Abstract: Occluder devices for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO) comprise two sides connected by a central tube. The occluder devices are formed from a tube, which is cut to produce struts in each side. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. The occluder devices include a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When an occluder device is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is deployed so that the occluder device exerts a compressive force on the septal tissue and closes the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure clip. The clips of the present invention include two closure members joined by at least two spaced central connecting members. Each of the at least two spaced central connecting members is attached to each closure member at a location on the periphery of the closure member. The clips are designed such that the at least two central connecting members extend through the inclined PFO tunnel and the two closure members compress the overlapping layers of septal tissue, i.e. septum primum and septum secundum, together to close the PFO tunnel. The clips of the present invention take various forms depending, in part, upon the distribution of force required to close a given PFO. Thus, in some embodiments, the closure members include arcuate peaks. In other embodiments, the closure members include loops. In still other embodiments, the closure members include prongs.

Abstract: A thickness gage including a transparent measurement tube configured to receive and be slidingly engaged over a tubular shaft of a retrograde reamer. The tubular shaft has linear graduation marks on its surface for identifying linear measures for use in measuring a thickness of a bridge bone gap. The linear graduation marks are located on the tubular shaft surface such that at least some of the linear graduation marks can be observed through the transparent measurement tube. Each linear graduation mark, when aligned with a proximal end of the measurement tube, provides a linear measure of the distance between a distal end of the measurement tube and a cutting member of the retrograde reamer positioned so that its central axis is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Such a distance corresponds to the thickness of the bridge bone gap.

Abstract: A thickness gage including a transparent measurement tube configured to receive and be slidingly engaged over a tubular shaft of a retrograde reamer. The tubular shaft has linear graduation marks on its surface for identifying linear measures for use in measuring a thickness of a bridge bone gap. The linear graduation marks are located on the tubular shaft surface such that at least some of the linear graduation marks can be observed through the transparent measurement tube. Each linear graduation mark, when aligned with a proximal end of the measurement tube, provides a linear measure of the distance between a distal end of the measurement tube and a cutting member of the retrograde reamer positioned so that its central axis is disposed at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tubular shaft. Such a distance corresponds to the thickness of the bridge bone gap.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the delivery of a compressible implant into a bodily lumen. The delivery device includes an enlarged section that is configured to house the implant during delivery thereof into a patient. In certain embodiments, the implant is kept within the delivery device in a substantially uncompressed configuration prior to the delivery thereof.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for modifying and maintaining a configuration of an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, modifying and maintaining a configuration of a PFO occluder made from a polymer tube. The proximal portion of a catch member may be provided with one or more protrusions, or arms, or bump or other raised element for securing the occluder in a partial or fully deployed configuration, either temporarily or permanently.

Abstract: A retro guidewire reamer includes a cutting member, and a mechanism for moving the cutting member from a closed position to a deployed position in a single manual motion. Once a desired size of a bone tunnel is established, a surgeon uses the reamer to create a primary bone tunnel over a guidewire from the outside in. The surgeon retracts the guidewire, and activates the mechanism to deploy the cutting member within the bone joint to conform to the size of a tendon graft. The surgeon uses the deployed cutting member to create a counter bore through the bone in a retrograde manner. Once the counter bore is drilled, the surgeon activates the mechanism to close the cutting member, allowing the reamer to be withdrawn through the primary tunnel. The retro guidewire reamer can be used to provide more accurate bone tunnel placement during ligament reconstruction surgery.

Abstract: Devices, delivery systems, and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. Specifically, an occluder with a catch member that holds the occluder in the deployed, expanded profile configuration is provided within a delivery sheath. The proximal end of the catch member includes a flap that when positioned proximal to the proximal end of the occluder holds the occluder in the expanded profile configuration. The flap is sized and formed of a material that allows the flap to deform by bending back and forth in axial and radial directions. In certain embodiments, the flap has segments divided by notches. In certain embodiments, deforming the flap in the proximal direction requires a different amount of force than deforming the flap in the distal direction.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for modifying and maintaining a configuration of an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, modifying and maintaining a configuration of a PFO occluder made from a polymer tube. The proximal portion of a catch member may be provided with one or more protrusions, or arms, or bump or other raised element for securing the occluder in a partial or fully deployed configuration, either temporarily or permanently.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for occluding or closing a patent foramen ovale of a patient (PFO). The invention includes a catheter carrying an energy delivery element. The catheter introduces the energy delivery element into the patent foramen ovale of a patient's heart. Once appropriately positioned, the energy delivery element applies energy, such as radiofrequency energy, to the tissues surrounding the patent foramen ovale. The application of energy causes the tissues to join together, occluding the patent foramen ovale. The energy delivery element may be removable or permanently implanted in the patent foramen ovale.

Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques for an occlusion device for the closure of physical anomalies, such as an atrial septal defect, a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and other septal and vascular defects are described. The devices, delivery systems and delivery techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. Specifically, a petal-shaped occluder with a catch system is provided within a delivery sheath. In certain embodiments, the delivery system includes a first securement system for securing a first end of the occluder and a second securement system for securing a second end of the occluder to a delivery catheter and a delivery wire contained in the delivery system. The securement enable the deployment (and retrieval) of the device. The securement systems enable pushing and pulling of respective ends of the occluder to expand and contract the device by varying its axial length.

Abstract: A cannulated retrograde reamer that is adjustable to create tunnels of multiple different diameters. The cannulated retrograde reamer substantially reduces the risk of tunnel malposition and/or misalignment, and can be adjusted to create a range of tunnel diameters, thereby allowing inventory levels to be reduced for a surgical case.

Abstract: Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms.

Abstract: Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for forming a hole in biological material, such as tissue walls, adjacent vessels or adjacent regions of an organ such that access to opposing surfaces of the biological material can be achieved. In general overview the system may include an elongate member for positioning and deploying a flexible member in the heart. In one embodiment apparatus and methods are provided for aligning and fixing the position of the tip of a cutting member for cutting a hole in the septal wall of a heart. In another embodiment, subsequent to cutting a tissue wall an apparatus for obstructing holes in the septal wall is inserted to limit the flow of blood through a plurality of holes in a tissue wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by a central tube. The occluder is formed from a tube, which is cut to produce struts in each side. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. The occluder further includes a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is deployed so that the occluder exerts a compressive force on the septal tissue and closes the aperture.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for the delivery of a compressible implant into a bodily lumen. The delivery device includes an enlarged section that is configured to house the implant during delivery thereof into a patient. In certain embodiments, the implant is kept within the delivery device in a substantially uncompressed configuration prior to the delivery thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for occluding an anatomical aperture, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder includes two sides connected by a central tube. The occluder is formed from a tube, which is cut to produce struts in each side. Upon the application of force, the struts deform into loops. The loops may be of various shapes, sizes, and configurations, and, in at least some embodiments, the loops have rounded peripheries. In some embodiments, at least one of the sides includes a tissue scaffold. The occluder further includes a catch system that maintains its deployed state in vivo. When the occluder is deployed in vivo, the two sides are disposed on opposite sides of the septal tissue surrounding the aperture and the catch system is deployed so that the occluder exerts a compressive force on the septal tissue and closes the aperture.

Abstract: Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms.

Abstract: Delivery (and recovery) devices and techniques for delivering an implant into a desired location within the body and catch systems for such implants. The devices and techniques relate particularly to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a polymer tube. A catch system maintains an occluder in a deployed configuration by holding it in a reduced axial length position. Some embodiments have a compressible tip. Some embodiments have temporary catching mechanisms.