U.S. patent application number 16/846076 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for devices and methods for excluding the left atrial appendage.
The applicant listed for this patent is Conformal Medical, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andres Chamorro, Carol Devellian, Aaron V. Kaplan, Andy H. Levine, David Melanson.
Application Number | 20220192676 16/846076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006388483 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220192676 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Kaplan; Aaron V. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
DEVICES AND METHODS FOR EXCLUDING THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE
Abstract
Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial
appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood
from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing,
particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. An implant is
delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA. The implant
includes a conformable structure comprising a foam body and
internal support. The support includes anchors that penetrate the
foam body and anchor the implant to the walls of the LAA. The
implant provides compliance such that it conforms to the native
configuration of the LAA.
Inventors: |
Kaplan; Aaron V.;
(Northwich, VT) ; Melanson; David; (Hudson,
NH) ; Devellian; Carol; (Topsfield, MA) ;
Levine; Andy H.; (Newton Highlands, MA) ; Chamorro;
Andres; (Ashland, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Conformal Medical, Inc. |
Nashua |
NH |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20200305889 A1 |
October 1, 2020 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006388483 |
Appl. No.: |
16/846076 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15290692 |
Oct 11, 2016 |
10617425 |
|
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16846076 |
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|
14203187 |
Mar 10, 2014 |
9943315 |
|
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15290692 |
|
|
|
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62240124 |
Oct 12, 2015 |
|
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61779802 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/12181 20130101;
A61B 17/12122 20130101; A61B 2017/1205 20130101; A61B 17/12159
20130101; A61B 2017/00495 20130101; A61B 17/12177 20130101; A61B
17/12145 20130101; A61B 17/1215 20130101; A61B 17/12172
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/12 20060101
A61B017/12 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A method of excluding a left atrial appendage (LAA), the method
comprising: advancing a guidewire into the LAA; advancing a distal
end of a delivery catheter over the guidewire and into the LAA;
deploying a LAA occlusion device from the distal end of the
delivery catheter, wherein the LAA occlusion device includes a foam
body and a support structure having an anchor; and engaging tissue
of the LAA with the anchor to secure the LAA occlusion device
within the LAA, wherein the anchor penetrates the foam body such
that a tip of the anchor is positioned outside the foam body to
engage the tissue.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the anchor extends along an axis,
and the method further comprises advancing the anchor along the
axis to engage the tissue.
4. The method of claim 2, further comprising rotating the anchor to
engage the tissue with the anchor.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising deploying the anchor
from a constrained configuration to a deployed configuration.
6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: compressing the LAA
occlusion device to a constrained configuration for delivery; and
expanding the LAA occlusion device to a deployed configuration
after deploying the LAA occlusion device from the delivery
catheter.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein expanding the LAA occlusion
device comprises the LAA occlusion device self-expanding after
deploying from the delivery catheter.
8. The method of claim 6, further comprising restraining the LAA
occlusion device with a sheath for delivery.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising removing the sheath
from the LAA occlusion device.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein expanding the LAA occlusion
device comprises the LAA occlusion device self-expanding after
removal of the sheath.
11. The method of claim 2, further comprising retracting the anchor
from engagement with the tissue.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising repositioning the
LAA occlusion device after retracting the anchor.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising re-engaging the
tissue with the anchor after repositioning the LAA occlusion
device.
14. The method of claim 2, wherein the LAA occlusion device
comprises a plurality of the anchors, and the method further
comprises engaging the tissue with the plurality of anchors.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the plurality of the anchors
penetrate the foam body such that respective tips of the plurality
of anchors are positioned outside the foam body to engage the
tissue.
16. The method of claim 2, wherein deploying the LAA occlusion
device comprises retracting a sheath distally from around the LAA
occlusion device to allow the LAA occlusion device to
self-expand.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising re-sheathing the LAA
occlusion device after expansion of the LAA occlusion device.
18. The method of claim 2, wherein the foam body comprises a
proximal face and a sidewall extending distally from the proximal
face.
19. The method of claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises
a central hub and the anchor is connected to the hub via a support
segment.
20. The method of claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises
a plurality of struts joined at a distal end to a central hub.
21. The method of claim 2, wherein a proximal end of the LAA
occlusion device faces the left atrium after delivery and comprises
a thromboresistant blood-contacting surface.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic
priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed
with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference
under 37 CFR 1.57. For example, this application is a continuation
of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/290,692 entitled "DEVICES AND
METHODS FOR EXCLUDING THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE" and filed on Oct.
11, 2016, which is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 14/203,187 entitled "DEVICES AND METHODS FOR EXCLUDING THE LEFT
ATRIAL APPENDAGE" and filed on Mar. 10, 2014, and claims the
benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S.
Provisional Application No. 62/240,124 entitled "DEVICES AND
METHODS FOR EXCLUDING THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE" and filed on Oct.
12, 2015, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated
herein by reference for all purposes and forms a part of this
specification.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] This development relates generally to systems, devices and
methods for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA). In
particular, systems, devices and methods for excluding the LAA
using an expandable foam implant with deployable anchors are
described herein.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a condition in which the
normal beating of the left atrium (LA) is chaotic and ineffective.
The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a blind pouch off the LA. In
patients with Afib blood stagnates in the LAA facilitating clot
formation. These clots (or clot fragments) have a tendency to
embolize or leave the LAA and enter the systemic circulation. A
stroke occurs when a clot/clot fragment embolizes and occludes one
of the arteries perfusing the brain. Anticoagulants, e.g. Coumadin,
have been shown to significantly reduce the stroke risk in Afib
patients. These drugs reduce clot formation but also increased
bleeding complications including hemorrhagic strokes, subdural
hematoma, and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
[0004] There are about 8 million people in the US and EU with Afib.
About 4.6 million of these patients are at a high risk for stroke
and would benefit from anticoagulation. A large portion of these
patients cannot take anticoagulants due to an increased bleeding
risk, leaving their stroke risk unaddressed. The prevalence of Afib
increases with age.
[0005] Several devices for occluding the LAA are described in the
prior art and each has limitations this invention improves upon.
The prior art devices are metal structures which are circular in
cross section and are made to expand to fill the LAA ostium. These
devices are offered in many sizes and must be closely matched to
the highly variable LAA anatomy. This is difficult to do using
fluoroscopy and often requires adjunctive imaging in the form of
transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), cardiac CT and MRI, all
with three dimensional reconstructions. If the device is
significantly oversized, the LAA ostium may become overstretched
leading to tearing, resulting in bleeding into the pericardial
space. If the device is too small, it will not adequately seal the
ostium and may be prone to embolization. Even if sized correctly,
the device forces the oval LAA ostium to take the round shape of
the device, often resulting in residual leakage at the edges due to
poor sealing.
[0006] Anchoring of these implants in the proper location is
described in the prior art devices predominately using an array of
radially disposed barbs or hooks that engage into the surrounding
cardiac tissue upon expansion of the device. The device must
therefore have sufficient spring force or stiffness for the barbs
to engage the surrounding tissue. These barbs may lead to leaking
of blood through the tissue into the pericardial space which may
lead to cardiac tamponade. Furthermore, the geometry of these barbs
and hooks prevent repositioning once the implant is fully
expanded.
[0007] For all of these reasons it would be desirable to have a
device which conforms to the oval shape of the LAA, does not
require an excessive number of sizes therefore negating the need
for extensive pre-procedure imaging, can be easily repositioned
after it is fully expanded, then secured in place once the final
position has been optimized.
SUMMARY
[0008] The embodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects
no single one of which is solely responsible for the disclosure's
desirable attributes. Without limiting the scope of this
disclosure, its more prominent features will now be briefly
discussed. After considering this discussion, and particularly
after reading the section entitled "Detailed Description," one will
understand how the features of the embodiments described herein
provide advantages over existing systems, devices and methods.
[0009] The following disclosure describes non-limiting examples of
some embodiments. For instance, other embodiments of the disclosed
systems and methods may or may not include the features described
herein. Moreover, disclosed advantages and benefits can apply only
to certain embodiments of the invention and should not be used to
limit the disclosure.
[0010] Devices and methods are described for occluding the left
atrial appendage (LAA) to exclude the LAA from blood flow to
prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently
embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. A
foam implant is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA
and anchored using an internal locking system of the implant. The
locking system includes deployable anchors that can be deployed
after deployment of the foam implant from the delivery catheter and
expansion of the foam within the LAA. The implant location can thus
be verified before deploying the anchors to secure the implant. The
locking system can be reversible to allow retraction of the anchors
and repositioning or retrieval of the implant.
[0011] The devices and methods allow for occluding the LAA with a
foam plug to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and
subsequently embolizing. An implantable device is delivered through
a catheter that is tracked over a guide wire through the vascular
system. The guide wire lumen within the foam is expandable, to
allow for placement of the guide wire, then is self-closing upon
removal of the guide wire. Foams, which can be tubular in shape
with a central lumen, are described that are collapsed for delivery
and then expand in place within the LAA. The plug is anchored by
tissue ingrowth from the left atrium (LA) and LAA into the foam, by
independent and/or integrated repositionable anchors, barbs, and/or
by distal anchoring elements. For example, independent
repositionable anchors are described which deploy through openings
in the compressible foam plug and tubular film and can be expanded,
re-collapsed, and locked through the central guide wire lumen.
Repositionable atraumatic anchor system embodiments are also
disclosed which can be independent structures or integral to the
foam plug and/or skin. Foam plugs are described that are
encapsulated with jackets or skins that can be tubular in shape
that are sufficiently strong to enable handling of the plugs
without tearing, allow for repositioning and retrieval of the
plugs, provide a thromboresistant surface within the LA which will
encourage formation of a neointima, assist in the creation of
occlusion zones designed to encourage thromboresistance and
endothelialization from the blood and adjacent tissue and anchoring
zones designed to promote fast and tenacious tissue ingrowth into
the compressible implant from the adjacent non-blood tissue, and
can assist in closure at the ostium. These jackets or skins can be
independent or can be attached to the foam plugs. Retrieval finials
can be attached at one or more points to aid in retrieval of an
embolized device and to increase radiopacity.
[0012] In one aspect, a left atrial appendage occlusion device is
described. The device includes an open cell foam body and an
internal locking system. The body has a proximal end, a distal end
and an outer skin. The proximal end is configured to face a left
atrium and the distal end is configured to face the left atrial
appendage following implantation in the left atrial appendage. The
body can be compressed for delivery within a delivery catheter and
can self-expand when removed from the delivery catheter. The
internal locking system is coupled with the body and comprises at
least one deployable tissue anchor. The deployable anchor is
configured to deploy from a constrained configuration within the
body to a deployed configuration where a tissue engaging segment of
the anchor extends outside the body to secure the body within the
left atrial appendage. The deployable anchor is configured to
deploy to the deployed configuration after the body expands within
the left atrial appendage. The deployable anchor is retractable
from the deployed configuration to a retracted configuration within
the body.
[0013] In some embodiments, the internal locking system further
comprises a plurality of the deployable anchors rotatably coupled
with the body, wherein the plurality of anchors are configured to
rotate to the deployed and retracted configurations. The internal
locking system may comprise four of the deployable anchors. In some
embodiments, the body further comprises a plurality of axially
extending slots corresponding to the plurality of anchors, wherein
each of the plurality of anchors is configured to deploy and
retract through the corresponding axial slot.
[0014] In some embodiments, the internal locking system further
comprises a restraint that restrains the anchor in the constrained
configuration, and the anchor is deployed from the constrained
configuration to the deployed configuration by removing the
restraint from the anchor. The restraint may be a sheath that
restrains the anchor in the constrained configuration by covering
the anchor, wherein the anchor is deployed from the constrained
configuration to the deployed configuration by removing the sheath
from covering the anchor. The restraint may be a lasso that
restrains the anchor in the constrained configuration by
surrounding the anchor, and the anchor is deployed from the
constrained configuration to the deployed configuration by removing
the lasso from surrounding the anchor.
[0015] In some embodiments, the internal locking system further
comprises a moveable mount coupled with an end of the anchor, and
the anchor is deployed from the constrained configuration to the
deployed configuration by axially moving the mount.
[0016] In some embodiments, the internal locking system further
comprises a constraint configured to move over the anchor to cause
the anchor to retract. The constraint may be a ring configured to
slide over the anchor to cause the anchor to retract.
[0017] In some embodiments, the skin comprises ePTFE.
[0018] In some embodiments, the device further comprises at least
one tissue ingrowth surface on a sidewall of the body.
[0019] In some embodiments, the device further comprises a
plurality of openings in the skin to permit tissue ingrowth into
the open cell foam body. The plurality of openings of the skin may
be located in an anchoring region of the device located at least
between the proximal and distal ends of the device, and the device
may further comprise an occlusion region located at the proximal
end of the device and configured to encourage thromboresistance and
endothelialization from the blood and adjacent tissue.
[0020] In another aspect, a left atrial appendage closure system is
described. The system comprises a delivery catheter and a left
atrial appendage occlusion device. The delivery catheter comprises
an elongate flexible tubular body, having a proximal end and a
distal end and at least one lumen extending therethrough. The left
atrial appendage occlusion device is configured to be compressed
within the delivery catheter and to self-expand upon deployment
from the delivery catheter. The device comprises a self-expandable
open cell foam body coupled with an internal locking system. The
internal locking system comprises a deployable anchor configured to
deploy from a constrained configuration to a deployed configuration
after the body expands within the left atrial appendage and is
configured to retract from the deployed configuration to a
retracted position within the body.
[0021] In some embodiments, the system further comprises an axially
movable deployment control extending through a lumen of the body,
for deploying the deployable anchor. The system may further
comprise an axially movable deployment control extending through a
lumen of the body, for deploying the foam body from the distal end
of the closure system. The internal locking system may further
comprise a restraint that restrains the anchor in the constrained
configuration, and the anchor is actively deployed from the
constrained configuration to the deployed configuration by removing
the restraint from the anchor using an axially movable deployment
control extending through a lumen of the body. The internal locking
system may further comprise a moveable mount coupled with an end of
the anchor, and the anchor is actively deployed from the
constrained configuration to the deployed configuration by axially
moving the mount using an axially movable deployment control
extending through a lumen of the body.
[0022] In another aspect, a method of excluding a left atrial
appendage is described. The method comprises advancing a guidewire
into the left atrial appendage, advancing a distal end of a
delivery catheter over the guidewire and into the left atrial
appendage, and deploying a left atrial appendage occlusion device
from the distal end of the delivery catheter. The device comprises
an expandable foam body coupled with an internal locking system
having a deployable anchor, and the body expands within the left
atrial appendage upon deploying from the distal end of the delivery
catheter. The method further comprises actively deploying the
deployable anchor after the body expands within the left atrial
appendage. The deployable anchor is configured to retract from the
deployed configuration to a retracted position within the body. In
some embodiments, the method further comprises retracting the
deployable anchor from the deployed configuration to the retracted
position.
[0023] In another aspect, a left atrial appendage occlusion device
is described. The device comprises an expandable foam body and an
internal locking system. The body can be compressed for delivery
within a delivery catheter and can self-expand when removed from
the delivery catheter. The internal locking system is coupled with
the body and comprises a deployable anchor configured to deploy
from a constrained configuration within the body to a deployed
configuration where the anchor extends outside the body to secure
the body within the left atrial appendage. The body is configured
to expand upon removal from the delivery catheter, and the
deployable anchor is configured to deploy to the deployed
configuration after the body expands.
[0024] In another aspect, a left atrial appendage occlusion device
is described. The device comprises an expandable foam body and an
internal locking system. The body can be compressed for delivery
within a delivery catheter and can self-expand when removed from
the delivery catheter. The internal locking system is coupled with
the body and comprises a deployable anchor configured to deploy
from a constrained configuration within the body to a deployed
configuration where the anchor extends outside the body to secure
the body within the left atrial appendage. The deployable anchor is
configured to retract from the deployed configuration to a
retracted configuration within the body such that the body can be
repositioned within the left atrial appendage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several
embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are not to be
considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described
with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description,
reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part
hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar
components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative
embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and
claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be
utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the
spirit or scope of the subject matter presented here. It will be
readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as
generally described herein, and illustrated in the drawing, can be
arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of
different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated
and make part of this disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 1 shows the anatomy of the left atrium and left atrial
appendage.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows a left atrial appendage with one foam plug
embodiment in place that uses adhesive.
[0028] FIG. 3 shows an x-ray image of a foam plug.
[0029] FIG. 4 shows a left atrial appendage with foam embodiment
and distal anchor in place.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a screw anchor.
[0031] FIG. 6 shows a longitudinal cross section of a foam plug
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 7 shows an LAA cross section.
[0033] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a guide catheter
approaching the ostium to the left atrial appendage.
[0034] FIG. 9 is an illustration as in FIG. 8, with a guidewire
placed within the left atrial appendage.
[0035] FIG. 10 is an illustration as in FIG. 9, with an inflatable
balloon at the distal region of the guidewire positioned within the
left atrial appendage.
[0036] FIG. 11 is an illustration as in FIG. 10, with the guide
catheter advanced distally along the guidewire and into the left
atrial appendage.
[0037] FIG. 12 is an illustration as in FIG. 11, showing the
occlusion device and pusher positioned within the guide
catheter.
[0038] FIG. 13 is an illustration as in FIG. 12, showing the
occlusion device partially deployed exiting the guide catheter.
[0039] FIG. 14 is an illustration as in FIG. 13, with the occlusion
device fully deployed within the left atrial appendage.
[0040] FIG. 15 is an illustration as in FIG. 14, showing the
deployment of adhesives or other anchoring structures to retain the
occlusion device within the left atrial appendage.
[0041] FIG. 16 shows a plug occlusive device in longitudinal cross
section using metal and foam.
[0042] FIG. 17 shows a plug using metal coils and foam.
[0043] FIG. 18 shows a plug using a single metal coil.
[0044] FIG. 19 shows a plug with a dilating distal tip.
[0045] FIG. 20 shows a plug with proximal and distal caps.
[0046] FIG. 21 shows a plug adhesive delivery system.
[0047] FIG. 22 shows the delivery of an expanding foam system.
[0048] FIG. 23 shows a plug with barbs.
[0049] FIG. 24 shows a plug with a retrieval suture attachment.
[0050] FIGS. 25A and 25B show a distal anchoring system.
[0051] FIG. 26 shows an alternative distal anchoring system.
[0052] FIGS. 27A-27G are various views of an embodiment of a device
for occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA) with an internal
locking system for securing the device.
[0053] FIGS. 28A-28D are various views of an embodiment of an
internal locking system that may be used with the various devices
and plugs described herein for occlusion of the LAA, such as the
device of FIGS. 27A-27G.
[0054] FIGS. 29A-29B are sequential side views of an unlocking
mechanism that may be used with the various devices and plugs
described herein for occlusion of the LAA, such as the device of
FIGS. 27A-27G.
[0055] FIG. 30 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA having flexible anchors.
[0056] FIG. 31 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA having flexible anchors, with stiffening
tubular members in a pre-deployed configuration.
[0057] FIG. 32 is a side view of the device of FIG. 31, with the
stiffening tubular members in a deployed configuration.
[0058] FIG. 33 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA having discrete attachments of an outer skin
to an internal foam.
[0059] FIG. 34 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA including an outer rim.
[0060] FIG. 35 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA having anchors with V-tips shown in the
deployed configuration.
[0061] FIG. 36 is a side view of another embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA having anchors with V-tips shown in the
deployed configuration.
[0062] FIGS. 37A-37C are side views of various embodiments of
V-tips that may be used with the anchors described herein.
[0063] FIG. 38 is a side view of an embodiment of a device for
occlusion of the LAA implanted inside an LAA.
[0064] FIGS. 39A-39B are perspective views of an embodiment of a
deployable anchor activated by a pull wire and shown, respectively,
in the constrained and deployed configuration, that may be used
with the various devices for occlusion of the LAA described
herein.
[0065] FIGS. 40A-40B are perspective views of an embodiment of a
deployable anchor activated by a lock wire and shown, respectively,
in the constrained and deployed configuration, that may be used
with the various devices for occlusion of the LAA described
herein.
[0066] FIGS. 41A-41B are perspective views of an embodiment of a
deployable anchor activated by a sheath and shown, respectively, in
the constrained and deployed configuration, that may be used with
the various devices for occlusion of the LAA described herein.
[0067] FIGS. 42A-42D are various views of embodiments of devices
for occlusion of the LAA having external deployable anchors which
can be collapsed and expanded by retraction into or out of a sheath
or outer catheter.
[0068] FIGS. 43A-43C are sequential side views of an embodiment of
a device for occlusion of the LAA shown, respectively, constrained
by a lasso, deployed, and adjusted with a mount.
[0069] FIGS. 44A-44C are side views of an embodiment of a device
for occlusion of the LAA having an adjustable two stage anchor
system activated by moving a mounting base along a rod.
[0070] While the above-identified drawings set forth presently
disclosed embodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as
noted in the discussion. This disclosure presents illustrative
embodiments by way of representation and not limitation. Numerous
other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled
in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles
of the presently disclosed embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0071] The following detailed description is directed to certain
specific embodiments of the development. In this description,
reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts or steps may
be designated with like numerals throughout for clarity. Reference
in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "in
some embodiments" means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrases "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or
"in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are
separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive
of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described
which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
Similarly, various requirements are described which may be
requirements for some embodiments but may not be requirements for
other embodiments. Reference will now be made in detail to
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference
numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same
or like parts.
[0072] The devices and related methods are described herein in
connection with use in occluding, i.e. excluding, a left atrial
appendage (LAA). The various figures show various embodiments of
LAA occlusion devices, systems and methods for delivery of the LAA
occlusion devices, and/or methods of using the device to occlude a
LAA. The various systems, devices and methods described herein may
include the same features and/or functionalities as other LAA
occlusion systems, devices and methods as described, for example,
in U.S. application Ser. No. 14/203,187 entitled "DEVICES AND
METHODS FOR EXCLUDING THE LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE" and filed on Mar.
10, 2014, and/or as described in U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/240,124 entitled "DEVICES AND METHODS FOR EXCLUDING THE LEFT
ATRIAL APPENDAGE" and filed on Oct. 12, 2015, the entire disclosure
of each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes and forms a part of this specification.
[0073] The heart 100 is shown in FIG. 1 with the left atrial
appendage (LAA) 102 which is a cavity emanating from the left
atrium (LA) 104. The LAA 102 is quite variable in shape in all
dimensions. If the heart is not beating normally, a condition
called atrial fibrillation, blood within the LAA becomes stagnant
which promotes clot formation. If blood clots within the LAA, the
clots may pass from the LAA 102 to the LA 104, to the left
ventricle 106 and out of the heart 100 into the aorta. Vessels that
bring blood to the brain branch off the aorta. If the clot passes
to the brain via these vessels, it may get stuck and occlude a
small vessel in the brain which then causes an ischemic stroke.
Strokes have severe morbidities associated with them.
[0074] The opening of the LAA 102 to the LA 104 is called an ostium
110. The object of this invention is to occlude the ostium 110
thereby sealing off the LA 104 from the LAA 102. The ostium 110, is
oval, highly variable and dependent of loading conditions, i.e.,
left atrial pressure.
[0075] One embodiment of the LAA occlusion device is shown in FIG.
2. The occlusion device or plug 204 is placed within the LAA 200 at
its opening to the LA 202. It is understood that the "plugs"
described herein, such as the plug 204, may have the same or
similar features as other implantable "devices" described herein,
such as the device 10, and vice versa. The plug 204 comprises an
expandable media such as an open cell foam which enables collapse
and expansion of the plug and also to enhance ingrowth of tissue
into the foam. The foam plug 204 is at least partially encapsulated
within a thin strong layer 206 such as ePTFE (expanded
polytetrafluoroethylene), polyolefin or polyester. The layer 206
may be referred to herein as a "skin." Alternatively bioabsorbable
materials could be utilized such as PLA, PGA, PCL, PHA, or
collagen. This thin encapsulating layer can be oriented or
otherwise modified to be elastomeric in at least one direction,
such as radially.
[0076] The plug may be made of polyurethane, polyolefin, PVA,
collagen foams or blends thereof. One suitable material is a
polycarbonate-polyurethane urea foam with a pore size of 100-250 um
and 90-95% void content. The foam could be non-degradable or use a
degradable material such as PLA, PGA, PCL, PHA, and/or collagen. If
degradable, the tissue from the LAA will grow into the foam plug
and replace the foam over time. The plug 204 may be cylindrical in
shape in an unconstrained expansion but may also be conical with
its distal end smaller than the proximal end or reversed. It could
also be oval in cross section to better match the opening of the
LAA.
[0077] The foam plug 204 is oversized radially in an unconstrained
expansion to fit snuggly into the LAA and may be 5-50 mm in
diameter depending on the diameter of the target LAA. The length
"L" of the plug is similar to or greater than its diameter "D" such
that the L/D ratio is about or greater than about 1.0 or greater
than about 1.5 or greater than about 2.0 to maximize its stability.
In some embodiments, the length may be less than the diameter such
that the L/D ratio is less than 1.0. The compliance of the material
is designed such that it pushes on the walls of the LAA with
sufficient force to maintain the plug in place but without overly
stretching the LAA wall. The foam and/or skin also conforms to the
irregular surfaces of the LAA as it expands, to provide a
complementary surface structure to the native LAA wall to further
enhance anchoring and promote sealing. Thus, while some left atrial
appendage occlusion devices in the prior art include a mechanical
frame which forces at least some aspect of the left atrial
appendage into a circular configuration, the expandable foam
implant of the present invention conforms to the native
configuration of the left atrial appendage. In one embodiment, the
structure of the foam may be fabricated such that squeezing axially
on the opposing ends of the foam causes the foam to increase in
diameter.
[0078] The ePTFE or foam material may be provided with one or two
or more radiopaque markers such as radiopaque threads 210 or be
filled with or impregnated with a radiopaque filler such as barium
sulfate, bismuth subcarbonate, or tungsten which permit the
operator to see under x-ray the plug for proper positioning in the
anatomy. An x-ray image is shown in FIG. 3 where one cannot see the
foam plug 300 but can clearly see the threads 302 and the crimp 304
(discussed below). This thread or ribbon may be made from a
radiopaque metallic wire such as platinum or tungsten or a polymer
with a radiopaque filler such as barium, bismuth, tantalum,
tungsten, titanium or platinum.
[0079] The outer ePTFE layer may be formed from a tube with a
diameter about the same diameter of the foam plug and a wall
thickness between about 0.0001'' and about 0.001'' thick and serves
to allow one to collapse and pull on the plug without tearing the
foam material. The ePTFE material also serves as the blood
contacting surface facing the left atrium 206 and has pores or
nodes such that blood components coagulate on the surface and an
intimal or neointimal covering of tissue grows across it and
anchors tightly to the material. Pore sizes within the range of
from about 4.mu. to about 110.mu., ideally 5-35.mu. are useful for
formation and adherence of a neointima.
[0080] The outer covering 206 may be constructed of materials other
than ePTFE such as woven fabrics, meshes or perforated films made
of FEP, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester or nylon. The
covering should have a low compliance (non-elastic), at least
longitudinally, be sufficiently strong as to permit removal of the
plug, a low coefficient of friction, and be thromboresistant. The
outer covering serves as a matrix to permit plug removal as most
foams are not sufficiently strong to resist tearing when pulled.
The plug can also be coated with or contain materials to enhance
its ultrasonic echogenic profile, thromboresistance, lubricity,
and/or to facilitate echocardiographic visualization, promote
cellular ingrowth and coverage.
[0081] The outer covering has holes in it to permit contact of the
LAA tissue with the foam plug to encourage ingrowth of tissue into
the foam plug pores. These holes may be 1 to 5 mm in diameter or
may also be oval with their long axis aligned with the axis of the
foam plug, the length of which may be 80% of the length of the foam
plug and the width may be 1-5 mm. The holes may be as large as
possible such that the outer covering maintains sufficient strength
to transmit the tensile forces required for removal. The holes may
be preferentially placed along the device. In one embodiment, holes
are placed distally to enhance tissue ingrowth from the LAA
wall.
[0082] In one implementation of the invention, the implant is
provided with proximal and distal end caps of ePTFE, joined
together by two or three or four or more axially extending strips
of ePTFE. The axially extending strips are spaced apart from each
other circumferentially, to provide at least two or three or four
or more laterally facing windows through which the open cell foam
body will be in direct contact with the tissue wall of the left
atrial appendage. This outer covering could be a mesh or netting as
well. As shown in FIG. 20, the covering 2004 is only on the
proximal and distal faces of the plug 2000. They may be glued to
the foam plug and then crimped to the center tube 2002.
[0083] The implantable plug 204 or device 10 (as described below)
may be anchored and secured in place in the LAA by tissue ingrowth
and/or with additional anchoring features. In some embodiments, the
plug or device 10 may be anchored by tissue ingrowth alone. In some
embodiments, other anchoring means may be implemented. One means of
adhering the foam plug in place within the LAA is to use an
adhesive, such as a low viscosity cyanoacrylate (1-200 cps). The
adhesive is injected into place along the sidewall near the distal
end of the foam plug 208. Holes in the ePTFE covering permit the
adhesive to interact between the foam plug 204 and the LAA wall
200. Injection of the adhesive may be accomplished with several
means, one of which is to inject through the catheter into the
center lumen 212. Passages 214 serve to guide the adhesive to the
correct location. The distal end of the foam plug must be
restricted at that time to prevent the adhesive from exiting the
distal crimp 216. Alternatively, FIG. 21 shows tubes 2104 that are
pre-placed through the guide catheter 2102, through the center
lumen of the plug 2106 and bend backwards in the LAA to the distal
end of the plug 2100. These tubes 2104 pass all the way to the
proximal end of the guide catheter 2102 where a fitting is attached
to permit injection of the adhesive which then exits the small
tubes 2104 at the desired location of the plug. These tubes are
made of polyethylene, polypropylene or FEP so that the adhesive
will not adhere to the tubes. The tubes 2104 are withdrawn after
injection through the guide catheter out of the patient.
[0084] Other one part adhesives including aqueous cross linking
adhesives, polyurethane, PEG, PGA, PLA, polycaprolactone or a
lycine-derived urethane may be used. In addition, these adhesives
may be made in two components such that one component is adherent
to the foam and the second injected in vivo. Also, these two
component adhesives may be injected simultaneously to mix in vivo
to prevent fouling of injection tubes.
[0085] An alternative anchoring means for plug 400 is one or two or
more distal anchors as shown in FIG. 4. Wire 404 is passed through
the center lumen 410 into the LAA and attached to the distal wall
of the LAA. In this case, a screw wire 408 is threaded into the
wall of the LAA 406. A closer detail of this is seen in FIG. 5 as
screw 502 is shown embedded into the LAA wall 504 but not all the
way through the epicardial surface 506.
[0086] Additional means of anchoring include the use of a plurality
of hooks or barbs or graspers to grab the distal wall and baskets,
malecots, distal foam plugs and Nitinol wire birds nests that open
within the LAA and push outward on the wall or engage the
protrusions of the LAA. It may be desirable to place the plug then
engage the anchor as a secondary step. One such embodiment could
include a multitude of nitinol wires with a ball or catch welded
proximal to the anchor tip. These could be gathered with the
delivery catheter then released when the ideal plug position has
been confirmed.
[0087] A cross section of one embodiment is shown in FIG. 6 with
foam plug 600 and the left atrium face 602 and the LAA face 610.
The ePTFE material 604 encapsulates the foam plug 600 and its open
ends are connected with an attachment structure such as a wire,
suture or tubular crimp 606 over an inner tube 608. The inner tube
608 may be made of an implant grade stainless steel such as 304 or
316 grades or a cobalt-chromium alloy such as MP35n and the crimp
606 may be made of annealed 304 or 316 stainless steel or a
cobalt-chromium alloy such as MP35n. This crimp also serves as an
element which can be snared should the device need to be
removed.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, the tubular ePTFE layer 604 extends
along an inner layer 612 which lines the guidewire lumen, and
everts out around the left atrial face 602 to form outer layer 614.
A first end 616 of inner layer 612 is disposed concentrically
within a second end 618 of outer layer 614. The first end 616 and
second end 618 are clamped between inner tube 608 and outer crimp
606. In this manner, the implant can be encapsulated in a manner
that presents a seamless left atrial face 602, and preserves the
integrity of the guidewire lumen with inner tube 608.
[0089] Placement of the device is shown in FIG. 7 through 15. To
close the left atrial appendage, the left atrium (LA) must first be
accessed from the venous system. One approach is to use a
Brockenbrough-style needle to puncture the atrial septum to access
the LA from the right atrium (RA). The basic needle-puncture
technique is performed obtaining venous access typically via the
right femoral vein. A Mullins sheath and dilator are then tracked
over a 0.025'' or 0.032'' guide wire previously placed in the
superior vena cava (SVC). Fluoroscopic and echocardiographic
imaging, such as transesophageal echo (TEE) or intracardiac echo
(ICE), are typically utilized. If echo is not utilized, it is
common to also place a pigtail catheter in the aortic root to
define the location of the aortic valve, a step not necessary when
using echo.
[0090] Once the Mullins sheath and dilator are in the SVC, the
guide wire is removed and a trans-septal needle is placed through
the dilator. The needle contains a stylette to prevent skiving off
of polymeric material from the dilator lumen as it traverses to the
tip. Once the needle is near the dilator tip, the stylette is
removed and the needle is connected to a manifold and flushed. The
Mullins sheath/dilator set and the needle (positioned within the
dilator tip) are retracted into the SVC toward the RA as a unit. As
the system is withdrawn down the wall of the SVC into the RA and
positioned in the fossa ovale, the preferred puncture location.
[0091] Once proper position in the fossa ovale is observed, the
needle is advanced across the fossa ovale into the LA. Successful
trans-septal puncture can be confirmed by echo, pressure
measurement, O.sub.2 saturation and contrast injection. Once the
needle position is confirmed to be positioned in the LA, the sheath
and dilator can be advanced over it into the LA. In some cases, the
user will first pass a guide wire through the needle into the LA
and into an upper pulmonary vein (typically the left) prior to
crossing. Alternative options include the use of radiofrequency
trans-septal needles, which are useful for crossing very thick or
hypertrophic septa, or the use of a safety wire placed through the
needle and utilized for the initial puncture.
[0092] Referring to FIGS. 8 through 15, a guide catheter 802 is
placed through the femoral vein into the right atrium of the heart
and across the intra-atrial septum into the left atrium as
described above and positioned near the LAA ostium 804. A guidewire
902 usually of 0.035'' diameter is placed through guide catheter
900 and into the LAA 904. This guidewire 1002 may have attached to
its distal end a balloon 1006 which is inflated in the LAA and
serves as a bumper to prevent guide catheter 1100 from perforating
the wall of the LAA. The guide catheter 1100 is then advanced over
the guide wire 1108 into the LAA 1104. A radiopaque marker 1102 is
used to guide catheter placement under fluoroscopy. The foam plug
1204 is then pushed through the guide catheter 1200 with pusher
1202 and is shown exiting the guide catheter 1300 slowly in FIG. 13
until it is fully deployed as shown in FIG. 14. The foam plug 1404
position may then be adjusted in place using the distal balloon
1408 and the guide catheter 1400, sliding the foam plug proximally
by pulling on the balloon 1408 through shaft 1412 or sliding it
distally by pushing guide catheter 1400 distally. The guide wire
may also contain a pressure sensor within it such that sealing of
the LAA is monitored and confirmation of a sufficient seal is made.
Once the user is happy with the placement, the adhesive 1514 may be
injected and/or mechanical anchors be deployed anchoring the plug
to the wall. The guide wire balloon 1508 is deflated, after which
the guide wire is removed. In an alternative embodiment, a binary
adhesive system can be used where one component of the binary
system is bonded to the outer surface of the skin covering the foam
plug. The second component can be injected at the interface between
foam plug and the wall of the LAA such that bonding happens only at
the interface minimizing the risk of adhesive embolization.
[0093] An alternative to pushing the plug through the entire length
of the guide catheter is that the plug 1204 may be initially
located at the distal end of the guide catheter 1200 as shown in
FIG. 12. The guidewire 1210 passes through the center of the plug
1204 and in this mode, the pusher 1202 only needs to push the plug
a short ways to deploy it into the LAA.
[0094] For alternative anchors, they may be deployed, the shafts
disconnected and removed. Disconnection mechanisms may be any of
several types, such as threaded, electrolytic detachment, or others
known in the art. In some embodiments, a suture attachment may be
implemented, for example as described with respect to FIG. 24.
[0095] Alternative plug concepts include a combination of foam and
metal implant as shown in FIG. 16. The foam 1600 is designed to
provide ingrowth of tissue and also to provide a cushion of the
metal stent 1602 onto the tissue of the LAA. The proximal face
1604' of the plug is covered in ePTFE, polyester or another
thromboresistant tissue scaffold material to facilitate sealing
with the desired pore size to encourage overgrowth. Stent 1602
could be made of Nitinol to enable it to pack into a 10, 12, 14,
16, 18 or 20F delivery catheter and expand to its desired diameter.
It could be braided, laser cut or wire formed. Any of a variety of
stent wall patterns may be utilized, depending upon the desired
performance. The stent may be a balloon expandable stent, or
self-expandable stent as are understood in the art. In the
illustrated embodiment, a self-expandable stent 1602 comprises a
plurality of proximal apexes 1608 and distal apexes 1610 connected
by a plurality of zig zag struts 1612. A hole 1606 allows passage
of the guidewire for delivery. This design may be advantageous in
that the expansion force exerted by the plug on the LAA can be
controlled separately from the foam characteristics. Also, it may
be easier to pack this concept into a smaller geometry. For
example, the plug can be packed into a smaller geometry by reducing
the amount of foam that must be compressed into the delivery
catheter while maintaining sufficient dilation force.
[0096] Alternatively, the foam plug may be constructed of 2 foams.
One denser core to provide force, for example radial force, and an
outer softer foam to engage the tissue irregularities. The softer
foam could also be located on the proximal and/or distal ends to
facilitate retrieval.
[0097] Another means of adding stiffness to the foam plug is shown
in FIG. 17 where a cavity 1704 in the foam plug 1700 is made and a
coil of wire 1702 may be advanced from the guide catheter at the
proximal end 1706 into the cavity 1704. As the wire enters the
cavity, it expands to its predetermined size and exerts force on
the foam radially outwards. The type and amount of wire may be
determined in vivo using x-ray guidance to examine the radial
expansion of the foam into the LAA.
[0098] Instead of wires as shown in FIG. 17, a balloon may be
passed into the foam and inflated to provide radial force while the
outer foam serves to engage the tissue irregularities and tissue
ingrowth. Following inflation, the balloon may be detached from a
deployment catheter and the deployment catheter withdrawn. The
balloon is preferably provided with a valve, to prevent the escape
of inflation media. Inflation media may be any of a variety of
media which is convertible between a first, flowable state and a
second, hardened state such as by cross linking or polymerization
in situ.
[0099] Another LAA plug is shown in FIG. 18 as a spring like
implant wire 1800 that is covered with foam 1802 to encourage
ingrowth. The proximal face of the implant is covered with a sheet
of ePTFE or other tissue scaffolding material. This implant may be
stretched out for delivery and released in place.
[0100] Rather than using a foam, a low porosity outer bag without
perforations could be placed in the LAA and then filled with a
substance to provide the radial expansion. This substance may be a
hydrogel, cellulose or polyvinylacetate.
[0101] Rather than requiring the use of a separate dilation device
to cross the septum, the distal crimp element 1902 may be formed in
a tapered manner such that it extends from the distal end of the
catheter 1200 and serves as a dilating tip to dilate the opening in
the septum as the catheter is advanced. See FIG. 19.
[0102] An alternative plug design uses a foam such as cellulose
sponge material that is compacted and dehydrated such that it can
be packed into the guide catheter. This foam material 2202 may be
packed into the guide catheter as shown in FIG. 22. The foam plug
2202 is then advanced from the distal end of the guide catheter
2204 with a plunger 2206 into the LAA. The plug exits the guide
catheter and opens to a disc shape 2210. As the foam absorbs fluid
in the blood, its length expands to form a cylinder 2220 filling
the LAA. Expansion ratios for compressed cellulose materials may be
as high as 17:1, expanded to compressed length.
[0103] It may be advantageous to use small barbs 2302 in FIG. 23 to
further engage the plug 2204 into the LAA. Barbs may be
unidirectional or bidirectional to resist movement in either the
proximal or distal direction. These barbs are embedded into the
foam plug and may be 0.1 to 1 mm in height. It may be desirable to
place the plug then engage the barbs as a secondary step. One such
embodiment could include a multitude of nitinol barb wires with a
ball or catch welded proximal to the barb tip. These could be
gathered with the delivery catheter within a sleeve or suture then
released when the ideal plug position has been confirmed.
[0104] One means of removing a device that is not functioning
properly is to releasably attach a retrieval suture 2400 to the
implant, such as to the proximal cap 2402 which also passes
proximally throughout the entire length of the guide catheter 2404
in FIG. 24. If the device is to be removed, pulling on both ends of
the suture 2400 will pull the outer covering into the guide
catheter 2404 which can then be removed from the patient. If the
device is properly placed, the suture 2400 may be cut and removed
leaving the plug in place.
[0105] Deployment of the occlusion device has been discussed
primarily in the context of a transvascular access. However,
implants of the present invention may alternatively be deployed via
direct surgical access, or various minimally invasive access
pathways (e.g. jugular vein). For example, the area overlying the
xiphoid and adjacent costal cartilage may be prepared and draped
using standard techniques. A local anesthetic may be administered
and skin incision may be made, typically about 2 cm in length. The
percutaneous penetration passes beneath the costal cartilage, and a
sheath may be introduced into the pericardial space. The
pericardial space may be irrigated with saline, preferably with a
saline-lidocaine solution to provide additional anesthesia and
reduce the risk of irritating the heart. The occlusion device may
thereafter be introduced through the sheath, and through an access
pathway created through the wall of the LAA. Closure of the wall
and access pathway may thereafter be accomplished using techniques
understood in the art.
[0106] Depending upon the desired clinical performance, any of the
LAA occlusion devices of the present invention may be provided with
a drug or other bioactive agent, which may be injected via the
deployment catheter, or impregnated within the open cell foam or
coated on the implant. The bioactive agent may be eluted or
otherwise released from the implant into the adjacent tissue over a
delivery time period appropriate for the particular agent as is
understood in the art. Useful bioactive agents can include those
that modulate thrombosis, those that encourage cellular ingrowth,
throughgrowth, and endothelialization, and potentially those that
resist infection. For example, agents that may promote endothelial,
smooth muscle, fibroblast, and/or other cellular growth into the
implant including collagen (Type I or II), heparin, a combination
of collagen and heparin, extracellular matrix (ECM), fibronectin,
laminin, vitronectin, peptides or other biological molecules that
serve as chemoattractants, molecules MCP-1, VEGF, FGF-2 and
TGF-beta, recombinant human growth factors, and/or plasma treatment
with various gases.
[0107] Anti-thrombotics can typically be separated into
anti-coagulants and anti-platelet agents. Anti-Coagulants include
inhibitors of factor(s) within the coagulation cascade an include
heparin, heparin fragments and fractions as well as inhibitors of
thrombin including hirudin, hirudin derivatives, dabigatran,
argatroban and bivalrudin and Factor X inhibitors such as low
molecular weight heparin, rivaroxaban, apixaban.
[0108] Antiplatelet agents include GP 2b/3a inhibitors such as
epifibitide, and abciximab, ADP Receptor agonists (P2/Y12)
including thienopyridines such as ticlopidine, clopidogrel,
prasugrel and tacagrelor and aspirin. Other agents include lytic
agents, including urokinase and streptokinase, their homologs,
analogs, fragments, derivatives and pharmaceutical salts thereof
and prostaglandin inhibitors.
[0109] Antibiotic agents can include, but are not limited to
penicillins, cephalosportins, vancomycins, aminoglycosides,
quinolonges, polymyxins, erythromycins, tetracyclines,
chloraphenicols, clindamycins, lincomycins, sulfonamides, their
homologs, analogs, derivatives, pharmaceutical salts and
combinations thereof.
[0110] Biologic agents as outlined above maybe be added to the
implant 204 and may be injected through the delivery catheter into
the space between the proximal cap 206 and the foam plug 204. This
may serve as a reservoir to minimize thrombus formation during the
initial implantation and reduce the need for systemic
anticoagulation following device implantation.
[0111] An electronic pressure sensor may be embedded into the
proximal end of the foam plug which may be used to transmit LA
pressure to a remote receiver outside the body for the monitoring
of LA pressure which is useful to monitor cardiac function. In
addition, a cardiac pacer or defibrillator may be embedded into the
foam plug and attached electrically to the distal anchor. A drug
delivery reservoir may be embedded with connection to the LA for
controlled delivery of biologic agents as outlined above.
[0112] Another means of anchoring is shown in FIG. 25A where the
foam plug 2500 is placed in the LAA. The distal screw lead 2502 is
advanced and screwed into the LAA wall. Guide 2506 is pulled
proximally as shown in FIG. 25B. When this guide 2506 is pulled
back, the screw lead wire, made of Nitinol, bunches up into a
"birds nest" 2508 or forms a coil inside the foam plug 2500. The
screw lead wire 2502 is pushed distally from the guide catheter
2504 with a pusher 2510 and continues to bunch up into the foam.
The catheter system 2504, 2506 and 2510 are then removed.
[0113] Another means of anchoring the distal anchor element to the
foam is shown in FIG. 26. Two barbed leads 2604 are attached to
anchor 2602 such that when advanced into place in the foam plug
2600, the barbs 2604 dig into the foam plug.
[0114] FIGS. 27A-27G are various views of an embodiment of a device
10 for occlusion of the left atrial appendage (LAA). The device 10
may include the same or similar features as other devices for
occlusion of the LAA described herein, such as the plug 204, and
vice versa. The device 10 includes an internal locking system 101
for securing the device 10 within the LAA. In some embodiments, the
device 10 may not include the internal locking system 101 or other
anchoring features, for example the device 10 may be anchored by
tissue ingrowth alone. The occlusion device 10 comprises an
expandable media such as an open cell foam body 15, for example a
plug. The body 15 enables collapse and expansion of the device 10
and also enhances ingrowth of tissue into the foam.
[0115] The body 15 of the device 10 shown in FIG. 27A through FIG.
27F is in its expanded configuration. The body 15 is in a
compressed configuration in FIG. 27G. The device 10 includes the
foam body 15, a skin 20, a central lumen 25, a finial 30, and a
dynamic internal locking system 101 which anchors the device 10
within the LAA. FIG. 27A is a side cross-section view of the device
10 showing the body 15 and the internal locking system 101 in a
deployed configuration. FIG. 27B is an end view of the proximal end
of the device 10 showing the body 15 and the internal locking
system 101 in a deployed configuration. FIG. 27C is a side view of
the device 10 showing the body 15 and the internal locking system
101 in a deployed configuration. FIG. 27D is a side cross-section
view of the device 10 showing the body 15 in a deployed
configuration and the internal locking system 101 in a constrained
configuration. FIG. 27E is an end view of the distal end of the
device 10 showing the body 15 and the internal locking system 101
in a deployed configuration. FIG. 27F is a cross-section view of
the device 10 taken along the line 1F-1F as shown in FIG. 27C. FIG.
27G shows the body 15 and internal locking system 101 loaded and
compressed within a delivery sheath 1. The device 10 may be
delivered via a delivery catheter in the configuration shown in
FIG. 27G. The body 15 of the device 10 may then expand with the
internal locking system 101 still constrained, as shown in FIG.
27D. The internal locking system 101 may then deploy into the
deployed configuration as shown in FIG. 27A.
[0116] FIG. 27G shows the body 15 and internal locking system 101
loaded and compressed within an embodiment of a delivery sheath 1.
In some embodiments, the delivery sheath 1 may be an outer delivery
catheter. The body 15 and internal locking system 101 are loaded
and compressed within a delivery catheter 5. The device 10 may be
entirely or partially inside the delivery catheter 5. In some
embodiments, the delivery catheter 5 may be an inner delivery
catheter. The device 10 may be loaded and compressed with the
delivery catheter 5 inside of the delivery sheath 1. Removing the
delivery sheath 1, for example by retracting the delivery sheath 1
in the proximal direction, may allow the body 15 of the device 10
to expand. The body 15 expands while the internal locking system
101 is still constrained, for example by the delivery catheter 5.
FIG. 27D shows the body 15 in its deployed state, with the internal
locking system 101 in a constrained configuration within the
delivery catheter 5. This demonstrates the first step in the
deployment process, specifically placement of the device 10 within
the LAA where the body 15 is expanded and the internal locking
system 101 is constrained and thus the anchors are not deployed.
The second step of the deployment process is shown in FIG. 27A
where the internal locking system 101 has been deployed through the
body 15. In some embodiments, this second step is reversible to
retract the anchors, for example if placement of the device 10
within the LAA is unacceptable. The internal locking system 101,
for example an anchoring component or system as further described
herein, is deployed from within the body 15 to deploy at least one
and in some implementations at least 2 or 4 or 6 or more anchors of
the internal locking system 101 outside the body 15 to engage
adjacent anatomy of the LAA.
[0117] The internal locking system 101 may be controllably deployed
a period of time after the body 15 expands. For instance, the
location, orientation, etc. of the device 10 may be verified with
various imaging techniques such as by fluoroscopy with injection of
contrast media via the central lumen before the internal locking
system 101 is deployed and the anchors secure the device 10 within
the LAA. In some embodiments, even after deployment of the internal
locking system 101 and anchors thereof, the anchors may be
retracted to a position within the body 15 for repositioning,
and/or retrieval of the device 10 from, within the LAA.
[0118] FIG. 27F shows an embodiment of the device having slots 17.
The slots 17 are formed within the foam body 15. For instance,
material of the foam body 15 may be removed to facilitate
deployment of the internal locking system 101, such as outward
expansion of anchors to engage the tissue.
[0119] The device 10 may have any or all of the same or similar
features and/or functionalities as the other plugs described
herein, for example the plug 204, etc. For example, the device 10
is at least partially encapsulated within the skin 20. In some
embodiments, the skin 20 may cover the proximal end of the body 15.
The skin 20 may be a thin, strong outer layer. The skin 20 may be a
thin, encapsulating layer. The skin 20 may be fabricated from ePTFE
(expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), polyolefin, polyester, other
suitable materials, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments,
the skin 20 may be fabricated from bioabsorbable materials, for
example polylactic acid (PLA), Polyglycolic acid (PGA),
ploycaprolactone (PCL), PHA, collagen, other suitable bioabsorbable
materials, or combinations thereof. The skin 20 can be oriented or
otherwise modified to be elastomeric in at least one direction,
such as radially.
[0120] The body 15 may be made of polyurethane, polyolefin, PVA,
collagen foams or blends thereof. One suitable material is a
polycarbonate-polyurethane urea foam with a pore size of 100-250 um
and 90-95% void content. The body 15 may be non-degradable or use a
degradable material such as PLA, PGA, PCL, PHA, and/or collagen. If
degradable, the tissue from the LAA will grow into the foam body 15
and replace the foam over time. The body 15 may be cylindrical in
shape in an unconstrained expansion but may also be conical with
its distal end smaller than the proximal end, or vice versa. The
body 15 may also be oval in cross section to better match the
opening of the LAA.
[0121] The device 10 is oversized radially in an unconstrained
expansion to fit snuggly into the LAA. The device 10 may be 5-50
millimeters (mm) and generally at least about 10 mm or 15 mm in
diameter in its unconstrained configuration, for example depending
on the diameter of the target LAA. The length "L" of the device 10
may be less than, similar to or greater than its diameter "D" such
that the L/D ratio is less than 1.0, about or greater than about
1.0, greater than about 1.5, or greater than about 2.0. The L/D
ratio may be greater than 1.0 to maximize its stability. However,
in some embodiments, the L/D ratio may be less than 1.0, for
example, from about 0.2 to about 0.9, or from about 0.3 to about
0.8, or from about 0.4 to about 0.6. The compliance of the material
of the device 10 is designed such that it pushes on the walls of
the LAA with sufficient force to maintain the plug in place but
without overly stretching the LAA wall. The foam body 15 and/or
skin 20 also conforms to the irregular surfaces of the LAA as it
expands, to provide a complementary surface structure to the native
LAA wall to further enhance anchoring and promote sealing. Thus,
the expandable foam body 15 conforms to the native irregular
configuration of the LAA. In some embodiments, the structure of the
foam body 15 may be fabricated such that axial compression on the
opposing ends of the body 15 such as by proximal retraction of a
pull wire or inner concentric tube causes the foam to increase in
diameter.
[0122] The body 15 and/or skin 20, for example the foam material
and/or ePTFE, may be provided with one, two or more radiopaque
markers, such as radiopaque threads 210 (see FIG. 2) or filled with
or impregnated with a radiopaque filler such as barium sulfate,
bismuth subcarbonate, or tungsten, which permit the operator to
visualize under x-ray the device 10 for proper positioning in the
anatomy. Visualization of the device 10 may be used to verify the
position of the device 10 before deployment of anchors to secure
the device 10 in place.
[0123] The skin 20, such as an outer ePTFE layer, may have a
thickness between about 0.0001 inches and about 0.0030 inches. In
some embodiments, the thickness of the skin 20 may be between about
0.0003 inches and about 0.0020 inches. In some embodiments, the
thickness of the skin 20 may be between about 0.0005 inches and
about 0.0015 inches. The thickness of the skin 20 may be uniform,
for example the same or approximately the same no matter where the
thickness is measured. In some embodiments, the thickness of the
skin 20 may be non-uniform, for example the thickness may be
different in different portions of the skin 20.
[0124] The skin 20, such as an outer ePTFE layer, may also serve as
the blood contacting surface on the proximal end of the device 10
facing the left atrium. The skin 20 may have pores or nodes such
that blood components coagulate on the surface and an intimal or
neointimal covering of tissue grows across it and anchors tightly
to the skin material. Pore sizes may be within the range of from
about 4.mu. to about 110.mu.. In some embodiments, the pore sizes
are within the range of from about 30.mu. to about 90.mu.. In some
embodiments, the pore sizes are within the range of from about
30.mu. to about 60.mu.. Such ranges of pore sizes are useful for
formation and adherence of a neointima. In some embodiments, the
skin 20, such as an outer ePTFE layer, may be formed from a tube
with a diameter about the same diameter of the foam body 15. and
allows one to collapse and pull on the body 15 without tearing the
foam material.
[0125] The skin 20 may be constructed of materials other than ePTFE
such as woven fabrics, meshes or perforated films made of FEP,
polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester or nylon. The skin 20 may
have a low compliance (e.g. non-elastic), for instance a low
compliance longitudinally, may be sufficiently strong as to permit
removal of the plug, may have a low coefficient of friction, and/or
may be thromboresistant. The skin 20 serves as a matrix to permit
plug removal as most foams are not sufficiently strong to resist
tearing when pulled. The body 15 can also be coated with or contain
materials to enhance its ultrasonic echogenic profile,
thromboresistance, lubricity, and/or to facilitate
echocardiographic visualization, promote cellular ingrowth and
coverage.
[0126] The skin 20 may include holes to permit contact of the LAA
tissue with the foam body 15. Exposure of the foam body 15 to the
LAA or other tissue has benefits for example encouraging ingrowth
of tissue into the foam plug pores and/or increasing friction to
hold the body 15 in place. These holes may be 1 to 5 mm in diameter
or may also be oval with their long axis aligned with the axis of
the foam plug, the length of which may be 80% of the length of the
foam plug and the width may be 1-5 mm. The holes may be as large as
possible such that the outer covering maintains sufficient strength
to transmit the tensile forces required for removal. The holes may
be preferentially placed along the device 10. In some embodiments,
the holes are placed distally to enhance tissue ingrowth from the
distal LAA wall.
[0127] In some embodiments, the device 10 includes an occlusion
region and anchoring region. The proximal portion of the device 10
facing the left atrium after the device is implanted in the LAA may
include the occlusion region. The occlusion region may be a blood
contacting surface on the proximal end of the device 10 that is
thromboresistant while promoting formation of a neointima at the
occlusion region. The occlusion zone encourages thromboresistance
and endothelialization from the blood and adjacent tissue. The
anchoring zone promotes fast and tenacious tissue ingrowth into the
device 10 from the adjacent non-blood tissue. The anchoring zone
may be lateral surfaces of the device 10 that interface with tissue
adjacent and/or within the LAA. The anchoring zone can also include
the distal end of the device 10 that faces the distal wall of the
LAA after implantation.
[0128] FIGS. 28A-28D are various views of an embodiment of an
internal locking system 101 that may be used with the device 10. In
some embodiments, multiple internal locking systems 101 may be used
with the device 10. FIG. 28A is a side view of the internal locking
system shown in a deployed configuration. FIG. 28B is an end view
of a distal end of the internal locking system 101 in a deployed
configuration. FIG. 28C is a side view of the internal locking
system 201101 in a constrained configuration. FIG. 28D is a side
view of an embodiment of an anchor 120 of the internal locking
system 101.
[0129] Any of a variety of structures may be utilized as the
dynamic internal locking system 101 with the device 10. In general,
at least about two or four or six or more tissue anchors 120 may be
actively or passively advanced from the implantable device 10 into
adjacent tissue surrounding the implantation site. Following
deployment of the device 10 and expansion of the body 15, a tissue
engaging segment 121 of the tissue anchor 120 will extend beyond
the skin by at least about one, and in some implementations at
least about two or four 4 mm or more. The tissue engaging segment
121 is carried by a support segment 122 of the tissue anchor 120
which extends through the foam body 15, and may be attached to a
deployment control such as a pull wire, push wire, tubular support
or other control structure depending upon the desired
configuration.
[0130] The locking system 101 discussed primarily herein is a
passive deployment construction. Removal of a constraint allows the
tissue anchors 120 to laterally self expand to deploy into adjacent
tissue. Self expansion may be accomplished by constructing the
tissue anchor 120 using nitinol, Elgiloy, stainless steel or other
shape memory or spring bias materials. The constraint may be
removed by proximal retraction or distal advance until the tissue
anchors 120 are no longer engaged by the constraint, depending upon
the construction of the locking system 101.
[0131] Alternatively, tissue anchors 120 may be deployed actively
such as by distal advance, proximal retraction or rotation of a
control, or inflation of a balloon positioned within the device 10
to actively drive the anchors 120 through the skin 20 or
corresponding apertures on the skin 20 and into tissue. For
example, a plurality of support segment 122, such as struts, may be
joined at a distal end to a central hub 111, and incline radially
outwardly in the proximal direction. Proximal retraction of the hub
111 will cause the tissue engaging segment 121 to advance along its
axis beyond the skin 20 and into the adjacent tissue. The
inclination angle of the support segment 122, for example the
struts, may be reversed, in another construction, such that distal
advance of the hub 111 will deploy the tissue engaging segments 121
beyond the skin 20. Proximal or distal advance of the hub 111 may
be accomplished by proximal or distal advance of a control such as
a control wire or inner tube releasably engaged with the hub
111.
[0132] Depending upon the desired clinical performance, the tissue
anchors 120 may be retractable, such as by axial distal or proximal
movement of the control depending upon the inclination angle of the
anchors 120. In the embodiment primarily illustrated herein,
re-sheathing the anchors 120 may be accomplished by advancing the
tubular constraint along the ramped surface of the tissue anchor
120 to move the anchor 120 radially inwardly towards the central
longitudinal axis of the device 10. In the case of an anchor 120
which deploys by advance along its own longitudinal axis, the
anchor 120 may be retracted by advancing the control in the
opposite direction from the direction advanced to deploy the
anchors 120.
[0133] Referring to FIGS. 28A-28D, the internal locking system 101
includes a central tubular element or hub 111 and anchors 120. The
anchors 120 may be arms, segments, or other members extending from
the hub 111. Each anchor 120 may comprise a tissue engaging segment
121 and a support segment 122 which extends to the hub 111 or other
control. The internal locking system 101 has a single central
tubular hub 111 and a multitude of the anchors 120. As shown, there
are four anchors 120. There may be two, three, four, five, six,
seven, eight, or more anchors 120. The anchor 120 may be rotatably,
hingedly, or otherwise moveably coupled with the hub 111. The
anchor 120 may thus move relative to the hub 111, for example after
being released from a restraint holding the anchor 120 in a
constrained configuration to deploy into a deployed configuration.
As further example, the anchor 120 may move from the deployed
configuration to a retracted position, as further described herein.
The anchor 120 may be curvilinear as shown, for example to allow
the anchor 120 to take the geometry shown in FIG. 28A when
unconstrained.
[0134] The illustrated anchor 120 may have a distal region 130, a
hinge region 135, and/or a proximal region 125. The distal region
130 interacts with the hub element 111. The hinge region 135 and
the curvilinear geometry as shown allow the end of the proximal
region 125 to extend beyond the body 15, for example beyond a
sidewall of the body 15. The proximal region 125 includes a tissue
engaging segment 121 configured to engage adjacent tissue. The
tissue engaging segment 121 may be the entire proximal region 125
or a portion thereof, for example the tip, etc. The proximal region
125 may thus include a sharpened tissue engaging segment 121, a
shaped tissue engaging segment 121, an angled tissue engaging
segment 121, a thickness configured for tissue engagement, and/or
other suitable features. In some embodiments, the proximal region
125 may retract back within the body 15, as further described
herein. In the embodiment shown, the anchor 120 and central tube
111 are distinct elements which are affixed to one another as
shown. In other embodiments, the anchor 120 and tube 111 are a
single, integral unit.
[0135] The internal locking system 101 is made from biocompatible
metallic wire such as Nitinol, implant grade stainless steel such
as 304 or 316, or cobalt-chromium based alloys such as MP35N or
Elgiloy. In some embodiments, the internal locking system 101 may
be cut from a single tubular piece of metal fabricated via
machining or laser cutting followed by a secondary forming or
annealing step using similar materials.
[0136] The internal locking system 101 may be in a constrained
configuration as the device 10 is placed in position in the LAA and
the body 15 expands therein. Then, in a secondary step, the
internal locking system 101 locks or otherwise secures the device
10 in the LAA by engaging the anchors 120. If the position is not
considered optimal, or if the device 10 otherwise needs to be
repositioned within and/or removed from the LAA, the internal
locking system 101 and anchors 120 thereof can be unlocked and the
device 10 repositioned and/or removed.
[0137] FIGS. 29A-29B are sequential side views of an axially
movable loop type unlocking mechanism that may be used with the
device 10 to release the tissue anchors. FIG. 29A is a side
cross-section view of the device 10 showing the tissue anchors of
internal locking system 101 in a deployed configuration. FIG. 29B
is a side cross-section view of the device 10 showing the tissue
anchors in a retracted configuration. An embodiment of an unlocking
system 140 is shown. The unlocking system 140 includes a ring 145.
The ring 145 may be moved over the anchors 120 to move the anchors
120 to retracted configurations. The ring 145 may be moved by a
pull rod 147. The ring 145 may be releasably attached to the pull
rod 147. The pull rod 147 may extend through a catheter to engage
the ring 145. The unlocking system 140 may be utilized if, after
the internal locking system 101 is deployed, it is desirable to
unlock the device 10 from within the LAA in order to reposition
and/or remove the device 10.
[0138] In the illustrated construction, deployment of the tissue
anchors by distal advance of the restraint enables reversible
deployment, so that subsequent proximal retraction of the restraint
will retract the tissue anchors. Alternatively, proximal retraction
of the restraint to release the tissue anchors will irreversibly
release the tissue anchors.
[0139] FIG. 30 is a side view of an embodiment of the device 10
having flexible anchors 401. The device 10 shown in FIG. 30 may
have the same or similar features and/or functionalities as the
other devices for excluding the LAA described herein, and vice
versa. The device 10 may be in the configuration shown in FIG. 30
adjacent to or within a left atrium (LA) 201. The device 10 in FIG.
30 includes the expandable body 15, such as an open cell foam body,
which enables collapse and expansion of the device 10, and at least
partially encased within the skin 20, which may be a thin, strong
layer fabricated from ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene),
polyolefin, or polyester which assists with healing, anchoring, and
retrieval. The device 10 may also be deployed, and, if desired,
repositioned and/or retrieved, or the device 10 may be permanently
fixated within the LAA by engaging an anchoring system, such as the
internal locking system 101, as described herein. The anchors 401,
which may be metallic, may be fabricated from Nitinol. The anchors
401 may be small diameter Nitinol wire approximately 0.001 inches
to approximately 0.010 inches in diameter. In some embodiments, the
anchors 401 may be approximately 0.0005 inches to approximately
0.020 inches in diameter. The anchors 401 may be deployed upon
expansion of the body 15. For example, the anchors 401 may
self-deploy upon deployment of the device 10 from a delivery
catheter. The anchors 401 may be relatively short and extremely
flexible. The anchors 401 may be unable to penetrate the tissue or
cause any anchoring immediately after deployment of the device
10.
[0140] FIG. 31 is a side view of an embodiment of a device 10 for
occlusion of the LAA having anchors 401 with tubes 500. The device
10 may be positioned adjacent to or within the left atrium (LA)
201. The anchors 401 may be flexible anchors, or in some
embodiments the anchors 410 may be relatively stiffer, as further
described. The tubes 500 may be stationary or moveable tubes, as
further described. In some embodiments the tubes 500 are hypotubes.
The tubes 500 may be stainless steel, polyamide, or other suitable
materials. The tubes 500 may surround a corresponding anchor 401,
as further described.
[0141] In some embodiments, the anchors 401 may be fixed such that
they do not move axially. For example, the anchors 401 may have a
portion, such as a tissue engaging segment 121, of a fixed length
extending outside the body 15. The portion of the anchors 401
extending outside the body 15 may be bent when compressed within a
delivery catheter and/or sheath, and these portions of the anchors
401 may then straighten out to the configuration shown in FIGS. 31
and 32 after deployment of the body 15. The fixed length portion of
the anchors 401 extending beyond the body 15 may be from about 1 mm
to about 5 mm, or from about 1.5 mm to about 4 mm, or from about 2
mm to about 3 mm. This length of exposed anchor 401 outside the
body 15 may be effectively shortened by deployment of a
corresponding tube 500, as further described. Deployment of the
corresponding tube 500 about the corresponding anchor 400 may
shorten the effective length of exposed anchor 401, i.e. the length
of the anchor 401 extending beyond the end of the tube 500 after
deployment of the tube 500, from about 0.5 mm to about 1 mm. These
are merely examples of different lengths of the anchor 401 and
other suitable lengths may be implemented.
[0142] In some embodiments, the anchors 401 may be moveable
axially. For example, the anchors 401 may not deploy or otherwise
extend outside the body 15 immediately upon expansion of the body
15. Following acceptable positioning of the device 10 within the
LAA, the flexible anchors 401 may then be advanced through a
corresponding tube 500. The anchors 401 may move axially in any
suitable manner, including those described elsewhere herein. The
anchor 401 may be moved through the tube 500 either before or after
the tube 500 has been moved and deployed outside the body 15, as
described below.
[0143] In some embodiments, the tubes 500 are moveable and deploy
outside the body 15. The tubes 500 may be moveable in embodiments
having either fixed or moveable anchors 401. The tubes 500 may be
pre-loaded over corresponding wire anchors 401 as shown in FIG. 31,
for example one tube 500 per anchor 401. The tube 500 may then be
moved over the corresponding anchor 401 as shown in FIG. 32. The
tube 500 may straighten the anchor 401 and add mechanical
integrity. The tube 500 may also act as a perforation protector to
prevent the anchor 401 from puncturing through the wall of the LAA.
Movement of the tube 500 over the corresponding anchor 401 may
shorten the exposed length of the anchor 401, as described. This
may provide for a stiffer tissue engaging segment of the anchor 401
due to the shortened exposed length.
[0144] In some embodiments, the tubes 500 extend from the delivery
catheter to or near the outer surface of the body 15 but do not
extend outside the body 15. Instead, the tubes 500 just guide the
anchor 401, for example around the curve, and support the wire 401
right up to tissue penetration. The tubes 500 may set the launch
angle so the anchor 401 does not buckle and hits the tissue at the
right angle. In this embodiment, the anchor 401 may have relatively
more stiffness than in the embodiments where the anchors 401 are
relatively flexible, in order to provide a more secure anchoring of
the device 10 to the tissue. It is understood the tube 500 may
provide this guiding function to the corresponding anchor in any of
the embodiments described herein having moveable anchors, such as
the moveable anchors 401, the anchors 120, etc.
[0145] The flexible anchors 401 and/or the external stiffening tube
500 may be made from biocompatible metallic materials such as
Nitinol, implant grade stainless steel such as 304V or 316LVM,
cobalt-chromium based alloys such as MP35N or Elgiloy, other
suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The anchor 401 length
can vary from 0.1 mm to 5 mm in length with an external stiffening
tube 500 that covers from 10% to 90% of the exposed length of the
anchor 401.
[0146] The skin 20 at least partially surrounds the body 15 and
portions of the skin 20 may or may not be attached to the body 15.
The various devices 10 described herein may have the body 15 at
least partially encased within the skin 20, which may be fabricated
from a material such as ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene),
polyolefin, or polyester which assists with healing, anchoring, and
retrieval. FIG. 33 is a side view of an embodiment of a device 10
for occlusion of the LAA having discrete points of attachment 700
of the skin 20 to the internal foam body 15. For clarity, the
points of attachment 700 are shown as dots in the figures. It is
understood the points of attachment 700 may not be visible from
outside the device 10, for example the skin 20 may be bonded to the
body 15 at the points of attachment 700, etc. In some embodiments,
in addition or alternatively to bonding, the skin 20 may be secured
for example with sutures to the body 15 at the points of attachment
700, and thus some or all of the points of attachment 700 may be
visible from outside the device 10. The device 10 may be in the
configuration shown in FIG. 33 adjacent to or within the left
atrium (LA) 201. The skin 20 may be attached to the body 15 at the
various separate points of attachment 700. As shown in FIG. 33, the
skin 20 can be partially attached, with portions thereof not
attached at all, to the body 15. This may allow, for example, the
skin 20 to move during expansion of the body 15 that occurs after
deployment of the device 10 from the delivery catheter. The skin 20
may, in some embodiments, be attached at points of attachment 700
located near the proximal side of the device 10, for example to
help promote closure of the ostium of the LAA, such as with a rim
800 as described below. The skin 20 may, for example, be tacked in
place in one or more points of attachment 700 near the proximal
face so that any bunching of the skin 20 that occurs during
implantation occurs near the ostium but within the LAA. This can be
achieved using sutures, adhesive bonding, heat bonding, other
suitable approaches, or combinations thereof.
[0147] The selective location of the points of attachment 700 may
facilitate with formation of a circumferential rim 800 of the skin
20. The rim 800 is shown schematically in FIG. 34 as a triangular
rim for clarity. It is understood the rim 800 may be a variety of
different shapes depending on the configuration of the device 10,
the shape of the LAA, etc. Further, the rim 800 may extend
completely or partially around the device 10. The rim 800 may
surround the ostium of the LAA. The formation of the rim 800 may
help to completely seal the entrance to the LAA around the device
10 and thereby prevent leakage. The attachment points 700 between
the skin 20 and the body 15 can prevent irregular bunching of the
fabric and instead guide any excess material to form the sealing
rim 800 around or near the proximal face of the device 10, as shown
in FIG. 34. The rim 800 may form upon expansion of the body 15
after deployment from the delivery catheter, as described herein.
Alternatively the attachment points 700 can be designed so as to
prevent any bunching at all of the fabric and provide a smooth
surface, such as a smooth proximal surface.
[0148] FIGS. 35-36 are side views of embodiments of the device 10
having anchors 120 with V-tips 901 shown in the deployed
configuration. The V-tips may be located in the proximal region 125
and/or may form all or part of the tissue engaging segment 121 of
the anchor 120, as described herein. The V-tips 901 form a V-shaped
point. The V-tips 901 are generally in the shape of a "V" or an
otherwise angled, segmented shape. The V-tips 901 may be sharp
barbs or hooks. The V-tips 901 may be formed from wire or laser-cut
tubing or other suitable methods. As shown in FIG. 35, one or more
of the V-tips 901 are attached to the body 15 encased in the skin
20. The V-tips 901 can be attached to the body 15 and/or to the
skin 20. In some embodiments, the V-tips 901 are ends of anchors
1000. For example, the V-tips 901 may be part of the anchors 1000
that are within the body 15 and skin 20, as shown in FIG. 36. The
distal ends of the V-tips 901 may be free to slide along and
collapse or expand. The distal ends of the V-tips 901 may be
attached to the body 15, skin 20, and/or the anchors 1000 to allow
the V-tips 901 to collapse and retract. During retrieval into a
catheter or sheath, the V-tips 901 can flatten out when engaging
the inner diameter of the catheter or sheath. The V-tips 901 can be
formed from Nitinol, implant grade stainless steel such as 304 or
316, cobalt-chromium based alloys such as MP35N or Elgiloy, other
suitable materials, or combinations thereof. The V-tips 901 may
then recover their pre-set shape after deployment or
re-deployment.
[0149] FIGS. 37A-37C are side views of various embodiments of
V-tips that may be used with the anchors described herein. FIG. 37A
is a side view of an embodiment of the V-tip 901. The V-tip 901
includes two angled segments. The segments may form the angle in a
free state. The angle may be various angular amounts. In some
embodiments, the angle formed by the V-tip 901 is no more than
about 170.degree., 160.degree., 150.degree., 140.degree.,
130.degree., 120.degree., 110.degree., 100.degree., 90.degree.,
80.degree., 70.degree., 60.degree., or any smaller, greater or
intermediate angular amount. FIG. 37B is a side view of an
embodiment of a wave V-tip 1101. The wave V-tip 1101 may include a
curved segment and an angled straight segment. FIG. 37C is a side
view of an embodiment of a two-wave V-tip 1103. The two-wave V-tip
1103 may include two curved segments. The curved segments may
promote engagement of the tip with the inner wall of the LAA. The
end of the various V-tips may be smooth and rounded or sharp to
promote tissue penetration. In some embodiments, all of the V-tips
may have the same shape. In some embodiments, some of the V-tips
may have a first shape and other V-tips may have a second shape
different from the first shape. In some embodiments, some of the
V-tips may be attached to the skin 20 and or body 15. In some
embodiments, some of the V-tips may be attached to the anchors
1000.
[0150] FIG. 38 is a side view of an embodiment of a device 10 for
occlusion of the LAA implanted inside an LAA 1201. The device 10
includes a body 15 with a skin 20 and finial 30 placed within the
LAA 1201. The LAA includes a thicker proximal portion 1203 closer
to the ostium. The internal locking system 101, for example anchors
thereof, may be configured to engage with the thicker proximal
portion 1203 of the LAA. The various anchors, V-tips etc. described
herein for the various embodiments of the device 10 may be used to
secure the anchors in the thicker proximal portion 1203. In some
embodiments, the device 10 may be deployed from the catheter such
that the body 15 expands. The location, orientation, etc. of the
expanded body 15 within the LAA may be verified, for example by
imaging, as described herein. The location, orientation, etc. of
the expanded body 15 within the LAA may be verified to ensure
engagement of the internal locking system 101, for example anchors
thereof, with the thicker proximal portion 1203. Then, the internal
locking system 101, for example anchors thereof, may be deployed to
engage the thicker proximal portion 1203. If after deployment of
the internal locking system 101, for example anchors thereof, it is
determined that the anchors did not engage with the thicker
proximal portion 1203, the anchors may be retracted, as described
herein, in order to reposition and/or retrieve the device 10.
[0151] In some embodiments, the internal locking system 101, for
example anchors thereof, may be preloaded surface elements
releasably constrained or otherwise locked down in a collapsed or
constrained position or configuration. The internal locking system
101, for example anchors thereof, may be constrained using a
restraint. The restraint may be a dissolvable polymer, a lasso, or
wires that can be retracted to release the anchors. The restraint
may be similar to a deadbolt. Other anchoring concepts include
Velcro integral to the ePTFE, electrically orientable/ratcheting
anchoring elements, unidirectional Gecko tape, or wires
pre-attached to the finial 30. In some embodiments, the body 15
with skin 20 may be secured within the LAA by texturing the body 15
and exposing the body 15 to the tissue through holes in the skin 20
to increase the friction with the cardiac surface to a high enough
level to prevent implant migration.
[0152] FIGS. 39A-39B are perspective views of an embodiment of a
deployable anchor 1302 activated by a pull wire 1301 and shown,
respectively, in the constrained and deployed configuration, that
may be used with the various devices 10 for occlusion of the LAA
described herein. A two-stage anchoring system allows deployment of
the anchors 1302 after implantation and expansion of the body 15.
This embodiment incorporates one or more hinged anchors 1302. The
anchors 1302, which be a barb or other anchoring element, may lie
flat during delivery and during deployment of the body 15. Next,
when pulled or pushed, the anchors 1302 bend at a hinge 1306 and
extend outward from the surface of the body 15 and into the LAA
tissue. The anchors 1302 may bend at the hinge 1306 using a hollow
constraining element 1304 which can be a thin, metallic, round or
rectangular box such as a round or rectangular shaped tube, and the
pull wire 1301, for example a sliding element, which can be a wire
or suture. The pull wire 1301 is attached to the proximal end of
the anchor 1302 and extends back through the delivery catheter or
sheath. When the pull wire 1301 is retracted, the anchor 1302
slides back though a slot 1308 in the tube 1304 and bends at the
preformed hinge 1306. A portion of the anchor 1302 then extends out
through the slot 1308.
[0153] FIGS. 40A-40B are perspective views of an embodiment of a
deployable anchor 1405 activated by a lock wire 1401 and shown,
respectively, in the constrained and deployed configuration, that
may be used with the various devices 10 for occlusion of the LAA
described herein. The anchor 1405, which be a barb or other
anchoring element, may be formed from wire or a flat sheet of
Nitinol or other shape memory material and heat set to be in an
expanded configuration. One or more of the anchors 1405 can be
placed along the skin 20 or otherwise along an external surface of
the body 15. One or more corresponding guides 1402, such as loops,
may be located along the skin 20 or the body 15. The guides 1402
may be located on both sides of the anchor 1405, as shown. The
guides 1402 on a first side of the anchor 1405 may fix the anchors
1405 in place. The guides 1402 on a second, opposite side of the
anchor 1405 may act as a guide for the lock wire 1401, which may be
a restraining wire, suture, etc. The lock wire 1401 may be used to
constrain the anchors 1405 in a constrained configuration, for
example in the flat position as shown in FIG. 40A. When the lock
wire 1401 is retracted, the anchors 1405 deploy, as shown in FIG.
40B. The anchors 1405 may extend perpendicular to the body 15, or
at an angle.
[0154] FIGS. 41A-41B are perspective views of an embodiment of a
deployable anchor 1506 activated by a sheath 1502 and shown,
respectively, in the constrained and deployed configuration, that
may be used with the various devices for occlusion of the LAA
described herein. The anchor 1506, which be a barb or other
anchoring element, may be formed from wire or a flat sheet of
Nitinol or other shape memory material and heat set to be in an
expanded configuration.
[0155] One or more of the anchors 1506 may be placed along the skin
20 or otherwise along an external surface of the body 15. One or
more corresponding guides 1500 and locking loops 1504 may be
located along the skin 20 or the body 15. The guides 1500 may be
located on a first side of the anchor 1506 and the locking loops
1504 may be located on a second, opposite side of the anchor 1506,
as shown. The anchors 1506 are held in the constrained or
restrained configuration or position by a sheath cover 1502. The
sheath cover 1502 may be tubular or rectangular in shape. The
sheath cover 1502 constrains the anchors 1506. The sheath cover
1502 may constrain the anchors 1506 in a flat position as shown in
FIG. 41A. When the sheath cover 1502 is retracted, the anchors 1506
deploy, as shown in FIG. 41B. The anchors 1506 may extend at an
angle to the body 15, or perpendicularly.
[0156] FIGS. 42A-42D are various views of embodiments of devices 10
for occlusion of the LAA having external deployable anchors 1601,
1604 which can be collapsed and expanded by retraction into or out
of a sheath or outer catheter. FIG. 42A is a side view of the
device 10 having anchors 1601 constrained by a delivery sheath
1603. FIG. 42B is a side view of the device 10 unconstrained by the
delivery sheath 1603 with the anchors 1601 deployed. FIG. 42C is a
side view of the device 10 having anchors 1604 constrained by the
delivery sheath 1603. FIG. 42D is a side view of the device 10
unconstrained by the delivery sheath 1603 with the anchors 1604
deployed. The body 15 with skin 20 can contain the anchors 1601 or
1604 which are fixed to the surface of the skin 20 and are
unconstrained and therefore expanded in a free state, as shown in
FIGS. 42B and 42D. The delivery sheath 1603, such as a catheter,
may be used to constrain the anchors 1601 or 1604. The anchors 1601
or 1604 may then expand when the body 15 is unconstrained by the
delivery sheath 1603, for example when the when the body 15 is
released from the delivery sheath 1603. The anchors 1601 may deploy
into a curved shape as shown in FIG. 42B. The anchors 1604 may
deploy into an angled shape as shown in FIG. 42D. The anchors 1603
or 1604 after deployment may point toward either the proximal or
distal side of the body 15.
[0157] FIGS. 43A-43C are sequential side views of an embodiment of
a device 10 for occlusion of the LAA shown, respectively,
constrained by a lasso 1707, deployed, and adjusted with a mount
1705. One or more anchors 1709 may be pre-mounted within the body
15 and attached distally to the mount 1705. The mount 1705 may be a
ring-like member having an opening extending therethrough. The
mount 1705 is positioned over a 1701 rod 1711. The mount 1705 can
move, for example slide, over the 1701 rod 1711 in the proximal
direction. In some embodiments, the mount 1705 may be pulled
proximally, for example by a pull wire. In some embodiments, the
mount 1705 may move when the 1701 rod 1711 is rotated. In some
embodiments, the mount 1705 and/or 1701 rod 1711 may be threaded.
Movement of the mount 1705 causes the anchor 1705 to move. The
device may include a tapered cone 1708. The cone 1708 may be
attached to the end of the rod 1711. The mount 1705 may be moved
toward the cone 1708 to adjust the height of the anchors 1709.
Thus, the anchors 1709 are angled more in FIG. 17C relative to FIG.
17B. The anchor 1709 may move through the body 15 and into the
tissue. The anchors 1709 may be adjusted to increase or decrease
the amount of tissue penetration, for example by moving the mount
1705 as described. For retrieval, this process can be reversed. In
some embodiments, the lasso 1707, attached to a wire 1703, may
extend, for example thread, through the threaded 1701 rod 1711 and
be placed around the anchors 1709 to retract the anchors 1709 back
into the body 15. In some embodiments, the lasso 1707 may be used
to initially constrain the anchors 1709 and then retract to allow
the anchors 1709 to deploy.
[0158] FIGS. 44A-44C are side views of an embodiment of a device 10
for occlusion of the LAA having an adjustable two stage anchor
system with anchors 1801 activated by moving a mount 1803 along a
rod 1804. The anchors 1801 may be internal grappling hook type
structures placed within the body 15 and skin 20. The anchors 1801
may be introduced through a central lumen 1003 that extends through
the body 15, as shown in FIG. 43A. The anchors 1801 may then travel
through the body 15 and skin 20 to engage tissue, as shown in FIG.
43B. The anchors 1801 may be adjusted to increase or decrease the
amount of tissue penetration. The anchors 1801 are attached at
distal ends to the moveable mount 1803. The mount 1803 is prevented
from rotating, for example the mount 1803 may be notched to prevent
rotation of the mount 1803 within the finial 30, as shown in FIG.
43C. The mount 1803 is threaded onto the threaded rod 1804 that can
be rotated clockwise or counter clockwise to change the linear
position of the mount 1803. The distal end of the rod 1804 may
couple with a cap 1807. The cap 1807 may rotate with the rotation
of the rod 1804. The mount 1803 may move proximally causing the
anchors 1801 to extend past the surface of the body 15 and skin 20
as shown in FIG. 43B. The mount 1803 may move distally to pull the
anchors 1801 back within or under the surface of the skin 20. The
depth of penetration of the anchors 1801 may be controlled, for
example to account for the non-circular cross-section of the LAA.
In some embodiments, the anchors 1801 may be deployed individually.
Another option is to deploy the anchors 1801 distal to the body 15
with skin 20 and control the stiffness of the anchors 1801 such
that they apply a reasonably uniform penetrating force to the
tissue at contact.
[0159] Various modifications to the implementations described in
this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to
other implementations without departing from the spirit or scope of
this disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited
to the implementations shown herein, but is to be accorded the
widest scope consistent with the claims, the principles and the
novel features disclosed herein. The word "example" is used
exclusively herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or
illustration." Any implementation described herein as "example" is
not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over
other implementations, unless otherwise stated.
[0160] Certain features that are described in this specification in
the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in
combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various
features that are described in the context of a single
implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations
separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although
features can be described above as acting in certain combinations
and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a
claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the
combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a
sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
[0161] Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in
a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that
such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in
sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed,
to achieve desirable results. Additionally, other implementations
are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the
actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order
and still achieve desirable results.
[0162] It will be understood by those within the art that, in
general, terms used herein are generally intended as "open" terms
(e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but
not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having
at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes
but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by
those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced
claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly
recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such
intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the
following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory
phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be
construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by
the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim
containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments
containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim
includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one"
and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an"
should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used
to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited,
those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should
typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g.,
the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers,
typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention
analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in
general such a construction is intended in the sense one having
skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system
having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be
limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that
have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together,
B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be
further understood by those within the art that virtually any
disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative
terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be
understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the
terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase
"A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or
"B" or "A and B."
* * * * *