Apparatus (20) for testing a prosthetic leaflet (10) includes a bar (22); a light source (24); a detector (26); an actuator (40); a gauge (28); a display (82); and circuitry (84). The leaflet is draped over the bar. The light source emits a beam of light (32). The detector detects the beam, and generates a detection-signal indicative of detection of the beam. Actuation of the actuator moves the bar with respect to the beam. The gauge measures an elevation of the bar above the beam, the elevation changing with the moving of the bar by the actuator. The circuitry is configured: (i) to receive the measured elevation from the gauge, (ii) to receive the detection-signal from the detector, and (iii) in response to the detection-signal, to drive the display to display the elevation that was measured when the detection-signal was received by the circuitry.

A handle assembly for a structural heart catheter based delivery system comprises an actuation mechanism connectable to a delivery member and adapted to move the delivery member along a longitudinal axis, a wheel element, and a force limiting coupling unit attaching the wheel element to the actuation mechanism. The force limiting coupling unit disengages the wheel element from the actuation mechanism if a mechanical force applied to the wheel element exceeds a threshold value.

A method for in vitro simulation and evaluation of platelet adhesion in blood-contacting medical devices is disclosed, including the following steps: (1) using a glycerin aqueous solution with a mass percentage concentration of 40% in an extracorporeal circulation circuit to simulate a viscosity and hydrodynamic characteristics of blood, and adding fluorescent particles with a diameter of 3 μm to 5 μm to the solution to simulate platelets; (2) after the solution circulates in the circuit for a specified time period, removing flow passage components of a tested device, and observing the deposition of the fluorescent particles on a blood-contacting surface inside the device by naked eyes and photographs; and (3) using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique to apply laser light on a device surface deposited with the fluorescent particles and in contact with blood, and using charge-coupled device (CCD) camera imaging to photograph the aggregation and adhesion of laser-induced fluorescent particles.

Systems, dies, and methods are provided for processing pericardial tissue. The method includes positioning a die-cut assembly over the pericardial tissue, the die-cut assembly including a die having a plate, a die pattern, and an opening, the die pattern attached to the plate, the opening formed in the plate to provide access to the pericardial tissue, and measuring a thickness of the tissue through the opening. The die-cut assembly may be mounted for automated vertical movement, and a platen on which the tissue is placed is capable of automated horizontal movement. Different target areas on the tissue can be assessed by measuring the thickness through the die, and when an area is deemed suitable the die pattern cuts a shape therefrom. The system is useful for cutting uniform thickness heart valve leaflets, and can be automated to speed up the process.

A delivery system and method for delivery of an annuloplasty implant for a patient are disclosed. The delivery system comprises a commissure locator device for locating a commissure, comprising; an extension member, a catheter, and wherein the extension member is extendable relative the catheter for location of at least one commissure of a cardiac valve, and a coronary sinus contractor for temporary insertion into the coronary sinus (CS) and having a displacement unit being temporarily transferable to an activated state in Which the shape of the annulus Of the heart valve is modified to a modified shape to be retained by said annuloplasty implant.

A testing apparatus is disclosed herein for testing properties of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may comprise a dual-drive pulsatile flow tester with the ability to determine coaptation of valve leaflets of a prosthetic device. The testing apparatus may be able to test prosthetic heart valves and reproduce physiological conditions of a prosthetic heart valve.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for estimating prosthetic valve expansion diameter, and in particular, for system and methods for analyzing images acquired during prosthetic valve expansion, to identify structural components of the valve, determine dimensions thereof, and estimate at least one outer diameter of the prosthetic valve, and potentially a plurality of outer diameter along different axial positions of the prosthetic valve.

A tricuspid regurgitation treatment tool to be inserted into the pulmonary artery is proposed. The tricuspid regurgitation treatment tool to be inserted into the pulmonary artery is used to verify whether the right ventricular dysfunction may occur when treating the tricuspid regurgitation by surgeries or other permanent treatments. A test insertion of the tricuspid regurgitation treatment tool to be inserted into the pulmonary artery is made to pass obliquely through the tricuspid valve of a patient, and after a certain time has elapsed, the tool is removed. The tricuspid regurgitation treatment tool to be inserted into the pulmonary artery includes: a blocking part blocking the tricuspid valve; and an insertion tube provided with a guidewire-guiding lumen formed therein to be movable along the guidewire.

An aortic graft occluder for intraoperative leak testing of a tubular aortic graft attached to an aortic root. The aortic graft occluder includes a plug adapted for sealingly closing an opening of the aortic graft. The plug includes a first pathway adapted for connecting a lumen of the aortic graft with a feed line.

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for measuring expansion diameter, radial force exerted against surrounding tissue, and pressure recovery across prosthetic heart valves, during valve implantation procedures.