Disclosed herein are gender-specific implantable mesh for inguinal hernia repair in a patient, comprising: a fabric layer comprising a side defining a surface area wherein the fabric layer is configured to enable tissue adhesion to said mesh; an anti-adhesive barrier comprising a shape configured to prevent direct contact between the fabric layer and both a spermatic cord and a genital nerve upon implantation, wherein the shape covers a part of the surface area on the side of the fabric layer, the part being less than 25%, and wherein the shape is oblique to a horizontally-oriented centerline and a vertically-oriented centerline; and a keyhole configured to fit the genital nerve and the spermatic cord of the patient therethrough without constriction, wherein the keyhole is oblique and inferior to a horizontally-oriented centerline and medial to a vertically-oriented centerline.

Prosthetic heart valves are described herein that can provide clearance to the left ventricle outflow tract (LVOT), reduce the possibility of undesirable outflow gradients, and/or limit or prevent LVOT obstructions when implanted in the heart. In some embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve can include an outer frame having a cuff portion that is disposed at an angle (e.g., 80 degrees) relative to the vertical axis of a body portion of the outer frame, so that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while not obstructing the ventricular outflow tract of the heart. In some embodiments, a prosthetic heart valve can alternatively, or additionally, include subvalvular components having a short profile, such that the prosthetic valve can seat securely in the annulus while not obstructing the ventricular outflow tract of the heart.

A method is disclosed for removing a vascular occlusion, such as a clot, from a blood vessel. A tubular sheath is inserted into the vessel and a self-expanding Nitinol mesh filter is deployed from a distal end of the tubular sheath at a location proximal to a clot. An inner catheter is advanced through the tubular sheath and through the mesh filter for contacting the clot. An expandable agitation element is provided along a distal end portion of the inner catheter for cutting or chopping the clot, thereby facilitating removal of the clot and improving blood flow through the vessel. Resulting clot particles are captured by the mesh filter. Negative pressure may be applied along a proximal end portion of the sheath for aspirating remaining particles. Certain embodiments of the method are well-suited for treating deep vein thrombosis and do not require the use of thrombolytic drugs.

An embolic protection device includes an expandable and contractible filter that can be supported by one or more struts. The struts can be connected to the filter or interwoven into the filter, so as to assist in the expansion and contraction of the filter. In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the struts connect to a joint that is fixed in position relative to a delivery wire, while the distal end of the filter connect to a joint that slides relative to the delivery wire.

A blood filter extraction system for extracting a blood filter from within a blood vessel. The system includes an extraction wire, or plurality of such wires, positioned within an elongated tubular member. A plurality of extraction wires coupled to the distal end of the extraction member each include a hook for engaging filter members. Alternatively, the extraction wires may be one or more wires configured in a helical shape which engage filter members when the extraction member is rotated. The system may also include an elongated tubular member with the distal end having a conical shape. To extract a filter, the extraction wires are then pushed out of the tubular member and into the filter members. The extraction member is then withdrawn or rotated so the wires engage and draw in the filter members, after which the catheter is pushed over the conical portion of the tubular member.

An implantable endoluminal prosthesis for replacing a damaged aortic valve is provided. In one embodiment, the prosthesis includes a balloon-expandable stent, a tubular conduit that extends into the ascending aorta, and a self-expanding stent. The tubular conduit extends across the balloon-expandable stent. The tubular conduit includes an artificial valve. The self-expanding stent extends across the tubular conduit into the ascending aorta. The balloon-expandable stent, the tubular conduit, and the self-expanding stent are coupled to provide unidirectional flow of fluid into the aorta and further into the coronary arteries. Also provided is a method for implanting the endoluminal prosthesis.

A filter having a first set of members and a second set of members defining a trap sized to fit into a blood vessel. Each of the first and second members are configured to resiliently extend from the trap. At least one of the first set of members includes a first surface for engaging the vessel wall such that the at least one of the first set of members resists downstream movement within the vessel. At least one of the second set of members includes a second surface for engaging the vessel wall such that the at least one second member resists upstream movement within the vessel.

A clot retrieval device for removing an occlusive clot from a blood vessel. The device includes a clot engagement section having a constrained delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration, wherein in the expanded deployed configuration. The clot engagement section can include a plurality of peak sections configured to vary contact pressure between the clot and the device along a length of the device; and a plurality of troughs between respective peak sections comprising a clot reception space. Each peak is configured to exert a relatively high compressive force on the clot whereas each trough is configured to exert little or no compressive force on the clot.

A peripheral vascular filter according to some aspects of the invention includes a filter body forming a cavity therein, the filter body having a proximal end and a distal end in a length-wise direction of the peripheral vascular filter, the filter body having an opening in the proximal end thereof; a spring system arranged proximal to the filter body and in mechanical connection with the filter body and with a filter wire, the spring system being stretchable along the length-wise direction; a plurality of retractor wires, each retractor wire having a distal end connected to the filter body, and a proximal end connected to spring system. In a deployed configuration, the spring system absorbs forces applied to the filter wire proximal to the filter body to prevent the peripheral vascular filter from becoming dislodged from a position in a peripheral vasculature.

A stented valve including a generally tubular stent structure that has a longitudinal axis, first and second opposite ends, a plurality of commissure support structures spaced from the first and second ends and extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least one structural wire positioned between each two adjacent commissure support structures, and at least one wing portion extending from two adjacent commissure support structures and toward one of the first and second ends of the stent structure. The stented valve further includes a valve structure attached within the generally tubular stent structure to the commissure support structures.