System for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve including an implantable fixation device including a first distal element and a second distal element, a first proximal element moveable relative to the first distal element between a first position and a second position, and a second proximal element moveable relative to the second distal element between a first position and a second position. The system further includes a delivery device including a catheter having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, the implantable fixation device releasably coupled to the distal end portion of the catheter, the catheter defining at least one lumen extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The delivery device further includes a first proximal element line extending through the at least one lumen, the first proximal element line coupled to the first proximal element and actuatable to move the first proximal element between the first position and second position, and a second proximal element line extending through the at least one lumen, the second proximal element line coupled to the second proximal element and actuatable to move the second proximal element between the first position and second position. The first proximal element line and the second proximal element line are independently actuatable.

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, the delivery catheter further includes a rotatable actuator rod having a threaded fastener at a distal end thereof, and a fixation device releasably coupled by a threaded connection to the threaded fastener of the actuator rod. 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 is biased toward the first arm, and the second gripping element is biased toward the second arm. The fixation device further includes a covering disposed on each of the first gripping element and the second gripping element.

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.

The present invention provides methods and devices for grasping, and optional repositioning and fixation of the valve leaflets to treat cardiac valve regurgitation, particularly mitral valve regurgitation. Such grasping will typically be atraumatic providing a number of benefits. For example, atraumatic grasping may allow repositioning of the devices relative to the leaflets and repositioning of the leaflets themselves without damage to the leaflets. However, in some cases it may be necessary or desired to include grasping which pierces or otherwise permanently affects the leaflets. In some of these cases, the grasping step includes fixation.

A novel high tensile strength semi-absorbable composite suture with minimized non-absorbable mass. The suture has a core made from a bioabsorbable polymer. The core is covered by a braided sheath. The braided sheath is made from an absorbable yarn and a bioabsorbable yarn. The bioabsorbable yarn is made from a least one filament of a bioabsorbable polymer. The nonabsorbable yarn is made from at least one filament of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene.

Embodiments of systems and methods for fixing soft tissue are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, soft tissue may be fixed to an attachment surface (such as bone, other soft tissue, other implants, or allograft or xenograft materials) by providing a helical suture in the soft tissue, wherein the soft tissue has a longitudinal axis along which the soft tissue undergoes tension under normal physiological conditions, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the helical suture in the soft tissue is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the soft tissue; and securing the helical suture to an attachment surface.

A suturing device includes a hollow needle. The hollow needle has a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen having an inner diameter. The suturing device further includes a length of surgical suture having a leading end and a trailing end and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lumen. At least a portion of the surgical suture is located within the lumen of the hollow needle. A surgical kit including the suturing device and methods of using the suturing device of the present invention are also disclosed.

A method for treating a tumor at least partially within an organ in a subject's body. The method comprises volumetrically compressing the tumor to increase a pressure within the tumor above a threshold level to cause ischemia of the tumor; and maintaining the pressure above the threshold level for a period sufficient to cause necrosis in the tumor. The method may include passing a tension member within the organ around a predetermined volumetric region encompassing at least a portion of the tumor. The method may include tightening the tension member to cause compression of the volumetric region, thereby directly increasing a pressure within the tumor. The method may include maintaining the increased pressure such that most or all tissues of the tumor undergo ischemia and/or necrosis resulting directly from the compression caused by the tightened tension member.

A suturing needle is provided for injecting a gold thread. The suturing needle includes a needle body having a sharpened tip part at an upper end thereof. In addition, the suturing needle includes an upper groove provided on the sharpened tip part to hold the gold thread therein, and a lower groove provided near a lower end of the needle body to be opposite to the upper groove. Also, the suturing needle includes a handle part detachably combined with the lower end of the needle body. Various embodiments are possible.

A suturing needle is provided for injecting a gold thread. The suturing needle includes a needle body having a sharpened tip part at an upper end thereof. In addition, the suturing needle includes an upper groove provided on the sharpened tip part to hold the gold thread therein, and a lower groove provided near a lower end of the needle body to be opposite to the upper groove. Also, the suturing needle includes a handle part detachably combined with the lower end of the needle body. Various embodiments are possible.