Systems, devices and methods for resizing a valve annulus are described. An implant is delivered proximate a mitral valve, the implant comprising a tubular body and a plurality of piercing helical anchors, the tubular body comprising an proximal diameter and a distal diameter. Tissue proximate the mitral valve is engaged by rotating the plurality of anchors with corresponding rotational drivers. The tubular body may be transitioned from a first structural configuration having the proximal diameter smaller than the distal diameter to a second structural configuration having the proximal diameter larger than the distal diameter.

Cardiac valve repair devices with annuloplasty features and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. A cardiac valve repair device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, an atrial fixation member configured to engage tissue within a left atrium proximate to a native mitral valve and a spring mechanism coupled to an inferior edge portion of the atrial fixation member. The spring mechanism has an extended state with a first length corresponding to a dimension of the atrial fixation member in a deployed state and a relaxed state with a shorter length corresponding to a desired dimension of the native valve annulus. When implanted, the spring mechanism contracts the atrial fixation member such that the native mitral annulus anchored to the atrial fixation member reduces in a cross-sectional dimension.

A heart valve repair system includes a delivery sheath and an implant that includes a frame having a surface configured to contact an upstream surface of a native heart valve. First and second gripping members are coupled to the frame and each (1) includes first and second arms and (2) is configured to clamp a respective native leaflet. The implant is disposed in the sheath in a delivery state in which the frame defines a wall fully surrounding a central longitudinal axis of the implant. The distal end of the wall defines a distal opening of the frame. The distal end of the wall is disposed proximally to the entire first tissue-engaging surface of each of the gripping members and proximally to the entire second tissue-engaging surface of each of the gripping members. Other embodiments are also described.

A prosthetic apparatus for implantation in a native heart valve includes a main body for placement within the native annulus. The main body is compressible to a radially compressed state for delivery into the heart and is self-expandable from the compressed state to a radially expanded state for implantation. A valve structure is mounted within a lumen of the main body and preferably forms three leaflets made of pericardium. Ventricular anchors are coupled to a ventricular end portion of the main body. The ventricular anchors are adapted to be straightened for delivery to the native heart valve and are biased to spring back to a pre-formed bent shape for capturing the native heart valve leaflets between the main body and the ventricular anchors. An atrial sealing member may be provided along an atrial portion of the main body for impeding the flow of blood between the main body and the native annulus.

A bone fusion device provides stability to bones during a bone fusion period. The bones include, for example, the vertebrae of a spinal column. The bone fusion device comprises one or more extendable tabs attached to the bone fusion device by associated rotating means. The bone fusion device is preferably inserted by using an arthroscopic surgical procedure. During arthroscopic insertion of the device, the tabs are pre-configured for compactness. In this compact configuration, the tabs are preferably deposed along and/or within an exterior surface of the bone fusion device. After the bone fusion device has been positioned between the bones, one or more tab(s) are extended. In the preferred embodiment, the position of each tab is related to a positioning element and extending blocks. Typically, the tabs advantageously position and brace the bone fusion device in the confined space between the bones until the bones have fused.

Aspects of the disclosure include bodily lumen reshaping and reduction systems, devices and methods. Such implants can include a plurality of anchors serially interconnected with a cinching member. Delivery devices of the disclosure are configured to deploy a first anchor into tissue. The delivery device can then deploy a second anchor and wind the cinching member around the second anchor to reduce a distance between the first and second anchors, placating the tissue between the anchors. Additional anchors can be similarly deployed and the cinching member can be similarly adjusted to reshape the lumen. Methods of deploying and reshaping a bodily lumen are also disclosed. In various examples, the bodily lumen is a heart valve, atrial appendage, portion of a gastrointestinal tract or urethra. Various embodiments include one or more anchors having a ratchet assembly or the like to substantially prevent the cinching member from unwinding.

According to the aspect of the present disclosure, various forms of medical 3D threads produced using ultrasonic waves are provided. Thus, we can expect high satisfaction with the medical 3D threads having high tensile strength and holding power. The medical 3D threads can be produced to have about twice as many barbs as conventional medical threads and can be produced using ultrasonic waves without damaging yarn or making knots. Thus, it is possible to overcome the cause of a decrease in physical strength.

An implant delivery system includes a catheter, an implant, and a push body. The catheter extends from a first proximal end to a first distal end. The catheter defines an inner lumen extending through the first distal end. The implant includes a second proximal, a second distal end, and a plurality of resilient barbs. The implant is slidably housed within the inner lumen. The implant is compressed in the inner lumen such that the implant bears against an inner diameter of the inner lumen and the implant is retained within the inner lumen by friction. The push body is slidably housed within the inner lumen of the catheter. The push body is adjacent to the second proximal end of the implant.

An example medical system includes a medical device configured to join the edges of the leaflets together, an elongate body configured to be navigated through vasculature to a heart valve of patient, and a plurality of tissue engagement devices extending from a distal end of the elongate body, each tissue engagement device comprising at least one clamp configured to capture leaflets of the heart valve.

This disclosure includes fasteners for coupling an implant to tissue (e.g., soft-tissue and/or bone), fabric-like implants, and assemblies with fasteners pre-loaded with implants. The present implants generally comprise at least one flexible, fibrous layer that is substantially planar in a flattened state. In some embodiments of the present assemblies for delivery of a fastener, the assembly comprises fastener cartridge, a fibrous implant wrapped around a portion of the cartridge, a fastener extending through the implant, and an elongated shield disposed around the implant and the cartridge such that the implant is retained between the cartridge and the shield. Kits comprise a plurality of fasteners pre-loaded with implants. Some of the present kits also include one or more of the present fastener-delivery apparatuses or tools; for example, a plurality of pre-loaded fasteners with a single, reloadable tool; a plurality of tools each pre-loaded with a fastener that is pre-loaded with an implant; and/or a plurality of cartridges each pre-loaded with a fastener that is pre-loaded with an implant, and a common tool for use with the cartridges.