Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for tissue, body lumen and/or cavity closure inside a body of a patient. In one particular application, the medical device can be used for minimally invasive access and closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart. The medical device generally includes a tool used for grasping the appendage, a closure member, and at least one tool to deploy, control, and position the closure member for closing the appendage. The device can also include an expander tool for expanding the working area around the left atrial appendage to improve visibility during the procedure. In other embodiments, the medical device may include other tools, for example an imaging tool for viewing the target area and/or other tools that are considered useful in a left atrial appendage closure procedure.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an elongated longitudinal body having opposite ends longitudinally disposed. An opening is present at each end of the elongated body and a channel extends longitudinally through the openings of the elongated body. The elongated body of the introducer sheath includes a varying stiffness from one end to the other end. As one example, an introducer sheath can introduce devices and/or medical treatment products used in minimally invasive medical procedures.

Abstract: An access tube has a central passage and at least one lumen extending axially between the central passage and an outside wall of the access tube. The lumen carries therein a piercing member for accessing an anatomic space, such as a pericardial space between the parietal pericardia and the visceral pericardia. While the access tube is positioned against the parietal pericardium, a distal end of the piercing member engages and penetrates the parietal pericardium. The distal end of the piercing member entering the anatomic space can then allow the piercing member to advance and form into a supporting structure to create a working space. After the working space is created, an access device can be introduced through the access tube into the pericardial space to perform a variety of procedures inside a patient.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for tissue, body lumen and/or cavity closure inside a body of a patient. In one particular application, the medical device can be used for minimally invasive access and closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart. The medical device generally includes a tool used for grasping the appendage, a closure member, and at least one tool to deploy, control, and position the closure member for closing the appendage. The device can also include an expander tool for expanding the working area around the left atrial appendage to improve visibility during the procedure. In other embodiments, the medical device may include other tools, for example an imaging tool for viewing the target area and/or other tools that are considered useful in a left atrial appendage closure procedure.