A method for replacing a native heart valve in need thereof comprises delivering to the native heart valve an apparatus comprising a valve member, a connecting member, and an anchor member suitable for anchoring the apparatus. The valve member reversibly moves between an open position and a closed position to augment or replace the function of the native valve leaflets, thereby reducing valve regurgitation. Some embodiments include a stent that is positioned in the native heart valve with the valve member disposed therein.

A prosthetic apparatus for implantation at a native valve complex includes a main body configured for placement within the native valve, at least one downstream arm and at least one upstream arm, each coupled to and disposed outside of the main body. The main body includes a compressed state for delivery and an expanded state. In the expanded state, a space exists between the downstream arm and an outer surface of the main body to receive an edge of a native valve leaflet. A portion of the downstream arm is configured to extend behind the received native leaflet and engage a downstream surface of the native valve complex while the edge of the received native leaflet is not engaged by the downstream arm. The upstream arm is configured to engage an upstream surface of the native valve complex at a location opposite the portion of the downstream arm.

Lacrimal implants for treating diseases or disorders are disclosed. More particularly, lacrimal implants, methods of making such implants, and methods of treating ocular, respiration, inner ear or other diseases or disorders using such implants are disclosed.

An orthopedic device includes a hinge assembly, a frame having first and second frame components spaced apart from and connected to one another by the hinge assembly, a strap system extending between medial and lateral sides of the first frame component, and at least one tensioning element. The at least one tensioning element has a first end secured to the strap system and a second end coupled to the hinge assembly. Articulation of the hinge assembly pulls the strap system toward the frontal plane by the at least one tensioning element.

A system for managing female incontinence includes a body of biocompatible material configured to fit between the labia minora and the vestibule floor, the body having a surface configured to occlude the urethral meatus, an adhesive carried on at least a first portion of the surface and configured to provide a sealing engagement between the body and the urethral meatus, and a substance carried by at least one of the body and the adhesive and configured for controlling the odor of the general vaginal-urethral area of a female.

A prosthetic mitral valve includes an anchor assembly, an annular strut frame, and a plurality of replacement leaflets secured to the annular strut frame. The anchor assembly includes a ventricular anchor, an atrial anchor, and a central portion therebetween. The annular strut frame is disposed radially within the anchor assembly. An atrial end of the annular strut frame is attached to the anchor assembly such that a ventricular end of the annular strut frame is spaced away from the anchor assembly.

An embodiment of the invention includes a sewing cuff for aortic heart valves that better approximates native anatomy by better mating with the crown-like anatomical annulus. Limiting distortion of the crown-like annulus provides better blood flow and overall valve function and provides a physician greater ease of implantation since native anatomy is not flattened. Thus, the surgeon may attach sutures to the fibrous tissue of the crown-like anatomical annulus without distorting the shape of the native anatomy. An embodiment includes a scalloped sewing cuff assembly (with semilunar arches) that tracks the crown-like annulus. Another embodiment provides a sewing cuff positioned over the majority of the valve's length, thus allowing the surgeon greater flexibility as to where he or she can attach sutures to the surgical annulus. Conventional valves, which are primarily “low-profile” devices, do not offer such ability. Other embodiments are described herein.

A personalized prosthesis for implantation at a treatment site of a patient includes a self-expanding mesh or membrane having collapsed and expanded configurations. The collapsed configuration is adapted to be delivered to the treatment site, and the expanded configuration engages the personalized prosthesis with the treatment site. The mesh or membrane is personalized to match the treatment site in the expanded configuration, and has an outer surface that substantially matches the treatment site shape and size. The self-expanding mesh or membrane forms a central lumen configured to allow blood or other body fluids to flow therethrough. Methods of manufacturing and delivery of the personalized prosthesis are also disclosed.

Provided is a stent pusher assembly for positioning a ureteral stent, the stent pusher assembly having an inner and outer stent pusher. The stent pusher assembly positions the ureteral stent in a patient's kidney and bladder without a bladder fixing portion of the stent entering a ureteral passage-way, thereby minimizing irritation to the patient.

A method is provided that includes implanting a first tissue-engaging element in a first portion of tissue in a vicinity of a heart valve. A second tissue-engaging element, which is connected to a third tissue-engaging element by a longitudinal sub-member, is implanted in a second portion of tissue of an annulus, and the third tissue-engaging element is implanted in a third portion of tissue of the annulus. A fourth tissue-engaging element is implanted in a portion of a blood vessel that is in contact with an atrium. While the longitudinal sub-member engages the longitudinal member at a junction therebetween, at least a first leaflet of the heart valve is drawn toward at least a second leaflet of the heart valve by adjusting a distance between the portion of the blood vessel and the first portion of tissue in the vicinity of the heart valve. Other embodiments are also described.