In one embodiment, a multi-layer suture fastener that includes a generally disc-shaped body defining a plurality of axially spaced-apart layers. Each layer can include an inner axial surface and an outer axial surface. A suture opening can extend from the inner axial surface to the outer axial surface of each layer. The suture openings can have an open configuration and a closed configuration. One or more lines of suture can be passed through the suture openings when in the open configuration. The suture openings can be placed in the closed configuration. In the closed configuration, the one or more lines of suture can be restricted by radial surfaces of the suture opening from sliding through the suture openings in at least one longitudinal direction of the one or more lines of suture.

An exemplary valve repair device for repairing a native valve of a patient includes: a coaption element; a pair of paddles connected to the coaption element; a catch point formed by a portion of at least one of the coaption element and the pair of paddles when the paddles are in the open position; and a cover covering connected to the coaption element and the paddles for covering the catch point. The paddles are movable between an open position and a closed position and are configured to attach to the native valve of the patient.

Methods of delivering and using an annuloplasty ring to reshape a valve annulus are disclosed. The methods include obtaining an annuloplasty ring having an elastic inner core member. The elastic inner core member can be defined by a multi-stranded braided cable. The inner core member has an unstressed closed or open ring shape and a first elastic modulus that enables the core member to be compressed from the unstressed ring shape into a stressed narrow shape and enables the annuloplasty ring to reshape a native heart valve annulus. The methods can include converting the annuloplasty ring from the unstressed ring shape into the stressed narrow shape, passing the annuloplasty ring through an access tube positioned with a distal tip adjacent a native valve annulus, and expelling the annuloplasty ring from the distal tip of the access tube so that it self-converts back towards the unstressed ring shape.

An active annuloplasty ring holder having a template that can be folded or pivoted to the side allowing the template to align longitudinally with the handle and enter the patient's chest through a small incision. The holder may include a mechanism to remotely detach sutures fastening the ring to the holder, thereby detaching the ring while avoiding the risk associated with introducing a scalpel into the operating field. A detachment mechanism may include a movable pin actuated by a pull wire that releases a plurality of holding sutures, or a hot wire, knives, or pull wire that severs the sutures. The holder may have a built-in light source for better visualization of the ring inside the heart. The holder may also have an optical means of visualizing the inside of the heart from the proximal end of the handle.

A heart prosthesis that includes at least one information marker and methods of using the heart prosthesis are disclosed. The at least one information marker can indicate any suitable information associated with the heart prosthesis, e.g., one or more of a manufacturer, type, model, feature, size, and date. And the heart prosthesis can include any suitable prosthesis, e.g., a prosthetic heart valve or an annuloplasty prosthesis.

A medical device (1300) for holding an annuloplasty ring (101) is disclosed comprising a support (102) defining first and second peripheral edges (103, 126) each with a curvature about which said cardiac valve implant can be fitted, wherein the support comprises a grip section (128, 129) positioned between and connected with the first and second peripheral edges at opposite sides of the grip section, the grip section defining an opening for engagement with a gripper tool in use of the support, wherein said grip section is recessed inwards from either of said first and second peripheral edges thereby defining said opening between said support and said cardiac valve implant when held in place by said support. A method of manufacturing a medical device is disclosed.

A medical fastening device (100) for fastening or coupling an object (400A, 400B) into a tissue (20) have proximal (100A) and distal (100B) portions. It also comprises a helical body structure (107), where the helical body structure comprises a thread or ridge (104) having a lead (105) between said proximal and distal portions. The helical body structure comprises a first portion (101/103) and a second portion (102) next to said first portion (101). The thread of the helical body structure advantageously extends through the first (101) and second (102) portions and the properties, such as a pitch and/or lead, of the thread vary along the longitudinal axis (106) of the helical body structure so that the property of the thread has a first value in the first portion (101) and a second value in the second portion (102) so to provide different compressive force to the object and/or tissue introduced in said first and second portions of the helical body structure, and wherein the first value differs from the second value.

An implant system for restoring and improving physiological intracardiac vortical flow in a human heart is provided including a dual force transducting annular implant comprising laterally extending struts transitioning into annular structural members for positioning on the atrial side of the valve annulus; an anchoring system comprising a therapeutic base plate assembly attachable to the apex of the heart; and a tether assembly comprising a tether connected between the implant and the therapeutic base plate assembly.

A suturing device for minimally invasive surgery is disclosed. The suturing device has a head defining one or more ferrule holders and a tissue bite area. The device also has a first needle comprising a flywheel portion and one or more curved arms extending from the flywheel portion, each of the one or more curved arms comprising a ferrule engaging tip, wherein the first needle is pivotably coupled to the head. The suturing device further has a first actuator coupled to the first needle and configured to rotate it from a retracted position, where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms starts away from the one or more ferrule holders, through the tissue bite area, and to an engaged position where the ferrule engaging tip of each of the one or more curved arms is operationally aligned with the one or more ferrule holders.

An exemplary method of performing an annuloplasty procedure includes introducing a catheter into a left atrium of a heart, deploying a first member from the catheter, anchoring the first member to a posterior side of a mitral valve annulus in the left atrium, deploying a second member from the catheter, anchoring the second member to an anterior side of the mitral valve annulus in the left atrium, deploying a flexible tensile member from the catheter, attaching the tensile member to both the first member and the second member and applying tension to the tensile member to draw the first member and the second member toward one another and bring the posterior side and the anterior side of the mitral valve annulus into closer approximation. Annuloplasty systems and components are also disclosed.