Abstract: A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials.

Abstract: A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the occluder to the delivery mandrel and preventing unwanted movement in the distal direction, and a sheath for enveloping the delivery wire, mandrel and occluder. By moving the sheath relative to the occluder in a series of steps, the occluder opens first on a distal side and then on a proximal side, in a manner that holds the occluder in place.

Abstract: A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the occluder to the delivery mandrel and preventing unwanted movement in the distal direction, and a sheath for enveloping the delivery wire, mandrel and occluder. By moving the sheath relative to the occluder in a series of steps, the occluder opens first on a distal side and then on a proximal side, in a manner that holds the occluder in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device which is adapted to press together the septum primum and the septum secundum between the atrial chambers to close any tunnel in the septum. The device in its preferred form has two clamping members, one on each side of the septum and a central connector which connects the two clamping members and passes through the tunnel. The device is configured to conform to the anatomy such that the tunnel is not substantially deformed by the device. The central connector, in its preferred form has two wires that are spaced apart so that the wires are proximate the lateral sides of the tunnel. The spacing allows the device to be centered at an appropriate location.

Abstract: A delivery/recovery system to allow an operator to deploy and recover a medical implant, such as an occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, the system includes a delivery mandrel for preventing the occluder from moving in the proximal direction, a delivery wire for securing the occluder to the delivery mandrel and preventing unwanted movement in the distal direction, and a sheath for enveloping the delivery wire, mandrel and occluder. By moving the sheath relative to the occluder in a series of steps, the occluder opens first on a distal side and then on a proximal side, in a manner that holds the occluder in place.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device which is adapted to press together the septum primum and the septum secundum between the atrial chambers to close any tunnel in the septum. The device in its preferred form has two clamping members, one on each side of the septum and a central connector which connects the two clamping members and passes through the tunnel. The device is configured to conform to the anatomy such that the tunnel is not substantially deformed by the device. The central connector, in its preferred form has two wires that are spaced apart so that the wires are proximate the lateral sides of the tunnel. The spacing allows the device to be centered at an appropriate location.

Abstract: A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials.

Abstract: A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A welding element is provided for applying heat, chemicals, pressure, or any combination thereof to tissues inside a patient's body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale. In one aspect, the welding element is connected to a radio frequency energy source and includes an electrode and a locator. The locator facilitates positioning of the welding element and is capable of moving from an open position to a clamping position. In another aspect, a needle is provided for transseptal puncturing before the application of heat. In yet another aspect, the welding element is configured as a coil. The welding element can be made of Nitinol.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous closure of cardiac openings and obliteration of the cardiac cul-de-sacs. In one embodiment, a closure device includes a patch with an adhesive and/or a removable frame. The patch may be placed across a cardiac opening, such as a patent foramen ovale, or across a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage. In another embodiment, a closure device includes a balloon together with adhesives and/or substances for stimulating tissue growth coated on, or contained within, the balloon. The balloon may be inserted into a cardiac opening, such as the patent foramen ovale, or into a cardiac cul-de-sac, such as a left atrial appendage.

Abstract: A septal occluder, such as one made from a polymer tube, can have portions on either side of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) or other septal defect. The portions on either side can be held in place with a catching mechanism that can take one of many forms. The tube can be made of bioresorbable materials.

Abstract: A welding element is provided for applying heat, chemicals, pressure, or any combination thereof to tissues inside a patient's body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale. In one aspect, the welding element is connected to a radio frequency energy source and includes an electrode and a locator. The locator facilitates positioning of the welding element and is capable of moving from an open position to a clamping position. In another aspect, a needle is provided for transseptal puncturing before the application of heat. In yet another aspect, the welding element is configured as a coil. The welding element can be made of Nitinol.

Abstract: A welding element is provided for applying heat, chemicals, pressure, or any combination thereof to tissues inside a patient's body, e.g., a patent foramen ovale. In one aspect, the welding element is connected to a radio frequency energy source and includes an electrode and a locator. The locator facilitates positioning of the welding element and is capable of moving from an open position to a clamping position. In another aspect, a needle is provided for transseptal puncturing before the application of heat. In yet another aspect, the welding element is configured as a coil. The welding element can be made of Nitinol.

Abstract: An occluder that has a coil on one or both sides of a medical defect, particularly a septal defect such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). Each coil can be formed as a tube that is hollow, with or without a closed end. The tube can be delivered over a wire. For occluding a PFO, the coils can be designed to provide a compressive force to one or both of septum primum and septum secundum.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a septal defect, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO), and methods of delivering the implant are described. The implant includes a scaffold, at least one channel, and an injection port in fluid communication with the channels for inflating the scaffold.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for percutaneously suturing biological material, such as a patient's tissues. In one embodiment, a suturing device includes first and second tissue engaging members connected to one another by a first interconnecting member. In another embodiment, systems and methods are provided for forming holes through two overlapping layers of tissue. Subsequent to forming holes through the two layers of tissue, the suturing device is positioned through the holes to join or bring into contact the two layers of overlapping tissue.