U.S. patent application number 10/811228 was filed with the patent office on 2004-12-30 for methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cierra, Inc.. Invention is credited to Deem, Mark E., Gifford, Hanson III, Malecki, William.
Application Number | 20040267191 10/811228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33135980 |
Filed Date | 2004-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040267191 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gifford, Hanson III ; et
al. |
December 30, 2004 |
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale
(PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having treatment means at
its distal end. In some embodiments, the treatment means includes
one or more retractable abrasive needles used to abrade tissue
adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. In other
embodiments, treatment means includes an energy transmission member
or one or more apertures for dispensing a fluid to contact and
close the PFO. An exemplary method involves advancing a catheter
device to position the distal end adjacent the PFO, exposing a
plurality of abrasive needles from the catheter, advancing the
needles through the PFO and/or tissue adjacent the PFO, and
retracting the needles relative to the PFO to abrade at least a
portion of the tissue.
Inventors: |
Gifford, Hanson III;
(Woodside, CA) ; Deem, Mark E.; (Mountain View,
CA) ; Malecki, William; (San Francisco, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TOWNSEND AND TOWNSEND AND CREW, LLP
TWO EMBARCADERO CENTER
EIGHTH FLOOR
SAN FRANCISCO
CA
94111-3834
US
|
Assignee: |
Cierra, Inc.
Menlo Park
CA
|
Family ID: |
33135980 |
Appl. No.: |
10/811228 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60490082 |
Jul 24, 2003 |
|
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60478035 |
Jun 11, 2003 |
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60458854 |
Mar 27, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/22 ; 600/570;
606/157; 606/2; 606/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2018/00011
20130101; A61B 18/1477 20130101; A61B 2017/00579 20130101; A61B
2018/00285 20130101; A61B 2017/0061 20130101; A61B 2018/00214
20130101; A61B 18/18 20130101; A61B 2017/00597 20130101; A61B
2017/0649 20130101; A61B 2017/00623 20130101; A61B 2017/00867
20130101; A61B 17/10 20130101; A61B 2018/00875 20130101; A61B
2017/00668 20130101; A61B 2017/00615 20130101; A61B 17/0218
20130101; A61B 17/0644 20130101; A61B 2090/3614 20160201; A61B
2017/00575 20130101; A61B 2017/00592 20130101; A61B 2017/0641
20130101; A61B 2018/00351 20130101; A61B 2018/00702 20130101; A61B
18/1492 20130101; A61B 2018/00261 20130101; A61B 2018/1472
20130101; A61B 18/20 20130101; A61B 2018/0063 20130101; A61B
2018/00791 20130101; A61B 17/0057 20130101; C08L 2201/12 20130101;
A61B 2018/1425 20130101; A61B 17/083 20130101; A61N 7/022 20130101;
A61B 2017/00243 20130101; A61B 2017/0645 20130101; A61B 2018/00291
20130101; A61B 2018/00619 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/022 ;
606/213; 606/157; 606/002; 600/570 |
International
Class: |
A61B 018/18; A61B
017/08; A61D 001/00; A61B 010/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale, the method
comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a
distal end and at least one abrasive needle near the distal end
through vasculature of a patient to position the distal end
adjacent the patent foramen ovale; exposing a plurality of abrasive
needles from the catheter; advancing the exposed abrasive needles
through the patent foramen ovale; and retracting the abrasive
needles relative to the patent foramen ovale to abrade at least a
portion of tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
2. A method as in claim 1, wherein advancing the catheter comprises
advancing through at least one of a femoral vein, an iliac vein, an
inferior vena cava, a brachial vein, an axial vein, a subclavian
vein, and a superior vena cava of the patient.
3. A method as in claim 1, wherein advancing the catheter comprises
advancing over a guidewire.
4. A method as in claim 1, wherein exposing the abrasive needles
comprises retracting a catheter body of the catheter to expose the
needles out of at least one opening in the catheter body at or near
the distal end of the catheter.
5. A method as in claim 1, wherein exposing the abrasive needles
comprises advancing the needles relative to a catheter body of the
catheter to expose the needles out of at least one opening in the
catheter body at or near the distal end of the catheter.
6. A method as in claim 1, wherein advancing the abrasive needles
comprises passing at least one of the needles through tissue
adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
7. A method as in claim 1, wherein advancing abrasive needles
comprises advancing the catheter.
8. A method as in claim 1, wherein retracting the abrasive needles
comprises abrading at least a portion of the patent foramen ovale
with serrated edges of the needles.
9. A method as in claim 1, further comprising: advancing the
abrasive needles through the patent foramen ovale again after the
retracting step; and retracting the needles to further abrade at
least a portion of the tissue of the patent foramen ovale.
10. A method as in claim 9, further comprising repeatedly advancing
and retracting the abrasive needles through the patent foramen
ovale to achieve a desired amount of abrasion.
11. A method as in claim 1, further comprising using at least one
visualization device to view the patent foramen ovale.
12. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale, the method
comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a
distal end and at least one abrasive needle near the distal end
through vasculature of a patient to position the distal end
adjacent the patent foramen ovale; exposing the at least one
abrasive needle from the catheter; advancing the at least one
exposed abrasive needle through heart wall tissue adjacent the
patent foramen ovale; and retracting the at least one abrasive
needle relative to the tissue to abrade at least a portion of the
tissue.
13. A method as in claim 12, wherein advancing the catheter
comprises advancing through at least one of a femoral vein, an
iliac vein, an inferior vena cava, a brachial vein, an axial vein,
a subdlavian vein, and a superior vena cava of the patient.
14. A method as in claim 12, wherein advancing the catheter
comprises advancing over a guidewire.
15. A method as in claim 12, wherein exposing the at least one
abrasive needle comprises retracting a catheter body of the
catheter to expose the needle out of at least one opening in the
catheter body at or near the distal end of the catheter.
16. A method as in claim 12, wherein exposing the at least one
abrasive needle comprises advancing the needle relative to a
catheter body of the catheter to expose the needle out of at least
one opening in the catheter body at or near the distal end of the
catheter.
17. A method as in claim 12, wherein exposing the at least one
abrasive needle comprises exposing a plurality of needles.
18. A method as in claim 12, wherein advancing the at least one
exposed abrasive needle comprises advancing the catheter.
19. A method as in claim 12, wherein retracting the at least one
exposed abrasive needle comprises abrading at least a portion of
the tissue with a serrated edge of the needle.
20. A method as in claim 12, further comprising: advancing the at
least one exposed needle through the tissue again after the
retracting step; and retracting the at least one exposed needle to
further abrade at least a portion of the tissue.
21. A method as in claim 20, further comprising repeatedly
advancing and retracting the at least one exposed needle through
the tissue to achieve a desired amount of abrasion.
22. A method as in claim 12, further comprising using at least one
visualization device to view the patent foramen ovale.
23. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale, the method
comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a
distal end and at least one abrasive needle near the distal end
through vasculature of a patient to position the distal end
adjacent the patent foramen ovale; exposing a first abrasive needle
from the catheter such that the exposed first abrasive needle
extends through at least part of the patent foramen ovale; exposing
at least a second abrasive needle from the catheter such that the
exposed second abrasive needle extends through the patent foramen
ovale; and retracting the first and second abrasive needles
relative to the patent foramen ovale to abrade at least a portion
of tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
24. A method as in claim 23, further comprising: exposing a third
abrasive needle from the catheter such that the exposed third
abrasive needle extends through the patent foramen ovale; and
retracting the third abrasive needle relative to the patent foramen
ovale to abrade at least a portion of tissue adjacent the patent
foramen ovale.
25. A method as in claim 24, further comprising: exposing a fourth
abrasive needle from the catheter such that the exposed fourth
abrasive needle extends through the patent foramen ovale; and
retracting the fourth abrasive needle relative to the patent
foramen ovale to abrade at least a portion of tissue adjacent the
patent foramen ovale.
26. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale, the method
comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a
distal end and an energy transmission member near the distal end
through vasculature of a patient to position the distal end
adjacent the patent foramen ovale; and transmitting energy from the
energy transmission member to contact tissue adjacent the patent
foramen ovale to induce closure of the patent foramen ovale.
27. A method as in claim 26, wherein transmitting energy comprises
transmitting at least one of laser energy, radio frequency energy,
ultrasound energy and microwave energy.
28. A method as in claim 26, wherein transmitting energy comprises
transmitting cryogenic energy or removing energy via cooling.
29. A method as in claim 26, wherein transmitting energy causes the
tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale to weld together to close
the patent foramen ovale.
30. A method as in claim 26, further comprising inserting at least
one needle into the tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale to
enhance transmission of the energy to the tissue.
31. A method as in claim 30, wherein inserting the at least one
needle draws the tissue together to enhance the transmission of
energy to the tissue.
32. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale, the method
comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a
distal end and at least one aperture near the distal end through
vasculature of a patient to position the distal end adjacent the
patent foramen ovale; and dispensing at least one fluid from the at
least one aperture to contact tissue adjacent the patent foramen
ovale to induce closure of the patent foramen ovale.
33. A method as in claim 32, wherein dispensing the fluid comprises
dispensing a biocompatible fluid selected from the group consisting
of an acid and an adhesive.
34. A method as in claim 32, further comprising inflating an
expandable balloon coupled with the catheter device near the distal
end to inhibit blood flow through the patent foramen ovale to
enhance contact of the at least one fluid with the tissue adjacent
the patent foramen ovale.
35. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in a heart, the
method comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal
end and a distal end through vasculature of a patient to position
the distal end adjacent the patent foramen ovale; and delivering a
closure device at least partially through the patent foramen ovale
to induce closure of the patent foramen ovale, wherein a portion of
the closure device disposed within the patent foramen ovale applies
lateral force against tissues at opposite sides of the patent
foramen ovale to bring tissue between the sides together.
36. A method as in claim 35, further comprising transmitting energy
comprising at least one of laser energy, radio frequency energy,
ultrasound energy and microwave energy from the catheter to secure
the closure device to the tissues adjacent the patent foramen
ovale.
37. A method as in claim 36, further comprising delivering a tissue
solder material which is set by the energy to adhere the closure
device to the tissue.
38. A method as in claim 35, further comprising transmitting
cryogenic energy or removing energy via cooling from the catheter
to secure the closure device to the tissues adjacent the patent
foramen ovale.
39. A method as in claim 36, 37 or 38, wherein transmitting energy
causes the tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale to weld
together to close the patent foramen ovale.
40. A method as in claim 35, further comprising allowing the
closure device to collapse and draw the patent foramen closed.
41. A method as in claim 35, further comprising positioning a
backstop apparatus in the left atrium as the closure device is
deployed.
42. A method as in claims 35, further comprising inflating an
expandable balloon coupled with the catheter device near the distal
end to deploy the closure device within the patent foramen
ovale.
43. A method as in claim 35, wherein delivering the closure device
comprises: releasing a left atrial portion of the closure device
from the catheter device such that it contacts tissue adjacent the
patent foramen ovale from within in a left atrium of the heart; and
releasing a right atrial portion of the closure device from the
catheter device such that it contacts tissue adjacent the patent
foramen ovale from within in a left atrium of the heart, wherein a
bridging portion of the closure device extends through the patent
foramen ovale between the left atrial portion and the right atrial
portion and applies the lateral force.
44. A method as in claim 43, wherein the left atrial portion is
released before the right atrial portion.
45. A method as in claim 43, wherein the right atrial portion is
released before the left atrial portion.
46. A method as in claim 43, further comprising: removing the
closure device from the patent foramen ovale through using the
catheter device; and repositioning the closure device at least
partially through the patent foramen ovale and in contact with
tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
47. A method as in claim 46, wherein removing the closure device
comprises: advancing the catheter device over the closure device to
straighten the closure device; and retracting the catheter device
to remove the closure device from the patent foramen ovale.
48. A method as in claim 47, wherein the left atrial portion is
straightened before the right atrial portion.
49. A method as in claim 47, wherein the right atrial portion is
straightened before the left atrial portion.
50. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in a heart, the
method comprising: disposing at least a portion of a closure device
within the patent foramen ovale; and applying lateral, oppositely
directed force to tissues at opposite sides of the patent foramen
ovale, using the portion of the closure device disposed in the
patent foramen ovale, so as to bring a septum primum and a septum
secundum between the opposite sides into contact.
51. A method as in claim 50 further comprising placing at least one
device to maintain the contact between the septum primum and septum
secundum.
52. A method as in claim 51 wherein placing the at least one device
comprises placing at least one spring clip.
53. A method as in claim 51 wherein placing the at least one device
comprises placing at least one staple.
54. A method as in claim 51 further comprising applying energy to
maintain the contact between the septum primum and septum
secundum.
55. A method as in claim 54 further comprising introducing tissue
solder to maintain the contact between septum primum and septum
secundum.
56. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in a heart, the
method comprising: advancing a catheter device having a proximal
end and a distal end through vasculature of a patient to position
the distal end adjacent the patent foramen ovale; and delivering a
self-closing closure device from the catheter to contact tissues
adjacent the patent foramen ovale, wherein the delivered
self-closing closure device closes to bring together the tissues
the patent foramen ovale.
57. A method as in claim 56, wherein delivering the self-closing
closure device comprises driving multiple tissue attachment members
coupled with a self-closing stent into the tissues.
58. A method as in claim 56, further comprising transmitting energy
comprising at least one of laser energy, radio frequency energy,
ultrasound energy and microwave energy from the catheter to secure
the closure device to the tissues adjacent the patent foramen
ovale.
59. A method as in claim 56, further comprising transmitting
cryogenic energy or removing energy via cooling from the catheter
to secure the closure device to the tissues adjacent the patent
foramen ovale.
60. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in a heart, the
method comprising: attaching a closure device to a limbus of a
fossa ovalis of the heart; and allowing a portion of the closure
device to hang from the limbus to cover an opening of the patent
foramen ovale.
61. A method as in claim 60 further comprising applying energy to
secure the closure device to at least one of the limbus and other
tissues adjacent the patent.
62. A method of treating a patent foramen ovale in a heart, the
method comprising: advancing an elongate catheter device through
septum primum tissue near the patent foramen ovale; adjusting a
retractable delivery arm from the catheter device, the delivery arm
coupled with a distal end of the catheter device via a universal
joint; and manipulating the catheter device to deploy a spiral
needle from the delivery arm into tissues adjacent the patent
foramen ovale to bring the tissues together.
63. A method as in claim 62, wherein the spiral needle is deployed
through septum primum and septum secundum tissues.
64. A method as in claim 62, wherein manipulating the catheter
device comprises turning or twisting the device about its
longitudinal axis.
65. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale, the apparatus
comprising: an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a
distal end; and at least one retractable abrasive needle movable
between a retracted position wherein the needle resides wholly
within the catheter body and a deployed position wherein at least a
portion of the needle extends through an opening in the catheter
body adjacent the distal end.
66. Apparatus as in claim 65, wherein the catheter body is passable
over a guidewire.
67. Apparatus as in claim 65, wherein the at least one retractable
abrasive needle comprises at least one serrated edge for abrading
tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
68. Apparatus as in claim 67, wherein the at least one retractable
abrasive needle comprises multiple needles.
69. Apparatus as in claim 68, wherein each of the multiple needles
is individually retractable into the catheter body.
70. Apparatus as in claim 65, wherein the at least one retractable
abrasive needle is movable relative to the catheter body to extend
the at least one needle through the patent foramen ovale and
retract the needle back through the foramen ovale.
71. Apparatus as in claim 65, further comprising at least one
visualization device coupled with the catheter body near the distal
end for visualizing at least one of the patent foramen ovale and
tissue surrounding the patent foramen ovale.
72. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale, the apparatus
comprising: an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a
distal end; and at least one energy transmission member coupled
with the catheter body adjacent the distal end for transmitting
energy to contact tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale to
induce closure of the patent foramen ovale.
73. Apparatus as in claim 72, wherein the energy transmission
member transmits at least one of laser energy, radio frequency
energy, ultrasound energy and microwave energy.
74. Apparatus as in claim 72, wherein the energy transmission
member comprises at least one of a cryogenic energy transmission
member and a cooling member.
75. Apparatus as in claim 72, further comprising at least one
retractable needle coupled with the catheter body for inserting
into the tissue to enhance transmission of energy to the
tissue.
76. Apparatus as in claim 75, wherein the at least one retractable
needle comprises at least one surface having serrations.
77. Apparatus as in claim 75, wherein the at least one retractable
needle draws the tissue together to enhance transmission of energy
to the tissue.
78. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale, the apparatus
comprising: an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a
distal end; and at least one aperture in the catheter body adjacent
the distal end for dispensing at least one fluid to contact tissue
adjacent the patent foramen ovale to induce closure of the patent
foramen ovale.
79. Apparatus as in claim 78, wherein the fluid comprises a
biocompatible fluid selected from the group consisting of an acid
and an adhesive.
80. Apparatus as in claim 78, further comprising an expandable
balloon coupled with the elongate catheter body near the distal end
for inhibiting blood flow through the patent foramen ovale to
enhance contact of the at least one fluid with the tissue.
81. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale, the apparatus
comprising: an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a
distal end; and at least one closure device deployable from the
catheter body, wherein the closure device attaches to tissue
adjacent the patent foramen ovale and self-closes to bring the
tissues together.
82. Apparatus as in claim 81, wherein the at least one closure
device is biodegradable.
83. Apparatus as in claim 81, wherein the at least one closure
device comprises an expandable, self-closing stent coupled with a
plurality of tissue attachment members.
84. Apparatus as in claim 83, wherein the tissue attachment members
comprise tissue piercing needles.
85. Apparatus as in claim 81, wherein the at least one closure
device includes a portion extending within the patent foramen ovale
to apply lateral force to tissue at opposite sides of the patent
foramen ovale, thus bringing together tissue between the opposite
sides.
86. Apparatus as in claim 81, wherein the catheter body is passable
over a guidewire.
87. Apparatus as in claim 81, further comprising at least one
visualization device coupled with the catheter body near the distal
end for visualizing at least one of the patent foramen ovale and
tissue surrounding the patent foramen ovale.
88. Apparatus as in claim 81, further comprising at least one
energy transmission member coupled with the catheter body adjacent
the distal end for transmitting energy to contact tissue adjacent
the patent foramen ovale.
89. Apparatus as in claim 88, wherein the energy transmission
member transmits at least one of laser energy, radio frequency
energy, ultrasound energy and microwave energy.
90. Apparatus as in claim 88, wherein the energy transmission
member comprises at least one of a cryogenic energy transmission
member and a cooling member.
91. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale comprising a clip
expandable from a first dimension to a second larger dimension
sized to engage the tissue of the patent foramen ovale, wherein the
clip in the larger dimension applies lateral force to tissue at
opposite sides of the patent foramen ovale to bring tissues between
the opposite sides together, and wherein the clip can revert or be
made to revert to its first dimension.
92. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale comprising: an
elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; and
at least one force application member coupled with the distal end
for applying lateral force to opposite sides of the patent foramen
ovale, thus bringing tissues between the opposite sides into
contact.
93. Apparatus as in claim 92 wherein the force application member
comprises two opposing arms which deflect laterally to engage the
opposite sides of the patent foramen ovale.
94. Apparatus as in claim 92 wherein the force application member
comprises a detachable closure device.
95. Apparatus as in claim 92 further comprising energy delivery
means.
96. Apparatus as in claim 95 further comprising means to deliver
tissue solder or adhesive.
97. Apparatus as in claim 92 further comprising means to deliver a
closure device.
98. Apparatus as in claim 97 wherein the closure device comprises
at least one staple.
99. Apparatus as in claim 97 wherein the closure device comprises
at least one clip.
100. Apparatus as in claim 97 wherein the closure device comprises
tissue solder or adhesive.
101. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale comprising: an
attachment member for attaching to a limbus of a fossa ovalis of
the patent foramen ovale; and a covering member coupled with the
attachment member for extending from the limbus to cover an opening
of the patent foramen ovale.
102. Apparatus as in claim 101 wherein the covering member
comprises: a support structure; and a mesh covering the support
structure.
103. Apparatus as in claim 102 wherein the support structure
comprises a wire frame.
104. Apparatus as in claim 101 further comprising energy delivery
means for delivering energy to secure the covering member to tissue
adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
105. Apparatus as in claim 104 further comprising means for
introducing tissue solder or adhesive.
106. Apparatus as in claim 101 wherein the attachment member is
configured to penetrate the tissue of the limbus.
107. Apparatus as in claim 106 wherein the attachment member
comprises opposable jaws.
108. Apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale comprising: an
elongate catheter configured to pierce through septum primum tissue
adjacent the patent foramen ovale; a retractable delivery arm
coupled with a distal end of the elongate catheter at a universal
joint; and a spiral needle coupled with and deployable from the
retractable delivery arm, wherein turning the catheter deploys the
spiral needle into tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale.
109. Apparatus as in claim 108, wherein the spiral needle is
configured to pierce through septum primum tissue and septum
secundum tissue to bring the septum primum and septum secundum
together.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Nos. 60/458,854 (Attorney Docket No. 022128-000100US),
filed on Mar. 27, 2003; 60/478,035 (Attorney Docket No.
022128-000110US), filed on Jun. 11, 2003, and 60/490082 (Attorney
Docket No. 022128-000120US), filed on Jul. 4, 2003, the full
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. This
application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
10/665974 (Attorney Docket No. 022128-000200US), filed on Sep. 16,
2003; 10/679245 (Attorney Docket No. 022128-00200US), filed Oct. 2,
2003; and 10/787532 (Attorney Docket No. 022128-000130US), filed
Feb. 25, 2004, the full disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention generally relates to medical apparatus and
methods. More specifically, the invention relates to apparatus and
methods for treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO).
[0003] Fetal blood circulation is much different than adult
circulation. Because fetal blood is oxygenated by the placenta,
rather than the fetal lungs, blood is generally shunted away from
the lungs to the peripheral tissues through a number of vessels and
foramens that remain patent (i.e., open) during fetal life and
typically close shortly after birth. For example, fetal blood
passes directly from the right atrium through the foramen ovale
into the left atrium, and a portion of blood circulating through
the pulmonary artery trunk passes through the ductus arteriosus to
the aorta. This fetal circulation is shown in attached FIG. 1.
[0004] At birth, as a newborn begins breathing, blood pressure in
the left atrium rises above the pressure in the right atrium. In
most newborns, a flap of tissue closes the foramen ovale and heals
together. In approximately 20,000 babies born each year in the US,
the flap of tissue is missing, and the hole remains open as an
atrial septal defect (ASD). In a much more significant percentage
of the population (estimates range from 5% to 20% of the entire
population), the flap is present but does not heal together. This
condition is known as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Whenever the
pressure in the right atrium rises above that in the left atrium,
blood pressure can push this patent channel open, allowing blood to
flow from the right atrium to the left atrium.
[0005] Patent foramen ovale has long been considered a relatively
benign condition, since it typically has little effect on the
body's circulation. More recently, however, it has been found that
a significant number of strokes may be caused at least in part by
PFO. In some cases, stroke may occur because a PFO allows blood
containing small thrombi to flow directly from the venous
circulation to the arterial circulation and into the brain, rather
than flowing to the lungs where the thrombi can become trapped and
gradually dissolved. In other cases, thrombi might form in the
patent channel of the PFO itself and become dislodged when the
pressures cause blood to flow from the right atrium to the left
atrium. It has been estimated that patients with PFOs who have
already had cryptogenic strokes have a 4% risk per year of having
another stroke.
[0006] Further research is currently being conducted into the link
between PFO and stroke. At the present time, if someone with a PFO
has two or more strokes, the healthcare system in the U.S. may
reimburse a surgical or other interventional procedure to
definitively close the PFO. It is likely, however, that a more
prophylactic approach would be warranted to close PFOs to prevent
the prospective occurrence of a stroke. The cost and potential
side-effects and complications of such a procedure must be low,
however, since the event rate due to PFOs is relatively low. In
younger patients, for example, PFOs sometimes close by themselves
over time without any adverse health effects.
[0007] Another highly prevalent and debilitating condition--chronic
migraine headaches--has also been linked with PFO. Although the
exact link has not yet been explained, PFO closure has been shown
to eliminate or significantly reduce migraine headaches in many
patients. Again, prophylactic PFO closure to treat chronic migraine
headaches might be warranted if a relatively non-invasive procedure
were available.
[0008] Currently available interventional therapies for PFO are
generally fairly invasive and/or have potential drawbacks. One
strategy is simply to close a PFO during open heart surgery for
another purpose, such as heart valve surgery. This can typically be
achieved via a simple procedure such as placing a stitch or two
across the PFO with vascular suture. Performing open heart surgery
purely to close an asymptomatic PFO or even a very small ASD,
however, would be very hard to justify.
[0009] A number of interventional devices for closing PFOs
percutaneously have also been proposed and developed. Most of these
devices are the same as or similar to atrial septal defect (ASD)
closure devices. They are typically "clamshell" or "double
umbrella" shaped devices which deploy an area of biocompatible
metal mesh or fabric (ePTFE or Dacron, for example) on each side of
the atrial septum, held together with a central axial element, to
cover the PFO. This umbrella then heals into the atrial septum,
with the healing response forming a uniform layer of tissue or
"pannus" over the device. Such devices have been developed, for
example, by companies such as Nitinol Medical Technologies, Inc.
(Boston, Mass.) and AGA Medical, Inc. (White Bear Lake, Minn.).
U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,720 describes a method and apparatus for
thoracoscopic intracardiac procedures which may be used for
treatment of PFO.
[0010] Of particular interest, the use of a catheter having a
balloon with abrasive elements has been proposed for abrading the
inner surfaces of a PFO to cause an area of thrombogenesis. See
U.S. Pat. No. 5,919,200. Over time, it is hoped that the area will
form a scar and close the PFO. Other patents of interest include
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,056,760, 6,482,224 and 6,702,835 and PCT
Publication No. WO98/07375. Published patent applications of
interest include U.S. Publication Nos. 2003/0045893 and
2003/0225421 and PCT Publication Nos. WO 03/053493 and WO
03/082076.
[0011] Although available devices may work well in some cases, they
also face a number of challenges. Relatively frequent causes of
complications include, for example, improper deployment, device
embolization into the circulation and device breakage. In some
instances, a deployed device does not heal into the septal wall
completely, leaving an exposed tissue which may itself be a nidus
for thrombus formation. Furthermore, the currently available
devices are generally complex and expensive to manufacture, making
their use for prophylactic treatment of PFO impractical. In
addition, it is sometimes difficult to insert a catheter or
guidewire directly through the lumen of the PFO using currently
available percutaneously inserted catheters.
[0012] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have improved methods
and apparatus for treating a PFO. Ideally, such methods and
apparatus would help seal the PFO while leaving little or no
foreign material in the body. Also ideally, such methods and
apparatus would be relatively simple to manufacture and use, thus
rendering prophylactic treatment of PFO, such as for stroke
prevention, a viable option. It would also be advantageous to have
a device which could effect closure of a PFO without requiring
insertion of a catheter through the PFO. At least some of these
objectives will be met by the present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Methods and apparatus for treatment of patent foramen ovale
(PFO) generally involve use of a catheter having treatment means at
its distal end. In some embodiments, the treatment means includes
one or more retractable abrasive needles used to abrade tissue
adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. In some embodiments,
treatment means may alternatively or additionally include an energy
transmission member, such as a radiofrequency, ultrasound,
microwave, laser or cryogenic energy transmission member. In other
embodiments, treatment means may include or one or more apertures
for dispensing a fluid to contact and close the PFO.
[0014] In some embodiments, treatment means comprises one or more
closure devices, such as one or more clips, staples, patches, a
self-closing attachment members, spiral needles or the like. Some
closure devices have at least a portion that resides within the PFO
and applies lateral force against tissue at opposite sides of the
PFO, thus bringing tissue between the opposed sides together.
Closure devices may optionally be implanted using energy and/or
energy-mediated solders or tissue glues. Optionally, the closure
devices may be biodegradable or may be formed from non-degradable
materials. In exemplary devices, a delivery catheter may include a
backstop for positioning in the left atrium to provide a working
surface to facilitate closure device deployment. The backstop may
be removable after closure of the PFO.
[0015] Methods generally involve advancing the catheter to position
its distal end near the PFO and using the treatment means to close
the PFO in any one of a variety of ways. In a first embodiment one
or more abrasive needles or other abrasive elements are used to
abrade or otherwise traumatize tissue adjacent the PFO to induce
closure of the PFO. In other embodiments, the PFO is closed with a
closure device which is optionally secured to tissue with energy
and/or a solder or tissue glue. The closure device may be a plug
that physically covers the PFO. Alternatively, the device may be
self-closing to capture and close the PFO.
[0016] In one aspect, a method of treating a patent foramen ovale
comprises: advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a
distal end and at least one abrasive needle near the distal end
through vasculature of a patient to position the distal end
adjacent the patent foramen ovale; exposing a plurality of abrasive
needles from the catheter; advancing the exposed abrasive needles
through the patent foramen ovale; and retracting the abrasive
needles relative to the patent foramen ovale to abrade at least a
portion of tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale. In some
embodiments, advancing the catheter comprises advancing through at
least one of a femoral vein, an iliac vein, an inferior vena cava,
a brachial vein, an axial vein, a subclavian vein, and a superior
vena cava of the patient. In some embodiments, advancing the
catheter comprises advancing over a guidewire.
[0017] In some embodiments, exposing the abrasive needles involves
retracting a catheter body of the catheter to expose the needles
out of an opening in the catheter body at or near the distal end of
the catheter. Alternatively, exposing the abrasive needles may
involve advancing the needles relative to the catheter body. In
some embodiments, advancing the abrasive needles comprises passing
at least one needle through tissue immediately adjacent the PFO.
Advancing the abrasive needles may involve advancing the needles
relative to the catheter, advancing the catheter itself to advance
the needles, or both in various embodiments. In one embodiment,
retracting the abrasive needles comprises abrading at least a
portion of the patent foramen ovale with serrated edges of the
needles. In any embodiment, the abrasive needles may be retracted
and advanced as many times as desired. Optionally, any embodiment
may include visualization of the PFO and/or tissue surrounding the
PFO using one or more visualization devices.
[0018] In another aspect, a method of treating a PFO comprises:
advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a distal end and
at least one abrasive needle near the distal end through
vasculature of a patient to position the distal end adjacent the
PFO; exposing the at least one abrasive needle from the catheter;
advancing the at least one exposed abrasive needle through heart
wall tissue adjacent the PFO, for example through the tissue of the
septum secundum and/or septum primum; and retracting the at least
one abrasive needle relative to the tissue to abrade at least a
portion of the tissue. This method may include any of the optional
steps or elements mentioned above.
[0019] In still another aspect, a method of treating a patent
foramen ovale involves: advancing a catheter device having a
proximal end, a distal end and at least one abrasive needle near
the distal end through vasculature of a patient to position the
distal end adjacent the PFO; exposing a first abrasive needle from
the catheter such that the exposed first abrasive needle extends
through at least part of the PFO; exposing at least a second
abrasive needle from the catheter such that the exposed second
abrasive needle extends through the PFO; and retracting the first
and second abrasive needles relative to the PFO to abrade at least
a portion of tissue adjacent the PFO. Optionally, the method may
further include exposing a third abrasive needle from the catheter
such that the exposed third abrasive needle extends through the PFO
and retracting the third abrasive needle relative to the PFO to
abrade at least a portion of tissue adjacent the patent foramen
ovale. The method may still further include exposing a fourth
abrasive needle from the catheter such that the exposed fourth
abrasive needle extends through the PFO and retracting the fourth
abrasive needle relative to the PFO to abrade at least a portion of
tissue adjacent the PFO. Again, any of the features, steps or
elements described above may be applied to this method.
[0020] In another aspect, a method of treating PFO involves
advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a distal end and
an energy transmission member near the distal end through
vasculature of a patient to position the distal end adjacent the
PFO, and transmitting energy from the energy transmission member to
contact tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. The
transmitted energy may comprise, for example, laser energy, radio
frequency energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy, cryogenic
energy, removal of energy via cooling or the like. The closure may
be effected immediately by application of energy, or secondarily as
a result of healing after the application of energy. In some
embodiments, the energy transmission members may comprise needles
which are advanced into the tissue adjacent the PFO. In some of
these embodiments, the needles may be delivered in a manner which
draws the tissue together prior to the application of energy.
[0021] In another aspect, a method of treating PFO comprises
advancing a catheter device having a proximal end, a distal end and
at least one aperture near the distal end through vasculature of a
patient to position the distal end adjacent the PFO, and dispensing
at least one fluid from the at least one aperture to contact tissue
adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. The fluid, for
example, may include a biocompatible fluid such as an acid or an
adhesive. In some embodiments, the method may include the inflation
of a balloon or other member adjacent the distal end to isolate the
area of the atrial septum from blood flow, thus increasing the time
the fluid is in the vicinity of the PFO.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating a
patent foramen ovale in a heart involves advancing a catheter
device having a proximal end and a distal end through vasculature
of a patient to position the distal end adjacent the patent foramen
ovale and delivering a closure device at least partially through
the patent foramen ovale to induce closure of the patent foramen
ovale. In this method, a portion of the closure device disposed
within the patent foramen ovale applies lateral force against
tissues at opposite sides of the patent foramen ovale to bring
tissue between the sides together. Optionally, the method may
further include transmitting energy such as but not limited to
laser energy, radio frequency energy, ultrasound energy, microwave
energy, cryogenic energy or removal of energy via cooling from the
catheter to secure the closure device in the patent foramen
ovale.
[0023] Also optionally, the method may include allowing the closure
device to collapse and draw the patent foramen closed. In some
embodiments, the method includes positioning a backstop apparatus
in the left atrium as the closure device is deployed. Some
embodiments include delivering a tissue solder material which is
set by the energy to adhere the closure device to the tissue. Other
embodiments may include inflating an expandable balloon coupled
with the catheter device near the distal end to deploy the closure
device within the patent foramen ovale.
[0024] In some embodiments, delivering the closure device involves
releasing a left atrial portion of the closure device from the
catheter device such that it contacts tissue adjacent the patent
foramen ovale from within in a left atrium of the heart and
releasing a right atrial portion of the closure device from the
catheter device such that it contacts tissue adjacent the patent
foramen ovale from within in a left atrium of the heart. In such
embodiments, a bridging portion of the closure device extends
through the patent foramen ovale between the left atrial portion
and the right atrial portion and applies the lateral force against
the tissues at the opposite sides of the patent foramen ovale. In
some embodiments, the left atrial portion is released before the
right atrial portion, while in others the right atrial portion is
released before the left atrial portion. Some embodiments may
further include removing the closure device from the patent foramen
ovale through using the catheter device and repositioning the
closure device at least partially through the patent foramen ovale
and in contact with tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale. In
some embodiments, removing the closure device comprises advancing
the catheter device over the closure device to straighten the
closure device and retracting the catheter device to remove the
closure device from the patent foramen ovale. In some embodiments,
the left atrial portion is straightened before the right atrial
portion, and in other embodiments the right atrial portion is
straightened before the left atrial portion.
[0025] In another aspect of the invention, a method for treating a
patent foramen ovale involves disposing at least a portion of a
closure device within the patent foramen ovale and applying
lateral, oppositely directed force to tissues at opposite sides of
the patent foramen ovale, using the portion of the closure device
disposed in the patent foramen ovale, so as to bring a septum
primum and a septum secundum between the opposite sides into
contact. Optionally, the method may also comprise placing at least
one device to maintain the contact between the primum and secundum.
Such a method may optionally further comprise applying energy to
maintain the contact between the primum and secundum. In some
embodiments tissue solder may be introduced to maintain the contact
between primum and secundum.
[0026] In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating a
patent foramen ovale in a heart involves advancing a catheter
device having a proximal end and a distal end through vasculature
of a patient to position the distal end adjacent the patent foramen
ovale and delivering a self-closing closure device from the
catheter to contact tissues adjacent the patent foramen ovale. In
this method, the delivered self-closing closure device closes to
bring together the tissues the patent foramen ovale. In some
embodiments, for example, delivering the self-closing closure
device comprises driving multiple tissue attachment members coupled
with a self-closing stent into the tissues.
[0027] In another aspect, a method for treating a patent foramen
ovale involves attaching a closure device to a limbus of a fossa
ovalis of the heart and allowing a portion of the closure device to
hang from the limbus to cover an opening of the patent foramen
ovale. Such a method may optionally further involve applying energy
to secure the closure device.
[0028] In another aspect of the invention, a method of treating a
patent foramen ovale in a heart includes: advancing an elongate
catheter device through septum primum tissue near the patent
foramen ovale; adjusting a retractable delivery arm from the
catheter device, the delivery arm coupled with a distal end of the
catheter device via a universal joint; and manipulating the
catheter device to deploy a spiral needle from the delivery arm
into tissues adjacent the patent foramen ovale to bring the tissues
together. In some embodiments, the spiral needle is deployed
through septum primum and septum secundum tissues. Manipulating the
catheter device, for example, may involve turning or twisting the
device about its longitudinal axis.
[0029] In yet another aspect, an apparatus for treating PFO
comprises an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a
distal end and at least one retractable abrasive needle movable
between a retracted position wherein the needle resides wholly
within the catheter body and a deployed position wherein at least a
portion of the needle extends through an opening in the catheter
body adjacent the distal end. In some embodiments, the catheter
body is passable over a guidewire. Also in some embodiments, the at
least one retractable abrasive needle comprises at least one
serrated edge for abrading tissue adjacent the PFO. Optionally, the
at least one retractable abrasive needle comprises multiple
needles. In some embodiments, each of the multiple needles is
individually retractable into the catheter body. Also in some
embodiments, the at least one retractable abrasive needle is
movable relative to the catheter body to extend the at least one
needle through the PFO and retract the needle back through the
foramen ovale. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a
visualization device for facilitating visualization of a PFO.
[0030] In another aspect, apparatus for treating a PFO includes an
elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and
at least one energy transmission member coupled with the catheter
body adjacent the distal end for transmitting energy to contact
tissue adjacent the PFO to induce closure of the PFO. As mentioned
above, the energy transmission member may transmit any suitable
form of energy, such as but not limited to laser energy, radio
frequency energy, ultrasound energy, microwave energy or cryogenic
energy. In some embodiments, the apparatus for delivering energy
into or adjacent the PFO may comprise one or more needles, which
may be movable relative to the catheter body and which may or may
not be serrated. In some of these embodiments, the needles may be
designed to draw the tissue of the PFO together as well as to
deliver energy.
[0031] In another aspect, apparatus for treating a PFO comprises an
elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and
at least one aperture in the catheter body adjacent the distal end
for dispensing at least one fluid to contact tissue adjacent the
PFO to induce closure of the PFO. As mentioned, any suitable fluid
may be used, such as but not limited to a biocompatible fluid such
as an acid or an adhesive. In some embodiments, this apparatus may
include an inflatable balloon or other means adjacent the distal
tip of the catheter to isolate the area of the atrial septum from
blood flow, thus increasing the residence time of the fluid in the
area of the PFO.
[0032] In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
treating a PFO includes an elongate catheter body having a proximal
end and a distal end and at least one closure device deployable
from the catheter body. Specifically, the closure device attaches
to tissue adjacent the PFO and self-closes to bring the tissues
together. In some embodiments, the closure device is biodegradable.
In some embodiments, the closure device comprises an expandable,
self-closing stent coupled with a plurality of tissue attachment
members, such as but not limited to tissue piercing needles. In
some embodiments, the closure device includes a portion extending
within the PFO to apply lateral force to tissue at opposite sides
of the PFO, thus bringing together tissue between the opposite
sides. The catheter body may be passable over a guidewire.
Embodiments may optionally include at least one visualization
device coupled with the catheter body near the distal end for
visualizing the PFO and tissue surrounding the PFO. Some
embodiments may include at least one energy transmission member
coupled with the catheter body adjacent the distal end for
transmitting energy to contact tissue adjacent the PFO. Any
suitable energy may be used.
[0033] In another aspect, an apparatus for treating a PFO comprises
a clip expandable from a first dimension to a second larger
dimension sized to engage the tissue of the PFO. The clip in the
larger dimension applies lateral force to tissue at opposite sides
of the PFO to bring tissues between the opposite sides together.
Also, the clip can revert or be made to revert to its first
dimension.
[0034] In another aspect, apparatus for treating a PFO comprises an
elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end and
at least one force application member coupled with the distal end
for applying lateral force to opposite sides of the PFO, thus
bringing tissues between the opposite sides into contact. In some
embodiments, the distal end includes at least two arms which
deflect laterally to engage the edges of the PFO. Alternatively or
additionally, the distal end may include a detachable closure
device. The distal end may also optionally include energy delivery
means. Such embodiments may further include means to deliver tissue
solder or adhesive. The apparatus may also include means to deliver
a closure device. For example, the closure device may comprise at
least one staple, clip, tissue solder, adhesive or the like.
[0035] In another aspect, an apparatus for treating a PFO comprises
an attachment member for attaching to a limbus of a fossa ovalis of
the PFO and a covering member coupled with the attachment member
for extending from the limbus to cover an opening of the PFO. In
some embodiments, the covering member comprises a support structure
and a mesh covering the support structure. The support structure
may comprise, for example, a wire frame, such as multiple Nitinol
loops. In some embodiments, energy is applied to secure the device
to the limbus and/or other tissues adjacent the PFO. Optionally,
the device may further include means for introducing tissue solder
or adhesive. In some embodiments, the attachment member is
configured to penetrate the tissue of the limbus. In one
embodiment, the attachment member comprises opposable jaws.
[0036] In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for
treating a patent foramen ovale includes: an elongate catheter
configured to pierce through septum primum tissue adjacent the
patent foramen ovale; a retractable delivery arm coupled with a
distal end of the elongate catheter at a universal joint; and a
spiral needle coupled with and deployable from the retractable
delivery arm. Turning the catheter deploys the spiral needle into
tissue adjacent the patent foramen ovale. In some embodiments, for
example, the spiral needle is configured to pierce through septum
primum tissue and septum secundum tissue to bring the septum primum
and septum secundum together.
[0037] These and other aspects and embodiments are described in
detail below, with reference to the attached drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the fetal circulation.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a catheter apparatus having a needle
according to an embodiment of the present invention, the catheter
passing through the inferior vena cava and right atrium and through
the patent foramen ovale.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a catheter apparatus having multiple
needles according to an embodiment of the present invention, the
catheter passing through the inferior vena cava and right atrium
and through the patent foramen ovale.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a catheter apparatus having an energy
transmission member according to one embodiment of the present
invention, the catheter passing through the inferior vena cava and
right atrium to position the end effector adjacent the patent
foramen ovale.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a catheter apparatus having apertures
for dispensing a fluid according to one embodiment of the present
invention, the catheter passing through the inferior vena cava and
right atrium to position the end effector adjacent the patent
foramen ovale.
[0043] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a catheter apparatus including a
backstop and inflatable member for treating a PFO according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate a catheter apparatus including a
"sombrero-shaped" PFO closure member according to one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0045] FIGS. 7D and 7E illustrate a locking mechanism for the
sombrero-shaped member in FIGS. 7A-7C.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a PFO closure device according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another PFO closure device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate a delivery catheter for a PFO
closure device according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0049] FIGS. 11A-11F illustrate a self-closing stent PFO closure
device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIGS. 12A and 12B show another self-closing stent PFO
closure device according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0051] FIGS. 13A and 13B show a patch PFO closure device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0052] FIGS. 14A and 14B show a "fish mouth" PFO closure device
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate alternative embodiments of a
fish mouth PFO closure device according to two embodiments of the
present invention.
[0054] FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate a fish mouth PFO closure device
with clip application according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0055] FIGS. 17A and 17B show alternative embodiments of a fish
mouth PFO closure device with clip application according to two
embodiments of the present invention.
[0056] FIG. 18 illustrates a PFO clip according to one embodiment
of the present invention.
[0057] FIG. 19 illustrates a PFO clip according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0058] FIG. 20 illustrates a PFO clip according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 21 illustrates a PFO clip according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIGS. 22A and 22B show a PFO closure patch device for
attachment to the limbus of the fossa ovalis according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] FIGS. 23A and 23B illustrate a spiral needle PFO closure
device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0062] Methods and apparatus of the invention generally provide for
treating tissue adjacent a patent foramen ovale (PFO) to cause
closure of the foramen. The methods and devices typically include a
catheter device which can be advanced through the vasculature of a
patient to position the distal end of the catheter near the PFO to
provide treatment. Treatment means disposed at or near the distal
end of the catheter can then be used to treat at least a portion of
the heart wall tissue surrounding the PFO, to cause the PFO to
close. In many embodiments, the treatment means is used to cause
trauma to the tissues surrounding the PFO and the trauma then
induces a response in the tissues which causes the PFO to close. In
one embodiment, the treatment means includes one or more abrasive
needles having at least one abrasive surface, such as a serrated
edge. Such needles may be retractable into (and extendable out of)
the body of the catheter. In other embodiments, the treatment means
may involve an energy transmission means, such as a laser,
ultrasound, RF or microwave transmitter. In still other
embodiments, the treatment means may comprise one or more apertures
at or near the distal end of the catheter for dispensing a fluid
designed to induce closure of the PFO.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a catheter 10
having a retractable abrasive needle 12 is shown in a position for
treatment of a PFO. In one embodiment, catheter 10 is introduced
percutaneously, for example via the femoral vein and inferior vena
cava, using a sheath and/or other introducer device(s). Generally,
various embodiments of catheter 10 may be introduced via any
suitable vasculature or any other suitable route, such as via a
brachial vein, subdlavian vein, iliac vein, the superior vena cava
and/or the like. In some embodiments, catheter 10 may be advanced
over a movable guidewire, such as a standard guidewire of diameter
in the range from about 0.038" to about 0.014". Typically (though
not necessarily), needle 12 is retractable so that catheter 10 may
be advanced with needle 12 in a retracted position within the body
of catheter 10. Once the distal end of catheter 10 is in a position
for use, needle 12 may then be extended through an aperture at or
near the distal end of the catheter body.
[0064] Once needle 12 is extended, it may be used to abrade tissue
adjacent the PFO. In one embodiment, needle 12 may be similar to a
pre-shaped Brockenbrough needle, which is commonly used to make
trans-septal punctures. Needle 12 may include any suitable means
for abrading tissue. In some embodiments, for example, needle 12
may have one or more surfaces or edges that are serrated, toothed,
covered with abrasive material such as a sandpaper-like material,
or the like. In other embodiments, the surface of needle 12 may be
coated with a drug or chemical that, when it contacts the tissue of
the atrial septum surrounding the PFO, causes a reaction in the
tissue which leads to PFO closure. Generally, needle 12 is moved
through the PFO and/or through tissue adjacent the PFO and is then
drawn back through the PFO and/or tissue to cause abrasion. In some
cases it is possible to extend needle 12 through the PFO itself,
while in other cases it may be difficult to locate the PFO and/or
the extend needle 12 through the foramen. In these latter cases,
needle 12 may be extended through tissue of the atrial septum
adjacent the PFO and then retracted to cause the desired abrasion.
Thus, placement of needle 12 through the PFO itself is not always
necessary. Obviously, needle 12 may be advanced and retracted
through the PFO and/or tissue adjacent the PFO as many times as
desired to achieve a desired amount of tissue abrasion. In some
instances, a physician may use one or more visualization techniques
to asses progress of the abrasion process to determine when a
desired level is achieved.
[0065] Although the proximal end of catheter 10 is not shown in
FIG. 2, this may have any suitable configuration and may include
any type or number of actuator(s). For example, in embodiments
having one or more needles 12, there will typically be at least one
actuator at or near the proximal end of catheter 10 for advancing
and/or retracting needle 12. In embodiments having multiple needles
12, the needles may be individually advanced and retracted via
separate actuators or may be advanced and retracted together via a
common actuator in various embodiments. Other features of the
proximal end of catheter 10 may include, but are not limited to, a
guidewire port, a port for providing introduction of one or more
fluids, means for coupling catheter with an energy source, and/or
the like.
[0066] Needle 12 may generally be moved through/across the PFO
and/or tissue adjacent the PFO by any suitable means. In some
embodiments, as mentioned above, needle 12 may be moved relative to
the catheter body of catheter 10, for example by retracting and
advancing needle 12 relative to catheter 10 using a proximal
actuator. In other embodiments, needle 12 may be moved
across/through the PFO by simply advancing and retracting catheter
10. And of course a combination of these movements may be used in
some embodiments, so that needle 12 may be manipulated relative to
catheter 10 and may also be advanced and retracted through the PFO
by manipulating catheter 10 as a whole.
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment of catheter 10
is shown having multiple (in this case three) needles 12. Such an
embodiment may be used in much the same way as the embodiment
described above having one needle 12. Here, the three needles 12
extend out of catheter 10 via three separate apertures 14 in the
catheter body near the distal end of catheter 10. Generally, in any
given embodiment, needles 12 may extend from catheter 10 via one or
multiple apertures in the extreme distal end of catheter 10, near
the distal end or the like. Any suitable configuration is
contemplated. In the embodiment in FIG. 3, two needles 12 are shown
extending through atrial septal tissue adjacent the PFO and one
needle 12 extends through the foramen itself. Again, any
combination of piercing through atrial septal tissue, abrading
septal tissue by extending through the PFO and the like is
contemplated.
[0068] The embodiment pictured in FIG. 3 demonstrates that needles
12 can have any suitable configuration. In this embodiment, needles
12 have one serrated edge, in contrast to needle 12 in FIG. 2 that
is serrated on at least two surfaces. Again, any suitable
configuration for abrasive needles 12 is contemplated within the
scope of the invention. In some embodiments, needles may have a
curved or undulating configuration. In some embodiments, needles
may be predominantly rigid, while in other embodiments they may
flexible. Various embodiments of needles may be serrated edges,
toothed edges, abrasive sandpaper-like surfaces, and/or any other
suitable means for abrading tissue.
[0069] Methods for using the devices described above have already
been described somewhat. Generally, a method involves advancing a
catheter device having a proximal end, a distal end and at least
one abrasive needle near the distal end through vasculature of a
patient to position the distal end adjacent the PFO, exposing the
abrasive needle from the catheter, advancing the needle through the
PFO and/or tissue adjacent the PFO, and retracting the needle
relative to the PFO and/or tissue to abrade at least a portion of
tissue adjacent the PFO. In some embodiments, a patient may be
treated before and/or after a PFO treatment procedure with
appropriate anti-clotting agents, such as aspirin, coumadin, 2B-3A
inhibitors or the like, to prevent clots from forming on the
healing tissue and embolizing during the healing period. As
discussed above, access to the patient's heart and PFO may be
gained by any suitable means, but will often involve percutaneous
access via the femoral vein and inferior vena cava or other
veins.
[0070] After advancing the catheter to position the distal end near
the PFO and/or at any other stage in the method for PFO treatment,
a physician may use one or more visualization devices to image the
PFO. For example, the physician may inject contrast into the right
atrium while the patient is coughing, performing a Valsalva
maneuver or other actions to cause blood flow through the PFO, and
one or more images may be acquired. In some embodiments, after one
or more images are taken of the PFO, a guidewire may be placed
through the PFO and catheter 10 may be advanced over the guidewire.
In some cases it will be possible to advance the guidewire and
catheter 10 through the PFO, while in other cases this will be
difficult. In the latter cases, the physician may position the
distal end of catheter 10 near the PFO and advance one or more
needles 12 through the tissue of the atrial septum surrounding or
adjacent to the PFO. In embodiments including multiple needles 12,
the needles 12 may be advanced all at once or one at a time. As
described above, some needles 12 have serrations on one or more
edge or surface which may allow for relatively easy advancement of
needles 12 while providing sufficient abrasion on retraction of
needles 12. As shown by the two-headed arrows in FIGS. 2 and 3,
needles 12 may be advanced and retracted any number of times to
achieve a desired amount of abrasion. In some embodiments, the
amount of abrasion may be confirmed through visualization of the
PFO and surrounding tissues. When abrasion is complete, needles 12
may be retracted into catheter 10 and catheter may be removed from
the patient.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 4, another embodiment of catheter 10
includes at least one energy transmission member 16 at or near its
distal end for transmitting energy 18 to tissue. The transmitted
energy may include, for example, laser, ultrasound, radio
frequency, microwave energy, cryogenic energy, the removal of
energy via cooling, or any other suitable form of energy.
Generally, energy 18 is used to disrupt, shrink, weld or traumatize
tissue to evoke a tissue response that will lead to closure of the
PFO. For example, scar tissue may be generated to close the PFO. In
some embodiments, the energy transmission member may include one or
more needles with or without abrasive surfaces. The needles may be
inserted across or through the PFO or adjacent tissue to deliver
the energy to the tissue. In some embodiments, the needles and
their deployment system may be arranged to gather the tissue of the
PFO together, for example axially or radially, before, during
and/or after energy is applied to the tissue.
[0072] In yet another embodiment, and referring now to FIG. 5,
catheter 10 may include one or more apertures 20 for allowing one
or more biocompatible fluids 22 to be disposed from catheter 10. In
some embodiments, a balloon 24 may be inflated at or adjacent the
distal end of the catheter to slow or stop blood flow in the area
of the PFO to increase the residence time of fluid(s) injected into
the PFO. Various biocompatible and/or bioabsorbable fluids 22 may
be used in various embodiments to invoke closure of a PFO. In some
embodiments, for example, and acid or an adhesive may be used which
will cause a local burning or scarring of the PFO tissue. However,
as the fluid leaves the area of the PFO, it will be rapidly diluted
by mixing with blood to a safe dilution, and will not cause harm to
the patient by entering the patient's bloodstream. Biocompatible
methacrylates, for example, may be used to effectively "glue" the
PFO shut and at the same time trigger a healing response.
[0073] Apparatus and methods according to the present invention may
rely on energy, in various forms, to seal the PFO, either with or
without an associated implant. Implants, such as patches,
self-closing elements, or the like, may be welded into place using
energy in a variety of ways. In various embodiments, any suitable
type or configuration of welding substance, matrix, patch or the
like may be used to enhance application of energy for providing PFO
closure. Devices and methods using various types of energy and
tissue welding substances to close PFOs are described fully in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/665974 (Attorney Docket No.
22128-000300US), which was previously incorporated by
reference.
[0074] As an alternative to the implant-based devices, systems
according to the present invention can function to weld the PFO
closed with no implant left behind. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and
6B, in some embodiments, a backstop and energy delivery catheter
are placed in contact with the PFO, and energy is delivered to
disrupt the collagen matrix of the primum and secundum to cause
fusion of the two parts of the PFO. Energy used can be monopolar or
bipolar RF (in which case the backstop acts as energy return, or
ground electrode), ultrasound, laser, microwave, or resistance
heating. Protein solder may be introduced to facilitate the
weld.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 6A, one embodiment of a catheter device 30
for treating a PFO (the opening between the septum primum SP and
septum secundum SS) may include an outer catheter shaft 34, an
inner catheter shaft 36 slidably disposed within outer shaft 34, a
backstop 32 coupled with a backstop actuator 38 extending through
inner shaft 36, and energy delivery members 33. Energy delivery
members 33 may deliver any suitable form of energy for providing
PFO closure, such as but not limited to RF, ultrasound, laser or
microwave energy. In some embodiments, backstop 32 may act as an
energy return member, such as when bipolar RF energy is used.
[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, an alternative embodiment of a
catheter device 40 may include a catheter shaft 42, an expandable
member 46, an energy delivery member 48 disposed within expandable
member 46, and a backstop 43 coupled proximally with an actuator
44. Expandable member 46 and backstop 43 are used to position
catheter device 40 in a desired location for treating the PFO, and
energy is then applied via energy delivery member 48. In one
embodiment, for example, energy delivery member may comprise an
ultrasonic piezo-foil, though any other suitable delivery device
may be used in alternate embodiments.
[0077] Another embodiment employing a backstop member is
illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7E. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, one
embodiment of a catheter device 50 for treating PFO may include a
catheter shaft 52, a backstop 56 coupled proximally with an
actuator 54, and a "sombrero-shaped" patch 58. Backstop 56 is used
to help position catheter 50 and to bring tissues adjacent the PFO
(such as septum primum SP and septum secundum SS) together. Patch
58 is then fixed in place against septum primum SP and septum
secundum SS to cover the opening of the PFO. In some embodiments,
the catheter device may include one or more energy transmission
members for applying any suitable form of energy to weld or adhere
patch 58 to tissues adjacent the PFO. In other embodiments, a
tissue adhesive may be used. Other embodiments may used a locking
tissue attachment mechanism for securing patch 58 to PFO tissue, as
is discussed further below. Generally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7B
and 7C, sombrero-shaped member 58 may be manipulated from a first,
elongate shape 58a (FIG. 7B) to facilitate delivery through
catheter shaft 52, to the sombrero shape 58b (FIG. 7C) that will
allow patch 58 to cover the PFO opening. In one embodiment, patch
58 is made of a braided material to allow for translation from the
elongate shape 58a to the sombrero shape 58b.
[0078] As shown in FIGS. 7D and 7E, one embodiment of catheter
device 50 includes a locking distal end 59, which locks patch 58
into its sombrero-shaped configuration and also secures patch 58 to
the PFO. An inner shaft 59a is moved distally relative to an outer
shaft 59b, and/or outer shaft 59b is moved proximally (see
solid-tipped arrows), so that protrusions 53 on inner shaft 59a
lock into apertures 51 on outer shaft 59b. FIG. 7E shows the
locking distal end 59 in its locked position. If distal end 59 is
positioned within a PFO and then placed in its locked position, at
least some protrusions 53 will penetrate into PFO-adjacent tissue
to secure distal end 59 within the PFO, thus securing the location
of patch 58 at the PFO opening.
[0079] In other embodiments, PFO closure systems according to the
present invention may utilize one or more clips to close the PFO.
Such systems can be divided into designs that involve both a right
and left atrial component, and those that are right-sided only.
While they are generally not energized, it may be desirable to add
energy to any of these designs to facilitate adhesion and
sealing.
[0080] One embodiment of a right and left sided PFO clip 60 is
illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, clip 60 generally has a
Z or S shape, with a right atrial leg 62 disposed in the right
atrium of the heart, a left atrial leg 64 in the left atrium, and a
bridging leg 63 extending through the PFO to connect the other two
legs. Clip 60 may be made of wire, for example, using any
appropriate wire material, such as but not limited to nitinol,
stainless steel, platinum, gold, tantalum, or combinations or
alloys of any of these. In the embodiment shown, clip 60 is one
continuous piece of wire, although many other configurations are
contemplated according to alternative embodiments. Resorbable
materials such as PLLA, PLGA, iron, magnesium alloys may be used as
well. The resorbable materials may be engineered to create a
vigorous inflammatory response to induce sealing of the PFO prior
to erosion and resorption of the device. Typically, a delivery
catheter is advanced through the PFO, left atrial leg 64 is
deployed, the delivery device is pulled back into the right atrium,
and right atrial leg 62 is deployed. Barbs, hooks or other fixation
aids may be included.
[0081] In some embodiments, bridging leg 63 may comprise two or
more parts, such as wire or the like, which spread apart from each
other when deployed within the PFO. This spreading motion applies
opposed lateral force to tissue at opposite sides of the PFO, thus
widening the PFO laterally and bringing tissues between the two
spreading members together. Any suitable clip or other PFO closure
device described below may include one or more elements for
applying such laterally-directed force, and some specific
embodiments are described further below.
[0082] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9C, another embodiment of a
Z-shaped clip also includes a right atrial leg 72, left atrial leg
74 and bridging member 73. As shown in FIG. 9B, right atrial member
72 may include multiple wire loops 75 coupled with a mesh material
76. Together, loops 75 and mesh 76 act as a patch-like structure on
the right side of the PFO. Left atrial member 74, as shown in FIG.
9C, may include a shaped wire. In some embodiments, left atrial
member 74 may include two arms 74a, 74b. Arms 74a, 74b, when
released from a delivery catheter, may move out laterally before
moving toward and contacting the septum primum SP. In various
embodiments, left atrial member 74 may be given any suitable shape,
such that arms 74a, 74b move in one or more desired directions when
released from a delivery catheter to better contact and hold septum
primum SP. As in the previous embodiment, bridging member 73 may be
configured to apply lateral force within the PFO to bring tissues
together.
[0083] With reference now to FIG. 10A, a delivery catheter device
80 for delivering a clip such as that described by FIGS. 9A-9C is
shown in longitudinal cross-section. Delivery device 80 in one
embodiment may include a catheter shaft 82 having a proximal
portion 82a and a distal portion 82b, and a pusher member 84
disposed within shaft 82. A clip 86 is loaded distal to pusher
member 84 within shaft 82, and catheter device 80 may be delivered
over a guidewire 85. In the embodiment shown, proximal portion 82a
has a larger cross-sectional diameter that distal portion 82b and
includes an aperture 83 at its distal end. Due to the configuration
of delivery device 80, when pusher member 84 is advanced distally
relative to catheter body 82, a right atrial leg 86a of clip 86 is
released out of aperture 83 before a left atrial leg 86b of clip 86
is released. Such a delivery technique may sometimes be
advantageous over techniques in which a left atrial leg is released
before a right atrial leg. In some embodiments, delivery catheter
80 may also be used to remove clip 86 from the PFO and then
reposition clip 86 in a more desirable position. Is such cases,
advancing delivery catheter 80 over clip 86 may act to straighten
and disengage clip 86. Due to the extended distal portion 82b of
shaft 82, advancing catheter 80 over clip 86 may first straighten
and disengage left atrial leg 86b and may then subsequently
straighten and disengage right atrial leg 86a. Catheter 80 may then
be withdrawn to remove clip 86 from the PFO, and may then be used
to redeploy clip 86 in the PFO.
[0084] FIGS. 10B and 10C show delivery catheter device 80 in axial
cross-section. FIG. 10B shows that catheter body 82 may include a
clip delivery lumen 87 in which clip 86 is disposed, as well as a
guidewire lumen 88 in which guidewire is disposed. Clip delivery
lumen 87 may have any suitable shape and size for facilitating clip
delivery. In the embodiment shown, clip delivery lumen 87 is one
continuous lumen having compartments for right atrial leg 86a and
left atrial leg 86b of clip. FIG. 10C shows that pusher member 84
is disposed in clip delivery lumen 87 proximal of clip 86.
[0085] An example of a right-side clip device is illustrated in
FIGS. 11A-11F. Generally, -side clip devices deploy a normally
closed expandable device which is introduced to the PFO, expanded,
driven into the tissue of the septum primum SP and septum secundum
SS, and allowed to return to its normally-closed position, closing
the PFO. Expansion can be achieved with balloons or by mechanical
means, and any previously mentioned clip material may be used.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 11A, a clip device 90 may suitably include
an expandable, self-closing stent 92 having multiple slits 93, and
multiple tissue attachment members 94 coupled with stent 92. Stent
92 may be delivered via a catheter device to a location for
treating a PFO in its unexpanded state, as shown in FIG. 11A. Stent
92 may then be expanded, as shown in FIG. 11B, to expand tissue
attachment members 94. Tissue attachment members 94 are then
advanced to pierce into septum primum SP and septum secundum SS
tissue, and stent 92 is released from expansive force to allow it
to close to its unexpanded form, thus pulling tissue attachment
members 94 together, and thus bringing septum primum SP and septum
secundum SS together.
[0087] The technique just described is illustrated in FIGS.
11C-11F. FIG. 11C shows clip device 90 disposed in its unexpanded
configuration over a delivery catheter 95 having an inflatable
balloon 96. In FIG. 11D, balloon 96 has been inflated to expand
clip device 90. As illustrated in FIG. 11E, clip device 90 is then
driven into the PFO such that tissue attachment members 94 pierce
and attach themselves to septum primum SP and septum secundum SS.
Then, as shown in FIG. 11F, balloon 96 is deflated and withdrawn,
allowing clip device 90 to return to its unexpanded configuration,
thus pulling septum primum SP and septum secundum SS together to
close the PFO.
[0088] An alternative embodiment of the clip device just described
is illustrated in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In this embodiment, a PFO
closure system 100 includes a delivery catheter 102 and a clip
device 104. Delivery catheter 102 includes in outer shaft 106 and
an inner shaft 108 slidably disposed within outer shaft 106. In
some embodiments, delivery catheter 102 may be advanced
into/through a PFO over a guidewire. Clip device 104 includes an
expandable stent 103 coupled with multiple tissue attachment
members 105. As illustrated by the solid-tipped arrows in FIG. 12A,
inner shaft may 108 may be advanced distally relative to outer
shaft 106. As shown in FIG. 12B, inner shaft 106 may be further
advanced to extend through stent 103 and push apart tissue
attachment members 105, thus expanding stent 103. Tissue attachment
members 105 may then be driven into tissue adjacent a PFO, and
inner shaft may be withdrawn to allow stent 103 to close down to
its unexpanded state, thus pulling together the PFO tissues via
tissue attachment members 105.
[0089] With reference now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, in one embodiment a
PFO closure device 110 is configured so as to act as a patch.
Closure device 110 includes multiple wires 112 such as wires
described above, a mesh 114 or other matrix coupled with wires 112,
proximal hooks 118 and distal hooks 116. A catheter device 113 may
be used to deliver closure device 110 through a suitable vessel,
such as the inferior vena cava 113. (Other labeled anatomical
references are the superior vena cava SVC and coronary sinus CS.)
As shown in FIG. 13B, closure device 110 may be advanced out of
catheter device 113 using a pusher rod 115 (or any other suitable
mechanism in alternative embodiments), such that distal hooks 116
contact and attach to septum secundum SS and proximal hooks 118
secure themselves to septum primum SP. The network of wires 112 and
mesh 114 then act as a patch to seal the PFO.
[0090] It will often be desirable to use ultrasound to view the
device after deployment. It is possible to coat all of the devices
described above with a biocompatible coating in which microbubbles
of air or inert gas are captured within the coating, rendering them
more visible under ultrasound. In the case of degradable polymers,
it will be possible to introduce microbubbles into the material
during the extrusion process.
[0091] Referring now to FIGS. 14A and 14B, one embodiment of a PFO
closure device 120 comprises a catheter 122 and a pair of flexible
spring arms 124 attached to catheter 122. Lateral force serves two
purposes: it rotationally orients a delivery catheter relative to
the PFO, and it brings together the septum primum and septum
secundum and positions the PFO in its naturally closed position.
Once it is held in its naturally closed position, as shown in FIG.
14B, a penetrating staple, non-penetrating clip or other suitable
device may be applied to permanently hold together and seal the
PFO. Additionally, the lateral spring arms might be used to bring
the primum and secundum together to be welded together by any of
the energy delivery mechanisms previously described, with or
without protein solder, in order to close the PFO.
[0092] With reference now to FIGS. 15A and 15B, some embodiments of
devices for applying lateral force in a PFO include lateral force
clips. In FIG. 15A, the clip 130 is a continuous piece of wire,
metal or any other suitable material, and is configured to apply
not only lateral force (solid-tipped arrows) but also force against
septum primum SP and septum secundum SS (hollow-tipped arrows). In
an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 15B, an open-ended clip
132 applies lateral force (solid-tipped arrows) and force against
the septum primum SP (hollow-tipped arrows).
[0093] Referring now to FIGS. 16A-16C, one embodiment of a PFO
closure device 140 includes a catheter 142 and a pair of flexible
spring arms 144 coupled with catheter 142. Disposed within and
deployable from catheter body is a staple device 146 (or clip
device) for attaching to tissues adjacent a PFO. FIG. 16B shows
device 140 with arms 144 disposed within the PFO and thus applying
lateral force within the PFO to bring adjacent tissues together.
Staple device 146 is then delivered either by the same or a second
catheter. Staple device 146 penetrates (dotted lines in FIG. 16B)
and pulls together the surfaces of the primum and secundum, which
form the PFO. Staple device 146 might also have mechanical
features, such as barbs or needles, or be made from materials,
which invoke a healing response to promote the primum and secundum
to heal together. Instead of a pair of flexible spring arms 144,
catheter 142 may alternatively include a pair of arms, the distance
between which is controlled via a mechanism in the handle of
catheter 142. In some embodiments, arms 144 may be coupled with one
or more pieces of staple device 146 (or other closure device), such
that when arms move apart from one another, they spread staple
device apart as well. This spreading of staple device may help
provide for equivalent spacing of the various staple projections,
so that PFO tissue is secured at regular intervals across the width
of the PFO. After staple device is deployed into tissue, catheter
142 and arms 144 are removed from the PFO, leaving staple device
146 in place, as shown in FIG. 16C. In an alternative embodiment,
rather than deploying staple device 146 which penetrates tissue, a
non-penetrating clip device may be deployed.
[0094] Alternate embodiments of lateral force staple applier
systems are shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B. In FIG. 17A, a PFO closure
device 150 includes a catheter 152, flexible spring arms 154 and a
staple device 156. In this embodiment, spring arms 154 include a
shaped feature 158 that locks into the tunnel of the PFO to
facilitate positioning of device 150 before deploying staple device
156. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17B, a closure device
160 again includes a catheter, flexible spring arms 164 and a
staple device 166. In this embodiment, spring arms 164 include
hooked features 168 to hook over the septum primum to act as a
backstop from within the left atrium. Any other suitable
configuration for such flexible spring arms is contemplated within
the scope of the invention.
[0095] An implant having spring force and at least partially
located in the PFO is another method to apply the force required to
bring together and secure the primum and secundum surfaces of the
PFO. The implant may comprise any material, metal or plastic, which
is capable of providing a preset spring force. The implant is
delivered via a catheter. The implant might also have features,
which cause a healing response. Examples of such spring force
implants (referred to generally as "clips") are illustrated in
FIGS. 18-21. Such clips are typically delivered via catheter to
become attached to septum primum SP and septum secundum SS
tissue.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 18, a simple spring clip 170 attaches to
septum secundum SS and septum primum SP and draws the tissues
together. As in FIG. 19, another embodiment of a spring clip 172
may include an upper portion 173a and a lower portion 173b and may
include attachment features such as barbs 174. In another
embodiment, as in FIG. 20, a spring clip 178 may have an hourglass
shape with retention barbs 180. In yet another embodiment, as
illustrated in FIG. 21, a spring clip 182 may include release
features 185 for facilitating release of clip 182 from a delivery
catheter 183. When clip 182 is pulled back into delivery catheter
183 (solid-tipped arrow), the tines of clip 182 expand apart, due
to release features 185. When clip 182 is advanced into tissue, the
tines come together from their expanded configuration to not only
pierce tissue but to clasp or pinch the tissue together between the
tines. In other embodiments, the catheter itself may include one or
more features for facilitating clip placement. In one embodiment,
for example, inflatable balloons on the internal surface of a
catheter may be expanded to squeeze a clip to deploy it out the end
of the catheter. Many other delivery systems are contemplated in
various embodiments.
[0097] In another embodiment, a staple device or clip device 190
having a patch 198 and a jaw with teeth 196 is secured to the
limbus of fossa ovalis. Clip device 190 may include a right atrial
wire frame 192 and an opposed jaw member 194, in some embodiments
made of the same wire material. Teeth 196, barbs, hooks, staples or
like are attached to wire frame 192 and jaw member 194 so as to
attached device 190 to the limbus. Wire frame 192 and patch 198
then hang down over the PFO to close it. In some embodiments, a
portion of clip device 190 may also be anchored to the septum
primum, such as by additional teeth 197 or other features such as
barbs, hooks or the like. Features of clip device 190, such as
teeth 196, 197 staple legs or barbs, penetrate the limbus of fossa
ovalis to secure the synthetic patch 198 over the PFO. Furthermore,
the geometry of clip device 190 assists in correctly positioning it
relative to the PFO.
[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 23A and 23B, in another embodiment a
PFO a spiral needle 200 may be applied to tissue adjacent the PFO
to close the PFO, from a position within the left atrium. As shown
in FIG. 23A, in one embodiment, a catheter 202 is delivered through
the atrial septum AS, with spiral needle 200 and a retractable
delivery arm 204 retracted within catheter 202. Once a distal
portion of catheter 202 is positioned in the left atrium, delivery
arm 204 may be extended from catheter 202 about a universal joint
203. Catheter 202 may then be turned, twisted or torqued to drive
spiral needle 200 off of delivery arm 204 and into tissue adjacent
the PFO. In one embodiment, as shown, spiral needle 200 is driven
into and through septum primum SP tissue and into septum secundum
SS tissue to bring the two tissues together. A hook or barb 201 on
spiral needle 200 helps hold needle 200 in place within tissue. As
shown in FIG. 23B, when spiral needle 200 is in place, it pulls
together septum primum SP and septum secundum SS. Retractable
delivery arm 204 is then retracted within catheter 202, and
catheter 202 is withdrawn.
[0099] Although the foregoing description is complete and accurate,
it has described only a few embodiments of the invention. Various
changes, additions, deletions and the like may be made to one or
more embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope
of the invention. Additionally, different elements of the invention
could be combined to achieve any of the effects described above.
Thus, the description above is provided for exemplary purposes only
and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention
as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *