An endovascular self-curving stent-graft (20) includes a self-curving longitudinal portion (22), which is curved so as to define an innermost curve (26) and an outermost curve (28), when the stent-graft (20) is unconstrained in a radially-expanded state. The stent-graft (20) includes a plurality of circumferential strut members (30); a compression-generation spring (40), which (a) is in an elongated configuration when the stent-graft (20) is in a radially-compressed state, and (b) overlaps respective first portions (44) of at least two of the circumferential strut members (30); and an anti-buckling spring (50), which overlaps respective second portions (54) of at least two of the circumferential strut members (30). The anti-buckling spring (50) and the compression-generation spring (40) are together configured to curve the self-curving longitudinal portion (22) when the stent-graft (20) is unconstrained in the radially-expanded state, such that a lesser length of the self-curving longitudinal portion (22), measured along the innermost curve (26), is less than 80% of a greater length of the self-curving longitudinal portion (22), measured along the outermost curve (28).

Apparatus is provided, comprising a ring, comprising a plurality of struts arranged in a pattern of alternating peaks and troughs, each strut having a first end-portion and a second end-portion, each peak defined by convergence of adjacent first end-portions disposed at an angle with respect to each other, and each trough defined by convergence of adjacent second end-portions. The apparatus also comprises a plurality of anchors. Each anchor has a longitudinal axis, is configured to be driven along the longitudinal axis into tissue of the heart, and is coupled to the ring at a respective trough in a manner that facilitates (i) movement of the anchor along the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough, and (ii) deflection of the longitudinal axis with respect to the trough.

Surgical constructs, assemblies, and methods for tissue reinforcement with a reinforcement (reinforcing) material.

A valve prosthesis and methods for implanting the prosthesis are provided. The prosthesis generally includes a self-expanding frame and two or more engagement arms. A valve prosthesis is sutured to the self-expanding frame. Each engagement arm corresponds to a native mitral valve leaflet. At least one engagement arm immobilizes the native leaflets, and holds the native leaflets close to the main frame. The prosthetic mitral valve frame also includes two or more anchor attachment points. Each anchor attachment point is attached to one or more anchors that help attach the valve prosthesis to the heart.

An annuloplasty device is disclosed comprising first and second support rings being configured to be arranged as a coil in a first configuration around an axial direction, wherein the first and second support rings are configured to be arranged on opposite sides of native heart valve leaflets of a heart valve, wherein the first and second support rings are separated with a first pitch distance in the axial direction, in the first configuration, wherein the first and second support rings are configured to assume a contracted state having a second pitch distance in the axial direction being shorter than the first pitch distance, and wherein the first and second support rings are configured to be transferable between the first configuration and the contracted state to pinch the heart valve leaflets. A method of repairing a defective heart valve is also disclosed.

A hybrid prosthetic heart valve configured to replace a native heart valve and having a support frame configured to be expanded post implant in order to receive and/or support an expandable prosthetic heart valve therein (a valve-in-valve procedure). The prosthetic heart valve may be configured to have a generally rigid and/or expansion-resistant configuration when initially implanted to replace a native valve (or other prosthetic heart valve), but to assume a generally expanded form when subjected to an outward force such as that provided by a dilation balloon or other mechanical expander. An inflow stent frame is expandable for anchoring the valve in place, and may have an outflow end that is collapsible for delivery and expandable post-implant to facilitate a valve-in-valve procedure.

A prosthetic heart valve may include an expandable stent, a cuff attached to an annulus section of the stent, and a plurality of leaflets disposed within an interior region of the stent and attached to at least one of the cuff or the stent. The stent may have a plurality of cells connected to one another in a plurality of annular rows around the stent. The leaflets together may have a coapted position occluding the interior region of the stent and an open position in which the interior region is not occluded. Each leaflet may include a primary leaflet material, as well as features that reinforce specific regions of the leaflet.

Described herein are devices and methods for applying a tension force to various tissues. The devices may be delivered in minimally invasive fashion and used to manipulate tissues in the nose, ear, and throat. Force may be maintained by the devices for a time period that allows shaping, compression, or approximation of tissues.

Surgical constructs and methods for soft tissue to bone repairs, without knot tying. The soft tissue repair constructs include a fixation device, a flexible strand, and a shuttle/pull device attached to the flexible strand and provided within the body of the fixation device. A splice is formed by pulling on the shuttle/pull device to allow desired tensioning of soft tissue to be fixated or repaired relative to the bone.

A kit and method for reconstructing an Achilles tendon may include a first anchor member, a first flexible member configured to engage the first anchor member, a second anchor member, a second flexible member configured to engage the second anchor member, a first adjustable anchor assembly including a first outer member and a first inner member configured to axially translate within a first lumen of the first outer member in response to rotation of the first inner member relative to the first outer member, a second adjustable anchor assembly include a second outer member and a second inner member configured to axially translate within a second lumen of the second outer member in response to rotation of the second inner member relative to the second outer member, and a collagen implant configured to engage a surface of the Achilles tendon.