Abstract: Devices, delivery systems and 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 techniques relate to, but are not limited to, a patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder made from a substantially cylindrical form. An occluder having a distal side and a proximal side, with a catch system for securing the deployed configuration, is introduced into the treatment site by a delivery sheath. In one aspect, the occluder has an adjustable length center joint that allows the device to fit a particular septal defect. In some embodiments, the occluder includes a catch member that holds the occluder in the deployed, expanded profile configuration. In one aspect, the catch member also has an adjustable length.

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 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: 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: 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 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 may be formed of various materials. In at least some embodiments, the clips are formed of metals, nonmetallic materials, bioabsorbable polymers, spring steel, shape memory materials, bioabsorbable shape memory polymers, or combinations thereof.