This application relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for replacing native heart valves with prosthetic heart valves and treating valvular insufficiency. In a representative embodiment, a support frame configured to be implanted in a heart valve comprises a main body formed by formed by a plurality of inner members forming an inner clover and a plurality of outer members forming an outer clover. The support frame can include gaps located between inner members of the plurality of inner members and outer members of the plurality of outer members. The inner clover can be radially inside the outer clover, and the outer clover can have larger dimensions than the inner clover. The support frames herein can be radially expandable and collapsible.

A method for replacing a native heart valve in need thereof comprises delivering to the native heart valve an apparatus comprising a valve member, a connecting member, and an anchor member suitable for anchoring the apparatus. The valve member reversibly moves between an open position and a closed position to augment or replace the function of the native valve leaflets, thereby reducing valve regurgitation. Some embodiments include a stent that is positioned in the native heart valve with the valve member disposed therein.

A prosthetic apparatus for implantation at a native valve complex includes a main body configured for placement within the native valve, at least one downstream arm and at least one upstream arm, each coupled to and disposed outside of the main body. The main body includes a compressed state for delivery and an expanded state. In the expanded state, a space exists between the downstream arm and an outer surface of the main body to receive an edge of a native valve leaflet. A portion of the downstream arm is configured to extend behind the received native leaflet and engage a downstream surface of the native valve complex while the edge of the received native leaflet is not engaged by the downstream arm. The upstream arm is configured to engage an upstream surface of the native valve complex at a location opposite the portion of the downstream arm.

A mechanism for adjusting the chordae connecting the leaflets of a mitral valve to the papillary muscles in order to restore normal functioning of the mitral valve. The devices or mechanisms can correct problems associated with both prolapsed leaflets and restricted leaflets to allow the leaflets to properly coapt, thereby preventing or minimizing regurgitation. In accordance with the invention, the mechanisms or devices used for adjusting the chordae can be delivered and implanted in a minimally invasive and/or percutaneous manner, such as via transapical methods, transfermoral methods, or trans-septal methods.

Methods of deploying and securing a heart valve prosthesis are disclosed. A heart valve prosthesis (100) having a plurality of anchor guides (212) is loaded within a catheter-based delivery device, wherein each of the anchor guides is releasably engaged by a respective elongate member (338) and wherein tensioning of the elongate members aids in collapsing the prosthesis during loading. The delivery device is advanced via a transcatheter procedure to position the heart valve prosthesis at an implantation site. The heart valve prosthesis undergoes controlled deployment by controlling the release of tension on the elongate members. After deployment of the heart valve prosthesis, an anchor tool (660) is advanced along a guide member to the anchor guide positioned at a securement site. When the securement site is reached, an anchor clip (662) is released from the anchor tool to secure the prosthesis to the heart.

A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

The present invention relates to a prosthetic fabric comprising an arrangement of yarns defining at least two faces for said fabric, said fabric comprising, on at least one of its faces, one or more barbs that protrude outwards relative to said face, characterized in that said barbs are covered with a coating made of a water-soluble biocompatible material. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a fabric and to prostheses obtained from such a fabric.

Systems for mitral valve repair are disclosed where one or more mitral valve interventional devices may be advanced intravascularly into the heart of a patient and deployed upon or along the mitral valve to stabilize the valve leaflets. The interventional device may also facilitate the placement or anchoring of a prosthetic mitral valve implant. The interventional device may generally comprise a distal set of arms pivotably and/or rotating coupled to a proximal set of arms which are also pivotably and/or rotating coupled. The distal set of arms may be advanced past the catheter opening to a subannular position (e.g., below the mitral valve) and reconfigured from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed securement configuration. The proximal arm members may then be deployed such that the distal and proximal arm members may grip the leaflets between the two sets of arms to stabilize the leaflets.

A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Apparatus is provided, comprising a ring, comprising a plurality of struts arranged in a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs, each strut having a first end-portion and a second end-portion, each peak defined by convergence of adjacent first end-portions disposed at an angle with respect to each other, and each trough defined by convergence of adjacent second end-portions. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of anchors. Each anchor has a longitudinal axis, is configured to be driven along the longitudinal axis into tissue of the heart, and is coupled to the ring at a respective trough in a manner that facilitates (i) movement of the anchor along the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough, and (ii) deflection of the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough.