U.S. patent application number 12/987111 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-05 for septal occluder and associated methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to NMT MEDICAL, INC.. Invention is credited to Andrzej J. Chanduszko, Carol A. Ryan.
Application Number | 20110106149 12/987111 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23335225 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110106149 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan; Carol A. ; et
al. |
May 5, 2011 |
SEPTAL OCCLUDER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
Abstract
Devices are provided for closing septal defects such as PFOs.
The devices generally include a proximal anchor member, a distal
anchor member, and a flexible center joint connecting the two
anchor members.
Inventors: |
Ryan; Carol A.; (Topsfield,
MA) ; Chanduszko; Andrzej J.; (Chandler, AZ) |
Assignee: |
NMT MEDICAL, INC.
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
23335225 |
Appl. No.: |
12/987111 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11326535 |
Jan 5, 2006 |
7289789 |
|
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12987111 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/00867
20130101; A61B 2017/00606 20130101; A61B 2017/00592 20130101; A61B
2017/0475 20130101; H04M 1/68 20130101; H04W 84/14 20130101; H04M
1/72505 20130101; A61B 17/0057 20130101; H04M 1/715 20210101; A61B
2017/00575 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/213 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/03 20060101
A61B017/03 |
Claims
1. A septal defect closure device, comprising: a proximal anchor
member having a generally cylindrical shape for deployment
proximate a first end of a septal defect; a distal anchor member
having a generally cylindrical shape for deployment proximate a
second end of said septal defect; and a suture connecting said
proximal and distal anchor members.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein said suture is slidingly mounted
on said proximal anchor member.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said suture includes a biasing
spring at one end thereof to bias the proximal and distal anchor
members toward each other when the device is deployed.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein the suture comprises a shape
memory wire.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said suture comprises a resilient
elastomeric material.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein a side of each anchor member for
contacting a tissue surface is generally flattened to increase
surface contact.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein said proximal and distal anchor
members each comprise a cylindrical structure formed by rolling a
layer of material.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein said proximal and distal anchor
members are inflatable.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said device is collapsible for
passage through a catheter or sheath.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein said device can be collapsed with
the proximal and distal anchor members being in a generally
aligned, end to end arrangement for passage through a catheter or
sheath.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein said proximal and distal anchor
members are collapsible for deployment or removal.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein the proximal and distal anchor
members are generally foldable.
13. The device of claim 12 wherein each anchor member includes two
elements separated by an elastic hinge.
14. The device of claim 1 further comprising a removal string
attached to the device to facilitate removal of the device from the
septal defect.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein said removal string is slidingly
mounted in said proximal anchor member and attached to said distal
anchor member.
16. The device of claim 14 wherein said removal string is mounted
to slide through said proximal anchor member.
17. The device of claim 14 further comprising a delivery string to
facilitate deployment of the device at the septal defect.
18. The device of claim 1 further comprising a wire connecting said
proximal and distal anchor members to provide clamping force to
close the defect.
19. The device of claim 18 wherein said wire has a serpentine
configuration.
20. A method of retrieving a deployed septal closure device having
a proximal anchor member positioned proximate a first end of a
septal defect, a distal anchor member for positioned proximate a
second end of said septal defect, and a flexible connection member
connecting said proximal and distal anchor members, said method
comprising: moving a sheath toward the proximal anchor member;
applying tension to the proximal anchor member to first withdraw
the proximal anchor member into the sheath and then to withdraw the
distal anchor member into the sheath; wherein the proximal and
distal anchor members are generally in an end to end, aligned
arrangement in said sheath.
21. The method of claim 20 further comprising moving the sheath
toward the distal anchor member prior to withdrawing the distal
anchor member into the sheath.
22. The method of claim 20 wherein applying tension to the proximal
anchor member comprises pulling a string attached to the proximal
member.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein said string is slidingly mounted
in said proximal anchor member and is attached to said distal
anchor member.
24. A septal defect closure device, comprising: a proximal anchor
member having a frame structure for deployment proximate a first
end of a septal defect; a distal anchor member having a frame
structure for deployment proximate a second end of said septal
defect; and a flexible joint connecting said proximal and distal
anchor members.
25. The device of claim 24 wherein said flexible joint comprises a
layer of thrombogenic or inflammatory material.
26. The device of claim 24 wherein said flexible joint comprises a
plurality of fibers connecting said anchor members.
27. The device of claim 24 wherein said flexible joint is porous or
textured.
28. The device of claim 24 wherein said flexible joint comprises a
resilient elastomeric material.
29. The device of claim 24 wherein said flexible joint comprises
two layers of flexible material joined to each other generally at
centers thereof.
30. The device of claim 24 wherein said anchor members each have a
frame structure having a polygonal or circular structure.
31. The device of claim 24 wherein said anchor members each have a
frame structure having a generally "+" shaped structure.
32. The device of claim 24 wherein said anchor members each have a
frame structure having a generally "G" shaped structure.
33. The device of claim 24 wherein said anchor members each have a
collapsible frame structure to facilitate deployment of said device
in a delivery catheter.
34. The device of claim 24 wherein each frame structure includes
metal or polymer components.
35. A septal defect closure device, comprising: a proximal anchor
member for deployment proximate a first end of a septal defect; a
distal anchor member for deployment proximate a second end of said
septal defect; and a connecting member connecting said proximal and
distal anchor members, wherein the distal and proximal anchors each
comprise a layer that is rolled to form a cylinder during device
deployment, and generally flat after deployment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit
if U.S. patent application No. 11/326,535, filed on Dec. 19, 2002,
to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,867,250 on Jan. 11, 2011, which is
based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/340,858 filed on Dec. 19, 2001 and entitled PATENT
FORAMEN OVALE (PFO) CLOSURE DEVICE WITH BIORESORBABLE COMPONENTS,
each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A patent foramen ovale (PFO) as shown in FIG. 1 is a
persistent, one-way, usually flap-like opening in the wall between
the right atrium 10 and left atrium 12 of the heart. Since left
atrial (LA) pressure is normally higher than right atrial (RA)
pressure, the flap typically stays closed. Under certain
conditions, however, RA pressure can exceed LA pressure creating
the possibility for right to left shunting that can allow blood
clots to enter the systemic circulation. In utero, the foramen
ovale serves as a physiologic conduit for right-to-left shunting.
After birth, with the establishment of pulmonary circulation, the
increased left atrial blood flow and pressure results in functional
closure of the foramen ovale. This functional closure is
subsequently followed by anatomical closure of the two over-lapping
layers of tissue: septum primum 14 and septum secundum 16. However,
a probe-patent foramen ovale has been shown to persist in up to 35%
of adults in an autopsy series. Using contrast echocardiography
(TEE), a PFO can be detected in approximately 25% of adults. These
numbers are different because an autopsy allows direct visual
inspection of the anatomy, whereas contrast echocardiography relies
on the measurement of an indirect physiologic phenomenon.
[0003] The cause of ischemic stroke remains cryptogenic (of unknown
origin) in approximately 40% of cases. Especially in young
patients, paradoxical embolism via a PFO is considered in the
diagnosis. While there is currently no proof for a cause-effect
relationship, many studies have confirmed a strong association
between the presence of a PFO and the risk for paradoxical embolism
or stroke. In addition, there is good evidence that patients with
PFO and paradoxical embolism are at increased risk for future,
recurrent cerebrovascular events.
[0004] The presence of PFO has no therapeutic consequence in
otherwise healthy adults. In contrast, patients suffering a stroke
or TIA in the presence of a PFO and without another cause of
ischemic stroke are considered for prophylactic medical therapy to
reduce the risk of a recurrent embolic event. These patients are
commonly treated with oral anticoagulants, which have the potential
for adverse side effects such as hemorrhaging, hematoma, and
interactions with a variety of other drugs. In certain cases, such
as when anticoagulation is contraindicated, surgery may be used to
close a PFO. To suture a PFO closed requires attachment of septum
secundum to septum primum with a continuous stitch, which is the
common way a surgeon shuts the PFO under direct visualization.
[0005] Non-surgical closure of PFOs has become possible with the
advent of umbrella-like devices and a variety of other similar
mechanical closure designs developed initially for percutaneous
closure of atrial septal defects (ASD). These devices allow
patients to avoid the potential side effects often associated with
anticoagulation therapies.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to
devices for closing septal defects such as PFOs. The closure
devices generally include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor
member, and a flexible center joint connecting the two anchor
members. The center joint can be a suture. Alternatively, the
center joint can be a flexible elastomeric layer, which can, e.g.,
be used to promote tissue ingrowth or for drug delivery. The
flexible material can also be covered with a biocompatible glue to
promote adherence to tissue or growth factors to accelerate tissue
ingrowth.
[0007] In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the
closure device is formed of bioresorbable components such that
substantially no permanent foreign body remains in the defect.
[0008] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention,
mechanisms are provided to collapse the closure device for
facilitating device delivery, removal and/or repositioning.
[0009] These and other features will become readily apparent from
the following detailed description wherein embodiments of the
invention are shown and described by way of illustration. As will
be realized, the invention is capable of other and different
embodiments and its several details may be capable of modifications
in various respects, all without departing from the invention.
Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not in a restrictive or limiting
sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the heart
illustrating a PFO;
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates a deployed PFO closure device with
bioresorbable components in accordance with one or more embodiments
of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the PFO closure device of FIG. 2 in a
collapsed state for passage through a delivery catheter or
sheath;
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a closure device deployed to close a PFO
in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a closure device deployed to close the
PFO in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention;
[0015] FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and side views, respectively, of a
PFO closure device in accordance with one or more further
embodiments of the invention;
[0016] FIGS. 7A and 7B are front and side views, respectively, of a
PFO closure device in accordance with one or more further
embodiments of the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 8A and 8B are side and front views, respectively, of
the PFO closure device of FIG. 6 deployed to close a PFO;
[0018] FIG. 9A illustrates a closure device having a retrieval
mechanism in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention in a collapsed state for passage through a catheter or
sheath;
[0019] FIG. 9B is a front view of the FIG. 9A device;
[0020] FIGS. 9C-E illustrate deployment of the FIG. 9A device;
[0021] FIGS. 9F-H illustrate removal of the FIG. 9A device;
[0022] FIG. 10A illustrates a closure device having a retrieval
mechanism in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention in a collapsed state for passage through a catheter or
sheath;
[0023] FIG. 10B is a front view of the FIG. 10A device;
[0024] FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an anchor member with an
elastic hinge in accordance with one or more further embodiments of
the invention;
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a PFO closure device made from a single
material in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates a PFO closure device having inflatable
anchor members in accordance with one or more further embodiments
of the invention;
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a PFO closure device with a wire
connecting the proximal and distal anchor members in accordance
with one or more further embodiments of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a PFO closure device having a frame
member in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a PFO closure device having frame anchor
members in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention;
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates a PFO closure device having frame anchor
members in accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 18 illustrates the FIG. 17 device in a collapsed state
for passage through a catheter or sheath;
[0032] FIG. 19 illustrates a frame anchor member having metal and
polymer components in accordance with one or more further
embodiments of the invention;
[0033] FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate a PFO closure device having
anchor members formed from a rolled material in accordance with one
or more further embodiments of the invention in rolled and unrolled
positions, respectively;
[0034] FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate an alternate PFO closure device
having anchor members formed from a rolled material in accordance
with one or more further embodiments of the invention in rolled and
unrolled positions, respectively;
[0035] FIG. 22A illustrates a closure device having frame anchor
members and a generally "X" shaped joint member in accordance with
one or more further embodiments of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 22B illustrates the proximal anchor member of the FIG.
22A device;
[0037] FIG. 22C illustrates the FIG. 22A device in a deployed
state;
[0038] FIG. 23 illustrates a closure device having frame anchor
members having a generally "+" shaped frame structure in accordance
with one or more further embodiments of the invention; and
[0039] FIG. 24 illustrates a closure device having frame anchor
members having a generally "G" shaped frame structure in accordance
with one or more further embodiments of the Invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to
methods and devices for closing septal defects such as PFOs,
primarily by eliciting a healing response at the defect.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, a PFO closure device 18 in accordance
with one or more embodiments of the present invention includes a
distal anchor component or member 20 (which can be placed on the
left atrial side of the PFO), a proximal anchor member 22 (to fix
the device in place), a proximal attachment point 24 (for
attachment and release from a catheter), and a central connecting
member 26 (which can, e.g., be a simple suture in accordance with
this embodiment).
[0042] In some embodiments, the distal anchor, the proximal anchor,
and the connecting member are bioresorbable. These components can
be fabricated from either a single bioresorbable polymer or by a
laminated composite of two or more materials to provide a unique
mix of properties such as, e.g., anchor members having stiff
centers and flexible edges, and blood contacting surfaces having
controlled porosity or surface texture to promote fast and thorough
endothelialization, while minimizing thrombosis. In addition, the
tissue contacting surface of the anchors can be designed to provide
added stability by, e.g., being roughened.
[0043] The distal anchor 20 is an elongated, preferably generally
cylindrical, thin bar-like member with rounded, arcuately shaped
ends. The tissue contacting surface of the anchor can be generally
flattened to increase tissue surface contact. In size, the distal
anchor component might, e.g., be 15-30 mm long and 2 mm in diameter
with a circular cross-section. The proximal anchor 22 can be of
similar dimensions and shape, although it can be shorter in overall
length.
[0044] Other distal and proximal anchor structures are also
possible. For example, the anchors can be formed of a generally
flat material rolled to form a cylindrical shape as described below
with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0045] For delivery and deployment, the distal anchor 20 and
proximal anchor 22 are positioned to be generally aligned in a
longitudinal, end-to-end manner within a delivery sheath or
catheter 28 as shown in FIG. 3. These components, with the flexible
connecting member 26 traverse the catheter or delivery sheath in
this longitudinal orientation. The catheter or delivery sheath is
inserted between septum primum and septum secundum into the left
atrium 18, and the distal anchor component 20 is ejected. Then, the
catheter or delivery sheath 28 is withdrawn into the right atrium,
and the proximal anchor 22 is ejected. The flexible central
connecting member 26 extends between septum primum and septum
secundum to join the distal anchor 20 and the proximal anchor 22.
Once ejected, the distal anchor and proximal anchor generally
self-orientate to be essentially perpendicular to the axis of the
central connecting member and in generally parallel planes to one
another. The exact orientation will be governed by the individual
patient anatomy.
[0046] An alternate delivery method for this device can be to
deploy it directly through the septum primum as opposed to through
the PFO.
[0047] The method of attaching the central connecting member 26 to
the anchor and stop mechanism 22 to permit the distal anchor and
the proximal anchor to be drawn together could be, e.g., via a
friction fit or via a slip knot on the central connecting member.
If a slip knot is used, the free end of the suture proximal to the
knot can be held remotely and released after the knot has been
placed in the appropriate location.
[0048] In one or more alternate embodiments of the invention shown
in FIG. 4, the central connecting member 26 is mounted to permit
free sliding movement of the proximal anchor 22 relative to the
central connecting member 26. A biasing spring 30, which may be an
expandable coil spring, can be formed at the outer end of the
central connecting member 26 to bias the proximal anchor toward the
distal anchor when both are deployed from the catheter or
sheath.
[0049] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, a metallic
component may be used as the central connecting member 26 in order
to provide an appropriate stop and apply compression force to the
proximal anchor 22. The metallic component could be a piece of
shape memory wire that has one end molded or laminated into the
distal anchor component 20. In FIG. 4, the proximal anchor 22
slides on the central connecting member 26, and once it is
deployed, the biasing spring 30 formed on the end of the shape
memory wire expands to bias the proximal anchor 22 toward the
distal anchor 20.
[0050] In the FIG. 5 embodiment, a shape memory wire forms a hook
type anchor 32 made from two wires that exit through the center of
the proximate anchor and curve in opposite directions when expanded
to draw the proximate anchor toward the distal anchor.
[0051] While the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 can leave a permanent
foreign body when the bioresorbable components dissolve (if, e.g.,
a metallic component is used as the central connecting member 26),
one advantage of these devices is that no thrombogenic tissue
scaffold (usually a vascular material) is, placed on the left
atrial side. Thrombus forming on the LA side of a PFO closure
device can be released into the systemic circulation causing an
embolic event within the coronary arteries, cerebral circulation,
or distally in the vasculature, and most vascular graft materials
utilized to close PFOs are highly thrombogenic.
[0052] The PFO closure devices may need to be capable of x-ray
visualization and use with radiopaque fillers or marker bands
fabricated from noble metals such as platinum or gold. These
markers can be attached using a variety of common methods such as,
e.g., adhesive bonding, lamination between two layers of polymer,
or vapor deposition.
[0053] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a closure device 50 in accordance
with one or more further embodiments of the invention. The device
50 includes proximal and distal anchor members 52, 54 connected
with a flexible (and preferably stretchable elastomeric) center
joint or connecting element 56. The anchor members 52, 54 are
preferably cylindrical in shape with rounded ends. In size, the
distal anchor member 54 might, e.g., be about 15-30 mm long and
about 2 mm in diameter with a circular cross-section. The proximal
anchor 52 can be of similar dimensions and shape, although it can
be shorter in overall length. The anchor members 52, 54 are
preferably made from a rigid (preferably bioresorbable) polymer
(regular or shape memory), or biological tissue. Biocompatible
metal can also be used.
[0054] Other distal and proximal anchor structures are also
possible. For example, the anchors can be formed of a generally
flat material rolled to form a cylindrical shape as described below
with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 20 and 21.
[0055] The center joint 56 of the FIG. 6 device (as well as the
center joints of the devices shown in FIGS. 7-10, 12-18, and 21-24)
are preferably elastomeric and resilient and are made from
thrombogenic or inflammatory materials including, e.g., polyester,
biological tissue, bioresorbable polymer, small diameter springs
(e.g., Nitinol), or spongy polymeric material. Alternatively, the
center joint can be made of multiple strands of material 58 such
as, e.g., polymer fibers as shown in the closure device 60 of FIGS.
7A and 7B. The center joint can be textured, porous or in a form of
a single or double-sided hook material such as Velcro. These kinds
of surfaces produce inflammatory responses and therefore, promote
faster tissue ingrowth and faster defect closure. The entire device
or parts of it can be made from bioresorbable polymers.
[0056] FIGS. 8A and 8B are front and side views, respectively, of
the device 50 in a PFO defect. The proximal and distal anchor
members 54, 52 are longer than the defect width, thereby inhibiting
the device from being embolized.
[0057] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, a
closure device can include a delivery/removal mechanism to
facilitate device delivery, removal or repositioning. A device 70
shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B includes a removal string 72 and a
delivery string 74. The removal string is movably secured and
slides freely inside of the proximal anchor member 76. The string
extends from one end of the proximal member 76 and is fixed to an
opposite end of the distal anchor member 78. By pulling on the free
end of the removal string 72, the whole device 70 can be collapsed
and pulled into the delivery sheath 79 as shown in FIG. 9A. The
strings can, e.g., be sutures or wires such as Nitinol wire.
[0058] The delivery and removal strings are manipulated separately
in order to deploy or remove the device. FIGS. 9C-E illustrate
device deployment using the delivery string 74, which is preferably
attached generally to the center of the proximal anchor member 76.
The delivery sheath 79 containing the device 70 is first inserted
between the septum primum and septum secundum into the left atrium
as shown in FIG. 9C. As shown in FIG. 9D, the distal anchor 78 is
then ejected from the delivery catheter 79. Tension is then applied
to the delivery string 74, and the delivery sheath is withdrawn
into the right atrium and the proximal anchor 76 is ejected.
Applying tension to the delivery string enables the proximal anchor
76 to be properly deployed in the right atrium, and keeps the
anchor 76 from being ejected into the left atrium. Upon successful
deployment of the device 70, both strings are released and the
delivery system is withdrawn. No tension is applied to the removal
string during delivery.
[0059] FIGS. 9F-H illustrate removal of the device 70. As shown in
FIG. 9F, tension is applied to the removal string, while the
delivery sheath 79 is moved toward the device 70. The applied
tension causes the proximal anchor 76 to be withdrawn into the
delivery sheath as shown in FIG. 9G. The distal anchor 78 is also
withdrawn into the delivery sheath as further tension is applied to
the removal string. The device can then be redeployed if desired or
removed.
[0060] Alternatively, the delivery string 74 can be omitted, and
the removal string 72 be used for both device deployment and
removal. The delivery sheath 79 containing the closure device is
first inserted between the septum primum and septum secundum into
the left atrium in a similar manner to that shown in FIG. 9C. The
distal anchor 78 is then ejected from the delivery catheter 79 in a
similar manner to that shown in FIG. 9D. Tension is applied to the
removal string 72, and the delivery sheath is withdrawn into the
right atrium, and the proximal anchor 76 is ejected. Applying
tension to the removal string enables the proximal anchor 76 to be
properly deployed in the right atrium, and keeps the proximal
anchor 76 from being ejected into the left atrium. The elasticity
of the center joint connecting the anchor members helps properly
position the proximal anchor at the defect. Upon successful
deployment of the closure device, the string 72 is released and the
delivery system is withdrawn.
[0061] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in another embodiment,
strings 80 (suture, Nitinol wire, etc.) are attached to both ends
of the proximal anchor member 82 of a closure device 84. Both
anchor members are flexible and can fold as shown in FIG. 10A in
order to be delivered to or removed from the defect.
[0062] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, as
shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, each of the proximal and distal anchor
members can include two elements 90 separated by an elastic hinge
92. The elastic hinge 92 can facilitate folding of the members as
shown in FIG. 11B. The hinge 92 can be molded or made from a
material such as, e.g., Nitinol or other shape memory materials,
which can be a different material from the elements 90.
[0063] In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, an
entire closure device can be made from a single sheet of a material
as shown, e.g., in the closure device 100 of FIG. 12. Two opposite
ends of the sheet can be rolled to form the proximal and distal
anchor members. Glue or heat bonding can be used to maintain the
rolled-up configuration of the anchor members 102, 104.
[0064] As shown in FIG. 13, in accordance with some further
embodiments of the invention, one or both anchor members 110, 112
of a closure device 114 can be inflatable. The anchor members can
be inflated with, e.g., saline or other physiological fluid during
or before the delivery of the device. A tube 116 can communicate
with cavities in the anchor members. An inlet 118 can be provided
at one of the members for introducing fluid therein.
[0065] In accordance with some further embodiments of the
invention, a wire 120 such as, e.g., an S-shaped wire, can be
provided to connect the proximal and distal anchor members 122, 124
of a device 126 as shown in FIG. 14. The wire can be used to
provide additional clamping force while the device is in a PFO
defect. Other wire shapes are also possible.
[0066] In accordance with further embodiments of the invention, one
or more frame structures can be used as the anchor members of a
closure device. For example, FIG. 15 shows a closure device 130
having a frame structure 132. Also, FIG. 16 shows a closure device
136 having frames 138, 139. The frames can be, e.g., a metal (e.g.,
Nitinol wire) or polymer frame.
[0067] FIGS. 17-19 illustrate closure devices in accordance with
some further embodiments of the invention. A closure device 140
shown in FIG. 17 includes anchor members 142, 144 having a frame
structure. The frame shape can be polygonal as shown in the figure
or it can alternatively be a circular shape. Other frame shapes are
also possible as, e.g., will be described below with respect to
FIGS. 22-24.
[0068] A recovery suture can be attached to opposite ends of the
proximate anchor member 142 to collapse the anchors for delivery in
a catheter 146 as shown in FIG. 18 or for retrieval or
repositioning. The anchor members can be made from a metal,
preferably Nitinol, or polymers. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
19, an anchor member 148 can include both metal and polymer
components.
[0069] In accordance with one or more further embodiments of the
invention, the distal and proximal anchors can be formed of a flat
sheet-like member rolled to form a cylindrical shape as shown,
e.g., in the device 170 of FIG. 20A. The anchors 172, 174 can
unroll to form sheet-like members when deployed as shown generally
in FIG. 20B. The sheet-like member can be made of a material having
shape memory properties such as, e.g., shape memory polymeric
materials. Alternately, the sheet-like member can include metal
struts made of shape memory metals such as, e.g., Nitinol or
Nitinol alloys. The shape memory materials allow the device to be
delivered in a delivery sheath or catheter with the anchors in the
rolled configuration of FIG. 20A. The anchors attain the sheet-like
geometry of FIG. 20B once deployed due to their shape memory
properties. The anchor members 172, 174 can be connected to each
other with a connecting member 176, which can, e.g., be a suture
similar to that used in the FIG. 2 device.
[0070] FIGS. 21A and 21B illustrate a closure device 180 having
rolled anchor members 182, 184, which are similar to the anchor
members 172, 174 of the device of FIGS. 20A and 20B. The anchors
182, 184 are connected to each other by a connecting member or
joint 186, which can be a sheet of flexible material similar to the
connecting members previously described with respect to FIGS. 6 and
7.
[0071] FIG. 22A illustrates a closure device 200 in accordance with
one or more further embodiments of the invention. The device 200
includes distal and proximal anchor members 202, 204, each of which
has a polygonal or circular frame structure. The anchor members are
connected by a connecting member 206, which can be made from a
flexible material similar to that previously described in
connection with FIGS. 6 and 7. The connecting member 206 can be
made of two sheets of flexible material connected at their centers,
generally forming an "X" shape in the side view of the device. As
shown in FIG. 22B, the proximal anchor member 204 can include one
or more recovery wires or sutures attached to the frame structure
for use in device deployment of recovery. FIG. 22C illustrates the
device 200 as deployed.
[0072] FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate closure devices 220, 230,
respectively, in accordance with further embodiments of the
invention. Each device 220, 230 includes distal and proximal anchor
members having a frame structure. The anchor members are connected
by a flexible joint 222, which can be made from a flexible material
similar to that previously described in connection with FIGS. 6 and
7. The FIG. 23 device 220 includes distal and proximal anchor
members 224, 226 generally having a "+" shape. The FIG. 24 device
230 includes distal and proximal anchor members 232, 234 generally
having a "G" shape.
[0073] The closure devices described herein can optionally be used
along with suturing or stapling techniques where the anchors or
flexible joints of the devices can be sewn or stapled to septum
primum or secundum for better dislodgment resistance. Also, the
flexible joint can, if desired, be covered with biocompatible glue
to adhere to the tissue or can be loaded with drugs or growth
factors to promote healing. The glue and also certain drugs can
also optionally be stored in any cavities in the anchor members
(e.g., in the cylindrical members of FIGS. 6 and 7) and released
after deployment. Noble metal markers can also be attached to the
closure devices for a better x-ray visualization.
[0074] The various closure devices described herein can include a
number of advantageous features. The closure devices preferably
have an atraumatic shape to reduce trauma during deployment or
removal. In addition, the devices can be self-orienting for ease of
deployment. Furthermore, because of the flexible center joint, the
devices generally conform to the anatomy instead of the anatomy
conforming to the devices, which is especially useful in long
tunnel defects. In addition, the devices can preferably be
repositioned or/and removed during delivery. The devices also
generally have a relatively small profile after deployment. The
flexible center joint of the devices can encourage faster tissue
ingrowth and therefore, faster defect closure. Furthermore, there
are generally no exposed thrombogenic components on the left and
right atrial sides. The devices can also advantageously include
bioresorbable components, which can disappear over time.
[0075] Other benefits of the devices can include possible use of a
relatively small diameter delivery sheath, use of reduced or no
metal mass in the device, ease of manufacturing, cost
effectiveness, and overall design simplicity.
[0076] Having described preferred embodiments of the present
invention, it should be apparent that modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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