Abstract: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the closure of physical defects. The occlusion device is capable of self-centering itself in the defect. This allows the center of the occluder to remain properly positioned in the defect, while maintaining a low profile against the tissue.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a polymeric connector. The flexible polymeric connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a fabric connector. The flexible fabric connector gives the center assembly improved flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: An occlusion device for the closure of physical apertures, such as vascular or septal apertures, that can be retrieved, reloaded, and redeployed in situ. A plurality of puller arms and a floating center post allow the device to collapse for loading when a physician pulls on a delivery device, which is attached to the floating center post. This also allows for easy loading of the device into a catheter for delivery to the heart.

Abstract: This invention relates to a center connection having a flexible section. The flexible section allows a portion of the center connection to be highly flexible, while maintaining the ability to transmit torque. One method of forming the flexible center connection is to form the flexible section of the center connection of a series of individual interlocked segments.

Abstract: The present invention is an occlusion device having a collapsible frame which allows the occlusion device to be more easily centered in a defect and retrieved in situ. The occlusion device comprises a first post configured to be located on a first side of a defect, a second post configured to be located on a second side of the defect, and a fixation device connected to the first and second posts. The fixation device is used to hold the occlusion device in place across a defect, and comprises several segments. The segments are shaped so that each segment comprises a loop, causing the fixation device to resemble a “daisy design.

Abstract: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the closure of a physical lumen. More specifically, this invention relates to an occlusion device for the left atrial appendage of the heart, comprising a center post, a plurality of ribs extending along the center post and sheet which is attached to the ribs.

Abstract: The present invention is an occlusion device having a centering arm network that self-centers across a defect and can be retrieved and redeployed in situ. A self centering system allows the center of the occlusion device to remain properly positioned within the defect, which increases the effectiveness of the occlusion device. The self centering system is comprised of a plurality of centering arms which define a flexible intermediate zone. In addition, the occlusion device of the present invention has a plurality of right arms connected to the plurality of centering arms which make it possible to retrieve and redeploy the occlusion device in situ.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible medical device. The flexible medical device may comprise interlocking portions formed of a continuous channel. When formed of a continuous channel, the medical device comprises interconnected interlocking portions, rather than independent interlocking portions. The flexible medical device may also be designed so that different portions of the device have different flexibility characteristics.

Abstract: An occlusion device comprises a bioabsorbable material, which allows the occlusion device to effectively close a defect in the heart while eliminating or limiting components which permanently remain in the body.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a spring connector and a safety tether. The flexible spring connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart. The safety tether serves to further ensure the structural integrity of the center assembly.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a fabric connector. The flexible fabric connector gives the center assembly improved flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a center assembly having a flexible section formed by a polymeric connector. The flexible polymeric connector gives the center assembly improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the occlusion device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a flexible section formed by a wire connector. The flexible wire connector gives the occlusion device improved torque and flexure characteristics, which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occluder with a plurality of flexible rings that comprise a self centering mechanism to keep the occluder properly centered in a defect. The self centering mechanism is located between the left and right sides of the occluder. Because the occluder remains properly centered, the chance that portions of the aperture will be exposed is reduced and the effectiveness of the occluder is increased.

Abstract: The present invention provides an occluder with a self centering system that keeps the occluder properly centered in a defect which allows the center of the occluder to remain properly positioned within the defect so that the left and right sides cover the entire defect which reduces the chance of blood shunting through the defect and increases the effectiveness of the occluder. The self centering system is comprised of a series of arms that provide tension to hold the right and left sides in place. The arms are shaped to provide a flexible intermediate zone comprising a left and a right conical shaped network, wherein each network extends from the right and left sides and narrows at the center section. The flexible intermediate zone centers the occluder and helps to hold it in place.

Abstract: An occlusion device having at least five arms. Though the number of arms is increased, the diameter of each arm is reduced. As a result, the increased number of arms provides the desired tension as the occlusion device is deployed and provides the desired strength to hold the occlusion device in place and properly occlude the defect. At the same time, the reduced diameter of the arms improves the cycle life of the occlusion device. Furthermore, the increased number of arms provides for better sealing across the defect and reduces residual shunting.

Abstract: This invention relates to an occlusion device for the heart, having an articulated center post which allows the device to better conform to the contours of the heart to increase sealing abilities and reduce breakage resulting from conformation pressure.

Abstract: An occlusion device having laminated polyvinyl alcohol sheets for occluding a defect. The laminated polyvinyl alcohol sheets provide an increased tear strength to the sheets that allows the device to be fully retrievable through the same catheter used to deploy it. The laminated sheets are created by obtaining thin sheets of polyvinyl alcohol foam, arranging the sheets on one another, and applying heat and pressure to laminate the sheets together.

Abstract: The present invention is an occlusion device having a support hoop. The support hoop increases the ability of the occlusion device to form a seal around the defect and adds additional structural strength to the device by allowing distribution of pressure along a 360° continuum.