2144 results about "Blood flow" patented technology

A percutaneously inserted bistable heart valve prosthesis is folded inside a catheter for transseptal delivery to the patient's heart for implantation. The heart valve has an annular ring, a body member having a plurality of legs, each leg connecting at one end to the annular ring, claws that are adjustable from a first position to a second position by application of external force so as to allow ingress of surrounding heart tissue into the claws in the second position, and leaflet membranes connected to the annular ring, the body member and / or the legs, the leaflet membranes having a first position for blocking blood flow therethrough and a second position for allowing blood flow therethrough. The heart valve is designed such that upon removal of the external force the claws elastically revert to the first position so as to grip the heart tissue positioned within the claws, thereby holding the heart valve in place. The body member and claws may be integrated into a one-piece design. The heart valve may be used as a prosthesis for the mitral valve, aortic valve, pulmonary valve, or tricuspid valve by adapting the annular ring to fit in a respective mitral, aortic, pulmonary, or tricuspid valve opening of the heart.

A percutaneous heart valve prosthesis (1) has a valve body (2) with a passage (9) extending between the first and second ends (7, 8) of the valve body (2). The valve body (2) is collapsible about a longitudinal axis (10) of the passage (9) for delivery of the valve body (2) via a catheter (18). One or more flexible valve leaflets (3, 4) are secured to the valve body (2) and extend across the passage (9) for blocking bloodflow in one direction through the passage (9). An anchor device (5), which is also collapsible for delivery via catheter (18), is secured to the valve body (2) by way of an anchor line (6). A failed or failing mitral heart valve (101) is treated by percutaneously locating the valve body (2) in the mitral valve orifice (102) with the anchor device (5) located in the right atrium (107) and engaging the inter-atrial septum (103), such that the taught anchor line (6) acts to secure the valve body (2) within the mitral valve orifice (102).

The present invention comprises a percutaneously implantable replacement heart valve device and a method of making same. The replacement heart valve device comprises a stent member made of stainless steel or self-expanding nitinol, a biological tissue artificial valve means disposed within the inner space of the stent member. An implantation and delivery system having a central part which consists of a flexible hollow tube catheter that allows a metallic wire guide to be advanced inside it. The endovascular stented-valve is created from a glutaraldehyde fixed biocompatible tissue material which has two or three cusps that open distally to permit unidirectional blood flow. The present invention also comprises a novel method of making a replacement heart valve by taking a fragment of biocompatible tissue material and treating, drying, folding and rehydrating it in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet / cusp valve with the leaflets / cusps formed by folding, thereby eliminating the extent of suturing required, providing improved durability and function.

A heart valve prosthesis (100) comprises a housing component (110) and a valve component (130). The housing component (110) comprises a housing body (111) having a housing passage (112) extending therethrough. The housing body (111) is configured to be located in, or adjacent to and communicating with, a native valve orifice (16) of a heart (10) and to engage structure of the heart (10) to fix the housing body (111) in relation to the valve orifice (161). The housing component (111) is collapsible for delivery via catheter (2). The valve component (130) comprises a valve body (131) having a valve passage (132) extending therethrough. The valve body (131) is configured to be fixed within the housing passage (112) with the valve passage (132) extending along the housing passage (112). One or more flexible valve elements (131) is / are secured to the valve body and extend across the valve passage (132) for blocking blood flow in a first direction through the valve passage (132) whilst allowing blood flow in the opposing direction. The valve component (130) is collapsible for delivery via catheter (2) separate to the housing component (110). An associated method of replacing a failed or failing heart valve utilising the heart valve prosthesis (100) is also disclosed.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a prosthesis that can be implanted within a heart to at least partially block gaps that may be present between the two mitral valve leaflets. In one preferred embodiment, the prosthesis includes an anchoring ring that expands within the left atrium to anchor the prosthesis and a pocket member fixed to the anchoring ring. The pocket member is positioned within the mitral valve, between the leaflets so that an open end of the pocket member is positioned within the left ventricle. When the mitral valve is open, blood flows past the pocket member, maintaining the pocket member in a collapsed state. When the mitral valve closes, the backpressure of the blood pushes into the pocket member, expanding the pocket member to an inflated shape. The mitral valve leaflets contact the expanded pocket member, allowing the prosthesis to block at least a portion of the openings between the leaflets, thereby minimizing regurgitated blood flow into the left atrium.

This invention is methods and apparatus for occluding blood flow within a blood vessel (22). In a first series of embodiments, the present invention comprises a plurality of embolic devices (16) deployable through the lumen (12) of a conventional catheter (10) such that when deployed, said embolic devices (16) remain resident and occlude blood flow at a specific site within the lumen of the blood vessel (22). Such embolic devices (16) comprise either mechanical embolic devices that become embedded within or compress against the lumen of the vessel or chemical vaso occlusive agents that seal off blood flow at a given site. A second embodiment of the present invention comprises utilization of a vacuum / cauterizing device capable of sucking in the lumen of the vessel about the device to maintain the vessel in a closed condition where there is then applied a sufficient amount of energy to cause the tissue collapsed about the device to denature into a closure. In a third series of embodiments, the present invention comprises the combination of an embolization facilitator coupled with the application of an energy force to form an intraluminal closure at a specified site within a vessel.

A venous valve prosthesis having a substantially non-expandable, valve portion comprising a valve-closing mechanism, such as a pair of opposing leaflets; and an anchoring portion, such as one or more self-expanding frames or stents that are expandable to anchor the prosthesis at the implantation site. In one embodiment, the rigid valve portion includes a deposition of material such as pyrolitic carbon to reduce the thrombogenecity of the blood-contacting surfaces. The anchoring portions preferably include a covering, such as a tubular construct of synthetic or collagen-derived material (such as a bioremodelable ECM material), which attaches about the support structure such that blood flow is directed through the valve mechanism as it transitions from the larger diameter anchoring portion to the intermediate, smaller-diameter portion of the prosthesis. In another embodiment, the valve support housing and valve-closing elements are delivered in a collapsed, folded, and / or dissembled state sized for delivery, then manipulated in situ to the second expanded configured following deployment.

This invention relates to the design and function of a device which allows for retrieval of a previously implanted valve prosthesis from a beating heart without extracorporeal circulation using a transcatheter retrieval system, including a guide component to facilitate the compression of the valve and retraction into a retrieval catheter, as well as an improved prosthetic transcatheter heart valve having one or more of: a series of radially extending tines having a loop terminus to improve sealing a deployed prosthetic mitral valve against hemodynamic leaking, a pre-compressible stent-in-stent design, or an articulating cuff attached to a covered stent-valve and a commissural sealing skirt structure attached to the underside of the articulating cuff.

A method for tomographic imaging comprises the steps of providing a source of at least partially coherent radiation and a frequency-swept laser source through an interferometer; phase modulating the radiation in the interferometer at a modulation frequency for elimination of DC and autocorrelation noises as well as the mirror image; detecting interference fringes of the radiation backscattered from the sample into the interferometer to obtain a spectral signal; transforming the spectral signal of the detected backscattered interference fringes to obtain a time and location dependent signal, including the Doppler shift and variance, at each pixel location in a data window; and generating a tomographic image of the fluid flow in the data window and of the structure of the scanned fluid flow sample in the data window from the time and location dependent signal. The apparatus comprises a system for tomographic imaging operating according to the above method.

Devices and methods for performing intravascular procedures without cardiac bypass include embodiments of temporary filter devices, temporary valves, and prosthetic valves. The temporary filter devices have a cannula which provides access for surgical tools for effecting repair of cardiac valves. The cannula may have filters which prevent embolitic material from entering the coronary arteries and aorta. The valve devices may also have a cannula for insertion of the valve into the aorta. The valve devices expand in the aorta to occupy the entire flow path of the vessel and operate to prevent blood flow and to permit flow through the valve. The prosthetic valves include valve fixation devices which secure the prosthetic valve to the wall of the vessel. The prosthetic valves are introduced into the vascular system in a compressed state, advanced to the site of implantation, and expanded and secured to the vessel wall.

A device and a method to provide a more reliable and accurate measurement of hematocrit (Hct) by noninvasive means. The changes in the intensities of light of multiple wavelengths transmitted through or reflected light from the tissue location are recorded immediately before and after occluding the flow of venous blood from the tissue location with an occlusion device positioned near the tissue location. As the venous return stops and the incoming arterial blood expands the blood vessels, the light intensities measured within a particular band of near-infrared wavelengths decrease in proportion to the volume of hemoglobin in the tissue location; those intensities measured within a separate band of wavelengths in which water absorbs respond to the difference between the water fractions within the blood and the displaced tissue volume. A mathematical algorithm applied to the time-varying intensities yields a quantitative estimate of the absolute concentration of hemoglobin in the blood. To compensate for the effect of the unknown fraction of water in the extravascular tissue on the Hct measurement, the tissue water fraction is determined before the occlusion cycle begins by measuring the diffuse transmittance or reflectance spectra of the tissue at selected wavelengths.

A remodeling mitral annuloplasty ring with a reduced anterior-to-posterior dimension to restore coaptation between the mitral leaflets in mitral valve insufficiency (IMVI). The ring has a generally oval shaped body with a major axis perpendicular to a minor axis, both perpendicular to a blood flow axis. An anterior section lies between anteriolateral and posteriomedial trigones, while a posterior section defines the remaining ring body and is divided into P1, P2, and P3 segments corresponding to the three scallops of the same nomenclature in the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. The anterior-to-posterior dimension of the ring body is reduced from conventional rings; such as by providing, in atrial plan view, a pulled-in P3 segment. Viewed another way, the convexity of the P3 segment is less pronounced than the convexity of the P1 segment. In addition, the ring body may have a downwardly deflected portion in the posterior section, preferably within the P2 and P3 segments. The downwardly deflected portion may have an apex which is the lowest elevation of the ring body and may be offset with respect to the center of the downwardly deflected portion toward the P1 segment. A sewing cuff may have an enlarged radial dimension of between 5-10 cm, or only a portion of the sewing cuff may be enlarged.

The present invention is directed to the use of a stented graft having predetermined and sized lateral openings for the treatment of arterial disease at or around the intersection of multiple arteries, thereby ensuring blood flow through such arteries to collateral organs. In particular, the lateral opening of a main stent supporting a main artery has a collar with either at least two detents or inlets spaced about the annular extent thereof. The main collar mates with a collateral collar provided at the proximal end of the collateral stent having the other of at least two detents or inlets spaced about the annular extent thereof at intervals coincident with the inlets or detents on the main collar to mate and lock the main stent to the collateral stent supporting a collateral artery.

A system for treating abnormalities of the right ventricular outflow tract includes a prosthetic valve device having a barrier material contacting at least a portion of the outer surface of the valve device. One embodiment of the invention includes a barrier member attached to the exterior surface of the valve device. Another embodiment includes a barrier material that is injected within the vascular system. Yet another embodiment of the invention includes a method for replacing a pulmonary valve that includes forming a barrier around the outer surface of a replacement valve and preventing blood flow around the replacement valve.

A method for disrupting blood flow to undesirable tissue such as cells of a cancerous or non-cancerous tumor is disclosed. It involves the placement of electrodes into or near the vicinity of vessels supplying blood to the undesirable tissue and through the application of electrical pulses causing blood flow disruption. The electric pulses irreversibly permeate the cell membranes, thereby invoking cell death. The irreversibly permeabilized cells are left in situ and are removed by the body immune system. The process may further comprise monitoring blood flow and / or infusion of a material such as a chemotherapeutic agent or marker into the blood.

A device closes a patent foramen ovale (PFO), thus reducing or eliminating blood flow through the defect. The device is formed from a tubular structure having split ends, such that, after insertion, struts defined by the split ends pivot in a radial direction away from the tube, thereby securing the device within the septal defect.

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in sealing a vascular puncture site and to apparatus and methods for properly locating and deploying a sealing device. The locating apparatus comprises a lumen which extends from an opening in the distal region of the apparatus but located proximally of the sealing device, which lumen extends to another opening in the proximal region of the device. When the distal opening is in communication with blood in a blood vessel, blood flow through the lumen and out of the proximal opening signifies such location to the user. When the sealing device is withdrawn such that the sealing device is deployed such that it blocks the blood flow into the distal port, the user will know the location of the sealing device. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing device is then withdrawn proximally a predetermined distance to assure that no part of the sealing device extends into the blood vessel lumen. The sealing device is then detached from the delivery device.

An apparatus for modifying the annulus of a cardiac valve to reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve includes a first annuloplasty ring having a first diameter and being disposed about a first aspect of the annulus of the cardiac valve. The apparatus also includes an elongate flexible body having proximal and distal end portions and being insertable into the first annuloplasty ring. The elongate flexible body has an adjustable mechanism for selectively adjusting the elongate flexible body from a first relaxed configuration to a second tensioned configuration. The first annuloplasty ring is adaptable to obtain a second smaller diameter and to cause the annulus of the cardiac valve to be modified and reduce regurgitation of blood flow through the cardiac valve when the elongate flexible body obtains the second tensioned configuration.

A device and method for lancing a patient, virtually simultaneously producing and collecting a small fluid sample from a body. The device comprises a blood collection system including a lancing needle (16), drive mechanism (11), kneading or vibration mechanism (25), optional suction system (7), and sample ejection mechanism. The device is preferably sized to be hand-held in one hand and operable with one hand. The device can optionally contain integral testing or analysis component (83) for receiving the sample and providing testing or analysis indication or readout for the user. A method involves piercing the skin at a rapid rate, kneading the surrounding area by ultrasonic action, piezoelectric or mechanical oscillation to stimulate the blood flow from the wound, drawing the fluid using a pumping system.

An element is expanded in the left ventricle to isolate part of the left ventricle. The element has a generally convex outer surface and an apex which together define a desired geometry of the left ventricle. The isolated part of the wall of the left ventricle may be left so that the wall naturally forms around the element or the isolated portion of the ventricle may be evacuated and / or filled. The element may also be used to isolate part of the left ventricle containing a ventricular septal defect or other perforation or opening in the ventricular wall.

A device (10) for treating heart failure in a patient. The device (10) comprising a body (12), at least one passage (18) through the body (12), at least one one way valve (20) in the passage (18) and a mounting means (14) adapted for mounting the body (12) in an opening provided in the patient's atrial septum. In use, the device (10) is oriented such that, when the patient's left atrial pressure exceeds the patient's right atrial pressure by a predetermined amount, the one way valve(s) (20) opens to allow blood flow through the passage(s) from the left atrium to the right atrium to thereby reduce the left atrial pressure.

A method of treating hemodynamic disfunction by simultaneously pacing both ventricles of a heart. At least one ECG amplifier is arranged to separately detect contraction of each ventricle and a stimulator is then activated for issuing stimulating pulses to both ventricles in a manner to assure simultaneous contraction of both ventricles, thereby to assure hemodynamic efficiency. A first ventricle is stimulated simultaneously with contraction of a second ventricle when the first fails to properly contract. Further, both ventricles are stimulated after lapse of a predetermined A-V escape interval. One of a pair of electrodes, connected in series, is placed through the superior vena cava into the right ventricle and a second is placed in the coronary sinus about the left ventricle. Each electrode performs both pacing and sensing functions. The pacer is particularly suitable for treating bundle branch blocks or slow conduction in a portion of the ventricles.

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for use in sealing a vascular puncture site and to apparatus and methods for properly locating and deploying a sealing device. The locating apparatus comprises a lumen which extends from an opening in the distal region of the apparatus but located proximally of the sealing device, which lumen extends to another opening in the proximal region of the device. When the distal opening is in communication with blood in a blood vessel, blood flow through the lumen and out of the proximal opening signifies such location to the user. When the sealing device is withdrawn such that the sealing device is deployed such that it blocks the blood flow into the distal port, the user will know the location of the sealing device. In a preferred embodiment, the sealing device is then withdrawn proximally a predetermined distance to assure that no part of the sealing device extends into the blood vessel lumen. The sealing device is then detached from the delivery device.

A renal flow system injects a volume of fluid agent into a location within an abdominal aorta in a manner that flows bilaterally into each of two renal arteries via their respectively spaced ostia along the abdominal aorta wall. A local injection assembly (100) includes two injection members (104, 106), each having an injection port (112) that couples to a source of fluid agent externally of the patient. The injection ports may be positioned within an outer region of blood flow along the abdominal aorta wall perfusing the two renal arteries.

A device arranged to sustain and / or provide at least partial patency of a small blood vessel exhibiting an occlusion, the device constituted of a tubular body expandable from a first small diameter state for manipulation to, and through, the occlusion of the small blood vessel and a second large diameter state, the inner dimensions of the second large diameter state being no more than 50% of the diameter of the small blood vessel at the occlusion location, the device presenting a conduit for blood flow through the occlusion when in the large diameter state. In one embodiment the small blood vessel is an intracranial blood vessel.

A delivery method and system for noninvasively monitoring cardiac physiologic parameters used to evaluate patients with cardiovascular conditions. The system includes an implantable sensing device configured for chronic implantation in a cavity of the cardiovascular system, such as the heart, pulmonary artery (PA), etc. The method involves introducing the sensing device through a cardiovascular cavity that is upstream in the vasculature from the cavity where implantation is intended and has a larger diameter than the intended cavity, and thereafter blood flow through the cardiovascular system delivers the device to the intended cavity. The device is sized and configured so as to secure itself within the intended cavity when the device moves through the cavity to a point where the diameter narrows sufficiently to secure the device and so as to be oriented once secured to sense a pressure either within, upstream (wedge), or downstream (distal) of the cavity.

The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and / or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.