U.S. patent application number 14/952423 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-17 for tissue capture and occlusion systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is AEGIS MEDICAL INNOVATIONS INC., MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH. Invention is credited to SAMUEL J. ASIRVATHAM, CHARLES J. BRUCE, PAUL A. FRIEDMAN, ELLIOT Y.K. HONG, TREVOR A. MCCAW.
Application Number | 20160074043 14/952423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43826873 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160074043 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FRIEDMAN; PAUL A. ; et
al. |
March 17, 2016 |
TISSUE CAPTURE AND OCCLUSION SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Systems and methods capture and/or occlusion of selected body
tissue using various tissue characteristics and/or techniques are
described. In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the
systems and methods can be used to capture the left atrial
appendage while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring, etc.) is
placed over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method
(ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to
close the left atrial appendage.
Inventors: |
FRIEDMAN; PAUL A.;
(ROCHESTER, MN) ; BRUCE; CHARLES J.; (ROCHESTER,
MN) ; ASIRVATHAM; SAMUEL J.; (ROCHESTER, MN) ;
MCCAW; TREVOR A.; (VANCOUVER, CA) ; HONG; ELLIOT
Y.K.; (VANCOUVER, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
AEGIS MEDICAL INNOVATIONS INC.
MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION AND RESEARCH |
VANCOUVER
ROCHESTER |
MN |
CA
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
43826873 |
Appl. No.: |
14/952423 |
Filed: |
November 25, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13499397 |
Jul 11, 2012 |
9198683 |
|
|
PCT/US2010/050833 |
Sep 30, 2010 |
|
|
|
14952423 |
|
|
|
|
61247248 |
Sep 30, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/157 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/0402 20130101;
A61B 2017/2926 20130101; A61B 17/122 20130101; A61B 2017/308
20130101; A61B 2090/065 20160201; A61B 2017/00026 20130101; A61B
17/1285 20130101; A61B 2017/00243 20130101; A61B 17/12013 20130101;
A61B 5/0538 20130101; A61B 17/29 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/12 20060101
A61B017/12; A61B 19/00 20060101 A61B019/00; A61B 17/29 20060101
A61B017/29; A61B 17/122 20060101 A61B017/122 |
Claims
1-67. (canceled)
68. A tissue capture system comprising: a capture device configured
to capture body tissue; a capture shaft comprising an elongated
body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal
end of the capture shaft is coupled to the capture device; a
capture device electrode coupled to the capture device; a ligation
element comprising a loop, wherein the ligation element is
configured to ligate the body tissue by tightening of the loop
around the body tissue; a ligation element electrode coupled to the
ligation element; and electrical monitoring apparatus operably
coupled to the capture device and the ligation element electrode,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is configured to:
monitor an impedance between the capture device electrode and the
ligation element electrode; and determine whether the capture
device has captured atrial tissue based on the monitored
impedance.
69. A system according to claim 68, wherein the capture device
comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw comprise an open configuration in which the first
jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed configuration in which
the first jaw and the second jaw are closed, wherein an interior
surface of the first jaw is located closer to an interior surface
of the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the
closed configuration than when the first jaw and the second jaw are
in the open configuration, and wherein the capture device electrode
is coupled to the interior surface of one of the first jaw and the
second jaw.
70. A system according to claim 68, wherein the capture device
comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw comprise an open configuration in which the first
jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed configuration in which
the first jaw and the second jaw are closed, wherein an interior
surface of the first jaw is located closer to an interior surface
of the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the
closed configuration than when the first jaw and the second jaw are
in the open configuration, and wherein the capture device electrode
is coupled to the interior surface of the first jaw and wherein the
interior surface of the second jaw is free of any electrodes.
71. A system according to claim 68, wherein the system further
comprises force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the capture
device to restrict the amount of force applied by the capture
device, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is further
operably coupled to the force-limiting apparatus and is further
configured to use the force-limiting apparatus to restrict the
amount of force applied by capture device based on the monitored
impedance.
72. A system according to claim 68, wherein the system further
comprises force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the ligation
element to restrict the amount of force applied by ligation element
when the ligation element is tightened around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is further operably
coupled to the force-limiting apparatus and is further configured
to use the force-limiting apparatus to restrict the amount of force
applied by the ligation element when the ligation element is
tightened around the body tissue based on the monitored
impedance.
73. A system according to claim 68, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to provide an indication
to a user to restrict the amount of force applied by the capture
device based on the monitored impedance.
74. A system according to claim 68, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor the impedance between
the capture device electrode and the ligation element electrode by
monitoring the impedance at a selected frequency between the
capture device electrode and the ligation element electrode
75. A system according to claim 68, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor the impedance between
the capture device electrode and the ligation element electrode by
monitoring the impedance at a selected amplitude between the
capture device electrode and the ligation element electrode
76. A system according to claim 68, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to compare the monitored
impedance to a threshold value to determine whether the capture
device has captured atrial tissue.
77. A system according to claim 76, wherein the threshold value
comprises a preselected impedance.
78. A system according to claim 68, further comprising actuation
apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the actuation apparatus
and is further configured to actuate the capture device to capture
the body tissue using the actuation apparatus based on the
monitored impedance.
79. A system according to claim 68, further comprising actuation
apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to tighten and
loosen the ligation element around the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored impedance.
80. A tissue capture system comprising: a capture device configured
to capture body tissue; a capture shaft comprising an elongated
body comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal
end of the capture shaft is coupled to the capture device;
pressure-sensing apparatus operably coupled to the capture device;
and electrical monitoring apparatus operably coupled to the
pressure-sensing apparatus, wherein the electrical monitoring
apparatus is configured to measure the amount of pressure applied
by the capture device.
81. A system according to claim 80, wherein the capture device
comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw comprise an open configuration in which the first
jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed configuration in which
the first jaw and the second jaw are closed, wherein an interior
surface of the first jaw is located closer to an interior surface
of the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the
closed configuration than when the first jaw and the second jaw are
in the open configuration, wherein the pressure-sensing apparatus
is operably coupled to the first jaw and the second jaw of the
capture device to monitor the amount of pressure applied by the
capture device.
82. A system according to claim 80, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to: compare the
monitored pressure applied by the capture device to a threshold
value; and determine whether the body tissue is captured by the
capture device based on the comparison between the monitored
pressure and the threshold value.
83. A system according to claim 80, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to report to a user the
amount of pressure applied by the capture device.
84. A system according to claim 80, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to record the pressure
applied by the capture device.
85. A system according to claim 80, further comprising
force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the electrical
monitoring apparatus and to the capture device to restrict the
amount of pressure applied by the capture device to the body
tissue, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is further
configured to limit the amount of pressure applied by the capture
device based on the comparison between the monitored pressure and
the threshold value.
86. A system according to claim 80, further comprising actuation
apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the actuation apparatus
and is further configured to actuate the capture device to capture
the body tissue using the actuation apparatus based on the amount
of pressure applied by the capture device.
87. A tissue capture system comprising: a capture device; a capture
shaft comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a
distal end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled
to the capture device; pulse oximetry apparatus coupled to the
capture device, wherein the pulse oximetry apparatus comprises: a
transmitter coupled to the capture device configured to transmit
light; and a receiver coupled to the capture device configured to
receive light emitted from the transmitter; and electrical
monitoring apparatus operably coupled to the pulse oximetry
apparatus, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is
configured to monitor the light received by the receiver.
88. A system according to claim 87, wherein the capture device
comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and
the second jaw comprise an open configuration in which the first
jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed configuration in which
the first jaw and the second jaw are closed, wherein an interior
surface of the first jaw is located closer to an interior surface
of the second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the
closed configuration than when the first jaw and the second jaw are
in the open configuration.
89. A system according to claim 88, wherein the transmitter is
coupled to the first jaw and the receiver is coupled to the second
jaw.
90. A system according to claim 87, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to determine whether the
capture device has captured tissue based on the light received by
the receiver.
91. A system according to claim 87, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is further configured to compare the light
received by the receiver to a threshold value to determine whether
the capture device has captured the body tissue.
92. A system according to claim 87, further comprising actuation
apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the electrical
monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the actuation apparatus
and is further configured to actuate the capture device to capture
the body tissue using the actuation apparatus based on the light
received by the receiver.
93. A system according to claim 87, further comprising: a ligation
element configured to ligate the body tissue; and actuation
apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to tighten and
loosen the ligation element around the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the light received by the receiver.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/247,248 filed
30 Sep. 2009, entitled TISSUE CAPTURE AND OCCLUSION SYSTEMS AND
METHODS, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
[0002] Systems and methods for capturing and/or occluding selected
tissue within the internal body of a patient using various
techniques are described herein.
[0003] Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac rhythm disorder
affecting a population of approximately 2.5 million patients in the
United States alone. Atrial fibrillation results from a number of
different causes and is characterized by a rapid chaotic heart
beat. In addition to the risks associated with a disordered heart
beat, patients with atrial fibrillation also have an increased risk
of stroke. It has been estimated that approximately 75,000-90,000
atrial fibrillation patients in the United States each year suffer
a stroke related to that condition. It appears that strokes in
these patients result from emboli many of which may originate from
the left atrial appendage. The irregular heart beat causes blood to
pool in the left atrial appendage, allowing clots to accumulate
over time. From time to time, a clot may dislodge from the left
atrial appendage and may enter the cranial circulation causing a
stroke, the coronary circulation causing a myocardial infarction,
the peripheral circulation causing limb ischemia, as well as other
vascular beds.
[0004] Significant efforts have been made to reduce the risk of
stroke in patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. Most
commonly, those patients are treated with blood thinning agents,
such as Coumadin, to reduce the risk of clot formation. While such
treatment can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, it also
increases the risk of bleeding and for that reason is inappropriate
for many atrial fibrillation patients.
[0005] As an alternative to drug therapy, minimally invasive
surgical procedures for closing the left atrial appendage have been
proposed. Most commonly, the left atrial appendage has been closed
or removed concurrently with open surgical procedures, typically
where the heart has stopped and the chest opened through the
sternum. Because of the significant risk and trauma of such
procedures, left atrial appendage removal occurs almost exclusively
when the patient's chest is opened for other procedures, such as
coronary artery bypass or valve surgery.
[0006] For that reason, alternative procedures which do not require
opening of the patient's chest, i.e., a large median sternotomy,
have been proposed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,234 to Johnson describes a
thoracoscopic procedure where access to the pericardial space over
the heart is achieved using a pair of intercostal penetrations
(i.e., penetrations between the patients ribs) to establish both
visual and surgical access. While such procedures may be performed
while the heart remains beating, they still require deflation of
the patient's lung and that the patient be placed under full
anesthesia. Furthermore, placement of a chest tube is typically
required to re-inflate the lung, often requiring a hospitalization
for a couple of days.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,791, to Whayne et al. describes a
transvascular approach for closing the left atrial appendage.
Access is gained via the venous system, typically through a femoral
vein, a right internal jugular vein, or a subclavian vein, where a
catheter is advanced in an antegrade direction to the right atrium.
The intra-atrial septum is then penetrated, and the catheter passed
into the left atrium. The catheter is then positioned in the
vicinity of the left atrial appendage which is then fused closed,
e.g., using radiofrequency energy, other electrical energy, thermal
energy, surgical adhesives, or the like. Whayne et al. further
describes a thoracoscopic procedure where the pericardium is
penetrated through the rib cage and a lasso placed to tie off the
neck of the left atrial appendage. Other fixation means described
include sutures, staples, shape memory wires, biocompatible
adhesives, tissue ablation, and the like. The transvascular
approach suggested by Whayne et al. is advantageous in that it
avoids the need to penetrate the patient's chest but suffers from
the need to penetrate the intra-atrial septum, may not provide
definitive closure, requires entry into the left atrial appendage
which may dislodge clot and requires injury to the endocardial
surface which may promote thrombus formation. A thoracoscopic
approach which is also suggested by Whayne et al. suffers from the
same problems as the thoracoscopic approach suggested by
Johnson.
[0008] Some improved and alternative methods and procedures for
performing minimally invasive closure of the left atrial appendage
are discussed in, e.g., U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/826,413 filed on 21 Sep. 2006, as well as in International
Publication WO 2008/036408 A2, titled DEVICES AND METHODS FOR
LIGATING ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES.
[0009] These methods and procedures may preferably be capable of
being performed on patients who have received only local or general
anesthetic, whose hearts have not been stopped, and whose lungs are
not deflated. It would be further desirable to provide methods and
procedures which approach the left atrial appendage without the
need to perform a thoracotomy (opening of the thorax) or the need
to perform a transeptal penetration and/or perform the procedure
within the left atrium or left atrial appendage. More specifically,
it would be preferable to provide methods and procedures which
permitted access to the pericardial space from the xiphoid region
of a patient's chest.
[0010] Closure of the left atrial appendage using a percutaneous
approach typically requires devices and techniques that can create
a viable working space in the pericardium and provide for direct
visualization of the left atrial appendage within that space. The
pericardial sac is, however, very slippery, often contains fluid
and is under constant motion. These factors make creating a viable
working space for direct visualization difficult. Existing
technologies are cumbersome (larger, non-steerable, two operator)
and potentially traumatic to the cardiac arteries and veins on the
epicardial surface. Unintentional trauma to a cardiac artery could
cause ischemia or perforations with potentially fatal outcomes for
the patient.
[0011] Direct visualization, however, requires overcoming a number
of technical hurdles including creating a working space in the
pericardial space to create a field of view for a videoscope or
fiberscope a, removing fluids (blood) that can contaminate/obscure
the lens, miniaturizing the tools to be as atraumatic as possible,
confirming capture and/or ligations of the selected body tissue,
etc. Unfortunately the intravascular tools also have significant
drawbacks including the risks and complications of requiring a
second percutaneous intravascular access point, a transseptal
puncture, causing endocardial trauma (potentially pro-thrombotic),
and introducing contrast agents into the circulatory system of
patients.
SUMMARY
[0012] Systems and methods for capture and/or occlusion (e.g.,
through ligation) of selected body tissue using various
characteristics such as the innate electrical activity, electrical
impedance, or other characteristics of the selected body tissue
and/or other tissue and/or various techniques, e.g., including
force-limiting apparatus, pulse oximetry, etc. are described
herein.
[0013] In the context of left atrial appendage closure, the systems
and methods can be used to capture the left atrial appendage, e.g.,
while a closure instrument (suture, clip, ring, etc.) is placed
over the appendage and tightened down or a closure method
(ablation, cryogenic procedures, stapling, etc.) is performed to
close the left atrial appendage. As discussed herein, the use of
electrical activity (e.g., cardiac electrical activity, impedances
through body tissue, etc.) may be used to capture and/or to occlude
the left atrial appendage and/or other body tissue. Further, the
use of other characteristics (e.g., pulse oximetry, movement, etc.)
may be used to capture and/or to occlude the left atrial appendage
and/or other body tissue. Still further, additional devices may be
used to capture and/or occlude the left atrial appendage, such as,
e.g., one or more actuation apparatuses operably coupled to a
capture device and/or a ligation device, one or more force-limiting
apparatuses operably coupled to a capture device and/or a ligation
device.
[0014] The systems and methods described herein may preferably be
used in connection with minimally invasive surgical techniques
(e.g., percutaneous, laparascopic, endoscopic, etc.) in which it
can be difficult to visualize the working field and/or where the
available working space is limited. One example of such a situation
is demonstrated by techniques that require capture and/or occlusion
within the pericardial space to, e.g., close the left atrial
appendage.
[0015] Although described in the context of left atrial appendage
capture, the systems and methods described herein may be used in
any internal body location where innate electrical activity and/or
other characteristics may be used to assist in body tissue capture
and/or occlusion. Other body tissues with which the systems and
methods described herein could potentially be used may include,
e.g., the gastrointestinal tract, central and/or peripheral nervous
systems, skeletal muscle groups, etc. As a result, although the
embodiments discussed herein are focused on cardiac tissues, use in
connection with other body tissues is possible.
[0016] With respect to systems and devices for capturing the left
atrial appendage, the capture may be accomplished by monitoring
cardiac electrical activity using one or more electrodes attached
to one or more components of the systems. For example, an impedance
monitored across the left atrial appendage, e.g., by electrodes
located on a capture device, may change in accordance with the
amount of force applied by the capture device and/or ligation
device. As a result, a user can determine whether the left atrial
appendage has been captured and/or ligated based on the monitored
impedance using the systems and methods described herein.
[0017] The systems and methods may preferably facilitate minimally
invasive surgical navigation to the left atrial appendage (or other
anatomy with sufficiently electrically active tissue) through a
small incision or needle-stick access. The devices described herein
may preferably be delivered through an introducer and sheath (that
is possibly curved, steerable and/or deflectable). After access to
the pericardial space has been obtained, a guidewire may be placed
in the pericardial space to help guide the devices further into the
pericardial space. The access needle, introducer sheath, or
guidewire may optionally include electrodes that could be used to
assist with navigation to a desired location.
[0018] Each device described in connection with the systems and
methods could potentially be delivered through such a sheath and
into the pericardial sac. Although this technology could be used
with a wide variety of surgical techniques, it may be well-suited
for minimally invasive catheter based procedures. Rather than
passing through the rib cage, as with some thoracoscopic
techniques, the systems and methods described herein may, for
example, rely on a "sub-xiphoid" approach where the percutaneous
penetration is first made beneath the rib cage (preferably between
the xiphoid and adjacent costal cartilage) and the device is
advanced through the penetration, over the epicardial surface (in
the pericardial space) to reach a location adjacent to the exterior
of the left atrial appendage. Although a sub-xyphoid approach may
be used, any intrapericardial access may alternatively be used
regardless of the method of entry.
[0019] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; a first capture device electrode coupled to the
capture device; a second capture device electrode coupled to the
capture device; and electrical monitoring apparatus operably
coupled to the first capture device electrode and the second
capture device electrode. The electrical monitoring apparatus is
configured to: monitor an impedance between the first capture
device electrode and the second capture device electrode; and
determine whether the capture device is proximate a selected tissue
based on the monitored impedance.
[0020] In various embodiments, the systems described herein may
include a capture device that comprises a first jaw and a second
jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw comprise an open
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are open
and a closed configuration in which the first jaw and the second
jaw are closed, wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is
located closer to an interior surface of the second jaw when the
first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed configuration than
when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open
configuration. In some embodiments, the first capture device
electrode may be coupled to the interior surface of the first jaw
and the second capture device electrode may be coupled to the
interior surface of the second jaw. In some embodiments, the first
capture device electrode is coupled to the interior surface of the
first jaw and the interior surface of the second jaw is free of any
electrodes.
[0021] In various embodiments, the systems described herein may
include force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the capture
device to restrict the amount of force applied by the capture
device to the body tissue, wherein the electrical monitoring
apparatus is further operably coupled to the force-limiting
apparatus and is further configured to use the force-limiting
apparatus to restrict the amount of force applied by the capture
device based on the monitored impedance.
[0022] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to monitor
the impedance between the first capture device electrode and the
second capture device electrode by monitoring the impedance at a
selected frequency between the first capture device electrode and
the second capture device electrode.
[0023] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to monitor
the impedance between the first capture device electrode and the
second capture device electrode by monitoring the impedance at a
selected amplitude between the first capture device electrode and
the second capture device electrode.
[0024] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is configured to determine whether
the capture device is proximate a selected tissue based on the
monitored impedance by comparing the monitored impedance to a
threshold value. In some embodiments, the threshold value is
acquired by monitoring the impedance of the selected tissue.
[0025] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to provide an
indication to restrict the amount of force applied by the capture
device based on the monitored impedance.
[0026] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to determine
whether the capture device has captured the selected tissue based
on the monitored impedance.
[0027] In various embodiments, the systems described herein may
include actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device
to actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein
the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored impedance.
[0028] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
selected tissue comprises atrial tissue.
[0029] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; a capture device electrode coupled to the capture
device; a ligation element configured to ligate the body tissue; a
ligation element electrode coupled to the ligation element; and
electrical monitoring apparatus operably coupled to the capture
device and the ligation element electrode. The electrical
monitoring apparatus is configured to: monitor an impedance between
the capture device electrode and the ligation element electrode;
and determine whether the capture device is proximate a selected
tissue based on the monitored impedance.
[0030] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
a capture device that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw,
wherein the first jaw and the second jaw comprise an open
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are open
and a closed configuration in which the first jaw and the second
jaw are closed, wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is
located closer to an interior surface of the second jaw when the
first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed configuration than
when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open
configuration. In some embodiments, the capture device electrode is
coupled to the interior surface of one of the first jaw and the
second jaw. In some embodiments, the capture device electrode is
coupled to the interior surface of the first jaw and wherein the
interior surface of the second jaw is free of any electrodes.
[0031] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
system further comprises force-limiting apparatus operably coupled
to the capture device to restrict the amount of force applied by
the capture device, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is
further operably coupled to the force-limiting apparatus and is
further configured to use the force-limiting apparatus to restrict
the amount of force applied by capture device based on the
monitored impedance.
[0032] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
system further comprises force-limiting apparatus operably coupled
to the ligation element to restrict the amount of force applied by
ligation element when the ligation element is tightened around the
body tissue, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is further
operably coupled to the force-limiting apparatus and is further
configured to use the force-limiting apparatus to restrict the
amount of force applied by ligation element when the ligation
element is tightened around the body tissue based on the monitored
impedance.
[0033] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to provide an
indication to a user to restrict the amount of force applied by the
capture device based on the monitored impedance.
[0034] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor the
impedance between the capture device electrode and the ligation
element electrode by monitoring the impedance at a selected
frequency between the capture device electrode and the ligation
element electrode.
[0035] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor the
impedance between the capture device electrode and the ligation
element electrode by monitoring the impedance at a selected
amplitude between the capture device electrode and the ligation
element electrode.
[0036] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to compare
the monitored impedance to a threshold value to determine whether
the capture device is proximate the selected tissue. In some
embodiments, the threshold value comprises a preselected
impedance.
[0037] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
selected tissue comprises atrial tissue.
[0038] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to
actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored impedance.
[0039] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to
tighten and loosen the ligation element around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to
the actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored impedance.
[0040] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; a ligation element configured to ligate the body
tissue; and force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the
ligation element to restrict the amount of force applied by
ligation element when the ligation element is tightened around the
body tissue. In some embodiments, the force-limiting apparatus
comprises a spring operably coupled to the ligation element, a
clutch, etc.
[0041] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
a force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the capture device
to restrict the amount of force applied by the capture device to
the body tissue.
[0042] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
capture device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the
first jaw and the second jaw comprise an open configuration in
which the first jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed,
wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is located closer to
an interior surface of the second jaw when the first jaw and the
second jaw are in the closed configuration than when the first jaw
and the second jaw are in the open configuration, wherein the
force-limiting apparatus is configured to restrict the amount of
force applied by the first jaw and the second jaw. In some
embodiments, the force-limiting apparatus comprises a spring
operably coupled to the first jaw and the second jaw, wherein the
spring operates to keep the first jaw and the second jaw in a
normally closed configuration. In some embodiments, the
force-limiting apparatus comprises a clutch.
[0043] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; pressure-sensing apparatus operably coupled to the
capture device; and electrical monitoring apparatus operably
coupled to the pressure-sensing apparatus. The electrical
monitoring apparatus is configured to measure the amount of
pressure applied by the capture device.
[0044] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
capture device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the
first jaw and the second jaw comprise an open configuration in
which the first jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed,
wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is located closer to
an interior surface of the second jaw when the first jaw and the
second jaw are in the closed configuration than when the first jaw
and the second jaw are in the open configuration, wherein the
pressure-sensing apparatus is operably coupled to the first jaw and
the second jaw of the capture device to monitor the amount of
pressure applied by the capture device.
[0045] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to: compare
the monitored pressure applied by the capture device to a threshold
value; and determine whether the body tissue is captured by the
capture device based on the comparison between the monitored
pressure and the threshold value.
[0046] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to report to
a user the amount of pressure applied by the capture device.
[0047] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to record the
pressure applied by the capture device.
[0048] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the electrical
monitoring apparatus and to the capture device to restrict the
amount of pressure applied by the capture device to the body
tissue, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is further
configured to limit the amount of pressure applied by the capture
device based on the comparison between the monitored pressure and
the threshold value.
[0049] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to
actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the amount of pressure applied by the capture
device.
[0050] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; temperature-sensing apparatus operably coupled to
the capture device; and electrical monitoring apparatus operably
coupled to the temperature-sensing apparatus, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor the
temperature proximate the temperature-sensing apparatus.
[0051] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
capture device comprises a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the
first jaw and the second jaw comprise an open configuration in
which the first jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed,
wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is located closer to
an interior surface of the second jaw when the first jaw and the
second jaw are in the closed configuration than when the first jaw
and the second jaw are in the open configuration.
[0052] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to: compare
the monitored temperature to a threshold value; and determine
whether the body tissue is captured by the capture device based on
the comparison between the monitored temperature and the threshold
value.
[0053] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to report the
monitored temperature to a user to assist in determining whether
the body tissue is captured by the capture device.
[0054] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
a ligation element configured to ligate the body tissue; and
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to
tighten and loosen the ligation element around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to
the actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored temperature.
[0055] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to
actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored temperature.
[0056] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; a ligation element configured to ligate the body
tissue; motion-sensing apparatus operably coupled to the capture
device; and electrical monitoring apparatus operably coupled to the
motion-sensing apparatus. The electrical monitoring apparatus is
configured to: monitor the motion of the capture device; and
determine whether the ligation element has ligated the body tissue
based on the monitored motion of the capture device. In some
embodiments, the capture device comprises a first jaw and a second
jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw comprise an open
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are open
and a closed configuration in which the first jaw and the second
jaw are closed, wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is
located closer to an interior surface of the second jaw when the
first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed configuration than
when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open
configuration.
[0057] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to
actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored motion of the capture device.
[0058] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to
tighten and loosen the ligation element around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to
the actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored motion of the capture device.
[0059] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device; a capture shaft comprising an elongated body
comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end
of the capture shaft is coupled to the capture device; pulse
oximetry apparatus coupled to the capture device, wherein the pulse
oximetry apparatus comprises: a transmitter coupled to the capture
device configured to transmit light; and a receiver coupled to the
capture device configured to receive light emitted from the
transmitter; and electrical monitoring apparatus operably coupled
to the pulse oximetry apparatus, wherein the electrical monitoring
apparatus is configured to monitor the light received by the
receiver. In some embodiments, the capture device comprises a first
jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw
comprise an open configuration in which the first jaw and the
second jaw are open and a closed configuration in which the first
jaw and the second jaw are closed, wherein an interior surface of
the first jaw is located closer to an interior surface of the
second jaw when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed
configuration than when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the
open configuration. In various embodiments, the transmitter is
coupled to the first jaw and the receiver is coupled to the second
jaw.
[0060] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to determine
whether the capture device has captured tissue based on the light
received by the receiver.
[0061] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to compare
the light received by the receiver to a threshold value to
determine whether the capture device has captured the body
tissue.
[0062] In various embodiments, the systems described herein
includes actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device
to actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein
the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the light received by the receiver.
[0063] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
a ligation element configured to ligate the body tissue; and
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to
tighten and loosen the ligation element around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to
the actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the light received by the receiver.
[0064] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
capture device configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft
comprising an elongated body comprising a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device; an electrode coupled to the capture device; a
ligation element configured to ligate the body tissue; and
electrical monitoring apparatus operably coupled to the electrode.
The electrical monitoring apparatus is configured to: monitor
electrical activity of the body tissue using the electrode; compare
the monitored electrical activity to a threshold value; and
determine whether the body tissue has been ligated based on the
based on the comparison between the monitored electrical activity
and the threshold value. In some embodiments, the system may
further include a force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the
ligation element to restrict the amount of force applied by
ligation element when the ligation element is tightened around the
body tissue, wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is further
configured to use the force-limiting apparatus to restrict the
amount of force applied by the ligation element based on the
comparison between the monitored electrical activity and the
threshold value. The force-limiting apparatus may be a spring
operably coupled to the ligation element.
[0065] In some embodiments, the system may further include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the capture device to
actuate the capture device to capture the body tissue, wherein the
electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
actuation apparatus and is further configured to actuate the
capture device to capture the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored electrical activity.
[0066] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to
tighten and loosen the ligation element around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to
the actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored electrical activity.
[0067] In some embodiments, the systems described herein include a
ligation element for ligating body tissue, wherein the ligation
element comprises a loop; a ligation element lead extending from a
first end to a second end and throughout the ligation element; and
electrical monitoring apparatus operably coupled to the first end
and the second end of ligation element lead. The electrical
monitoring apparatus is configured to: monitor an impedance of the
ligation element lead; and determine whether the body tissue has
been ligated based on the monitored impedance.
[0068] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to: compare
the monitored impedance to a threshold value; and determine whether
the body tissue has been ligated based on the comparison between
the monitored impedance and a threshold value.
[0069] In various embodiments, the systems described herein, the
electrical monitoring apparatus is further configured to report the
amount of tension within the ligation element based on the
monitored impedance.
[0070] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
a force-limiting apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element
to restrict the amount of force applied by ligation element when
the ligation element is tightened around the body tissue, wherein
the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to the
force-limiting apparatus and is further configured to use the
force-limiting apparatus to restrict the amount of force applied by
the ligation element based on the monitored impedance. In some
embodiments, the force-limiting apparatus comprises a clutch.
[0071] In various embodiments, the systems described herein include
actuation apparatus operably coupled to the ligation element to
tighten and loosen the ligation element around the body tissue,
wherein the electrical monitoring apparatus is operably coupled to
the actuation apparatus and is further configured to tighten the
ligation element around the body tissue using the actuation
apparatus based on the monitored impedance.
[0072] Navigation to and capture of the left atrial appendage may
be used to provide stability for subsequent procedures. The left
atrial appendage may be stabilized and/or captured for any number
of procedures including ablation, drug delivery, isolation,
ligation, diagnostic mapping, etc. The systems and methods
described herein may help navigate to and locate the left atrial
appendage through minimally invasive approaches.
[0073] Further, the systems and methods described herein may use
EGM signals for navigation and tissue capture with respect to the
left atrial appendage as well as other navigation techniques, such
as, e.g., fluoroscopy, echocardiography, MRI, CT scanning,
ultrasonic imaging, direct visualization (using, e.g., fiberoptic
devices), etc. Some potentially useful systems and methods for
navigation using innate electrical signals such as EGM signals may
be described in PCT Application Serial No. US2009/38544, filed Mar.
27, 2009, entitled NAVIGATION AND TISSUE CAPTURE SYSTEMS AND
METHODS.
[0074] For example, the methods described herein may include
navigating a device to an anatomical structure by delivering a
device into the anatomical area; injecting image enhancement liquid
into the anatomical area; and identifying the location of the
device and/or the locations of anatomical structures (e.g., the
left atrial appendage) using fluoroscopic or other imaging
techniques that may be enhanced by injection of the image
enhancement liquid.
[0075] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
capture device having a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the
first jaw and the second jaw have an open configuration in which
the first jaw and the second jaw are open and a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed,
wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is located closer to
an interior surface of the second jaw when the first jaw and the
second jaw are in the closed configuration than when the first jaw
and the second jaw are in the open configuration; a capture shaft
having an elongated body with a proximal end and a distal end,
wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is attached to the
capture device; a capture shaft electrode attached to the capture
shaft proximate the distal end of the capture shaft, wherein the
capture shaft electrode is located proximal of the capture device;
a capture shaft electrode conductor extending from the capture
shaft electrode towards the proximal end of the capture shaft,
wherein the capture shaft conductor includes an electrical
monitoring apparatus connector; a first electrode attached to the
capture device; and a first electrode lead extending from the first
electrode towards the proximal end of the capture shaft, wherein
the first electrode lead has an electrical monitoring apparatus
connector.
[0076] In another aspect, a method of navigating to selected
internal body tissue is described that includes delivering the
capture device of a navigation and tissue capture system described
herein to an internal body location; monitoring innate electrical
activity in tissue proximate the internal body location using the
capture shaft electrode; capturing tissue using the capture device;
and monitoring innate electrical activity in tissue captured by the
capture device. In some embodiments, the internal body location may
be the pericardial space and the captured tissue may include the
left atrial appendage.
[0077] In another aspect, a system is described that includes a
delivery device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a capture
lumen having an opening proximate the distal end of the delivery
device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the proximal
end and the distal end; a capture device sized for movement within
the capture lumen of the delivery device, wherein the capture
device has a delivery configuration in which a distal end of the
capture device is contained within the capture lumen, and wherein
the capture device has an extended configuration in which the
distal end of the capture device extends out of the capture lumen
proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a capture shaft
having a distal end operably attached to the capture device, the
capture shaft extending through the capture lumen from a proximal
end of the capture lumen to the capture device; a capture shaft
electrode attached to the capture shaft proximate the distal end of
the capture shaft, wherein the capture shaft electrode is located
proximal of the capture device; a capture shaft electrode conductor
extending from the capture shaft electrode towards the proximal end
of the capture shaft, wherein the capture shaft conductor includes
a connector adapted for connection to an EGM monitoring apparatus;
a primary capture electrode attached to the capture device; and a
primary capture electrode lead extending from the primary capture
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the primary capture electrode lead includes a connector adapted for
connection to an EGM monitoring apparatus.
[0078] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
delivery device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a capture
lumen having an opening proximate the distal end of the delivery
device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the proximal
end and the distal end; a capture device having a first jaw and a
second jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw have an open
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are open
and a closed configuration in which the first jaw and the second
jaw are closed; the capture device sized for movement within the
capture lumen of the delivery device, wherein the capture device
has a delivery configuration in which a distal end of the capture
device is contained within the capture lumen, and wherein the
capture device has an extended configuration in which the distal
end of the capture device extends out of the capture lumen
proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a capture shaft
having a distal end operably attached to the capture device, the
capture shaft extending through the capture lumen from a proximal
end of the capture lumen to the capture device; a capture shaft
electrode attached to the capture shaft proximate the distal end of
the capture shaft, wherein the capture shaft electrode is located
proximal of the capture device; a capture shaft electrode conductor
extending from the capture shaft electrode towards the proximal end
of the capture shaft, wherein the capture shaft conductor includes
an EGM monitoring apparatus connector; a first electrode exposed on
an interior surface of the first jaw of the capture device; and a
first electrode lead extending from the first electrode towards the
proximal end of the delivery device, wherein the first electrode
lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus connector.
[0079] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
delivery device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a capture
lumen with an opening proximate the distal end of the delivery
device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the proximal
end and the distal end; a capture device having a first jaw and a
second jaw, wherein the first jaw and the second jaw have an open
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are open
and a closed configuration in which the first jaw and the second
jaw are closed; the capture device sized for movement within the
capture lumen of the delivery device, wherein the capture device
has a delivery configuration in which a distal end of the capture
device is contained within the capture lumen, and wherein the
capture device has an extended configuration in which the distal
end of the capture device extends out of the capture lumen
proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a capture shaft
having a distal end operably attached to the capture device, the
capture shaft extending through the capture lumen from a proximal
end of the capture lumen to the capture device; a capture shaft
electrode attached to the capture shaft proximate the distal end of
the capture shaft, wherein the capture shaft electrode is located
proximal of the capture device; a capture shaft electrode conductor
extending from the capture shaft electrode towards the proximal end
of the capture shaft, wherein the capture shaft conductor includes
an EGM monitoring apparatus connector; a first electrode and a
second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second
electrode are exposed on an interior surface of the first jaw of
the capture device; a first electrode lead extending from the first
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the first electrode lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus
connector; and a second electrode lead extending from the second
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the second electrode lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus
connector.
[0080] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
capture shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the
capture shaft defines a longitudinal axis extending from the
proximal end to the distal end; a capture device attached to the
distal end of the capture shaft, the capture device having a first
jaw and a second jaw, wherein the capture device has a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed
and an open configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw
are open; and wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second
jaw rotate about an axis oriented generally transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the capture shaft when the first jaw and the
second jaw move between the open configuration and the closed
configuration; a capture shaft electrode attached to the capture
shaft proximate the distal end of the capture shaft, wherein the
capture shaft electrode is located proximal of the capture device;
a capture shaft electrode conductor extending from the capture
shaft electrode towards the proximal end of the capture shaft,
wherein the capture shaft conductor includes an EGM monitoring
apparatus connector; a first electrode exposed on an interior
surface of the first jaw of the capture device; and a first
electrode lead extending from the first electrode towards the
proximal end of the delivery device, wherein the first electrode
lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus connector.
[0081] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
capture shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the
capture shaft defines a longitudinal axis extending from the
proximal end to the distal end; a capture device attached to the
distal end of the capture shaft, the capture device having a first
jaw and a second jaw, wherein the capture device has a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed
and an open configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw
are open; and wherein at least one of the first jaw and the second
jaw rotate about an axis oriented generally transverse to the
longitudinal axis of the capture shaft when the first jaw and the
second jaw move between the open configuration and the closed
configuration; an external electrode located on an external surface
of at least one of the first jaw and the second jaw; and an
external electrode lead extending from the external electrode
towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein the
external electrode lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus
connector; a first electrode exposed on an interior surface of the
first jaw of the capture device; and a first electrode lead
extending from the first electrode towards the proximal end of the
delivery device, wherein the first electrode lead includes an EGM
monitoring apparatus connector.
[0082] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
capture shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the
capture shaft defines a longitudinal axis extending from the
proximal end to the distal end; a capture device attached to the
distal end of the capture shaft, the capture device having a first
jaw and a second jaw, wherein the capture device has a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed
and an open configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw
are open, wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is located
closer to an interior surface of the second jaw when the first jaw
and the second jaw are in the closed configuration than when the
first jaw and the second jaw are in the open configuration; an
electrode exposed on an interior surface of the first jaw of the
capture device; and a first electrode lead extending from the first
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the first electrode lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus
connector; wherein the interior surface of the second jaw does not
contain any electrodes capable of sensing innate electrical
activity of tissue located between the first jaw and the second
jaw.
[0083] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
capture shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the
capture shaft defines a longitudinal axis extending from the
proximal end to the distal end; a capture device attached to the
distal end of the capture shaft, the capture device having a first
jaw and a second jaw, wherein the capture device has a closed
configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw are closed
and an open configuration in which the first jaw and the second jaw
are open, wherein an interior surface of the first jaw is located
closer to an interior surface of the second jaw when the first jaw
and the second jaw are in the closed configuration than when the
first jaw and the second jaw are in the open configuration; a first
electrode exposed on an interior surface of the first jaw of the
capture device, wherein the first electrode occupies about one
quarter or more of the interior surface of the first jaw; and a
first electrode lead extending from the first electrode towards the
proximal end of the delivery device, wherein the first electrode
lead includes an EGM monitoring apparatus connector.
[0084] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
delivery device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a capture
lumen having an opening proximate the distal end of the delivery
device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the proximal
end and the distal end; a delivery device electrode attached to the
delivery device proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a
delivery device electrode lead extending from the delivery device
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the delivery device electrode lead includes a connector adapted for
connection to an EGM monitoring apparatus; a capture device sized
for movement within the capture lumen of the delivery device,
wherein the capture device has a delivery configuration in which a
distal end of the capture device is contained within the capture
lumen, and wherein the capture device has an extended configuration
in which the distal end of the capture device extends out of the
capture lumen proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a
primary capture electrode attached to the capture device; and a
primary capture electrode lead extending from the primary capture
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the primary capture electrode lead includes a connector adapted for
connection to an EGM monitoring apparatus.
[0085] In another aspect, a capture system may be provided that
includes a delivery device comprising a proximal end, a distal end,
and a capture lumen comprising an opening proximate the distal end
of the delivery device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between
the proximal end and the distal end; a capture device sized for
movement within the capture lumen of the delivery device, wherein
the capture device includes a delivery configuration in which a
distal end of the capture device is contained within the capture
lumen, and wherein the capture device has an extended configuration
in which the distal end of the capture device extends out of the
capture lumen proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a
primary capture electrode attached to the capture device; and a
primary capture electrode lead extending from the primary capture
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the primary capture electrode lead includes a connector adapted for
connection to an EGM monitoring apparatus.
[0086] Any of the systems described herein may include an EGM
monitor device capable of displaying EGM signals obtained from one
or more electrodes provided in the systems.
[0087] Any of the systems described herein may include a delivery
device and/or a capture shaft that includes at least one image
enhancement liquid injection lumen having an injection opening
proximate the distal end of the delivery device and/or the capture
shaft.
[0088] In another aspect, a kit may be provided that includes any
of the navigation and tissue capture systems described herein along
with an image enhancement liquid injection device. The kit may
further include a container of image enhancement liquid.
[0089] In another aspect, a method of navigating a device to the
left atrial appendage may be provided that includes delivering a
device into the pericardial sac; detecting an EGM signal within the
pericardial sac using one or more electrodes on the device;
identifying the location of the device relative to the left atrial
appendage by determining if the EGM signal is associated with
atrial epicardial tissue; optionally confirming capture of the left
atrial appendage by a capture device by determining if an EGM
signal obtained from tissue captured by the capture device is
associated with tissue of the left atrial appendage; and optionally
confirming capture of atrial tissue by electrically stimulating the
atrial tissue and confirming that the tissue is being paced.
[0090] In another aspect, a system is provided that includes a
delivery device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a capture
lumen that includes an opening proximate the distal end of the
delivery device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the
proximal end and the distal end; a delivery device electrode
attached to the delivery device proximate the distal end of the
delivery device; a delivery device electrode lead extending from
the delivery device electrode towards the proximal end of the
delivery device, wherein the delivery device electrode lead
comprises a connector adapted for connection to an EGM monitoring
apparatus; a capture device sized for movement within the capture
lumen of the delivery device, wherein the capture device has a
delivery configuration in which a distal end of the capture device
is contained within the capture lumen, and wherein the capture
device has an extended configuration in which the distal end of the
capture device extends out of the capture lumen proximate the
distal end of the delivery device; a primary capture electrode
attached to the capture device; and a primary capture electrode
lead extending from the primary capture electrode towards the
proximal end of the delivery device, wherein the primary capture
electrode lead includes a connector adapted for connection to an
EGM monitoring apparatus.
[0091] In various aspects, the systems may include one or more of
the following features. The primary capture electrode may be
located within the capture lumen when the capture device is in the
delivery configuration, and the primary capture electrode may be
located outside of the capture lumen when the capture device is in
the extended configuration. The capture device may be a grasping
apparatus that includes a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein
closure of the grasping apparatus includes movement of the first
jaw and the second jaw towards each other to capture tissue between
the first jaw and the second jaw; the primary capture electrode may
be attached to the first jaw; the capture device may include an
auxiliary capture electrode attached to the second jaw. The primary
capture electrode and the auxiliary capture electrode may be
arranged such that closure of the grasping apparatus in the absence
of tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw causes the
primary electrode and the auxiliary electrode to contact each
other. The first jaw and the second jaw may be arranged opposite
from each other, and wherein the first jaw and the second jaw both
include an internal surface facing the opposing jaw and an external
surface facing away from the opposing jaw, and further wherein the
primary capture electrode is located on one of the external
surfaces of the first jaw and the second jaw. A first jaw electrode
may be located on the internal surface of the first jaw and a
second jaw electrode may be located on the internal surface of the
second jaw, wherein the first jaw electrode and the second jaw
electrode may be arranged such that closure of the grasping
apparatus in the absence of tissue between the first jaw and the
second jaw causes the first jaw electrode and the second jaw
electrode to contact each other. The system may include a return
and/or tracking electrode adapted for attachment to the skin of a
patient. The capture device may include a barbed hook, a tissue
screw; a cryogenic device; a cage, a lasso, a suction device,
adhesive, RF energy, etc. The delivery device may include a
ligation lumen having a ligation opening proximate the distal end
of the delivery device. The system may include an EGM monitor
device capable of displaying EGM signals obtained from one or more
electrodes of the tissue capture system.
[0092] In another aspect, a system may be provided that includes a
delivery device having a proximal end, a distal end, and a capture
lumen that includes an opening proximate the distal end of the
delivery device, wherein a longitudinal axis extends between the
proximal end and the distal end; a capture device sized for
movement within the capture lumen of the delivery device, wherein
the capture device has a delivery configuration in which a distal
end of the capture device is contained within the capture lumen,
and wherein the capture device has an extended configuration in
which the distal end of the capture device extends out of the
capture lumen proximate the distal end of the delivery device; a
primary capture electrode attached to the capture device; and a
primary capture electrode lead extending from the primary capture
electrode towards the proximal end of the delivery device, wherein
the primary capture electrode lead includes a connector adapted for
connection to an EGM monitoring apparatus.
[0093] In another aspect, a method is provided that may include
navigating a device to the left atrial appendage by delivering a
device into the pericardial sac; detecting an EGM signal within the
pericardial sac using one or more electrodes on the device;
identifying the location of the device relative to the left atrial
appendage by determining if the EGM signal is associated with
atrial epicardial tissue; optionally confirming capture of the left
atrial appendage by a capture device by determining if an EGM
signal obtained from tissue captured by the capture device is
associated with tissue of the left atrial appendage.
[0094] Further, the navigation and capture systems described herein
may be integrated with various other systems including, e.g.,
NavX/Carto systems, TEE Doppler flow imaging systems, etc.
[0095] The words "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments
that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances.
However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or
other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more
preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not
useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the
scope of the invention.
[0096] As used herein, "a," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one
or more" are used interchangeably. Thus, for example, an electrode
may be used to refer to one, two, three or more electrodes.
[0097] The term "and/or" means one or all of the listed elements or
a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.
[0098] The above summary is not intended to describe each
embodiment or every implementation of the systems and methods
described herein. Rather, a more complete understanding of the
systems and methods described herein will become apparent and
appreciated by reference to the following Detailed Description of
Exemplary Embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying
figures of the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0099] FIG. 1 depicts one exemplary embodiment of a delivery device
with a capture device extending out of a delivery lumen in the
delivery device.
[0100] FIG. 2A depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device including a mapping device extending therefrom.
[0101] FIG. 2B depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device with a capture device extending out of a delivery lumen in
the delivery device and a mapping device extending out of the
capture device.
[0102] FIG. 3 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device with a capture device extending out of a delivery lumen in
the delivery device.
[0103] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a human heart showing
the left side anatomy, with the delivery device and capture device
of FIG. 1 on the epicardial surface of the human heart.
[0104] FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary EGM signal from of a normal
heartbeat (or cardiac cycle) including a P wave, a QRS complex and
a T wave. The EGM signal corresponds to the depolarization of the
atria and ventricles.
[0105] FIGS. 6A-6C depict exemplary electrocardiogram (EGM) signals
seen as a device is advanced from the apex of the human heart
towards the left atrial appendage.
[0106] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the human heart showing
the left side anatomy, with the capture device of FIG. 1 capturing
the left atrial appendage.
[0107] FIG. 8A depicts a representative electrogram (EGM) across
the interior electrodes on the jaws of the capture device of FIG.
7.
[0108] FIG. 8B depicts a representative electrogram (EGM) as
detected by the external electrode while grasping the left atrial
appendage tissue.
[0109] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the human heart
depicting closure of the capture device of FIG. 1 in a situation
where the capture device does not capture left atrial appendage
tissue.
[0110] FIG. 10A depicts a representative electrogram (EGM) across
the interior electrodes on the jaws of the capture device of FIG. 9
when the jaws do not capture tissue.
[0111] FIG. 10B depicts a representative electrogram (EGM) as
detected using the exterior electrode when the jaws do capture left
atrial appendage tissue.
[0112] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the human heart
depicting advancement of a capture device past the distal tip of
the left atrial appendage lobe.
[0113] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the human heart
depicting the capture device after advancement beneath the distal
tip of the left atrial appendage lobe.
[0114] FIG. 13A depicts a representative electrogram (EGM) across
the interior electrodes on the jaws of the capture device of FIG.
12.
[0115] FIG. 13B depicts a representative electrogram (EGM) as
detected by the exterior electrode on the capture device of FIG.
12.
[0116] FIG. 14 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device with a capture device extending out of a delivery lumen in
the delivery device.
[0117] FIG. 15 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device with a capture device extending out of a delivery lumen in
the delivery device.
[0118] FIG. 16 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device with a capture device and a guiding element extending out of
a delivery lumen in the delivery device.
[0119] FIG. 17 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a capture
device.
[0120] FIG. 18 is an enlarged perspective view of the distal end
portion of one embodiment of a capture device in an open
configuration.
[0121] FIG. 19 is an enlarged perspective view of the capture
device of FIG. 18 in a closed configuration.
[0122] FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the capture device of
FIG. 18.
[0123] FIG. 21 is a schematic of one system including electrodes
operably coupled to an electrical activity (e.g., EGM) monitoring
device.
[0124] FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a method and configuration to
be used with the systems described herein.
[0125] FIGS. 23-25 are block diagrams of portions of exemplary
tissue capture and ligation systems.
[0126] FIGS. 26 & 27 depict two different embodiments of
ligation elements including electrodes.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0127] In the following description of exemplary embodiments,
reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which
form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration,
specific embodiments in which the systems and/or methods may be
practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
[0128] One exemplary embodiment of a tissue capture system
including a delivery device 10 and a capture device 20 is depicted
in FIG. 1. The delivery device 10 may be provided in the form of,
e.g., a sheath (that may or may not be provided with an
introducer/dilator as is known), catheter, or other elongate
structure. The delivery device 10 may or may not be flexible. The
delivery device 10 itself may preferably be steerable or
deflectable. The delivery device 10 is also optional, i.e., the
navigation and tissue capture systems described herein may not
include a delivery sheath.
[0129] The proximal end of the capture device 20 may preferably
include a user interface that allows an operator to deploy and
retract the capture device 20 from within the delivery device 10, a
mechanism to actuate the capture device 20, and optionally a
mechanism to steer the capture device separately from the delivery
device 10.
[0130] In the depicted embodiment, the delivery device 10 includes
a lumen through which the capture device 20 can be advanced or
retracted to assist with delivery of the capture device 20 to a
selected internal body location. Although the delivery device 10
may include as few as one lumen as depicted in FIG. 1, it may
include two or more lumens that may be used to provide pathways to
deliver other devices, provide visual access, fluid access, etc.
The capture device 20 may preferably extend out of the proximal end
of the delivery device 10 such that it can be controlled by a user
also operating the delivery device 10 as is conventional in the use
of minimally invasive surgical devices.
[0131] The capture device 20 is depicted in FIG. 1 in an extended
configuration in which the distal end of the capture device 20
extends out of the lumen in the delivery device 10 proximate the
distal end of the delivery device 10. Although not depicted, the
capture device 20 is preferably movable within the lumen of the
delivery device 10 such that the capture device 20 can be moved
between the extended position depicted in FIG. 1 and a delivery
configuration in which a distal end of the capture device 20 is
contained within the lumen of the delivery device 10. A potential
benefit of having the capture device 20 retracted into the delivery
device 10 during delivery is a reduction in the likelihood of
trauma to the epicardial surface at the delivery site and on the
path to the delivery site (e.g., a left atrial appendage).
[0132] The capture device 20 depicted in FIG. 1 is in the form of a
grasping apparatus that includes two jaws 22 and 24. The jaws 22
and 24 can preferably be moved between on open position adapted to
allow tissue to enter the space between the open jaws 22 and 24 and
a closed position in the jaws 22 and 24 are moved towards each
other to capture tissue that can be grasped between the jaws 22 and
24. The jaws of the grasping apparatus can be actuated by any
suitable technique (e.g., mechanical linkage, memory material that
is closed when drawn into the delivery device, electrical
activation, hydraulically, pneumatically, magnetically, etc.).
Although the grasping apparatus of the capture device 20 includes
two jaws, it should be understood that other grasping apparatus may
be provided that include three or more jaws (and that other
apparatus for capturing tissue may be used in place of, or in
addition to, apparatus that use jaws).
[0133] Also, although the exemplary systems and methods are
described in connection with a grasping apparatus as a tissue
capture device, it should be understood that the systems and
methods may be used in connection with a wide variety of capture
devices. Potentially useful alternative capture devices may
include, but are not limited to, helix groups, cryogenic tips,
barbed hooks, cages, adhesive structures, suction, laser energy, RF
energy, etc. Examples of some potentially suitable capture devices
and/or systems may be described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,434; U.S.
Pat. No. 7,141,057; U.S. Pat. No. 7,276,235; U.S. Pat. No.
6,206,827; etc.
[0134] The capture device 20 depicted in FIG. 1 includes electrodes
that can be used to detect EGM signals for navigating the delivery
device 10 and the capture device 20. The particular arrangement of
electrodes depicted in connection with the system of FIG. 1
includes electrodes 32, 34, and 36. The electrode 32 may be located
on an external surface 21 of the jaw 22 (where the external surface
21 is the surface of the jaw 22 that faces away from the opposing
jaw 24). The electrode 34 may be located on an internal surface 23
of the jaw 22 (where the internal surface 23 is the surface of the
jaw 22 that faces the opposing jaw 24). The electrode 36 may be
located on an internal surface 25 of the jaw 24 (where the internal
surface 25 is the surface of the jaw 24 that faces the opposing jaw
22). The electrodes may be placed in any suitable location along
the length of the jaws, e.g., the distal end, proximal end or any
intermediate location.
[0135] The proximal end of the capture device 20 preferably
includes connectors connected to each electrode on the distal end
of the capture device 20 by leads such that the electrodes can be
connected to a system capable of generating user-readable plots of
the electrical energy detected using the electrodes. Such systems
will be well-known to those of skilled in the art. For example,
when inside the pericardial space, the electrodes at the working or
distal end of the capture device 20 can be used to detect the
electrogram (EGM) on the epicardial surface of the patient's heart.
Any or all of the electrodes may be monopolar or multipolar, as
desired.
[0136] FIG. 2A depicts another system that may be used to navigate
to and capture selected tissue. In this depicted embodiment, the
delivery device 110a includes two lumens 112a and 114a, with the
lumen 112a preferably being used to delivery a capture device (not
shown). The lumen 114a is used to deliver a mapping device 140a
that, in the depicted embodiment, can be extended out of the lumen
114a.
[0137] The mapping device 140a may be in the form of, e.g., a
conventional electrophysiology mapping catheter. The mapping device
140a may include as few as one electrode 142a or two or more
electrodes 142a. The electrode or electrodes 142a may be monopolar
or multipolar.
[0138] Although the delivery device 110a could be used with a
capture device deployed down the lumen 112a as described above, the
delivery device could potentially include a capture device
delivered through the same lumen as the mapping device 140a (with
the mapping device being deployed, e.g., through a channel provided
in the capture device itself). Secondly the device in FIG. 2 may be
used independently to find the left atrial appendage based on the
electrocardiogram (EGM) and then held in place while a second
stabilization/capture device (mechanical grasper, helix group, cryo
tip, barbed hook) was deployed to the same location (e.g., over the
mapping device 140a or over the delivery device 110a) to
grab/stabilize the required tissue.
[0139] An embodiment in which a mapping device 140b is delivered
through a lumen provided in the capture device 120 itself is
depicted in FIG. 2B. The mapping device 140b may preferably include
an electrode 142b at its distal-most end and/or merely proximate
its distal-most end. The capture device 120b may include jaws 122b
and 124b that may be used to grasp tissue as described herein. The
jaws 122b and 124b and/or the delivery device 110b may or may not
include electrodes to assist with navigation.
[0140] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2B, the capture device
120b may include, for example, a capture shaft (see, e.g., FIGS.
18-20) that includes a lumen through which the mapping device 140b
can be advanced and/or retracted. In use, the mapping device 140b
may be advanced ahead of the capture device 120b to detect
electrical signals in tissue that would then be contacted by the
capture device 120b if it were advanced over the mapping device
140b.
[0141] Although the depicted embodiment includes a capture device
120b with open jaws, in some embodiments, the capture device may be
retained in a closed position while the mapping device is advanced
through the closed capture device. In still another variation, the
capture device 120b may even be retained within the delivery device
110b while the mapping device 140b is advanced out of the delivery
device 110b.
[0142] FIG. 3 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a navigation
and tissue capture system that includes a delivery device 210 and a
capture device 220. In most respects, the delivery device 210 and
the capture device 220 are similar to those depicted and described
in connection with FIG. 1. Among the differences are that the
delivery device 210 itself includes an electrode 216 located near
or proximate its distal end. Although only one electrode 216 is
depicted, the delivery device 210 may include two or more
electrodes. Also, any electrodes included with the delivery device
210 may be monopolar or multipolar. The electrode 216 may be in the
form of a ring electrode as depicted. Alternatively, the electrode
or electrodes provided on the delivery device 210 may not be in the
form of ring electrodes.
[0143] The capture device 220 depicted in FIG. 3 also includes
electrodes 234 and 236 on the internal surfaces of the jaws 222 and
224. Although not depicted, the capture device 220 may include
other electrodes on, e.g., one or more of the external surfaces of
the jaws 222 and 224. The electrode 216 on the delivery device 210
may potentially be used in conjunction with electrodes 234 and 236
on the jaws 222 and 224 to improve navigation and/or to establish
the position of the distal end of the capture device 220. The
electrode 216 on the delivery device 210 could be used by the
operator to help differentiate between tissue (e.g., ventricular
and atrial tissue) before the capture device 220 is extended out of
the delivery device 210.
[0144] One potential advantage of the system depicted in FIG. 3 may
be that the distal end of the delivery device 210 could be less
traumatic (e.g., softer, smoother, etc.) to the surrounding tissue
(e.g., the epicardial surface of the heart) than the capture device
220. After the distal end of the delivery device 210 is in or near
a selected internal body location (e.g., the pericardial space) the
delivery device 210 (which may preferably be steerable/deflectable)
could be navigated to a selected location using the electrode 216
on the delivery device 210 (while the capture device 220 and its
electrodes remain in the delivery device 210).
[0145] After the distal end of the delivery device is in or near
the selected tissue to captured, the capture device 220 may be
deployed from the delivery device 210. The electrode or electrodes
on the capture device may then be used (alone or in conjunction
with the electrode 216 on the delivery device 210) to navigate the
capture device 220 to the selected tissue. The electrodes on the
capture device 220 may, for example, be able to more accurately
assess tissue differentiation. The electrode 216 on the delivery
device may, for example, be monitored to determine if the delivery
device 210 moves during deployment and use of the capture device
220 (for example, a change in EGM signal seen using the electrode
216 during the grasping of the left atrial appendage may indicate
that the delivery device 210 has moved to a less desirable
location).
[0146] A cross-sectional view of the left side of the human heart
is depicted in FIG. 4 and will be used to describe operation of one
embodiment of a navigation and tissue capture system. The heart as
depicted includes the left atrium 50 and left ventricle 52. The
left atrial appendage 54 extends from the left atrium 50 and
includes a distal tip or leading edge 56.
[0147] Also depicted in FIG. 4 is the navigation and capture system
of, e.g., FIG. 1 including a delivery device 10 and a capture
device 20. The capture device 20 includes an external electrode 32
on an external surface of one jaw of the capture device 20 and a
pair of internal electrodes 34 and 36 on the internal surfaces of
the jaws. The delivery device 10 is depicted as approaching the
left atrial appendage 54 from the apex of the heart (which would be
typical for a sub-xiphoid approach).
[0148] The distal end of the capture device 20 is advanced along
the epicardial surface (e.g., over the left ventricle 52) towards
the leading edge 56 of the left atrial appendage 54. As can be seen
in FIG. 4, a capture device 20 that progresses along the epicardial
surface coming from the apex of the heart is primarily in contact
with ventricular myocardium tissue 52 until it reaches the leading
edge 56 of the left atrial appendage 54. Although not depicted in
FIG. 4, there is a thin pericardial membrane that covers the entire
epicardial surface of the heart. This pericardial membrane is
electrically inactive and does not produce an independent EGM
signal.
[0149] Ventricular epicardial myocardium tissue 52 produces a
distinct EGM compared with the EGM produced by atrial epicardial
myocardium tissue such as that found in the leading edge 56 of the
left atrial appendage 54. As the capture device 20 advances across
the ventricular epicardial myocardium tissue 52 on the epicardial
surface of the heart, the electrodes 32 and 36 will primarily
capture only ventricular EGM signals. Although not depicted, the
delivery device 10 may, itself, also include one or more electrodes
(as, for example, described in the system of FIG. 3). Such
electrodes may be used in addition to or in place of the electrodes
on the capture device 20 (which may or may not be extended out of
the delivery device 10).
[0150] Depending on the orientation, number, and/or positions of
the various electrodes, it may be possible to detect
non-ventricular signals on some of the electrodes. For example,
electrode 36 may not be in contact with any ventricular tissue and,
thus, may detect a minimal EGM signal, while the electrode 32 may
be in direct contact with the ventricular myocardium 52 and would
likely show a strong near-field ventricular EGM signal.
[0151] The device can optionally be designed to maintain
orientation such that any one electrode could be maintained in one
stationary location relative to a selected part of the anatomy.
With respect to FIG. 4, for example, it may be desirable to keep
electrode 32 on the epicardial surface versus on the pericardium.
That positioning could potentially be maintained by monitoring the
electrode 32 and manipulating the devices such that a strong
near-field ventricular EGM signal is continually detected by the
electrode 32. In another alternative, if no external electrode 32
is provided on the capture device 20, an operator could, for
example, monitor the electrodes 34 and 36 on both jaws of the
capture device 20 to determine whether the EGM signal detected from
one electrode indicates that its jaw is located closer to the
ventricular tissue than the other jaw (or that both jaws show an
equal signal strength indicating that both jaws are equally close
to the ventricular tissue).
[0152] The typical EGM signal associated with a normal human
heartbeat (or cardiac cycle) includes a P wave, a QRS complex and a
T wave as depicted in FIG. 5. FIGS. 6A-6C depict the EGM signals
that may be detected in various locations over the heart. The
differences in the EGM signals can be used to determine the
position of the electrodes (and thus the devices carrying them)
relative to the anatomy of the heart. In some instances, it may be
helpful to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal (using, e.g.,
surface electrodes as is known conventionally) in addition to the
intracardiac EGM signals. The ECG signal may then potentially be
used to assist in the navigation process (by, e.g., signal
subtraction, etc.).
[0153] FIG. 6A represents a potential EGM signal at the initial
access point of the sub-xiphoid approach near the apex of the
heart. At the apex of the heart there will be a small or
insignificant atrial EGM signal (P wave) 80 and a much more
pronounced higher amplitude and strong ventricular signal (QRS
complex) 81. When the recording electrode is at the apex of the
heart or near primarily ventricular tissue the P wave (atrial
electrical signal) 80 is much weaker and the QRS complex
(ventricular electrical signal) 81 is much stronger with higher
amplitude on the EGM tracing.
[0154] FIG. 6B depicts a typical EGM tracing as an electrode
approaches both atrial and ventricular epicardial tissue. The P
wave 82 in FIG. 6B has a much larger amplitude as the electrodes
come in contact with atrial tissue (i.e., larger than when the
electrodes are at the apex of the heart as seen in FIG. 6A). The
QRS complex 83 of FIG. 6B continues to have a large amplitude due
to continued contact with ventricular tissue.
[0155] FIG. 6C depicts the typical EGM tracing potentially seen
using electrodes that are in contact with only atrial tissue such
as, e.g., the tissue of the left atrial appendage (which produces
strong atrial EGM signals). The EGM signal of FIG. 6C shows a large
amplitude P wave 84 and a relatively small amplitude QRS complex
signal 85. If the capture device is in the form of a grasping
apparatus including jaws, the electrodes that could produce the
signal seen in FIG. 6C may be on opposing sides of the left atrial
appendage, with the left atrial appendage tissue captured between
the jaws. In such an arrangement, capture of electrically active
tissue (such as the left atrial appendage) can be distinguished
from the capture of electrically inactive tissue (such as, e.g.,
the pericardium, epicardial fat pads, etc.) using the electrodes on
the interior surfaces of the jaws.
[0156] Distinguishing between the different EGM signals may
preferably be performed by the operator (e.g., the physician),
although, in some systems and methods, the distinguishing may be
performed with the assistance of an automated system that compares
the detected EGM signals with those associated with one or more
desired outcomes.
[0157] FIG. 7 is another cross-sectional view of a human heart
depicting the left-side anatomy in which the navigation/capture
system depicted in FIG. 4 is advanced further towards the left
atrial appendage 54. Recording electrodes 34 and 36 on the capture
device 20 are in direct contact with the epicardial surface of the
left atrial appendage 54. The electrode 32 on the external surface
of the capture device 20 is still in contact with ventricular
tissue.
[0158] As a result, the EGM signals detected from the external
electrode 32 would differ from the EGM signals detected using the
internal electrodes 34 and 36. The different EGM signals would
provide a user with the ability to determine that the capture
device 20 had, in fact, captured left atrial appendage tissue. Left
atrial appendage tissue is the first tissue that produces an atrial
EGM when approaching the left atrium from the apex of the heart
through a sub-xiphoid access point.
[0159] The EGM signal detected between electrodes 34 and 36 would
show a strong near-field P wave with high amplitude (atrial
electrical activity) and a small amplitude QRS complex (ventricular
electrical activity) as depicted in FIG. 8A. In contrast, the
external electrode 32 would show a large amplitude QRS complex and
potentially and either small or large amplitude P wave depending on
its contact with left atrial appendage tissue as depicted in FIG.
8B. It should be noted that the space between the epicardial
surface of the heart in the pericardial sac is often full of fluid
which may be electrically conductive and may distort the EGM signal
slightly when not in direct contact with myocardial tissue.
[0160] FIG. 7 provides an opportunity to visualize how the systems
and methods described herein may allow the operator to navigate
from the apex of the heart (where initial contact is with the
epicardial surface during a sub-xiphoid approach) to the tip of the
left atrial appendage. As the delivery device 10 (and associated
capture device 20) advance across the surface of the heart, the
initial EGM signals will indicate contact with ventricular tissue
(see, e.g., FIG. 6A). The first EGM signal indicating contact with
atrial tissue when approached from the apex of the heart (using,
e.g., sub-xiphoid access) should be the tissue of the left atrial
appendage.
[0161] Further guidance to supplement the use of EGM signals during
the procedure may be obtained using other imaging/guidance
modalities such as, e.g. fluoroscopy, direct visualization,
ultrasound imaging, MRI imaging, CT scans, etc. The use of a
secondary imaging/guidance technique may be used to potentially
confirm capture of the left atrial appendage by, e.g., providing
information regarding the angle of closure of the jaws of a
grasping apparatus, etc. If, for example, no tissue is captured,
then the jaws of a grasping apparatus may close completely. When
tissue is present, the jaws will typically not close
completely.
[0162] FIG. 9 depicts a situation in which the capture device 20
(and associated delivery device 10) of FIG. 4 is advanced towards
the left atrial appendage, but is closed without capturing the
tissue of the left atrial appendage. One potential benefit of using
EGM signals to navigate to and/or confirm capture of the left
atrial appendage tissue is that when the electrodes on a capture
device 20 close without capturing tissue between them, the EGM
signal would not show a strong amplitude P wave. Rather, the
electrodes 34 and 36 would be expected to short out and show a flat
line EGM signal as depicted in FIG. 10A because the electrical
potential across the electrodes 34 and 36 is zero. If the operator
only grabs a small portion of the left atrial appendage tissue in
the capture device 20, there also may not be enough impedance, with
the result being, again, a flat line EGM signal as depicted in FIG.
10A. In this case, an operator could re-open the capture device 20
and reposition it until the electrodes 34 and 36 indicate a strong
amplitude P wave and corresponding contact with left atrial
appendage tissue.
[0163] In the situation depicted in FIG. 9, the external electrode
32 on the capture device 20 would typically be expected to show a
large amplitude QRS complex and potentially and either small or
large amplitude P wave depending on its contact with left atrial
appendage tissue as depicted in FIG. 10B.
[0164] FIG. 11 depicts another situation in which the capture
device 20 (and associated delivery device 10) are advanced too far.
When the capture device 20 is advanced past the tip of the left
atrial appendage that is closest the apex of the heart, it will
likely not come into contact with any other atrial tissue. Any
tissue that is captured by the capture device 20 as depicted in
FIG. 11 will have an non-atrial EGM signal. The electrodes 34 and
36 on the capture device 20 may, for example, reflect an EGM signal
of the pericardium or far-field ventricular and/or atrial signals.
The external electrode 32 on the capture device 20 may reflect a
strong atrial EGM signal given that it may still be in contact with
the left atrial appendage as the capture device 20 passes over the
appendage (which may be an indication that the capture device 20 is
incorrectly positioned). When the LAA is properly positioned in the
capture device 20, the external electrode 32 should detect at least
some ventricular EGM signal as discussed herein.
[0165] FIG. 12 depicts another situation in which the capture
device 20 (and associated delivery device 10) are advanced into a
position that is not amenable to proper capture of the left atrial
appendage. In this situation, the capture device 20 is depicted as
advanced beneath the tip of the left atrial appendage, such that
the capture device 20 is located between the left atrial appendage
and the underlying ventricular tissue. In such an arrangement, it
would be unlikely that the capture device 20 could properly capture
left atrial appendage tissue for a subsequent procedure. Tissue
that is captured when the capture device 20 is beyond the position
depicted in FIG. 12 could likely be ventricular tissue with a
ventricular EGM signal across electrodes 34 and 36 on the capture
device 20.
[0166] Confirmation of the situation depicted in FIG. 12 could
potentially be obtained if the EGM signals from the electrodes 34
and 36 on the capture device showed both atrial and ventricular
signatures as depicted in, e.g., FIG. 13A. In addition, the
external electrode 32 may, if it located nearest the ventricular
tissue, show an EGM signal weighted towards the QRS complex portion
of the complete EGM signal as depicted in FIG. 13B.
[0167] The situation depicted in FIG. 12 may not, however, be
entirely hopeless. The capture device 20 could potentially capture
a lobe of the left atrial appendage and this could be a clinically
acceptable outcome. Confirmation of this outcome could potentially
be obtained by, e.g., detecting a strong atrial EGM signal (see,
e.g., FIG. 6C) using the electrodes 34 and 36 on the capture device
20.
[0168] FIG. 14 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a delivery
device 310 and a capture device 320 similar to those depicted in
FIGS. 1 and 3. Unlike the devices in those figures, the electrodes
316 and 318 on the delivery device 310 and the electrodes 332, 333,
334, and 335 on the capture device 320 are all ring electrodes. The
ring electrodes 316 and 318 on the delivery device 310 could,
however, be used in conjunction with electrodes on the jaws 322 and
324 to improve navigation to the left atrial appendage by
potentially more precisely establishing position of the distal ends
of the jaws 322 and 324 of the capture device 320. Any or all of
the electrodes could be monopolar or multipolar.
[0169] The electrodes 316 and 318 on the delivery device 310 could
be used by the operator to help differentiate between the
ventricular and atrial tissue as the delivery device 310 is
advanced. Additional specificity of EGM interpretation is
potentially feasible with the electrode configuration depicted in
FIG. 14. For example, reading a bi-polar signal across electrode
332 and 334 on jaw 322 or electrode 335 and 336 on jaw 324 may
allow the operator to better confirm the presence of particular
types of tissue within the capture device 320 (i.e., ventricular
tissue versus atrial tissue).
[0170] The electrodes on the jaws 322 and 324 of the device
depicted in FIG. 14 may also create a near-field EGM. The
near-field EGM signal may produce a cleaner and easier to interpret
EGM signal for determination of tissue type. The ring electrodes
316 and 318 on the delivery device 310 could be used for navigation
in the pericardial space in a similar manner as described above for
the device depicted in FIG. 3, yet with the potential for a more
precise near-field EGM created from the two ring electrodes 316 and
318.
[0171] Another potential embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 includes
ring electrodes 416 and 418 on the delivery device 410. The
electrodes 433, 434, 436, and 437 on the internal surfaces of the
jaws 422 and 424 could be used to help better navigate and position
the capture device 420. The external electrodes 432 and 435 on the
external surfaces of the jaws 422 and 424 could be used to
differentiate tissue on the external surface of the jaws 422 and
424 from that in contact with the internal surfaces of the jaws.
Electrodes 433 and 434 on jaw 422 and electrodes 436 and 437 on jaw
424 only capture the near-field EGM signal on the internal grasping
surfaces of the jaws. External electrodes 432 and 435 may be used
to determine the position of the capture device 420 relative to the
pericardium, ventricular tissue underneath the LAA or any other
tissue. Any or all of the electrodes could be monopolar or
multipolar.
[0172] With the ability to differentiate tissue on the external
surface versus the internal surface of the capture device 420, the
configuration of electrodes on the capture device 420 may provide
additional specificity of EGM interpretation versus the
configuration seen in the device of FIG. 14. The ring electrodes
416 and 418 on the delivery device 410 could again be used for
navigation in the pericardial space in a similar manner as
described for similar arrangements herein (with the potential for a
more precise near-field EGM read from the two ring electrodes 416
and 418).
[0173] In addition to the examples described herein, navigation and
tissue capture systems described herein may be integrated into
known tissue capture systems. Examples of some potentially suitable
tissue capture systems including delivery devices and capture
devices may be described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
US 2007/0073313 (Liddicoat et al.). One example (depicted in FIG.
16) of a capture device 520 according to the principles described
in Liddicoat et al. may, for example, include electrodes 530
integrated with the supports or guides included in the disclosed
devices. The capture device 520 may preferably be delivered using a
delivery device 510. The system of FIG. 16 may also include an
optional guide element 540 which may include an electrode 542 in
place of or in addition to a magnet as described in Liddicoat et
al. If the guiding element 540 is provided with an electrode 542,
the electrodes 530 on the capture device 520 may be optional.
[0174] Yet another exemplary embodiment of a capture device 620 is
depicted in FIG. 17 in the form of a catheter that includes a lumen
that may be used to provide suction to capture tissue. The capture
device 620 may include one or more electrodes 630 proximate (at or
near) the distal end of the catheter to detect physiological
electrical activity to guide the capture device as described
herein. The capture device 620 may also (or alternatively) include
one or more electrodes that are spaced from the distal end of the
capture device 620 as described herein with respect to, e.g., the
embodiments depicted in FIGS. 18-20.
[0175] Still another exemplary embodiment of a capture device 720
that may be used in the systems and methods described herein is
depicted in connection with FIG. 18. The capture device 720
includes a first jaw 722 and a second jaw 724. The first and second
jaws 722 and 724 may be mounted on the distal end of a capture
shaft 726 that can be used to advance the capture device 720
through the lumen of an introducer, endoscope, catheter, trocar,
etc. that can provide access to a selected internal body
location.
[0176] The capture devices of systems and methods described herein
may preferably operate in an atraumatic manner to capture tissue.
As used herein, "atraumatic" (and variations thereof) means that
the capture devices described herein, when used to capture tissue,
do not cut, sever, or remove the captured tissue. In other words,
the capture devices used in connection with the systems and methods
described herein can be distinguished from conventional biopsy
devices because the capture devices described herein preferably do
not cut, sever, and/or remove of tissue as would conventional
biopsy devices. The capture devices may, however, include retention
structures/features such as serrations, teeth, roughened surfaces,
posts, pins, adhesives, etc. that contribute to the ability of the
capture devices to maintain attachment to tissue captured within
the jaws while still remaining an atraumatic device.
[0177] In the depicted embodiment of the capture device 720, one
example of a retention structure is found in the complementary
teeth 727 found on the jaws 722 and 724. The depicted retention
structure includes one tooth 727 located on the first jaw 722 and
two teeth 727 located on the second jaw 724. The tooth 727 on jaw
722 may preferably nest within the pair of teeth 727 to assist in
retaining tissue within the capture device 720.
[0178] The first jaw 722 of capture device 720 has an interior
surface 723 that faces the interior surface 725 of the opposing
second jaw 724. Also included in the depicted embodiment of capture
device 720 is a first electrode 734 positioned on the interior
surface 723 of the first jaw 722 and a second electrode 736
positioned on the interior surface 725 of the second jaw 724.
[0179] As described herein, the capture device 720 may have a
closed configuration in which the jaws are closed such that the
interior surfaces 723 and 725 of the first and second jaws 722 and
724 move towards each other and an open configuration (see, e.g.,
FIG. 18) in which the first and second jaws are open and spaced
apart such that the capture device can capture tissue between the
jaws 722 and 724.
[0180] The capture device may optionally include a mechanism to
lock the jaws in the closed configuration such that a user is not
required to continually hold the capture device 720 in the closed
configuration. The locking mechanism may preferably be operable
from the proximal end of the capture device. In one embodiment, the
locking mechanism may take the form of a biased (e.g.,
spring-loaded, etc.) mechanism that holds the jaws of the capture
device in a closed configuration in the absence of any intervening
force that is applied to open the jaws. Such an embodiment may be
referred to as having "normally-closed" jaws.
[0181] In still other embodiments, the jaws of a capture device may
alternatively be biased (e.g., spring-loaded, etc.) in an open
configuration in the absence of an intervening force that is
applied to close the jaws. Such an embodiment may be referred to as
having "normally-open" jaws. Such jaws may be closed to capture
tissue using any suitable mechanism including, but not limited to a
sheath that can be advanced distally over the jaws, thereby urging
them into a closed configuration.
[0182] Referring to, e.g., FIG. 1 in addition to FIG. 18, the
capture device 720 may also have a delivery configuration in which
the distal end of the capture device 720 (typically the jaws 722
and 724) is contained within the capture lumen of a delivery device
such as a sheath, introducer, endoscope, catheter, trocar, etc. The
capture device may further have an extended configuration in which
the distal end of the capture device 720 extends out of the capture
lumen of a delivery device proximate the distal end of the delivery
device. This concept is also described above in connection with
FIG. 1.
[0183] In the depicted embodiment, the jaws 722 and 724 are both
attached for rotation about an axis 702 that is oriented generally
transverse to a longitudinal axis 701 that extends from a proximal
end to a distal end of the capture shaft 726. The axis of rotation
702 about which the jaws 722 and 724 rotate may not necessarily be
exactly transverse to the longitudinal axis 701 in any or all
planes that contain the longitudinal axis 701.
[0184] Movement of the jaws 722 and 724 between the open and closed
configurations can be accomplished by a wide variety of different
mechanisms. FIGS. 18-20 depict only one example of a potentially
suitable mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, rotation of the
jaws 722 and 724 about the axis 702 means that the jaws 722 and 724
are pivotally mounted on a main rivet 740 that extends through arms
742 that extend from the capture shaft 726. Axis 702 (about which
the jaws 722 and 724 rotate) preferably extends through the main
rivet 740.
[0185] Rotation of the jaws 722 and 724 about the axis 702 is
effected in the depicted embodiment by moving a link rivet 744
through slots 743 formed in arms 742. Movement of the link rivet
744 is effected, in the depicted embodiment, by moving an actuator
such as a drive rod 741 through an actuator lumen in the capture
shaft 726, with the link rivet 744 being attached to the drive rod
741. The link rivet 744 also extends through slots 745 and 747
located in the jaws 722 and 744. As the link rivet 744 is advanced
distally towards the distal end of the capture device 720 (see,
e.g., FIGS. 18 and 19), the jaws 722 and 724 open. Conversely, as
the drive rod 741 and attached link rivet 744 are moved proximally,
the jaws 722 and 724 close (see, e.g., FIG. 20).
[0186] The capture device 720 also includes a variety of electrodes
that can be used to monitor EGM signals. The depicted embodiment of
the capture device 720 includes a first electrode 732 located on
the interior surface 723 of the first jaw 722 and a second
electrode 734 located on the interior surface 725 of the second jaw
724.
[0187] A first electrode lead 733 extends from the first electrode
732 towards a proximal end of the capture device 720. The first
electrode lead 733 is connected to the electrode 732, in the
depicted embodiment, through the jaw 722 with a similar lead being
located on the second jaw 724 (but not depicted in FIGS. 18 and
19). The leads may preferably extend through the capture shaft 726
where they terminate at an EGM monitoring apparatus connector (not
seen).
[0188] A potential alternative structure for electrically
connecting the electrodes 732 and 734 without using separate and
discrete leads as seen in FIGS. 18 and 19 may include placing the
main rivet 740 in electrical communication between a coil (other
conductor) extending through the capture shaft 726, the first jaw
722, and electrode 732. The main rivet 740 is preferably
electrically isolated from the second jaw 724 and its electrode 734
by any suitable technique, e.g., insulating washers, bushings, etc.
(which may be constructed of dielectric materials such as, e.g.,
polyimides, PEEK, etc.). Similarly, the link rivet 744 may serve as
the path for electrical communication between another lead (such as
the drive rod 741), the second jaw 724, and electrode 734. The link
rivet 744 may also be electrically isolated from the first jaw 722
and its electrode 732 by any suitable technique, e.g., insulating
washers, bushings, etc. (which may be constructed of dielectric
materials such as, e.g., polyimides, PEEK, etc.).
[0189] Although the jaws 722 and 724 may be made of electrically
conductive materials (such as, e.g., metals, etc.), they may be
coated with nonconductive materials such that, e.g., the electrodes
732 and 734 on selected surfaces, e.g., the outer surfaces, etc.
Some potentially suitable nonconductive materials may include
polymers, paints, epoxies, etc. Insulating the outer surfaces and
other areas of the capture devices may potentially enhance the
ability of the system to capture and/or distinguish EGM signals of
tissue located within the capture device. In some embodiments, the
electrodes provided on the capture devices may be in the form of
discrete electrodes that are attached to the capture device (e.g.,
a jaw, etc.) as depicted in, e.g., FIGS. 18-19. Where the capture
device elements on which the electrodes are placed are electrically
conductive, the electrodes may be electrically isolated from the
capture device.
[0190] The electrodes 732 and 734 may, in some embodiments, be
located on the interior surfaces 723 and 725 of the jaws 722 and
724 such that the electrodes are located opposite from each other.
In such a configuration, closure of the jaws 722 and 724 in the
absence of tissue or other material located therein may preferably
result in electrical communication between the electrodes, e.g.,
the electrodes 732 and 734 may "short out" when the jaws 722 and
724 are closed. Such an event may be useful for providing an
indication to a user that not tissue has been captured by the
capture device 720.
[0191] Another optional feature that may be described in connection
with the embodiment of the capture device 720 depicted in FIGS. 18
and 19 is that the electrodes used on the jaws of the capture
device 720 may occupy substantial portions of the interior surfaces
of the jaws. For example, it may be preferred that the electrodes
732 and/or 734 occupy about one quarter or more of the interior
surfaces 723 and 725 of the jaws. In some embodiments, it may be
further preferred that at least one of the electrodes provided on
the interior surface of a jaw occupy about one half or more of the
interior surface of the jaw.
[0192] Although the capture device 720 includes a pair of
electrodes, with one electrode located on each jaw, it should be
understood that that many different electrode configurations are
possible. For example, only one electrode may be provided such
that, e.g., only one of the jaws carries an electrode (with a
return electrode located elsewhere, e.g., on the capture shaft, an
exterior surface of one of the jaws, on a delivery device, etc.).
In some embodiments, for example, an electrode is coupled to the
interior surface of a first jaw and the interior surface of a
second jaw is free of any electrodes.
[0193] In another example, two or more electrodes may be placed on
one jaw (on, e.g., the interior surface of the jaw), while the
other jaw contains no electrodes. The two or more electrodes may be
provided in any suitable configuration, e.g., they may be arranged
along a straight line, in a circle, randomly, etc. An example of an
embodiment in which only one of the jaws carries electrodes may be
seen with reference to FIG. 15 where the capture device 420 may be
provided with only one set of interior electrodes (e.g., only
electrodes 433 and 434, but not electrodes 436 and 437). In such an
embodiment, the opposing interior surface of the opposing jaw may
be electrically conductive such that closure of the jaws places the
two electrodes in electrical communication with each other (i.e.,
shorts out the electrodes) to provide an indication that no tissue
is captured between the jaws. The electrically conductive interior
surface may be inherent in the opposing jaw (if, e.g., the interior
surface was exposed metal or some other conductive material) or the
opposing interior surface may be provided with a conductive element
on its interior surface that is placed to provide the desired
shorting out function.
[0194] Still another optional feature depicted in connection with,
e.g., the capture device 720 depicted in FIGS. 18-20 is the use of
electrodes on the capture shaft 726. As seen in FIGS. 18 and 19,
the capture shaft 726 includes a pair of shaft electrodes 736 and
738. The shaft electrodes 736 and 738 may be used to, e.g., monitor
the type of tissue in contact with the shaft 726. As discussed
herein, the EGM signals picked up by electrodes used with the
capture devices described herein can be useful in determining the
location of the device within, e.g., the pericardial space. For
example, the shaft electrode(s) 726 may potentially be used in the
same manner as the external electrodes on capture devices described
in connection with FIGS. 4-13.
[0195] The shaft electrodes 736 and 738 may or may not be provided
in the form of ring electrodes that extend around the perimeter of
the shaft 726. The electrodes 736 and 738 may preferably be
electrically isolated from the remainder of the capture device 720
and be placed in electrical communication with EGM monitoring
apparatus through leads that extend proximally through the capture
shaft 726.
[0196] Although two shaft electrodes 736 and 738 are depicted in
connection with the capture device 720, the capture devices may be
provided with only one shaft electrode, three or more shaft
electrodes, and even no shaft electrodes. If provided, the one or
more shaft electrodes may preferably be located within a distance
of about 10 centimeters (cm) or less, about 5 cm or less, or even
about 2 cm or less from the distal end of the capture device such
that the EGM signals detected using the shaft electrodes are those
that are indicative of the tissue proximate the working portion of
the capture device.
[0197] The function of the shaft electrodes may, in some instances
be provided and/or supplemented by using one or more electrodes at
other locations, e.g., electrodes located on a delivery device used
to deliver the capture device, electrodes on exterior surfaces of
the jaws or any other element of any other capture device,
electrodes on the skin or at other locations on the subject,
etc.
[0198] Although the capture devices depicted in FIGS. 18-20 and
elsewhere herein include two jaws, both of which may be moved to
change between an open and closed configuration, it should be
understood that the captured devices may include more than two
jaws, e.g., three, four or more jaws. In still other variations,
one or more of the jaws may be stationery while one or more of the
remaining jaws moves to changed between the open and closed
configurations. For example, with respect to the embodiment of
FIGS. 18-20, the jaw 722 may be stationary with respect to the
capture shaft 726, while jaw 724 rotates to move the capture device
between the open and closed configurations.
[0199] As described herein, other navigation techniques may be used
in combination with EGM-based navigation. An exemplary embodiment
of an additional method of navigating a device to an anatomical
structure (e.g., the left atrial appendage) may include delivering
a device into an anatomical space (e.g., the pericardial sac);
injecting image enhancement liquid (e.g., a liquid contrast agent
in the case of fluoroscopy, echogenic liquids for use in
conjunction with ultrasonic imaging, etc.) into the anatomical
space (e.g., the pericardial sac); and identifying the location of
the device and/or the locations of anatomical structures (e.g., the
left atrial appendage) using any appropriate imaging modality,
e.g., fluoroscopic visualization, MRI, CT scanning, etc. In some
embodiments, this method and apparatus used to perform it could be
used alone, i.e., without the aid of EGM-based navigation.
[0200] Although this method of navigating a device to an anatomical
structure may be utilized for many anatomical structures (e.g., any
structure relating to the epicardial surface of the heart such as
various veins and arteries, fat pads, structural defects, etc.),
the following description, for simplicity, describes the use of the
method and device for navigating to and/or outlining the left
atrial appendage (LAA).
[0201] A system level schematic is depicted in FIG. 21 to show
potential connections between electrodes and other components that
may be used with systems described herein. The depicted system
includes a capture device 1110 having one or more electrodes 1130
and connector 1140 connected to the electrodes 1130 through leads
1131. The depicted system optionally also includes a delivery
device 1112 that may include an electrode 1132 (or more than one
electrode) and a connector 1142 connected to the electrode 1132
through a lead 1133. The system further optionally includes
ligation element 1114 that may include a ligation element electrode
1134 (or more than one electrode) and a connector 1144 connected to
the electrode 1134 through a lead 1135. For example, the ligation
element 1114 may be configured to ligate body tissue (e.g., the
LAA)
[0202] The connectors 1140, 1142, and 1144 may be adapted to
connect to an electrical (e.g., EGM, etc.) monitoring apparatus
1100 through connectors 1150, 1152, and 1154. As a result, innate
electrical signals that may be detected by the electrodes may be
monitored, displayed, analyzed, filtered, stored, manipulated,
enhanced, etc. to assist a user in navigating the delivery device
and/or capture device as described herein. The connectors may take
any suitable form, e.g., plugs, sockets, bare wires, snap-fit
connectors, etc.
[0203] Systems and/or methods described herein may be used to
capture and/or to occlude body tissue, e.g., the LAA. Navigation of
the capture and/or ligation devices may be performed using various
characteristics of the body tissue being captured. For example, the
impedance of body tissue (e.g., the LAA) may be different when such
body tissue is compressed, captured, ligated, traumatized, etc.
These impedance changes can potentially be used as the basis for
navigating to and/or capturing selected tissue. The impedance
differences can also be used in some systems and methods to control
the forces exerted on the selected tissue by capture and/or
ligation devices. As the tissue is compressed during capture or
ligation it will typically experience ischemia which may result in
a corresponding changes in impedance of the tissue. In some
embodiments, the impedance characteristics of tissue subjected to
forces by a capture device and/or ligation element may provide
insight as to whether or not the force is clinically safe or
potentially puts the patient at risk.
[0204] FIG. 22 can be used to describe one configuration and method
of utilizing the systems described herein (e.g., the system
described with reference to FIGS. 1-21) that may use the impedance
of body tissue for navigation, capture, and/or occlusion control as
discussed herein. As shown, electrical monitoring apparatus (e.g.,
electrical monitoring apparatus 1100) may be configured to: monitor
an impedance between a first electrode and a second electrode
(e.g., electrodes 1130, 1132) (block 1210); and determine whether a
capture device (e.g., capture device 1110) is proximate a selected
tissue (e.g., atrial tissue, ventricular tissue, etc.) based on the
monitored impedance (block 1220). Although described above as
confirming that a selected type of tissue has been captured, in
some embodiments measured impedance may be used to exclude certain
tissues rather than confirm capture. For example, fat may have an
extremely high impedance and myocardium may have a much lower
impedance. In such a case, although a user may not be able to
differentiate between different types of myocardium, the user may
be able to determine that epicardial fat has not been captured. As
a result, measured impedance could be used to exclude certain types
of tissue rather than be certain of inclusion of different types of
tissue.
[0205] At least in one embodiment, the capture device used in
connection with electrical monitoring apparatus 1100 may include a
first jaw and a second jaw where the first jaw and the second jaw
include an open configuration in which the first jaw and the second
jaw are open and a closed configuration in which the first jaw and
the second jaw are closed (e.g., the interior surface of the first
jaw is located closer to an interior surface of the second jaw when
the first jaw and the second jaw are in the closed configuration
than when the first jaw and the second jaw are in the open
configuration). Further, the first electrode may be coupled to the
interior surface of the first jaw and the second electrode may be
coupled to the interior surface of the second jaw (e.g., the
electrodes face one another in at least one configuration).
[0206] When capturing and/or ligating body tissue (e.g., the LAA),
the electrical activity of the body tissue may exhibit variations,
which may be consistent with compression, ischemia and/or trauma of
the body tissue (e.g., in the case of LAA capture, a small ST
segment elevation may exist). Further, a substantial decrease in
the electrical activity of the body tissue may indicate that the
body tissue is sufficiently ligated to, in the case of, e.g., the
left atrial appendage, limit flow of blood into the appendage.
[0207] In some embodiments, the impedance of tissue (e.g., the left
atrial appendage) being occluded may provide an indication as to
the forces applied to the tissue. In some embodiments, a threshold
value may be obtained during the procedure itself in the form of a
baseline value, with subsequent measurements being compared to the
(baseline) threshold to determine when the differential between a
current measurement and the threshold value exceeds a predetermined
limit, then an indication can be made that occlusion is sufficient,
etc.
[0208] In some embodiments, the absolute value of the measured
impedance may be dependent on a variety of factors such as, e.g.,
the size of the patient, the size of any reference
electrodes/patches that are being used, etc. As such, absolute
measurements may be of less importance than the changes in the
impedance values over time. Changes in measured impedance during
the occlusion process (e.g., from the start of occlusion to the
end), as discussed herein, may provide an indication that occlusion
has reached a selected limit. Such changes in impedance may occur
during occlusion as a result of, e.g., extra-cellular fluid
accumulation due to cell death or cell rupture, etc. In some
embodiments, an increase in measured impedance of the tissue being
occluded of, e.g., 15% or more, 25% or more, etc. may be used as an
indication that sufficient occlusion has been obtained and, thus,
occlusion should be halted.
[0209] Lack of electrical activity in the captured and/or ligated
tissue (e.g., the lack of EGM signals on the distal tip of the left
atrial appendage) may be used to confirm that the tissue (e.g., the
left atrial appendage) is ischemic, at which point the process can
be halted to, e.g., prevent over-tightening. If the tissue, such as
the left atrial appendage is being occluded during pacing, pacing
capture may be lost when tissue becomes ischemic due to the
occlusion forces. In some embodiments, the time between starting
occlusion and when complete occlusion and, thus, loss of pacing
capture occurs is relatively brief. This change can, however, be
useful if, during occlusion, the system is configured to determine
when the EGM signal decreases be a predetermined or threshold value
(e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, etc.) and the pacing capture threshold
increases by a predetermined or threshold value (e.g., 10%, 20%,
30%, etc.) and/or pacing is lost. At that point, i.e., a decrease
in EGM signal coupled with an increase in pacing capture threshold
(and/or loss of pacing capture), the system may be configured to
make a determination that occlusion is sufficient and no further
occlusion should be performed. These measurements may further be
correlated with measured impedance of the captured tissue (as
discussed herein) as a further indication that sufficient occlusion
has been performed.
[0210] In some embodiments, the left atrial appendage may appear to
have residual flow using another monitoring technique (e.g.,
Trans-Esophageal Echo (TEE), Intra-Cardiac Echo (ICE), Doppler,
etc.) but the EGM signals may have attenuated to near zero. In this
case, the operator may have an indication that the left atrial
appendage tissue has become ischemic even though the appendage has
not been closed sufficiently to prevent flow. In this situation,
the operator may decide to cease tightening suture any further and
investigate why there is residual flow.
[0211] In some embodiments, EGM signals in the left atrial
appendage may attenuate to zero at approximately the same time as
the ostium closes under normal circumstances. Any variation from
this could provide the basis for a determination that something out
of the ordinary has occurred. If the capture device has captured
annular fat then, despite tightening, there would be no decrease in
the electrogram and no change in the far field electrograms being
picked up. If the capture device has captured ventricular
myocardium (e.g., aneurysm or diverticulum), then the large
electrogram would not decrease with appendage occlusion. If the
capture device has captured the appendage, but occlusion is
occurring over some other structure (right atrial appendage, etc.)
because the capture device had been inadvertently released and the
ligature slipped to another site, then appendage electrograms will
not change despite tightening.
[0212] In some embodiments, the operator could use flow detection
within the appendage (e.g., TEE, ICE, Doppler, etc.) as the primary
indication of closure of the appendage and then continue tightening
until the EGM signals attenuate. Using both flow detection and EGM
signal attenuation might prevent over tightening and accidental
ripping/tearing of the left atrial appendage tissue.
[0213] At least in one embodiment, the capture device may include
the first electrode and a ligation element (e.g., configured to
ligate body tissue that may be captured by the capture device) that
may include the second electrode with, e.g., the two electrodes
being used to measure an impedance across body tissue, to measure
electrical activity, etc. In such a configuration, the electrical
monitoring apparatus may be further configured to determine whether
the ligation element is located proximate selected tissue (e.g.,
atrial tissue, ventricular tissue, etc.) based on monitoring
electrical activity using at least one electrode as described
herein. For example, the electrical monitoring apparatus may be
configured to compare the monitored electrical activity to a
threshold value and determine whether the body tissue has been
ligated based on the based on the comparison between the monitored
electrical activity and the threshold value.
[0214] Monitoring of tissue impedance between a first electrode and
a second electrode by the electrical monitoring apparatus 1100 may
be performed using various techniques. For example, the electrical
monitoring apparatus may be configured to monitor the impedance
between a first electrode and a second electrode by monitoring the
impedance at one or more selected frequencies and/or one or more
selected amplitudes between the first electrode and the second
electrode. Using different combinations of frequencies and
amplitudes may be assist in delineating between various types of
tissue. For example, the impedance of atrial tissue may respond
differently at higher frequencies then ventricular tissue.
[0215] In some embodiments, determining whether the capture device
and/or ligation element is proximate selected tissue based on the
monitored impedance may be performed using various techniques. In
other words, navigation to selected tissue such as, e.g., the left
atrial appendage, may be performed by monitoring impedance of the
tissue proximate selected electrodes. For example, the electrical
monitoring apparatus may be configured to determine whether the
capture device is proximate selected tissue based on the monitored
impedance by comparing the monitored impedance to a known value, a
threshold value, etc., wherein the known and/or threshold values
may be acquired by monitoring the impedance of the selected tissue,
or may otherwise be predetermined (e.g., historically, empirically,
etc.).
[0216] As discussed herein, the monitored impedance may be used in
various ways other than determining whether the capture device
and/or ligation element is located proximate the selected tissue.
For example, the impedance as measured by the electrical monitoring
apparatus may be used as an indication of the force being applied
to the selected tissue by the capture and/or ligation devices. That
information may be used to control the amount of force applied by
the capture and/or ligation devices. For example, a capture device
may be tightened on or around body tissue during the capture
process while the impedance of the tissue is being monitored to
provide an indication as to the force being applied to the tissue.
In some embodiments, the electrical monitoring apparatus may be
configured to provide a signal to the user (e.g., through a sound,
visual cue, etc.) that the body tissue has been sufficiently
captured. The signal may be triggered based on the monitored
impedance of the tissue, with the monitored impedance being
compared to a threshold value, a known value, etc. as discussed
herein. In at least one embodiment, the system may be configured to
provide the signal to a user before body tissue is undesirably
damaged by the application of excessive force.
[0217] The tissue capture systems described herein may use
additional components to assist in the capture and/or occlusion of
body tissue. For example, FIG. 23 depicts a portion of an exemplary
tissue capture system 1300 that includes force-limiting apparatus
and/or actuation apparatus. The system includes a capture device
1310 configured to capture body tissue; a capture shaft (not shown)
including an elongated body including a proximal end and a distal
end, wherein the distal end of the capture shaft is coupled to the
capture device 1310; a ligation element 1320 configured to ligate
the body tissue; and force-limiting apparatus 1330.
[0218] The force-limiting apparatus 1330 may, in some embodiments,
be operably coupled to the ligation element 1320 to restrict the
amount of force applied by the ligation element 1320 when the
ligation element 1320 is tightened around body tissue. In some
embodiments, the force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be operably
coupled to the capture device 1310 to restrict the amount of force
applied by the capture device 1310 to the body tissue. In still
other embodiments, a force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be operably
coupled to both the capture device 1310 and the ligation element
1320. The force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be found in any
suitable location, i.e., proximate a capture device and/or ligation
element, in a shaft carrying a capture device and/or ligation
element, at a proximal end of the shaft carrying the capture device
and/or ligation element (e.g., in a handle), etc.
[0219] The force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be electrically
controlled (e.g., by electrical monitoring apparatus) and/or
include one or more mechanical and/or electrical devices, e.g., a
slip clutch, a spring, a ratchet mechanism with a force limiting
pawl, etc. may be operably coupled to the ligation element 1320
and/or capture device 1310.
[0220] For example, if the capture device 1310 includes a first jaw
and a second jaw, then the force-limiting apparatus 1330 may
include a spring operably coupled to the first jaw and/or the
second jaw such that the spring operates to keep the first jaw and
the second jaw in a normally closed configuration (e.g., thereby
limiting the grasping force of the capture device). Such biasing
elements (e.g., springs, magnets, etc.) may be used to provide a
normally-closed configuration to many different capture devices
(i.e., normally closed capture devices are not limited to those
including jaws. Any spring, magnet, or other biasing element that
may be used to provide a normally-closed capture device may be
located proximate the capture device itself and/or proximally of
the capture device itself, e.g., in the shaft or at the proximal
end of the shaft carrying the device (in, e.g., the handle).
[0221] In some embodiments, the force limiting apparatus may
provide feedback in the form of, e.g. visual, audible, tactile,
etc. alerts that signal to a user that desirable limits are being
reached or have been reached. In other embodiments, the feedback
may also or alternatively be automated such that, once a
determination has been made that the predetermined force limits
have been reached, the system may include an automated
force-limiting mechanism such that no further increases in the
applied force are possible.
[0222] In some embodiments, electrical monitoring apparatus may be
operably coupled to the force-limiting apparatus 1330 and
configured to use the force-limiting apparatus 1330 to control
forces applied by the capture devices 1310 and/or the ligation
elements 1320. For example, the electrical monitoring apparatus may
be configured to use the force-limiting apparatus 1330 to restrict
the amount of force applied by the ligation element 1320 when the
ligation element 1320 is tightened around body tissue or applied by
the capture device 1310 when the capture device 1310 is capturing
body tissue (e.g., based on a monitored impedance as described with
respect to FIG. 22).
[0223] The system 1300 may further include actuation apparatus 1340
operably coupled to the capture device 1310 and/or ligation element
1320. The actuation apparatus 1340 may be, in some embodiments,
configured to actuate the capture device 1310 to capture body
tissue (e.g., the LAA). The actuation apparatus 1340 may, in some
embodiments, be configured to tighten and/or loosen the ligation
element 1320 around body tissue (e.g., the LAA). Further, the
actuation apparatus 1340 may be operably coupled to electrical
monitoring apparatus, which may be further configured to actuate
the capture device 1310 to capture the body tissue using the
actuation apparatus 1340 and/or tighten the ligation element 1320
around the body tissue using the actuation apparatus 1340, e.g.,
based on a monitored impedance as described with respect to FIG.
22, monitored electrical activity, etc.
[0224] Although system 1300 depicts a single actuation apparatus
1340 and a single force-limiting apparatus 1330 in use by both the
capture device 1310 and the ligation element 1320, two or more
actuation apparatus 1340 and/or two or more force-limiting
apparatus 1330 may be used in connection with system 1300. For
example, in at least one configuration, the ligation element 1320
may be operably coupled to a first actuation apparatus and/or a
first force-limiting apparatus and the capture device 1310 may be
operably coupled to a second actuation apparatus and/or a second
force-limiting apparatus.
[0225] Further, the connection lines, the force-limiting apparatus
1330, and the actuation apparatus 1340 as depicted in FIG. 23 are
dashed representing that such connections and apparatus may be
optional. For example, the system 1300 may include force-limiting
apparatus 1330 operably coupled to only the ligation element 1320
and not include an actuation apparatus 1340. Further, for example,
the system 1300 may include force-limiting apparatus 1330 operably
coupled to both of the ligation element 1320 and the capture device
1310 and actuation apparatus 1340 only operably coupled to the
capture device 1310.
[0226] FIG. 24 depicts a portion of another exemplary tissue
capture system 1400. The system 1400 may include a capture device
(not shown) configured to capture body tissue as described herein;
a capture shaft (not shown) including an elongated body including a
proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the
capture shaft is coupled to the capture device; electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405; and one or more optional sensor
apparatus 1407 that may be operably coupled to the electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405. The one or more sensor apparatuses 1407
may be used to sense or monitor one or more different
characteristics that may be used for navigation, capture, and/or
force control of selected tissue. As depicted in FIG. 24, the
system includes flow-sensing apparatus 1410, pressure-sensing
apparatus 1420, temperature-sensing apparatus 1430, motion-sensing
apparatus 1440, and pulse oximetry apparatus 1450. Although not
depicted in FIG. 24, the sensor apparatus 1407 may also include one
or more electrodes that can be used to measure impedance or other
electrical characteristics as discussed herein.
[0227] The flow sensing apparatus 1410 may be operably coupled to
the capture device such that the electrical monitoring apparatus
1405 may use the flow-sensing apparatus 1410 to measure fluid flow
within the captured tissue (e.g., within the left atrial
appendage). The flow-sensing apparatus 1410 may include one or more
flow sensors (e.g., Doppler probes) mounted either directly on the
capture and/or ligation devices and appropriate apparatus needed to
detect fluid flow using the flow sensors. If, during occlusion, the
sensed fluid flow abruptly decreases and/or reaches zero, the
system can be configured to make a determination that occlusion has
been completed. Flow sensing may be used in combination with one or
ore other techniques described herein to address those situations
in which, for example, the flow-sensing apparatus is measuring flow
in a volume that is not being occluded (e.g., in a neighboring
vessel, etc.) and occlusion is complete, but the flow-sensing
apparatus is still indicating the presence of fluid flow despite
occlusion.
[0228] The pressure-sensing apparatus 1420 may be operably coupled
to the capture device such that the electrical monitoring apparatus
1405 may use the pressure-sensing apparatus 1420 to measure the
amount of pressure applied by the capture device, e.g., to body
tissue. The pressure sensing apparatus 1420 may include one or more
pressure sensors mounted either directly on the capture and/or
ligation devices and appropriate apparatus needed to detect
pressure using the pressure sensors.
[0229] For example, in the embodiment in which the capture device
includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the pressure-sensing
apparatus 1420 apparatus may include sensors operably coupled to
the first jaw and/or the second jaw so as to measure the pressure
applied between the first jaw and the second jaw. Such pressure
measurement may be useful to apply a sufficient amount of
"grasping" force with the capture device to capture a selected body
tissue (e.g., the LAA).
[0230] The electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may be configured
to compare the monitored pressure applied by the capture device to
a threshold value and determine whether the body tissue is captured
by the capture device based on the comparison between the monitored
pressure and the threshold value. Further, for example, if the
pressure is below a predetermined threshold value, then it may be
desirable to increase the force applied by the capture device to
assist the capture device in holding position so that it is less
likely to dislodge from or release the captured tissue during
subsequent procedures. If the pressure is above a predetermined
threshold value, it may be desirable to decrease the pressure
applied by the capture device to, e.g., limit or prevent trauma of
the captured body tissue.
[0231] The electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may be further
configured to report to a user the amount of pressure applied by
the capture device and record the pressure applied by the capture
device to, e.g., provide guidance to a user.
[0232] Further, the monitored pressure may be used to limit the
amount of force applied by the capture device and/or a ligation
element using a force-limiting apparatus 1330 as described herein
with reference to FIG. 23. In at least one embodiment, the
force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be operably coupled to the
pressure sensing apparatus 1420 (e.g., through the electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405) and to the capture device and/or
ligation element to restrict the amount of force/pressure applied
by the capture device and/or ligation element to the body
tissue.
[0233] In some embodiments, the monitored pressure may be used to
control an actuation apparatus 1340 as described herein with
reference to FIG. 23. In at least one embodiment, the actuation
apparatus (not shown) may be operably coupled to the pressure
sensing apparatus 1420 (e.g., through the electrical monitoring
apparatus 1405) and to the capture device and/or ligation element
to restrict the amount of force/pressure applied by the capture
device and/or ligation element to the body tissue by controlling
the actuation apparatus itself. In some embodiments, the actuation
apparatus may be configured to actuate the capture device to
capture the body tissue based on the amount of pressure applied by
the capture device as monitored by the pressure-sensing apparatus
1420. In some embodiments, the actuation apparatus may be
configured to operate the ligation element based on the amount of
pressure applied by the capture device as monitored by the
pressure-sensing apparatus 1420.
[0234] Also depicted in FIG. 24, the system may include
temperature-sensing apparatus 1430. The temperature-sensing
apparatus 1430 may be operably coupled to the capture device such
that the electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may use the
temperature-sensing apparatus 1430 to measure the temperature of
the body tissue captured by the capture device. The temperature
sensing apparatus 1430 may include one or more temperature sensors
mounted either directly on the capture and/or ligation devices and
appropriate apparatus needed to detect temperature of tissue using
the temperature sensors.
[0235] For example, in the embodiment in which the capture device
includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the temperature-sensing
apparatus 1430 apparatus may include temperature sensors operably
coupled to the first jaw and/or the second jaw so as to measure the
temperature of tissue in contact with the temperature sensors. In
other embodiments, the temperature-sensing apparatus may be
provided in the form of, e.g., infrared temperature sensors with
the infrared sensors located at any appropriate location on the
capture devices, ligation devices, and/or devices used to deliver
the capture and/or ligation devices.
[0236] In some embodiments, temperature of body tissue (e.g., the
LAA) may change depending whether the body tissues is being
grasped, ligated, etc. As such, the electrical monitoring apparatus
1405 may be configured to report the monitored temperature to a
user. The electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may be further
configured to compare the monitored temperature to a threshold
value and determine whether the body tissue is captured by the
capture device based on the comparison between the monitored
temperature and the threshold value. In the case of ligation
control, the measured temperature may be used to determine whether
the ligation is sufficient.
[0237] In situations where temperature is indicative of the forces
being exerted on the tissue, if the measured temperature indicates
that the pressure is below a predetermined threshold value, then it
may be desirable to increase the force applied by the capture
device to assist the capture device in holding position so that it
is less likely to dislodge from or release the captured tissue
during subsequent procedures. If the measured temperature indicates
that pressure is above a predetermined threshold value, it may be
desirable to decrease the pressure applied by the capture device
to, e.g., limit or prevent trauma of the captured body tissue.
[0238] The electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may be further
configured to report to a user the temperatures measured by the
capture device and record the temperature measured by the capture
device to, e.g., provide guidance to a user.
[0239] Further, the measured temperature may be used to limit the
amount of force applied by the capture device and/or a ligation
element using a force-limiting apparatus 1330 as described herein
with reference to FIG. 23. In at least one embodiment, the
force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be operably coupled to the
temperature sensing apparatus 1430 (e.g., through the electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405) and to the capture device and/or
ligation element to restrict the amount of force/pressure applied
by the capture device and/or ligation element to the body
tissue.
[0240] In some embodiments, the measured temperature may be used to
control an actuation apparatus 1340 as described herein with
reference to FIG. 23. In at least one embodiment, the actuation
apparatus (not shown) may be operably coupled to the temperature
sensing apparatus 1430 (e.g., through the electrical monitoring
apparatus 1405) and to the capture device and/or ligation element
to restrict the amount of force/pressure applied by the capture
device and/or ligation element to the body tissue by controlling
the actuation apparatus itself. In some embodiments, the actuation
apparatus may be configured to actuate the capture device to
capture the body tissue based on the temperature as monitored by
the temperature sensing apparatus 1430 (which, as discussed herein,
may be indicative of the amount of pressure applied by the capture
device). In some embodiments, the actuation apparatus may be
configured to operate a ligation element based on the temperature
of selected tissue as measured by the temperature sensing apparatus
1430.
[0241] Also depicted in FIG. 24, the system may include
motion-sensing apparatus 1440. The motion-sensing apparatus 1440
may be operably coupled to the capture device such that the
electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may use the motion-sensing
apparatus 1440 to detect motion of tissue captured by the capture
device. The motion-sensing apparatus 1440 may include one or more
motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers. etc.) mounted either directly
on the capture and/or ligation devices and appropriate apparatus
needed to detect motion of tissue using the motion sensors.
[0242] For example, in the embodiment in which the capture device
includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the motion-sensing apparatus
1440 apparatus may include motion sensors operably coupled to the
first jaw and/or the second jaw so as to measure the motion of
tissue captured by the capture device.
[0243] For example, if the LAA is captured by a capture device and
is occluded at the ostium (e.g., through ligation), the motion of
the capture device may be indicative of the occlusion (e.g., if the
LAA is occluded, there may be less distal motion of the LAA due to
a decrease in flow within the LAA, etc.). As such, the electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405 may be configured to monitor the motion
of the capture device (using the motion-sensing apparatus 1440) and
determine whether the ligation element has ligated the body tissue
based on the monitored motion of the capture device.
[0244] Ligation control may also be based on changes in the motion
of the left atrial appendage because, as the left atrial appendage
is ligated, it may become ischemic and the myocardium may stop
contracting. The change in the beat of the left atrial appendage
could be determined by monitoring acceleration and motion at the
distal tip of the appendage. For example, the system may be
configured to track acceleration at the distal tip of the appendage
before ligation and then monitor a continual decrease in the
amplitude of acceleration as the appendage is ligated. The system
may be configured to make a determination that a predetermined
threshold has been reached and provide an indication that
sufficient occlusion has been obtained.
[0245] An alternative to monitoring motion of the left atrial
appendage directly using a dedicated motion sensor, the system may
be configured to determine appendage motion using, e.g., TEE, ICE,
Doppler, etc. For example, there may be an algorithm that would
monitor the tissue motion of the appendage prior to ligation and
track the appendage motion during the occlusion process. Again,
there may be a particular threshold at which the decrease in motion
indicates adequate occlusion or helps reduce the likelihood of
excessive forces being applied.
[0246] Also depicted in FIG. 24, the system may include
pulse-oximetry apparatus 1450. The pulse-oximetry apparatus 1450
may be operably coupled to the capture device such that the
electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may use the pulse-oximetry
apparatus 1450 to detect light absorption characteristics of tissue
and/or fluids captured by the capture device. The pulse-oximetry
apparatus 1450 may include a light transmitter and a light receiver
coupled to the capture device. The transmitter is configured to
direct light through tissue captured by the capture device and the
receiver is configured to detect light transmitted through the
tissue (preferably the light emitted by the transmitter--if any
passes through the tissue).
[0247] In at least one embodiment, the electrical monitoring
apparatus 1405 may be further configured to use the data from the
pulse oximetry apparatus 1450 to determine the oxygen saturation of
the selected body tissue. In one embodiment where the capture
device includes a first jaw and a second jaw, the transmitter may
be coupled to the first jaw and the receiver may be coupled to the
second jaw.
[0248] The data acquired by the pulse oximetry apparatus 1450 may
be useful for various procedures. Various cardiac tissues may have
different oxygen saturation characteristics and their light
emitting and absorption patterns may be compared to known values to
confirm the type of tissue captured by the capture device. For
example the LAA may have a different oxygen saturation patterns
than epicardial fats (e.g., the LAA may have higher oxygen
saturation patterns). Further, for example, pulse oximetry
apparatus 1450 may be used to measure tissue compression (e.g.,
body tissue compressed by a capture device and/or a ligation
element) because the pulse oximetry apparatus 1450 may measure the
blood flow and/or pulsatility and oxygen saturation, which may
change due to compression and/or ligation.
[0249] As such, the electrical monitoring apparatus 1405 may be
further configured to determine whether the capture device has
captured selected tissue based on the light received by the
receiver of the pulse oximetry apparatus 1450. Also, the electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405 may be further configured to compare the
light received by the receiver to a threshold value to determine
whether the capture device has captured the body tissue. Further,
the data monitored by the pulse oximetry apparatus 1450 may be
reported to a user through audio and/or visual display
apparatus.
[0250] Further, the pulse-oximetry data may be used to limit the
amount of force applied by the capture device and/or a ligation
element using a force-limiting apparatus 1330 as described herein
with reference to FIG. 23. In at least one embodiment, the
force-limiting apparatus 1330 may be operably coupled to the
pulse-oximetry apparatus 1450 (e.g., through the electrical
monitoring apparatus 1405) and to the capture device and/or
ligation element to restrict the amount of force/pressure applied
by the capture device and/or ligation element to the body
tissue.
[0251] In some embodiments, the pulse-oximetry data may be used to
control an actuation apparatus 1340 as described herein with
reference to FIG. 23. In at least one embodiment, the actuation
apparatus (not shown) may be operably coupled to the pulse-oximetry
apparatus 1450 (e.g., through the electrical monitoring apparatus
1405) and to the capture device and/or ligation element to restrict
the amount of force/pressure applied by the capture device and/or
ligation element to the body tissue by controlling the actuation
apparatus itself. In some embodiments, the actuation apparatus may
be configured to actuate the capture device to capture the body
tissue based on the pulse-oximetry data as obtained by the
pulse-oximetry apparatus 1450 (which, as discussed herein, may be
indicative of the amount of pressure applied by the capture
device). In some embodiments, the actuation apparatus may be
configured to operate a ligation element based on the
pulse-oximetry data as measured by the pulse-oximetry apparatus
1450.
[0252] In connection with any of the different measurements
described herein, e.g., tissue impedance, pressure, temperature,
motion, pulse-oximetry, etc., the systems and/or methods may be
configured to use the actual measurements obtained by the various
sensors, electrodes, etc. and/or one or more secondary
characteristics of the measured value or values, e.g., rates of
change, slew rates, shapes of the curves as a function of time,
frequency, etc.
[0253] FIG. 25 depicts a portion of another occlusion control
system 1500. The system 1500 may include a ligation element 1510
for ligating body tissue (e.g., the ligation element 1510 may
include a loop); a ligation element lead 1520 extending from a
first end to a second end and throughout the ligation element 1510;
and electrical monitoring apparatus 1505 operably coupled to the
first end and the second end of ligation element lead 1520.
[0254] The ligation element 1510 may include a wire snare, a hollow
suture (e.g., a soft pliable suture having a hollow core within
which a more rigid, removable control element extends--as described
in, e.g., International Publication WO 2008/036408 titled DEVICES
AND METHODS FOR LIGATING ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES), band, elastic,
etc. The ligation element 1510 may be formed of, e.g., a
monofilament and/or braided suture and may include materials such
as, e.g., polyester, PTFE, polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene,
metal, and/or any other suitable material used in surgical
applications as known by one having ordinary skill in the art.
Further, the material of the ligation element 1510 may be
absorbable (e.g., material that may break-down within a body
without intervention) or non-absorbable. In at least one
embodiment, the ligation element 1510 may include shape memory
materials such as, e.g., Nitinol.
[0255] The ligation element 1510 includes a ligation element lead
1520, e.g., located within the body of the ligation element 1510.
The ligation element lead 1520 may be formed of any suitable
conductive material, e.g., platinum, copper, gold, iridium,
titanium, metal alloys, polymers including conductive materials,
etc. As the ligation element 1510 is tightened, e.g., around body
tissue (e.g., the LAA), the strain on the lead 1520 may increase.
In turn, the intrinsic electrical properties of the ligation
element lead 1520 (e.g., resistance, capacitance, impedance, etc.)
may change as a result of the strain on the lead 1520. Those
changes may be used to provide an indicator as to the forces being
exerted on the tissue being ligated. For example, it may be
determined that when impedance reaches a threshold value, the force
applied on the ligation element lead 1520 is at a particular value.
Additionally, any of these electrical measurements of the ligation
elements lead could be correlated with other techniques for
force/occlusion control described herein to reduce the likelihood
of over-tightening of the ligation element.
[0256] Multiple electrodes as depicted in the embodiments of FIGS.
26 and 27 may, in some embodiments, bridge the ostium of the left
atrial appendage with the most medial electrodes being medial to
the ostium and other electrodes on the body of the appendage
itself. When ligating the signals (e.g., electrograms) that are
medial to the site of ligature will typically remain normal. In
contrast, the signals obtained from electrodes located laterally to
the place where the ligature is actually being applied may
typically decrease in amplitude, decrease in slew rate, and exhibit
changes in pacing thresholds and impedance. In a system configured
to compare the different signals, a correlation may be made between
the signal(s) obtained on the appendage and a reference signal
obtained as discussed herein.
[0257] Using multiple electrodes may also facilitate validation of
the received signal. For example, the medial electrodes over an
appendage can, in some embodiments, be used for pacing, thus
providing a system configured to verify that the signals obtained
by the capture device are atrial signals. Conduction delay from the
medial electrodes to the capture device electrodes may be expected
to occur as the ligature is being applied and may be a sign that
it, in fact, the appendage is located between the two sets of
electrodes (i.e., the electrodes on the ligation element and the
electrodes on the capture device).
[0258] Further, the changing electrical properties of the ligation
element lead may be used to control an actuation apparatus 1340 as
described herein with reference to FIG. 23. In at least one
embodiment, the actuation apparatus (not shown) may be operably
coupled to the ligation element to restrict the amount of
force/pressure applied by the ligation element to the body tissue
by controlling the actuation apparatus itself.
[0259] In some embodiments, the electrical monitoring apparatus
1505 may be configured to monitor an impedance of the ligation
element lead 1520 and report the impedance to a user. In at least
one embodiment, the electrical monitoring apparatus 1505 may be
configured to report the amount of tension within the ligation
element 1510 based on the monitored impedance. Further, in at least
another embodiment, the electrical monitoring apparatus 1505 may be
further configured to compare the monitored impedance to a
threshold value and determine whether the body tissue has been
ligated based on the comparison between the monitored impedance and
a threshold value.
[0260] The system depicted in FIG. 26 includes a ligation element
1680 that may include one or more electrodes 1682 carried on the
ligation element 1380. The ligation element 1680 can be delivered
through a delivery device 1610 and the ends of the ligation element
can be manipulated to adjust the size of the loop formed by the
ligation element 1680. The electrodes 1682 may preferably be
operably connected to one or more leads that extend proximally back
through the ligation element 1680 to connect to monitoring
apparatus as described herein. Similar devices (not including
electrodes) may be described in more detail in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. 2008/0294175 to Bardsley et al.
[0261] The system depicted in FIG. 27 includes a ligation element
1780 that may include one or more electrodes 1782 carried on the
ligation element 1780. The ligation element 1780 can also be
delivered through a delivery device 1710. The electrodes 1782 may
preferably be operably connected to one or more leads that extend
proximally back through the ligation element 1780 to connect to
monitoring apparatus as described herein. Similar devices (not
including electrodes) may be described in more detail in U.S.
Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0294175 to Bardsley et
al.
[0262] Although some illustrative capture devices and ligation
elements are described herein, many other capture devices and/or
ligation elements may be used in the systems and methods described
herein. Examples of some potentially useful capture devices and/or
ligation elements that may be used in connection with the systems
and methods described herein may be found in, e.g., PCT Application
Serial No. US2009/38544, filed Mar. 27, 2009, entitled NAVIGATION
AND TISSUE CAPTURE SYSTEMS AND METHODS. Additional devices and/or
ligation elements may be found in, e.g., U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2008/0294175 (Bardsley et al.); U.S. Pat. No.
6,488,689 (Kaplan et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,791 (Whayne et al.);
International Publication WO 2008/036408 A2, titled DEVICES AND
METHODS FOR LIGATING ANATOMICAL STRUCTURES; US Patent Application
Publication No. US 2009/0157118 (Miller et al.); US Patent
Application Publication No. US 2009/0143791 (Miller et al.); US
Patent Application Publication No. US 2008/0221593 (Liddicoat et
al.); US Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0073313
(Liddicoat et al.); US Patent Application Publication No. US
2008/0147097 (Liddicoat et al.); U.S. Patent Application
Publication No. 2008/0294175 (Bardsley et al.); etc.
[0263] Among variations that may or may not be explicitly described
herein, the following features, components, etc. may be included in
the systems described herein. For example, although the devices are
depicted as having substantially straight bodies, they may be
precurved such that in the absence of an intervening force, the
bodies take on a curved shape.
[0264] The systems and methods described herein could be used to
detect tissues other than the left atrial appendage using other
detectable physiological electrical activity that can provide
guidance for navigation.
[0265] The systems and methods described herein may be used in a
manual operation, i.e., where one or more operators manually
position the devices described herein. Alternatively, some or all
of the devices in the systems and methods described herein may be
controlled by automated equipment (e.g., robotically, etc.).
[0266] The systems and methods described herein could be used in
conjunction with the following surgical techniques: percutaneous,
minimally invasive, laparascopic, keyhole, Natural Orifice
Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES), open surgery, endoscopic
surgery, etc. and combinations of two or more techniques.
[0267] Although described in connection with the human anatomy, the
systems and methods described herein could be used with any animal
(i.e., have use in both human and veterinary applications).
[0268] Although not explicitly depicted, the EGM detection can be
performed between any two electrodes or between a single electrode
and ground (electrically neutral). Ground can be created by, e.g.,
placing a patch electrode on a subject's body (or placing another
electrode on or on the body) and using it as a reference
electrode.
[0269] The complete disclosure of the patents, patent documents,
and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in
their entirety as if each were individually incorporated.
[0270] Exemplary embodiments of navigation and tissue capture
systems and methods have been discussed and reference has been made
to possible variations. These and other variations and
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope of the invention, and it should be
understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrative
embodiments set forth herein. Accordingly, the invention is to be
limited only by the claims provided below and equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *