits and movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position. A positioning mechanism is disposed inside the hollow interior of the body and at least partially within the anchor segment. The positioning mechanism has a distal positioning portion attached to the distal end of the body and a proximal positioning portion. A control member is connected with the proximal positioning portion to control the positioning mechanism to pull the distal end toward the proximal end so as to move the lobes from the collapsed position to the expanded position and to push the distal end away from the proximal end so as to move the lobes from the expanded to the collapsed position. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282383 | BIOADHESIVE APPLICATOR AND METHODS OF SEALING TISSUE PUNCTURES USING SAME - A closure device includes a delivery member, a sealing material applicator, and an expandable member. The delivery member is insertable through a tissue tract to a vessel puncture. The sealing material applicator is configured to supply a volume of sealing material to the delivery member and includes first and second multi-chamber devices and a valve assembly. Each chamber of the first and second multi-chamber devices holds a component of the sealing material, and operating the valve assembly permits mixing of at least some of the components prior to connecting the sealing material applicator to the delivery member. The expandable member is positionable within the vessel to temporarily seal closed the vessel puncture from within the vessel. The closure device is operable to deliver the sealing material from the sealing material applicator, through the delivery member, and to the tissue tract to seal closed the vessel puncture from outside the vessel. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282287 | TRANSAPICAL MINI-INTRODUCER HOMEOSTASIS VALVE AND PUNCH - An introducer for providing access to the interior of the heart generally includes a valve, a shaft, and a piercing element. The valve has a substantially closed state in the absence of an instrument inside the valve and an open state in the presence of the instrument inside the valve. The shaft has first and second ends. The piercing element is located at the first end of the shaft. The shaft is removably positioned inside the valve in an assembled condition. The valve is dimensioned to receive the instrument therein upon removal of the shaft from the valve. | 11-17-2011 |
20110257734 | COLLAPSIBLE/ EXPANDABLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHODS - A system for delivering a medical implant includes an expandable member at least partially positioned inside the medical implant and operable to radially expand at least a portion of the medical implant to an expanded condition, first and second grasping mechanisms each adapted to grasp a portion of the medical implant, and a displacement mechanism operatively coupled to the first and second grasping mechanisms and configured to move the first and second grasping mechanisms between an inner position in which the first and second grasping mechanisms are relatively close to one another, and an outer position in which the first and second grasping mechanisms are relatively distant to one another. The movement of the first and second grasping mechanisms from the outer position to the inner position at least partially collapses the medical implant from the expanded condition to enable the medical implant to be repositioned if necessary. | 10-20-2011 |
20110238170 | HEART VALVE ANNULOPLASTY PROSTHESIS SEWING CUFFS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - An annuloplasty prosthesis for a heart valve has a sewing cuff added to the conventional structure. The sewing cuff is preferably an extension of the fabric cover that is provided around the core of the prosthesis. The sewing cuff preferably extends radially outwardly from cross sections of the remainder of the prosthesis. Methods of making such a sewing cuff are also disclosed. | 09-29-2011 |
20110201973 | ULTRASOUND COMPATIBLE RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION ELECTRODE - Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an ultrasound compatible ablation electrode for use in ultrasound imaging guidance of ablation therapy using RF or the like. In one embodiment, an ultrasound compatible ablation catheter comprises a catheter body having a distal end and an ultrasonic transducer directing ultrasonic beams for imaging a target; and an ablation electrode connected to the catheter body, the ablation electrode having a plastic shell and a metallic coating on the plastic shell which are disposed in a path of the ultrasonic beams of the ultrasonic transducer between the ultrasonic transducer and the target, the metallic coating of the ablation electrode to be energized for ablation. | 08-18-2011 |
20110166595 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SEALING PERCUTANEOUS PUNCTURES - A puncture closure device operable to seal closed a vessel puncture in a vessel. The puncture closure device includes a delivery member insertable through a tissue tract to the vessel puncture, a sealing material, and an expandable member. The sealing material is deliverable through the delivery member to the vessel puncture and configured to seal closed the vessel puncture from outside the vessel. The expandable member is positionable within the vessel through a vessel access distinct from the vessel puncture and is operable to temporarily seal closed the vessel puncture from within the vessel to restrict passage of the sealing material into the vessel. | 07-07-2011 |
20110137298 | ULTRASOUND ABLATION APPARATUS WITH DISCRETE STAGGERED ABLATION ZONES - An ablation apparatus comprises an ultrasonic transducer which includes a piezoelectric element having a cylindrical shape; a plurality of external electrodes disposed on the outer surface of the piezoelectric element; and at least one internal electrode disposed on the inner surface of the piezoelectric element. The at least one internal electrode provides corresponding internal electrode portions that are disposed opposite the external electrodes with respect to the piezoelectric element, the external electrodes and the at least one internal electrode to be energized to apply an electric field across the piezoelectric element. The ultrasonic ablation zones of the external electrodes are distributed in a staggered configuration so as to span one or more open arc segments around the longitudinal axis, and the ultrasound ablation zones of all external electrodes projected longitudinally onto any lateral plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis span a substantially closed loop around the longitudinal axis. | 06-09-2011 |
20110118726 | ASSEMBLY OF STAGGERED ABLATION ELEMENTS - An ablation catheter comprises a catheter body extending longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end along a longitudinal axis; and an ablation element assembly comprising ablation elements connected to the catheter body, each ablation element to be energized to produce an ablation zone. The ablation elements are distributed in a staggered configuration such that the ablation zones of the ablation elements span one or more open arc segments around the longitudinal axis, but the ablation zones of all ablation elements projected longitudinally onto any lateral plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis span a substantially closed loop around the longitudinal axis. Since the ablation zones do not form a closed loop, the risk of renal artery/vein stenosis is reduced or eliminated. Since the ablation zones of all ablation elements projected longitudinally onto any lateral plane span a substantially closed loop, substantially complete renal denervation is achieved. | 05-19-2011 |
20110015671 | Percutaneous Puncture Sealing System - A method of sealing percutaneous punctures in a patient's body that open into an internal body cavity using a sealing material such as a fibrin adhesive while preventing the sealing material from entering the body cavity. An apparatus for delivering the sealing material is also disclosed. | 01-20-2011 |
20100185277 | COLLAPSIBLE PROSTHETIC HEART VALVES - 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. | 07-22-2010 |
20100161040 | CARDIOVASCULAR VALVE AND VALVE HOUSING APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS - A cardiovascular valve assembly is disclosed including a housing assembly comprising a first portion and a second portion removably attached to the first portion. A valve may be positioned within the housing assembly. The valve, which may be a mechanical valve, a biological tissue valve, or a polymeric valve, may be structured to allow fluid to flow through the housing assembly in a single direction. In certain embodiments, the valve assembly may further include at least one coupling structure provided on the second portion and at least one aperture defined in the first portion, with the aperture structured to receive the coupling structure to couple the first portion to the second portion. Corresponding systems incorporating cardiovascular valve assemblies are also disclosed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160939 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUSES, AND METHODS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR CUTTING DEVICES AND VALVES - A system comprising a tube with a first end dimension to be positioned against a cardiovascular organ. The system may comprise a cutting member adapted to cut an opening in the cardiovascular organ. The system may also comprise a first valve positioned inside the tube. The first valve may be adapted to open to allow the cutting member to pass through the first valve to the cardiovascular organ. The first valve may be adapted to close after the cardiovascular coring device is retracted through the first valve. A cardiovascular coring apparatus is also disclosed. The cardiovascular coring apparatus may comprise a cutting member, a tissue retraction member, and a valve positioned inside the cutting member. A method for inserting a cutting member through a valve is disclosed. A method for inserting a tissue retraction member through a valve in a cutting member is also disclosed. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160832 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING BLOOD VESSELS - An apparatus comprising a blood vessel measuring device is disclosed. The blood vessel measuring device may comprise a handle. A measuring member may be attached to the handle. The measuring member may be dimensioned to wrap around a blood vessel to measure a size of the blood vessel. The blood vessel measuring device may comprise an extension, and a first end of the extension may be attached to the handle. The blood vessel measuring device may comprise a connector attached to a second end of the extension. A method is also disclosed. The method may comprise inserting a measuring device into an incision in a patient. The measuring device may comprise a measuring member. The method may also comprise wrapping the measuring member around a blood vessel of the patient and measuring a dimension of the blood vessel with the measuring member. | 06-24-2010 |