The invention provides a heart valve leaflet capture device (250) comprising a cardiac catheter probe having a proximal end for manipulating the device (250) and a distal end terminating in a transvalve element (256). The transvalve element (256) is configured to pass through a heart valve generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the catheter and includes two or three leaflet gripping elements (252). The leaflet gripping elements (252) are individually movable by operation of an associated actuating mechanism (260) between a radially retracted position, in which they are withdrawn with respect to the transvalve element (256), and a capture position, in which they diverge outwardly at an acute angle from the transvalve element (256). In the capture position, each leaflet gripping element (252) defines a convergent capture zone that is directed towards the edges of a target valve leaflet and in which the target valve leaflet may be captured.

Surgical stapling devices including surgical fastening assemblies, surgical fastening devices, surgical fastening kits, and surgical fastening systems are provided. Surgical fastening assemblies include staples that provide a redundant approach and have prongs that are retroflexed onto the back of opposing staples or provide a rivet based compression. Surgical fastening devices include low profile fastening devices that can be attached to the distal end of endoscopes. Surgical stapling systems include combinations of staples, rivets, fastening devices and/or endoscopes to which fastening devices are attached.

The invention relates in general to the field of heart surgery. In the surgical field, instruments are used in order to examine the interior of living organisms and/or to use for operative interventions. These also include implants for the production of the functionality of a heart. The invention relates to such an implantable device and a method for eliminating regurgitation in the area of the heart. The implantable device is an annuloplasty ring with a large number of tissue anchors. An unfolded annuloplasty ring is positioned in the cavity of a body element in order to constrict a bodily opening. Using the minimally-invasive technique, each tissue anchor of the annuloplasty ring is intravascularly inserted in advance into a precise position on the edge of the mitral valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring that is configured in the shape of an arc or circle is mounted and fastened to the thus anchored fastening means in order to influence in size and shape the septal and lateral annulus of the mitral valve and to close the gap between the anterior and posterior cusps in the valve.

A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

A system for closing an aperture in a biological tissue includes at least one clip connected to at least one frame arm and for releasably retaining a surgical implant to the frame arm. The clip includes at least one locking structure for engaging a lock bar. A portion of the lock bar selectively engages or contacts the locking structure of the at least one clip to lock the at least one clip in a closed position by inhibiting rotation of the at least one clip when the lock bar is in a locked position. The lock bar allows the at least one clip to rotate to an open position when the lock bar is in an unlocked position. Methods for utilizing the system are also disclosed.

Embodiments include a medical implant for insertion into the human and/or animal body. The medical implant includes a helical fixing device to fix the implant at a site of implantation, wherein the helical fixing device is one or more of coupled to a locking device on the fixing device and coupled to an implant surface. One or more of the locking device and the implant surface impedes an autonomous detachment of the fixing device.

A tendon repair apparatus includes a tendon bridge having oppositely disposed proximal and distal bridge ends spaced longitudinally apart by a bridge body. A plurality of engagement legs is provided. Each engagement leg has a proximal leg end attached directly to a corresponding one of the proximal and distal bridge ends and a distal leg end spaced transversely apart from the tendon bridge. At least one receiver plate, transversely spaced from the tendon bridge and extending substantially longitudinally and laterally parallel to the tendon bridge, is provided. The receiver plate includes a plurality of receiver apertures. Each receiver aperture corresponds to a selected engagement leg. Each receiver aperture is configured to selectively engage with a corresponding selected engagement leg. Engagement between the receiver aperture and the engagement leg maintains the receiver plate in transversely spaced indirect connection with the tendon bridge.

A surgical stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge, and a buttress material removably retained to the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the staple cartridge can include at least one staple removably stored therein which can, when deployed, or fired, therefrom, contact the buttress material and remove the buttress material from the anvil and/or staple cartridge. In at least one embodiment, the anvil can include at least one lip and/or groove configured to removably retain the buttress material to the anvil until deformable members extending from the surgical staple are bent by the anvil and are directed toward and contact the buttress material.

A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied so as to apply various clamping forces and pressures to soft tissue captured within the staples. In at least one embodiment, the staples can include crowns formed thereon which can be utilized to adjust or control the clamping force and/or pressure applied by the staples.

A surgical implant comprising a receiver member and deployment member for clamping and sealing tissue of variable thickness, a corresponding applicator tool and surgical system for connecting, sealing, fastening and/or attaching tissue to itself, to other tissue and/or to non-tissue structures, and/or sealing the flow of fluid at and/or between structures such as tissue and vessel structures.