A prosthetic heart valve includes a frame, a valve, and an expansion element. The frame is movable between contracted and expanded configurations and includes first struts and second struts non-hingedly coupled together. The second struts are configured to pivot relative to the first struts as the frame moves between the contracted and expanded configurations. The valve is coupled to the frame and includes leaflets. The expansion element extends through a lumen of the first struts. The expansion element is slidable relative to the lumen of the first struts and is configured to move the frame incrementally from the contracted configuration and the expanded configuration and from the expanded configuration to the contracted configuration.

A method of reducing blood flow within an aneurysm includes: injecting a contrast agent into a blood vessel including an aneurysm; expanding a stent, from a delivery device, across the aneurysm; and confirming that a stagnated area forms in the aneurysm. The stagnated area can form a crescent shape, a mushroom shape, a hemispherical shape, and/or a flat side. Upon confirming that the stagnated area forms in the aneurysm, the delivery device can be withdrawn from the blood vessel. The stagnated area can include the contrast agent. If the stagnated area does not form in the aneurysm, a second occluding device may be deployed. After withdrawing the delivery device, substantially all of the aneurysm progressively thromboses.

The invention described herein relates to telescoping stents. The embodiments described herein allow for adequate securement to, accommodation for movement by, and prevention of in of tubular organs or hollow areas of the body. Certain embodiments relate to telescoping stents with loop interlocking mechanisms. Further embodiments relate to telescoping stents with ball-in-groove interlocking mechanisms.

Devices and methods are disclosed for the treatment or repair of regurgitant cardiac valves, such as a mitral valve. An annuloplasty device can be placed in the coronary sinus to reshape the mitral valve and reduce mitral valve regurgitation. A protective device can be placed between the annuloplasty device and an underlying coronary artery to inhibit compression of the underlying coronary artery by the annuloplasty device in the coronary sinus. In addition, the protective device can inhibit compression of the coronary artery from inside the heart, such as from a prosthetic mitral valve that exerts radially outward pressure toward the coronary artery. The annuloplasty device can also create an artificial inner ridge or retaining feature projecting into the native mitral valve region to help secure a prosthetic mitral valve.

Devices and methods are disclosed for managing and/or treating body tissues obstructing a hollow body lumen, such as the prostatic lobe tissues obstructing the urethra. A scaffolding may be provided with opposing tissue-engaging portions and at least one expansion member configured to transition between a compressed configuration having a reduced distance between the tissue-engaging portions and a deployed configuration having an increased distance between the tissue-engaging portions.

A prosthetic assembly configured for endovascular placement within an aortic arch and method of use thereof. The prosthetic assembly includes a proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within a proximal portion of the aortic arch adjacent to the brachiocephalic artery, a distal aortic stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within a distal portion of the aortic arch adjacent to the left subclavian artery, a first branch stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within the brachiocephalic artery and a second branch stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned in one of the left common carotid and the left subclavian artery. When deployed, a proximal end of the first branch stent-graft prosthesis is disposed within a lumen of the proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis to proximally displace the ostium of the brachiocephalic artery. When deployed, a proximal end of the distal aortic stent-graft prosthesis is disposed within the distal end of the proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis to form an overlap between the proximal and distal aortic stent-graft prostheses. The overlap is relatively increased by the first branch stent-graft prosthesis proximally displacing the ostium of the brachiocephalic artery.

Valve introducer systems and methods for implanting heart valve prostheses are disclosed, where a valve introducer includes an adjustable deployment mechanism comprising a deployment element and an implantation depth controlling element having a distal end and an adjustable length. The valve introducer also includes a tubular member having a distal end, configured to deliver a heart valve prosthesis, and a length extending from a fixed reference point. The implantation depth controlling element can comprise an inner and an outer cylinder, such as where the outer cylinder has interior threads, and the inner cylinder has exterior threads. The adjustable deployment element can include a depth gauge, wherein the depth gauge indicates the length the tubular member extends beyond a fixed reference point. In certain embodiments, the adjustable deployment element can also be configured to be secured to a cannula.

An implantable prosthetic device can include a radially expandable and compressible frame including an inflow end portion and an outflow end portion. The frame including a plurality of struts, and at least one expansion and locking mechanism having a first member, a second member extending at least partially into the first member, and a third member. The third member can include an engagement portion. The plurality of struts can include a first strut and a second strut pivotably coupled to one another to form an apex, the first strut having a first flange and the second strut having a second flange. When the frame is expanded, distal advancement of the third member can position the engagement member between the first and second flanges such that they engage the engagement member to resist pivoting of the first and second struts relative to one another to resist compression of the frame.

A prosthetic assembly configured for endovascular placement within an aortic arch and method of use thereof. The prosthetic assembly includes a proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within a proximal portion of the aortic arch adjacent to the brachiocephalic artery, a distal aortic stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within a distal portion of the aortic arch adjacent to the left subclavian artery, a first branch stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned within the brachiocephalic artery and a second branch stent-graft prosthesis configured to be positioned in one of the left common carotid and the left subclavian artery. When deployed, a proximal end of the first branch stent-graft prosthesis is disposed within a lumen of the proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis to proximally displace the ostium of the brachiocephalic artery. When deployed, a proximal end of the distal aortic stent-graft prosthesis is disposed within the distal end of the proximal aortic stent-graft prosthesis to form an overlap between the proximal and distal aortic stent-graft prostheses. The overlap is relatively increased by the first branch stent-graft prosthesis proximally displacing the ostium of the brachiocephalic artery.

An intravascular delivery system includes a delivery sheath capable of transmitting a predetermined tension or compression force in a longitudinal direction while maintaining flexibility to navigate tortuous anatomy. A method of delivering a medical device includes inserting an intravascular device delivery system including a delivery sheath having a continuous spine into a bodily lumen. A distal longitudinal force is applied to the delivery sheath. The distal force is transmitted through the continuous spine and across one or more slit cuts of the delivery sheath. A proximal longitudinal force is applied to the delivery sheath. The proximal longitudinal force is transmitted through the continuous spine of the delivery sheath.