Abstract: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transeptal cardiac procedures are disclosed. A patient treatment device in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, a working portion toward the distal end, and an electrical energy path coupleable to a source of electrical energy. The device can further include a tissue penetrating member carried by the catheter and an electrode device carried by the working portion of the catheter and movable along the tissue penetrating member. The electrode device can include a collapsible stranded conductive material coupled to the electrical signal path and being changeable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The conductive material can be elongated along a deployment axis when in the stowed position, and can be contracted along the deployment axis and expanded transverse to the deployment axis when in the deployed position.

Abstract: Methods and systems for securing tissues, e.g., cardiovascular tissues, are disclosed. A method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes inserting a portion of a catheter into an opening between a first portion of cardiovascular tissue and a second portion of cardiovascular tissue. The method can further include drawing the first and second portions of the cardiovascular tissue into contact with each other by drawing a vacuum in a region adjacent to the first and second portions of cardiovascular tissue via the catheter while the catheter is positioned between the first and second portions. The tissue portions can be fused by heating the tissue from within the opening, e.g., via radio frequency energy. This technique, and associated catheter system, can be used to close a patent foramen ovale or other openings in cardiovascular tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides for therapeutic treatment methods, devices, and systems for the partial or complete closure or occlusion of a patent foramen ovale (“PFO”). In particular, various methods, devices, and systems for joining or welding tissues, in order to therapeutically close a PFO are described. In yet another aspect of the invention, various methods, devices, and systems for the penetration of the interatrial septum enabling left atrial access are also provided.