U.S. patent application number 11/966397 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-02 for percutaneous catheter directed intravascular occlusion devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to AGA Medical Corporation. Invention is credited to Kurt Amplatz, Matt Glimsdale, Xiaoping Gu, John C. Oslund.
Application Number | 20090171386 11/966397 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39590983 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090171386 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amplatz; Kurt ; et
al. |
July 2, 2009 |
PERCUTANEOUS CATHETER DIRECTED INTRAVASCULAR OCCLUSION DEVICES
Abstract
Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved
vascular occlusion device for occlusion of a passageway, cavity, or
the like. According to one embodiment, a medical device for
occluding a left atrial appendage is provided. The medical device
includes a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion
that is configured to be positioned outside of the left atrial
appendage, and a second portion having at least one plane of
occlusion that is configured to be at least partially positioned
within a cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.
Inventors: |
Amplatz; Kurt; (North Oaks,
MN) ; Oslund; John C.; (Blaine, MN) ; Gu;
Xiaoping; (Plymouth, MN) ; Glimsdale; Matt;
(St. Michael, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALSTON & BIRD LLP
BANK OF AMERICA PLAZA, 101 SOUTH TRYON STREET, SUITE 4000
CHARLOTTE
NC
28280-4000
US
|
Assignee: |
AGA Medical Corporation
|
Family ID: |
39590983 |
Appl. No.: |
11/966397 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/12122 20130101;
A61B 17/12168 20130101; A61B 17/12031 20130101; A61B 2017/00575
20130101; A61B 2017/00867 20130101; A61B 17/12177 20130101; A61B
17/0057 20130101; A61B 2017/12095 20130101; A61B 17/12109 20130101;
A61B 17/12172 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/213 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/08 20060101
A61B017/08 |
Claims
1. A medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage, the
medical device comprising: a first portion comprising at least one
plane of occlusion configured to be positioned outside of the left
atrial appendage; and a second portion comprising at least one
plane of occlusion configured to be at least partially positioned
within a cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.
2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the at least one plane of
occlusion of the first portion is configured to overlie an opening
of the left atrial appendage.
3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first portion
comprises a plurality of planes of occlusion configured to be
positioned outside of the left atrial appendage.
4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the second portion
comprises a plurality of planes of occlusion configured to be at
least partially positioned within the cavity defined by the left
atrial appendage.
5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first portion has a
first diameter and the second portion has a second diameter that is
smaller than the first diameter.
6. The medical device of claim 5, wherein the first diameter is at
least about 10% larger than the second diameter.
7. The medical device of claim 5, further comprising a third
portion coupled to, and extending distally from, the second
portion, wherein the third portion has a third diameter smaller
than the second diameter.
8. The medical device of claim 5, further comprising a transition
segment coupling the first portion and the second portion and
configured to provide flexibility therebetween, the transition
segment having a transition diameter substantially smaller than the
first and second diameters.
9. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the ratio of the first
diameter to the transition diameter is about 6 to 4.5.
10. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the ratio of the second
diameter to the transition diameter is about 2 to 4.
11. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first and second
portions comprise at least one layer of occluding material.
12. The medical device of claim 11, wherein the at least one layer
of occluding material comprises a woven material.
13. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
of hooks extending from the second portion and configured to engage
the cavity within the left atrial appendage.
14. The medical device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of hooks
do not comprise barbs.
15. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first portion
comprises a disk portion and the second portion comprises a
cylindrical portion.
16. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first portion and
the second portion are configured to be constrained to a smaller
diameter than an expanded preset configuration for delivery to the
left atrial appendage and to self expand to the preset
configuration when unconstrained.
17. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the at least one plane
of occlusion associated with respective first and second portions
comprises a metal material, a polyester material, a bio-compatible
polymer material, or a combination thereof.
18. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the at least one plane
of occlusion associated with respective first and second portions
comprises a surface configured to be oriented generally transverse
to the flow of blood so as to facilitate the formation of
thrombus.
19. (canceled)
20. A medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage, the
medical device comprising: at least one occlusion layer; wherein
the medical device is configured to be constrained within a
catheter having an outer diameter of less than 12 French for
percutaneous delivery to the left atrial appendage.
21. The medical device of claim 20, wherein the medical device is
configured to be constrained within a catheter having an outer
diameter of about 11 French or less.
22. The medical device of claim 20, wherein the medical device is
configured to be constrained within a catheter having an outer
diameter of about 10 French or less.
23. The medical device of claim 20, wherein the medical device is
configured to be constrained within a catheter having an outer
diameter of about 9 French or less.
24. A medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage, the
medical device comprising: at least one plane of occlusion; wherein
said medical device is configured to extend to a depth of about 20
mm or less within the cavity defined by the left atrial
appendage.
25. The medical device of claim 24, wherein the medical device is
configured to extend to a depth of about 15 mm or less within the
cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.
26. The medical device of claim 24, wherein the medical device is
configured to extend to a depth of about 10 mm or less within the
cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.
27. A medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage, the
medical device comprising: a first portion configured to overlie an
opening of the left atrial appendage; and a second portion
configured to be at least partially positioned within a cavity
defined by the left atrial appendage; and a transition segment
coupling the first portion and the second portion and configured to
provide flexibility therebetween, wherein the first portion is
configured to flex up to about 30 degrees with respect to the
second portion along a central axis extending through the first
portion and the second portion.
28. A medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage, the
medical device comprising: at least one layer of occlusion; wherein
the medical device is configured to substantially occlude the left
atrial appendage in less than about 10 minutes.
29. The medical device of claim 28, wherein the device is
configured to substantially occlude the left atrial appendage in
less than about 5 minutes.
30. The medical device of claim 28, wherein the device is
configured to substantially occlude the left atrial appendage in
less than about 3 minutes.
31. The medical device of claim 28, wherein the device is
configured to substantially occlude the left atrial appendage in
less than about 2 minutes.
32. The medical device of claim 28, wherein the device is
configured to substantially occlude the left atrial appendage in
less than about 1 minute.
33. A method for occluding a left atrial appendage with a medical
device, the method comprising: constraining a medical device to a
smaller diameter than an expanded preset configuration, wherein the
medical device comprises a first portion having at least one plane
of occlusion and a second portion having at least one plane of
occlusion; delivering the medical device proximate to the left
atrial appendage; and deploying the medical device such that the
first portion expands and is positioned outside of the left atrial
appendage and the second portion expands outwardly to engage at
least a portion of a cavity defined within the left atrial
appendage.
34. The method of claim 33, wherein constraining comprises
constraining the medical device within a catheter, and wherein
deploying comprises retracting the catheter proximally relative to
the medical device.
35. The medical device of claim 34, further comprising advancing
the catheter distally following the deploying step so as to
constrain and recapture the medical device within the catheter.
36. The method of claim 33, wherein constraining comprises
stretching the medical device along a longitudinal axis thereof to
the smaller diameter.
37. The method of claim 33, wherein deploying comprises deploying
the medical device such that the first portion overlies an opening
of the left atrial appendage.
38. The method of claim 33, further comprising piercing the heart
septum prior to delivering the medical device proximate to the left
atrial appendage.
39. The method of claim 33, wherein deploying comprises unscrewing
a delivery system threadably coupled to the medical device.
40. The method of claim 33, further comprising imaging the left
atrial appendage using at least one of two dimensional intracardiac
echocardiography, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging,
transesphogeal echocardiograpy, or Doppler color flow mapping.
41. (canceled)
42. The method of claim 33, further comprising verifying occlusion
of the left atrial appendage by injecting a radiopaque contrast
media through the catheter and into the left atrium adjacent the
deployed medical device and observing with angiograghy whether
contrast enters the cavity defined by the LAA and further whether
any contrast within the cavity is stagnant.
43. A delivery assembly for delivering a medical device for
occluding a left atrial appendage, the delivery assembly
comprising: a delivery device coupled to the medical device,
wherein the medical device comprises at least one plane of
occlusion configured to be positioned outside of the left atrial
appendage and at least one plane of occlusion configured to be at
least partially positioned within a cavity defined by the left
atrial appendage; and a catheter configured to overlie the delivery
device and constrain the medical device therein, wherein the
catheter is axially displaceable relative to the delivery
device.
44. The delivery assembly of claim 43, wherein the medical device
comprises at least one layer of occluding material having an
expanded preset shape.
45. The delivery assembly of claim 43, wherein the medical device
comprises at least one plane of occlusion configured to overlie an
opening of the left atrial appendage.
46. The delivery assembly of claim 43, wherein the medical device
comprises a plurality of planes of occlusion configured to be
positioned outside of the left atrial appendage and a plurality of
planes of occlusion configured to be at least partially positioned
within the cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.
47. The delivery assembly of claim 43, wherein the catheter has an
outer diameter of less than about 11 French.
48. (canceled)
49. The delivery assembly of claim 43, wherein the catheter is
axially displaceable relative to the delivery device such that the
medical device is configured to be deployed from the catheter in
response to displacement of the catheter with respect to the
delivery device.
50. The delivery assembly of claim 49, wherein the medical device
is configured to be recaptured within the catheter in response to
displacement of the catheter with respect to the delivery device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] I. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to intravascular
devices for treating certain medical conditions and, more
particularly, relates to intravascular occlusion devices for
selective occlusion of a vessel, chamber, channel, hole, cavity, or
the like, anywhere in the body's circulatory system where it is
desired to stop the flow of blood. The devices made in accordance
with the invention are particularly well suited for delivery
through a catheter or the like to a remote location in a patient's
vascular system within a patient's body whereby a passageway,
cavity, or the like is to be occluded.
[0003] II. Description of the Related Art
[0004] A wide variety of intravascular devices are used in various
medical procedures. Certain intravascular devices, such as
catheters and guidewires, are generally used simply to deliver
fluids or other medical devices to specific locations within a
patient's body, such as a selective site within the vascular
system. Other, frequently more complex, devices are used in
treating specific conditions, such as devices used in removing
vascular occlusions or for treating septal defects and the
like.
[0005] In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to occlude a
patient's vessel, chamber, channel, hole, cavity, or the like such
as to stop blood flow therethrough. For example, atrial
fibrillation may result in the formation of a blood clot in the
left atrial appendage (LAA), which may become dislodged and enter
the blood stream. By occluding the LAA, the release of blood clots
from the LAA may be significantly reduced, if not eliminated.
Various techniques have been developed to occlude the LAA. For
instance, balloon-like devices have been developed that are
configured to be implanted completely within the cavity of the LAA,
while surgical techniques have also been developed where the cavity
of the LAA is inverted and surgically closed.
[0006] Despite these techniques for occluding the LAA, it would be
advantageous to provide an improved occlusion device which offers
increased flexibility, improved retention, and improved
thrombogenicity within a vessel, chamber, channel, hole, cavity, or
the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention is well suited for the selective
occlusion of a vessel, lumen, channel, hole, cavity, or the like,
such as a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (hereinafter PDA), an Atrial
Septal Defect (herein after ASD), a Ventricular Septal Defect
(herein after VSD), an arterial venous fistula (AVF), an arterial
venous malformation (AVM), or the left atrial appendage (LAA).
[0008] According to one embodiment, a medical device for occluding
a LAA is provided. The medical device includes a first portion
having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be
positioned outside of the LAA, and a second portion having at least
one plane of occlusion that is configured to be at least partially
positioned within a cavity defined by the LAA. For example, the
planes of occlusion may comprise metal, polyester, other
bio-compatible polymers, or a combination thereof.
[0009] According to various aspects, the medical device may include
a first portion (e.g., a disk portion) having a first diameter and
a second portion (e.g., a cylindrical portion) having a second
diameter. The medical device may also include a transition segment
coupling the first portion and the second portion and configured to
provide flexibility therebetween, wherein the transition segment
has a transition diameter substantially smaller than the first and
second diameters. The second portion may have a second diameter
smaller than the first diameter. Furthermore, the ratio of the
first diameter to the third diameter may be about 6 to 4.5, the
ratio of the second diameter to the third diameter may be about 2
to 4, and/or the first diameter may be at least about 10% larger
than the second diameter. Moreover, the medical device may include
a third portion coupled to, and extending distally from, the second
portion, wherein the third portion has a third diameter smaller
than the second diameter. The first, second, and third portions may
be configured to be constrained to a smaller diameter than the
expanded preset configuration for delivery to the LAA and to self
expand when unconstrained.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the medical device, the
medical device includes at least one layer of occluding material
having a plurality of woven metallic strands (e.g., Nitinol). The
medical device could also include a plurality of hooks extending
from the second portion and configured to engage the cavity defined
within the LAA. The plurality of hooks may have barbs. The medical
device may include a transition segment coupling the first portion
and the second portion that is configured to provide flexibility
therebetween, and the first portion may be configured to flex up to
about 30 degrees with respect to the second portion along a central
axis extending through the first and second portions. The medical
device may be configured to be constrained within a catheter having
an outer diameter of less than about 11, 10, or 9 French. In
addition, medical device maybe configured to extend to a depth of
about 20, 15, or 10 mm or less within the cavity defined by the
LAA. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
medical device may be configured to occlude at least a portion of
the LAA in less than about 10, 5, 4, 3, or 2 minutes, with observed
occlusions in testing as low as within 1 minute. The medical device
may also include an occluding material retained within the first
portion and/or the second portion. The occluding material may be in
the shape of a disk or surface extending across the interior of the
cavity and/or extending over the opening to the cavity. The
occluding material may be retained to the at least one layer of
woven metal strands. Furthermore, the medical device may be
configured to be delivered over a guidewire.
[0011] An additional embodiment of the present invention provides a
method for occluding a LAA with a medical device. The method
includes constraining a medical device at a smaller diameter than
an expanded preset configuration, wherein the medical device
comprises a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion
and a second portion having at least one plane of occlusion. The
method also includes delivering the medical device proximate to the
LAA and deploying the medical device such that the first portion
expands and is positioned outside of the LAA and the second portion
expands outwardly to engage at least a portion of the cavity within
the LAA.
[0012] Various aspects of the method include constraining the
medical device within a catheter, wherein deploying comprises
retracting the catheter relative to the medical device. The method
may further include advancing the catheter distally following the
deploying step so as to constrain the medical device within the
catheter. The constraining step may include stretching the medical
device along a longitudinal axis thereof to the smaller diameter.
The deploying step may include deploying the medical device such
that the first portion overlies an opening of the LAA. The method
may additionally include piercing the heart prior to delivering the
medical device proximate to the LAA. The deploying step may further
include unscrewing a delivery system threadably coupled to the
medical device. Furthermore, the method may include repositioning
the medical device within a catheter following deployment of the
medical device from the catheter. Additionally, the method may
include imaging the LAA using two dimensional intracardiac
echocardiography, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging,
transesphogeal echocardiograpy, and/or Doppler color flow mapping.
The delivering step may include delivering the medical device over
a guidewire. Another aspect of the method may further include
verification of LAA occlusion by injection of radiopaque contrast
media through the catheter, into the left atrium adjacent the
deployed medical device and observing, via angiograghy, whether
contrast enters the cavity defined by the LAA and further whether
any contrast that may have entered the cavity is stagnant, wherein
both observations indicate occlusion of the LAA. Additionally, the
method may include repositioning the medical device following
unsuccessful occlusion of the LAA by contrast observation.
[0013] An alternative method of deployment may include the step of
positioning the distal end of the catheter within the left atrium
and outside the opening of the LAA cavity, proximally retracting
the catheter relative to the device, to partially deploy the second
portion of the medical device within the left atrium, advancing
distally the catheter and device to insert the second portion at
least partially into the cavity, and deploying the remainder of the
device by further proximal retraction of the catheter relative to
the device
[0014] An additional embodiment of the present invention provides a
delivery assembly for delivering a medical device for occluding a
LAA. The delivery assembly includes a delivery device coupled to
the medical device, wherein the medical device comprises at least
one plane of occlusion configured to be positioned outside of the
LAA and at least one plane of occlusion configured to be at least
partially positioned within a cavity defined by the LAA. The
delivery assembly also includes a catheter configured to overlie
the delivery device and constrain the medical device therein,
wherein the catheter is axially displaceable relative to the
delivery device.
[0015] Various aspects of the delivery assembly include a medical
device having a plurality of planes of occlusion positioned outside
of the LAA and within the cavity defined by the LAA. In addition,
at least one plane of occlusion may be configured to overlie an
opening of the LAA. The catheter may have an outer diameter of less
than about 11 French. The delivery device and catheter may be
configured to be delivered to the left atrial appendage with a
guide wire. Furthermore, the catheter may be axially displaceable
relative to the delivery device such that the medical device is
configured to be deployed from the catheter in response to
displacement of the catheter with respect to the delivery device.
The medical device may be configured to be recaptured within the
catheter in response to displacement of the catheter with respect
to the delivery device.
[0016] The occlusion device may provide several advantages. For
example, the device may be smaller than conventional occlusion
devices, not only in a constrained diameter for delivery to the
LAA, but also the depth that the device extends within the cavity
of the LAA. The smaller depth that the device extends within the
cavity of the LAA may also allow the device to be more easily
positioned and implanted therein. In addition, because the device
may be smaller, the delivery device may also be smaller, such that
the likelihood of injuring the tissue when delivering the device is
reduced, and the device may be delivered quicker since the delivery
device should be able to be more easily maneuvered within the
vasculature. Moreover, the articulation and flexibility of the
device and delivery system may improve the ability to bend around
corners within the vasculature when delivering the device. The
device is also repositionable, as the device may be retracted back
within the catheter following deployment of the device. The device
may also include a plurality of occluding layers or planes, which
may not only improve the thrombogencity of the device, but also
eliminate the need to include additional occlusion techniques, such
as adding layers of polyester to the device. For example, according
to one embodiment the device is capable of occluding the LAA in
less than about 10 minutes and even less than about 5 minutes. The
device may also result in lower complications, such as
embolizations, shunts, and effusion. Furthermore, the device may be
delivered over-the-wire, and visualization techniques, such as
intracardiac echocardiography ("ICE") may be used to properly size
the LAA before implanting the device and during the implantation
procedure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Having thus described the invention in general terms,
reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are
not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of an occlusion device in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1A;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded assembly view of an
alternative single disk device and delivery apparatus according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 3A through 3C depict progressive stages of deployment
of the device of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an occlusion device for
occluding the LAA according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the occlusion device
shown in FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the occlusion device
shown in FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial side view of the occlusion
device shown in FIG. 4 illustrating a hook;
[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of a an occlusion device
being deployed according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an occlusion device
deployed in the LAA according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0028] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an occlusion device
deployed in the LAA according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The present invention now will be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed,
this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should
not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein;
rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0030] Embodiments of the present invention may provide an improved
percutaneous catheter directed intravascular occlusion device 10
for use in the vasculature in patients' bodies, such as blood
vessels, channels, lumens, a hole through tissue, cavities, and the
like. Other physiologic conditions in the body occur where it is
also desirous to occlude a vessel or other passageway to prevent
blood flow into or therethrough. These device embodiments may be
used anywhere in the vasculature where the anatomical conditions
are appropriate for the design.
[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention for
forming a medical device 10 of the invention, a metal fabric is
formed of a plurality of wire strands having a predetermined
relative orientation with respect to one another. However, it is
understood that according to additional embodiments of the present
invention, the device 10 may be formed using various techniques.
For example, the device 10 could be etched or laser cut from a tube
such as to form an interstice geometry, or the device could
comprise an occlusion material coupled to a scaffolding structure
or a plurality of slices of a tubular member coupled together, such
as via gluing. Moreover, it is understood that the device 10 may
comprise one or more layers of occluding material such that the
device may be a variety of occluding materials capable of at least
partially inhibiting blood flow therethrough in order to facilitate
the formation of thrombus.
[0032] Although the term "strand" is discussed herein, "strand" is
not meant to be limiting, as it is understood the fabric may
comprise one or more wires, cords, fibers, yarns, filaments,
cables, threads, or the like, such that such terms may be used
interchangeably.
[0033] According to one embodiment, the occluding material is a
metal fabric including a plurality of strands, such as two sets of
essentially parallel generally helical strands, with the strands of
one set having a "hand", i.e., a direction of rotation, opposite
that of the other set. The strands may be braided, interwoven, or
otherwise combined to define a generally tubular fabric.
[0034] The pitch of the strands (i.e., the angle defined between
the turns of the strands and the axis of the braid) and the pick of
the fabric (i.e., the number of wire strand crossovers per unit
length) may be adjusted as desired for a particular application.
The wire strands of the metal fabric used in one embodiment of the
present method may be formed of a material that is both resilient
and can be heat treated to substantially set a desired shape.
Materials which may be suitable for this purpose include a
cobalt-based low thermal expansion alloy referred to in the field
as Elgiloy, nickel-based high temperature high-strength
"superalloys" commercially available from Haynes International
under the trade name Hastelloy, nickel-based heat treatable alloys
sold under the name Incoloy by International Nickel, and a number
of different grades of stainless steel. The important factor in
choosing a suitable material for the wires strands is that the
wires retain a suitable amount of the deformation induced by the
molding surface (as described below) when subjected to a
predetermined heat treatment and elastically return to said molded
shape after substantial deformation.
[0035] One class of materials which meets these qualifications is
so-called shape memory alloys. One particularly preferred shape
memory alloy for use in the present method is Nitinol. NiTi alloys
are also very elastic--they are said to be "superelastic" or
"pseudoelastic". This elasticity may allow the device to return to
a preset expanded configuration for deployment following passage in
a distorted form through a delivery catheter. Moreover, other
suitable materials include those that are compatible with magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI), as some materials may cause heat or torque
resulting from performing MRI, and some materials may distort the
MRI image. Thus, metallic and/or non-metallic materials that reduce
or eliminate these potential problems resulting from using MRI may
be employed.
[0036] In forming a medical device according to one embodiment of
the present invention, an appropriately sized piece of the fabric
is cut from the larger piece of fabric which is formed, for
example, by braiding wire strands to form a long tubular braid.
When cutting the fabric to the desired dimensions, care should be
taken to ensure that the fabric will not unravel. One can solder,
braze, weld, coat, glue, clamp, tie or otherwise affix the ends of
the desired length together (e.g., with a biocompatible
cementitious organic material).
[0037] Furthermore, one or more layers of fabric may be employed to
form a medical device. For example, two layers of metal fabric
could be separately woven into tubular members, with one tubular
member coaxially disposed within the second tubular member. For
further discussion regarding a multi-layer braided device and
techniques for fabricating such a device, see U.S. Patent Appl.
Publ. No. 2007/0168019 to Amplatz et al., which is hereby
incorporated in its entirety by reference.
[0038] The tubular braid used to fabricate occlusion devices
according to one embodiment of the present invention may range from
wire having a diameter of 0.0015 to 0.005 in., preferably in the
range of 0.003 to 0.0045 in. The number of wires in the tubular
braid may vary from 36 to 144 but preferably is in the range of 72
to 144. The pick count of the braid may vary from 30 to 100. The
fabric having an average area between supporting fibers 0.0016 sq
cm. and 0.25 sq cm.
[0039] Once an appropriately sized piece of the metal fabric is
obtained, the fabric is deformed to generally conform to a surface
of a molding element. Deforming the fabric will reorient the
relative positions of the wire strands of the metal fabric from
their initial order to a second, reoriented configuration. The
shape of the molding element should be selected to deform the
fabric into substantially the shape of the desired medical device
when unconstrained. Once the molding element is assembled with the
metal fabric generally conforming to a molding surface of that
element, the fabric can be subjected to a heat treatment while it
remains in contact with that molding surface. After the heat
treatment, the fabric is removed from contact with the molding
element and will substantially retain its shape in a deformed
state.
[0040] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate an embodiment of a medical device
10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
device 10 has a generally cylindrical body portion 12 and an
outwardly extending forward disk end 14. The body portion 12 is
sized to be somewhat larger (e.g., about 10-30%), than the vessel
to be occluded. This sizing is intended to provide one element of
anchoring the device to prevent dislodgement. The disk portion 14
of the device 10 is intended to abut the adjacent wall surrounding
the aperture, to prevent device movement toward the body portion
direction and to assist in sealing the aperture. According to one
embodiment, the disk portion 14 is oversized so as to be capable of
overlying the ostium or opening of the LAA and lying adjacent to,
and in flush contact with, the wall of the atrium, as shown in
FIGS. 10 and 11. The disk portion 14 may also be flexible so as to
be capable of conforming to the curvature of the wall of the
atrium. The disk portion 14 may be various sizes and
configurations, such as a flat disk as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 4,
and 10, or a disk having a convex distal end as shown in FIG. 11.
The disk portion 14 may have a depth or thickness depending on the
thickness and number of layers employed, although the depth should
be minimized due to the possibility of clot formation around the
disk portion and a reduced volume within the atrium.
[0041] The body portion 12 may be oversized so that it will engage
the lumen of the vessel, body organ, or the like to be occluded.
The device 10 may then be held in place by the combination of the
radial engagement between the body portion and the lumen of the
vessel, body organ, or the like and the hooks 20 which engage the
wall. Over a relatively short period of time, thrombi will form in
and on the device 10 and occlude the lumen. Although the body
portion 12 and disk portion 14 may be various sizes, the disk
portion may be at least about 10% larger in diameter than the body
portion according to one embodiment.
[0042] For example, FIG. 10 illustrates the occlusion device 10
implanted within the LAA. The occlusion device 10 is positioned
such that the disk portion 14 overlies the ostium of the LAA, while
the body portion 12 is positioned within the LAA. Thus, the disk
portion 14 ensures that the body portion 12 is implanted to a
predetermined depth within the LAA. The body portion 12 is sized
and configured to self expand and engage the wall of the LAA, and
the hooks 20 are configured to penetrate into the wall of the LAA,
as explained below. Over time, thrombi will form in and on the disk
14 and body portion 12 to occlude the LAA.
[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in order to
speed up the occlusion of the vessel device, the device may be
coated with a suitable thrombogenic agent, filled with a polyester
fiber, braided with an increased number of wire strands, or include
multiple layers of fabric. For example, the device 10 may include
one or more layers of polyester fiber positioned within the body
portion 12 and/or the disk portion 14. In particular, a layer of
polyester fiber may be sized and configured to be positioned within
each of the body portion 12 and disk portion 14 and sutured
circumferentially about its periphery and about the inner
circumference of the body portion and disk portion, respectively.
The polyester fiber is flexible and may be easily collapsed with
the device 10 for delivery through a catheter. The interwoven fiber
may attach to a clot to retain the clot firmly within the device as
it forms the occlusion.
[0044] Therefore, the device 10 may include a plurality of planes
of occlusion. A plane of occlusion may be any surface, whether flat
or irregular in shape, that may be oriented generally transverse to
the flow of blood so as to facilitate the formation of thrombus.
For example, the body portion 12 and disk portion 14 may include at
least one plane of occlusion, such as each surface or layer of the
disk portion and each surface or layer of the body portion.
Moreover, additional layers of fabric and/or each layer of
polyester fiber within the disk portion and/or body portion may add
additional planes of occlusion. Furthermore, the one or more of
planes of occlusion associated with the disk portion 14 may be
positioned to overlie the ostium of the LAA, while the one or more
planes of occlusion associated with the body portion 12 may be
positioned within the cavity defined by the LAA. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, the first portion and second
portion of the device 10 are configured to occlude at least a
portion of the LAA in less than about 10 minutes and even less than
5 minutes with observed occlusions in testing as low as within 1
minute.
[0045] The device 10 includes a transition segment 19 having a
diameter H, between the body portion 12 and the disk portion 14
that is substantially smaller in diameter than the cylindrical
diameter B and the disk diameter A. This small transition diameter
allows the disk portion to easily orient itself to the vessel wall
containing the aperture where the wall is not truly perpendicular.
According to one embodiment the body portion 12 is capable of
flexing to an angle M of up to about 30 degrees about the
transition segment 19 as shown in FIG. 1A. Additionally, the
recessed transition diameter H within an indentation 15 in the end
of the body member 12 may allow the device to conform to the
anatomy in which the device is being positioned by acting like a
spring member for maintaining axial tension between the disk and
the cylindrical body. Separation between the disk and the
cylindrical body may not impact device performance.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 7, the device 10 may include
retention hooks 20. The retention hooks 20 may be fabricated from
Nitinol wire that is heat set into a hook shape at each end and has
a bend, e.g., a bend of less than about 180 degrees, in the mid
length segment of the wire to create 2 interconnected hooks. The
hooks 20 may also extend within the device 10 as shown in FIG. 7.
The ends of the hooks are oriented toward the disk and may be
sutured or fastened by any known means to the braided fabric on the
body portion 12 of the device. According to one embodiment, the
wires of the hooks 20 may be about 0.003-0.007 inches in diameter
and 2-10 mm in length and flexible enough to be back loaded into
the delivery catheter or forward loaded, if introduced in a
straightened out configuration. The device may have any number of
hooks 20, such as three pairs of hooks. The number of hooks would
preferably range from 6 to 12. The hooks assist in the retention of
the device by resisting motion of the device in the vessel in a
direction that would cause the hooks to engage the tissue. The
hooks 20 do not have barbs so that the engagement is reversible by
movement of the device opposite to the open end of the hook.
Moreover, the hooks 20 may be configured to penetrate the wall of
the LAA, but do not extend completely through the wall of the LAA.
Thus, the hooks 20 reduce the incidence of effusion by not
puncturing through wall of the LAA.
[0047] In one embodiment, the hooks 20 may be a part of the
device--i.e., individual wires within the braided structure that
are isolated, cut and a short portion of the wire adjacent the cut
formed into an outward projecting wire or hook. The advantage of
this configuration is that the device has a significantly lower
profile since no added material (separate hooks) contributes to the
collapsed configuration during passage through a catheter. In
addition there are no added suture material or suture knots needed
to attach hooks to the braided fabric, thus reducing the profile of
the stent as well.
[0048] As explained above, the cylindrical shaped body portion 12
is adapted to be deployed within a vessel, cavity, or the like to
be occluded, while the disk portion 14 is adapted to be positioned
adjacent the wall surrounding the aperture associated with the
vessel, cavity, or the like to be occluded. According to one
embodiment, the device 10 extends from the proximal disk end clamp
16, radially outward to the disk maximum diameter A and back
radially inward against itself to the transitional diameter H. The
transitional diameter H extends distally a distance J whereby the
device 10 forms a reverse cone toward the disk 14 with a diameter K
where the device turns to follow parallel to the disk but spaced
from the disk a distance E, radially outward to a diameter B. The
device 10 continues to maintain a cylindrical diameter B distally a
distance D. The device 10 may include a tapered surface of angle C,
as shown in FIG. 1A, or not include a tapered surface as shown in
FIGS. 4-6 and define a body portion 12 having a total length G.
According to one embodiment, the distal end clamp 18 and the
proximal end clamp 16 hold the braided wire ends from unraveling.
However, it is understood that the device 10 may include an end
clamp at its proximal and/or distal end. For example, the device 10
may include a proximal end clamp 16, while the distal end of the
device is open. Furthermore, it is understood that the ends of the
device 10 may be coupled using various techniques other than
clamps, such as welding, bonding, fasteners, or the like. The
proximal end clamp 16 also contains a threaded portion that
reversibly connects to a delivery system (not shown) such as a
cable or shaft with mating threads at its end. The proximal end
clamp 16 and/or the distal end clamp 18 may be a radiopaque
material, such as a platinum marker, for assisting a surgeon in
positioning the device 10 within the vessel or body organ.
[0049] The improvement in disk flexibility and conformance to a
wall of a vessel, body organ, or the like which are not
perpendicular to the axis of the vessel, body organ, or the like to
be occluded comes from the disk maximum diameter A in relation to
the small diameter H, or the ratio of A/H. According to one
embodiment, the ratio is in the range of 3 to 30, preferably about
10 to 25, and the ratio B/H is in the range of 2-25 and preferably
10-20. This ratio may reduce the bending force necessary to cause
disk alignment to the wall of the vessel, body organ, or the like,
or alternatively, alignment of the body portion to the vessel, body
organ, or the like to be occluded. The transition diameter H has a
length J which is about 2-5 times the diameter H. This length J may
be necessary to allow a small dimension E between the disk inner
surface and the body portion proximal end wall as shown in FIG. 1A.
This may improve the device fit and the sealing of the device. To
accommodate the length J of transition diameter H the device is
shaped to form a conical surface at an angle L to the proximal end
wall of the body portion. This conical surface may accommodate user
displacement of the body portion from adjacent the disk by cone
flattening and thereby provides increased radial expansive force
for device retention on the proximal cylindrical outer diameter.
Additionally, the conical surface may act as a spring to provide
axial tension between the disk and body portion when they are
displaced apart to keep the hooks 20 engaged in the wall of the
vessel being occluded, thus improving device retention. In
addition, the cylindrical portion may be purposely placed a spaced
distance from the disk portion, as observed by angiography, to
insure a retention force between the disk and cylindrical portions.
The distance allows for more flexibility in placement of the
cylindrical portion and adaptability to a wide range of anatomical
conditions.
[0050] According to one embodiment, the difference in length
between dimensions B and K and between dimensions D and J may be
held constant for a variety of sizes of devices 10, while
dimensions L and K may vary for different sizes of devices.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the depth of
the device (i.e., G+E) may be held constant for different sizes of
devices 10. For example, the diameters B and A may be varied, while
the depth G+E remains the same for both devices. One aspect of the
present invention relating to a device for occluding the LAA
includes a depth G+E of less than 10 mm.
[0051] The sizes of the body 12 and the disk 14 and device length
can be varied as desired for differently sized vessels, channels,
lumens, holes, cavities, or the like. A table of exemplary
dimensional ranges and for select devices is provided below in mm.
The exemplary dimensions provided below are given for a device 10
in its expanded, rest position, as the dimensions may change when
deployed within the body (e.g., the length of the device may vary
if the body member 12 is flexed with respect to the disk portion
14).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE I A B E F G H J K L Range 6 to 40 2 to 30 0 to
6 1 to 3 3 to 25 1 to 8 0 to 10 3 to 20 20 to 70 LAA 20 16 0.5 1.5
7 1.5 4 16 80 LAA 34 30 0.5 1.5 7 1.5 4 30 20
[0052] In reference to Table I, the device 10 having a diameter A
of 20 mm is, in one embodiment, fabricated of 144 strands of 0.003
inch diameter Nitinol wire braided on an 18 mm diameter mandrel
with a pick count of 40. After heat setting the 20 mm device 10 in
its final molded shape, having hooks formed from the braid itself,
the device may be collapsed for delivery through a delivery
catheter 29 having a 7 French inside diameter and a 9 French
outside diameter (3 French=1 mm).
[0053] With further reference to Table I, the device 10 having a
diameter A of 34 mm is, in one embodiment, fabricated of 144
strands of 0.0045 inch diameter Nitinol wire braided on a 30 mm
diameter mandrel with a pick count of 25. After heat setting the 34
mm device 10 in its final molded shape, having hooks formed from
the braid itself, the device may be collapsed for delivery through
a delivery catheter 29 having a 9 French inside diameter and a 11
French outside diameter.
[0054] The delivery system 28 shown in FIG. 2 can be used to urge
the device 10 through the lumen of a catheter or long introducer
sheath for deployment in the patient's body. The delivery system 28
can take any suitable shape, such as an elongated flexible metal
shaft similar to a conventional guidewire or may be a hollow shaft.
The delivery system 28 is used to advance the occlusion device 10
through the lumen 25 of a small diameter cylindrical tube, such as
a delivery catheter 29 for deployment.
[0055] According to one embodiment, the device 10 is loaded into
the lumen 25 by stretching the same to put it in an elongated
condition. The device 10 may be inserted into the lumen 25 during
the procedure or preassembled at a manufacturing facility, in that
the devices of the present invention do not take on a permanent set
when maintained in a compressed state. When the device is deployed
out the distal end of the catheter, the device will still be
retained by the delivery system. Once the proper position of the
device 10 in the vessel, body organ, or the like is confirmed, the
shaft of the delivery system 28 can be rotated about its axis to
unscrew the clamp 16 from the threaded end of the delivery system.
Of course the threaded connection could be at either end of the
device depending on the anatomical situation and the desired or
available means of access to the treatment site.
[0056] By keeping the device 10 attached to the delivery system,
the operator may still retract the device back into a delivery
sheath for repositioning if it is determined that the device is not
properly positioned in the first attempt. In instances where the
device 10 is improperly deployed on a first try, the device may be
recovered by pulling the delivery system 28 proximally, thereby
retracting the device back into the delivery catheter 29 prior to a
second attempt at positioning the device relative to the vessel,
body organ, or the like. The threaded attachment may also allow the
operator to control the manner in which the device 10 is deployed
out of the distal end of the delivery catheter. As explained below,
when the device exits the delivery catheter it will tend to
resiliently return to an expanded shape which was set when the
fabric was heat treated. When the device springs back into this
shape, it may tend to act against the distal end of the catheter,
effectively urging itself forward beyond the end of the catheter.
This spring action could conceivably result in improper positioning
of the device. Since the threaded clamp 16 can enable the operator
to maintain a hold on the device during deployment, the spring
action of the device can be controlled and the operator can control
the deployment to ensure proper positioning.
[0057] Optionally, the device 10 could be configured with a hollow
inner clamp member 23 at both wire ends and an outer clamp proximal
member 21 and a distal outer clamp member 26. The wire ends 24 are
crimped between the inner and outer clamp members 21, 26 by swaging
or alternatively may be bonded or welded between the clamp members.
The inner clamp member is tubular and is sized with an inside
diameter to freely pass a push wire 27. The distal outer clamp
member 26 is sized with an inside diameter sufficient to
accommodate the braid wire ends 24 surrounding the inner clamp
member prior to swaging. The distal end on the distal outer clamp
member 26 is solid (closed end) to accept the push force from the
push wire 27 placed through both inner clamp members against this
solid end. The proximal outer clamp member 21 is shown with
external threads to reversibly connect to the delivery system 28,
which may be an inner tube extruded of nylon block co-polymer such
as Pebax with a 0.001 in. braided wire over the Pebax inner tube
extrusion, followed by another outer layer of Pebax to cover the
braid. The delivery catheter/sheath 29 may be similarly constructed
except larger in diameter to accommodate the passage of the device
10 and delivery system 28. Such construction is typical in
intravascular catheters where a flexibility and torque transmission
are needed. Similar to the clamps 16, 18 above, the inner 23 and/or
outer 26 clamp members may be a radiopaque material, such as a
platinum marker, for assisting a surgeon in positioning the device
10 in the lumen.
[0058] According to one embodiment, the delivery catheter sheath 29
may have a 0.001 in thick inner layer of PTFE to lower friction for
ease of device passage therethrough. The hollow delivery system
sized to allow a push wire 27, made of stainless steel 0.008-0.014
in. to pass through the delivery system and the proximal clamp and
to engage the distal clamp to push the distal clamp away from the
proximal clamp to elongate the device, facilitate release of the
hooks and facilitate recapture of the device into the delivery
sheath 29. The distal end of the push wire 27 and the distal inner
clamp 23 may be designed to attach by a threaded connection or
other reversible means to ensure the wire does not inadvertently
get positioned proximal to the distal inner clamp 23. By means of
the delivery system 28 maintaining control of the proximal end of
the device 10 and the push wire 27 being able to exert a push force
on the distal end of the device, the device may be elongated or
allowed to self expand and contract in length as desired. This aids
in repositioning with the hooks being easily released by pushing on
the push wire to force the device in the distal direction. This
also aids in withdrawing the device back into the sheath 29 should
the need occur, such as in incorrect device sizing to the anatomy.
Although described as a push wire 27 for pushing on the distal end
of the device, the push wire may be employed as a guide wire
according to one embodiment. Thus, the push wire 27 may be
configured to extend distally of the distal inner 23 and outer 26
clamp members, such that the device 10 may be delivered
over-the-wire, as explained in further detail below. In this
embodiment, the distal clamp member 26 is tubular with open ends
and has a passageway therethrough sufficient for passage of the
guidewire 27.
[0059] FIGS. 3A-C schematically illustrate how a medical device 10,
generally as outlined above, can be used to occlude a vessel,
channel, lumen, hole, cavity, or the like which is to be occluded.
The device 10, may be collapsed and attached to the delivery system
28 such that the collapsed device can be passed through a delivery
catheter 29 and that the distal end of the delivery catheter is
adjacent the aperture 30 in the vessel wall 31 as shown in FIG. 3A.
The delivery system 28 is advanced distally while holding back the
delivery catheter 29 to urge the distal end of the device 10 out
from the catheter 29 to elastically self expand substantially to
its predetermined heat set molded state, whereby it contacts the
vessel wall. At this point the distal end of catheter 29 may react
to the expansion force and move proximally a small amount as shown
in FIG. 3B. The hooks 20 begin to make contact with the vessel wall
to hold the device in place. If needed to be positioned distally
this can be done because the hooks will release in that direction.
In FIG. 3C the device is full exited from the catheter 29 but still
attached to the delivery system 28. As shown in this figure the
disk 14 self aligns with the wall 31 by pivoting about the small
diameter H. After the device is positioned as desired, the delivery
system is disconnected by turning the delivery system 28 in a
direction to release the threaded connection at the proximal end
clamp 16.
[0060] Generally, a method in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention includes a method of treating a physiological
condition of a patient. In accordance with this method, a medical
device suitable for treating the condition, which may be
substantially in accordance with one of the embodiments described
in detail above, is selected. For example, if the LAA is to be
occluded, the device 10 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 4 may be employed. The
device 10 may be delivered and properly placed using two
dimensional ICE, MRI, transesphogeal echocardiograpy, angiography,
and/or Doppler color flow mapping. With the advent of two
dimensional ICE, MRI, trans-esophageal echocardiography, bi-plane
angiography, and Doppler color flow mapping, the approximate
anatomy of the defect can be visualized. The device 10 that is
employed will be based on the approximate size of the vessel,
cavity, or the like to be occluded. Once the appropriate medical
device is selected, a catheter may be positioned within a channel
in patient's body to place the distal end of the catheter adjacent
the desired treatment site, such as immediately adjacent or within
the cavity of the LAA.
[0061] The medical device 10 can be collapsed into its collapsed
configuration and inserted into the lumen of the catheter. The
collapsed configuration of the device may be of any shape suitable
for easy passage through the lumen of a catheter and proper
deployment out the distal end of the catheter. For example, the
devices shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 4-10 have a relatively
elongated collapsed configuration wherein the devices are stretched
along their axes for insertion into the catheter. This collapsed
configuration can be achieved simply by stretching the device 10
generally along its axis, e.g., by manually grasping opposing ends
of the device and pulling them apart, which will tend to collapse
the body portion 12 and disk portion 14 of the device 10 inwardly
toward the device's axis. In this regard, the device 10 is not
unlike "Chinese handcuffs", which tend to constrict in diameter
under axial tension.
[0062] The medical device 10 may also be collapsed by drawing the
delivery system 28 coupled to the medical device proximally into an
introducer tube (not shown) extending over the delivery system
shaft. Drawing the delivery system 28 proximally pulls the device
10 into the introducer tube sized with an inside diameter to hold
the medical device to a diameter to allow forward loading into the
catheter 29.
[0063] Once the medical device 10 is collapsed and inserted into
the catheter, it may be urged along the lumen of the catheter
toward the distal end of the catheter. This may be accomplished by
using a delivery system or the like removably connected to the
device to urge it along the catheter. When the device begins to
exit the distal end of the catheter, which is positioned adjacent
the desired treatment site, it will tend to resiliently return
substantially entirely to its preset expanded configuration.
Superelastic alloys, such as Nitinol, are particularly useful in
this application because of their ability to readily return to a
particular configuration after being elastically deformed to a
great extent. Hence, simply urging the medical device out of the
distal end of the catheter tends to properly deploy the device at
the treatment site.
[0064] Although the device will tend to resiliently return to its
initial expanded configuration (i.e., its shape prior to being
collapsed for passage through the catheter), it should be
understood that it may not always return entirely to that shape.
For example, the body member 12 of FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2, and 4-11 is
intended to have a maximum outer diameter in its expanded
configuration at least as large as and preferably larger than, the
inner diameter of the lumen in which it is to be deployed. If such
a device is deployed in a vessel, body organ, or the like having a
small lumen, the lumen will prevent the device from completely
returning to its expanded configuration. Nonetheless, the device
would be properly deployed because it would engage the inner wall
of the lumen to seat the device therein, as detailed above.
[0065] If the device is to be used to permanently occlude a channel
in the patient's body, such as the devices 10 and 300 described
above may be, one can simply disconnect the delivery system
(example shown FIG. 6) by reversing the reversible connection to
the device and retract the catheter and delivery system from the
patient's body. This will leave the medical device deployed in the
patient's vascular system so that it may occlude the blood vessel
or other channel in the patient's body.
[0066] According to one embodiment, the device 10 may be implanted
within the cavity of the LAA using an over-the-wire technique. When
implanting the LAA transvascularly, the physician first accesses
the right atrium via the femoral vein with a guidewire. A catheter
may then be delivered over the guidewire and into the right atrium.
A hollow needle shaft may then be placed over the guidewire,
through the guidewire, and used to pierce the septum of the heart.
After forming an opening through the septum, the guidewire may be
advanced proximate to the LAA. The catheter may be moved through
the opening in the septum via the guidewire and proximate to or
within the LAA. The needle may then be removed, while the guidewire
is left in position. The guidewire may then be removed and a
delivery catheter having a device 10 constrained therein may be
delivered proximate to the LAA. In the case of the device 10 having
hollow proximal and distal end clamps 21, 23, 26 designed for
passage of a guidewire therethrough, the guidewire may stay in
place while the device is advanced over the guidewire.
[0067] The distal end of the catheter 29 may be placed partially
within the LAA. The delivery catheter 29 may then be retracted
proximally while holding the delivery system 28 stationary, which
urges the body member 14 distally out of the delivery catheter 29,
where it resiliently returns to its predefined expanded shape. The
body member 12 expands to the diameter of the LAA but typically
only extends partially within the depth of the LAA, as shown in
FIG. 10. As the body member 12 expands, the hooks 20 are released
from the catheter and engage the LAA to further fixate the device
10 therein. After fully released from the catheter 29, the delivery
system 28 may be advanced to position the disk firmly against the
atrium wall surrounding the ostium or opening of the LAA. According
to one embodiment, radiopaque contrast media may be injected
through the catheter 29 and into the left atrium to visualize on
angiography whether the LAA is sealed from, or in communication
with, the left atrium. Where layers of polyester fiber are
positioned within each of the body portion 12 and disk portion 14,
the contrast media typically resides between the layers of
polyester fibers. If contrast media enters the LAA, but remains
there after a predetermined period of time (e.g., less than 10
minutes), then communication with the left atrium is negligible and
the position of the device 10 is adequate. Otherwise, the device 10
may need to be repositioned. Thus, the device 10 may be capable of
substantially occluding the LAA in less than about 10 minutes such
that no further visualization or monitoring of the LAA is needed.
The device 10 may be disconnected by turning the delivery system 28
in a direction to release the threaded connection at the proximal
end clamp 16. As shown in FIG. 10, the disk 14 self aligns with the
wall of the LAA by pivoting about the transitional segment 19 such
that the disk covers the opening of the LAA.
[0068] While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described, it should be understood that various changes,
adaptations and modifications may be made therein without departing
from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended
claims. For example, it is anticipated that the body portion could
be cylindrical, barrel shaped, concave, convex, tapered, or a
combination of shapes without departing from the invention herein.
Likewise the body portion distal and proximal ends could have
differing shapes than the recessed conical shape described while
still retaining the benefits described.
[0069] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings
presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms
are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
* * * * *