System for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve including a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft, a proximal end portion and a distal end portion configured to be positioned proximate native leaflets of a heart valve from a remote vascular access point, and a fixation device releasably coupled to the delivery catheter. The fixation device includes a first arm moveable between a closed position and an open position, and a second arm moveable between a closed position and an open position. The fixation device further includes a first gripping element movable relative to the first arm in the open position, the first gripping element biased toward the first arm to capture a first leaflet of the heart valve therebetween, and a second gripping element movable relative to the second arm in the open position, the second gripping element biased toward the second arm to capture a second leaflet of the heart valve therebetween. The first gripping element and the second gripping element each include a plurality of barbs extending therefrom, the plurality of barbs of each of the first gripping element and the second gripping element being aligned transversely in at least one row. The fixation device further includes a covering disposed on each of the first gripping element and the second gripping element, wherein the plurality of barbs of the first gripping element and the second gripping element, respectively, protrude through the covering.

A modular surgical apparatus is disclosed. Also disclosed is a modular incision apparatus. The modular incision apparatus may be used in a minimally invasive surgery. The modular incision apparatus includes a base having a pair of pivots, a pair of alignment tabs, a proximal opening, and at least one slide guide. The modular incision apparatus includes visual and cleaning access to the blade. The modular incision apparatus is suitable for safely, efficiently, and accurately making small incisions during surgical procedures. The modular incision apparatus provides a means of making small incisions of controlled depth, while reducing the chances of inadvertent exposure of surgical staff to sharp instrument.

A device for closing an opening in tissue includes a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel disposed between the proximal and distal ends. A pair of pins are disposed within the channel and cooperate with a slidable and axially movable foot. The foot extends distally from the channel with a flexible guidebody extending from a distal foot end of the foot.

An automatic suturing hook apparatus comprises a main body having a movement hole formed on one side surface thereof and having a first protrusion hole formed on the front end thereof; a needle part which is provided inside the main body and protrudes from the first protrusion hole; a slide body which slidably moves through the movement hole from one side surface of the main body to the front end or rear end of the main body and comes into close contact with the front end of the main body; a slide part which is provided inside the main body and slidably moves the needle part provided inside the main body to the outside of the main body; and a first trigger which is provided at the bottom of the rear end of the main body and operates the slide part which is provided inside the main body.

The present disclosure relates to a device for assisting in communicably coupling a first organ body with a second organ body by employing a plurality of arc-shaped tissue connector devices comprising a tissue connector body with a proximal and distal end, and a method for manufacturing such a device. The device comprises a curved frame having a principle axis and configured to embrace, at least partially, the first organ body, the curved frame configured to receive a plurality of tissue connector devices which extend from a proximal end thereof coupled to the curved frame and terminate in a free distal end. The disclosure further relates to a tissue connector device, a holder for tissue connector devices and a tissue-collar manipulating device, and a method of coupling a first and a second organ body using such device.

Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a cord that is flexible and elongated defining a length. The cord may include a core having a porous surface and a porosity-reducing element on at least a portion of the core.

The invention provides devices, systems and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The devices, systems and methods of the invention will find use in a variety of therapeutic procedures, including endovascular, minimally-invasive, and open surgical procedures, and can be used in various anatomical regions, including the abdomen, thorax, cardiovascular system, heart, intestinal tract, stomach, urinary tract, bladder, lung, and other organs, vessels, and tissues. The invention is particularly useful in those procedures requiring minimally-invasive or endovascular access to remote tissue locations, where the instruments utilized must negotiate long, narrow, and tortuous pathways to the treatment site. In addition, many of the devices and systems of the invention are adapted to be reversible and removable from the patient at any point without interference with or trauma to internal tissues.

A system including a bone punch tool and a needle guide. The bone punch tool can include a support arm having a support arm proximal portion and a support arm distal portion, a pivot arm having a pivot arm proximal portion and a pivot arm distal portion, and an arcuate punch configured to punch through bone. The pivot arm distal portion can be pivotably coupled to the support arm distal portion, such that the pivot arm proximal portion is configured to be moved away from the support arm proximal portion to extend the arcuate punch into a punch position to punch an arcuate hole through bone. The needle guide can be configured to guide a needle through the arcuate hole.

A method and device for anchoring a length of self-retaining suture. The method of anchoring includes providing for an assembly having a length of self-retaining suture and a suture insertion device. The length of suture includes at least a portion of the length having a plurality of retainers thereon extending in a first direction. The insertion device has a length and a recess to receive a portion of the suture length. The method further includes placing a portion of the suture length in the recess and inserting the device into the body of a mammal until the recess reaches a predetermined location thereby forming an insertion pathway. The method further includes retrieving the insertion device from the body by moving the insertion device in a direction substantially opposed to the insertion pathway.

Systems and methods for closing a tissue defect are disclosed. The systems may include a subcutaneous guide that is placed transcutaneously between two skin access sites and a self-locking strap that may be advanced into the body through a first access site via a first needle and then passed to a second needle. The strap may be withdrawn with the second needle through a second access site to the outside of the body. The strap may be withdrawn from the first needle, leaving the strap placed through both access sites and across the defect. As the subcutaneous guide is withdrawn from the body it pulls the captured strap such that both ends of the strap protrude from the first access site, allowing the strap to be tightened around the defect. Devices for closure of a tissue defect are also disclosed.