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: An apparatus for cutting a suture. In one embodiment the suture cutting apparatus includes a distal cutting end and a proximal control end. The apparatus also includes a first tube defining a lumen, and a second tube located and movable within the lumen of the first tube. The second tube defines a lumen and includes a lever arm pivotably attached at the distal cutting end of the apparatus. The lever arm has a cutting edge that is held away from the longitudinal axis of the second tube when the lever arm is located within the first tube, and is biased toward the longitudinal axis of second tube when the lever arm is outside of the first tube.

Abstract: A medical delivery system for delivering or retrieving a medical implant. In one embodiment, the medical delivery system includes a tube having a lumen; an implant; and a suture releasably joined to the implant, the suture comprising a first end, a second end, and a releasable knot, wherein tension applied to the first end of the suture collapses at least a portion of the implant for introduction into the tubular lumen and tension applied to the second end of the suture releases the implant.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for closing two overlapping layers of tissue in a mammalian heart, for example a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices may take a number of different forms and may be retrievable. In some embodiments, a device is sized and shaped to extend from septum secundum, into the left atrium, through septum primum, and into the right atrium, such that the first and second ends cooperate to provide a compressive force to the overlapping layers of tissue. In some embodiments, the closure devices may be delivered with a catheter capable of puncturing mammalian tissue.

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, 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. In certain embodiments, the occluder includes a catch system that holds the occluder in the deployed, expanded profile. The catch system includes a locking funnel cap. In some embodiments, the locking funnel cap forces the proximal ends of the occluder in a radially inward position to lock the catch member in place and prevent the occluder from moving from its deployed configuration.

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 an occluder for a biological defect, such as an atrial septal defect (ASD) or a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The occluder is at least partially formed of a radiopaque, bioabsorbable material. In some embodiments, 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 radiopaque, bioabsorbable material is a blend of a biocompatible radiopaque material with a bioabsorbable material. In some embodiments, the radiopaque material may have a mass attenuation coefficient greater than about 1.2 cm2/gm and/or a linear attenuation coefficient greater than about 9 cm?1. In some embodiments, the radiopaque material is tungsten. In some embodiments, the bioabsorbable material may have a molecular weight greater than about 300,000. In some embodiments, the bioabsorbable material is a polymer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for percutaneous closure of intra-cardiac openings, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). In one embodiment, a delivery system includes a first attachment mechanism and a second attachment mechanism attached to a closure device for implantation in an intra-cardiac opening. The delivery system can be used to deliver a closure device to the intra-cardiac opening, or to retrieve or re-position a closure device within the intra-cardiac opening.

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 invention provides a septal occluder for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The septal occluder includes a flexible central portion connecting two occlusion shells for the percutaneous transluminal treatment of an intracardiac defect. The septal occluder includes two occlusion shells connected by an elongate member capable of pivoting or articulating. The elongate member pivots or articulates at the juncture of the occlusion shell and the elongate member, according to one embodiment, or in the center of the elongate member, according to another embodiment. The elongate member can have one or more pivot points.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for occluding intracardiac defects, for example, a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The devices according to the invention have various features that enhance the flexibility of the device and improve the device's ability to conform to the location of the intracardiac defect. In particular, intracardiac occluders with curved arms are disclosed.

Abstract: A delivery system for implanting a medical device within a lumen or body cavity of a patient is provided, the delivery system having a catheter with a plurality of coils, wherein the gaps between the coils can be increased or decreased, by means of an actuator, to alter the flexibility or stiffness of the catheter during delivery of the medical device.

Abstract: The over-the-wire interlock attachment/detachment mechanism includes a cylindrical lock receiving section of a small diameter attached to an implantable medical device such as a blood clot filter, a stent, or a septal occluder. This cylindrical lock receiving section has a plurality of spaced, curved cutouts to receive both the guide fingers and contoured locking fingers formed on a cylindrical locking section. The locking fingers are angled outwardly from the cylindrical body of the cylindrical locking section, and are moved inwardly into engagement with the curved cutouts of the cylindrical lock receiving section by a sheath which slides over the cylindrical locking section or other suitable operator.

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 generally relates to an intravascular catheter that includes a proximal hub and a distal elongated tubular member. In one embodiment, the hub is designed to mitigate the introduction of air into a patient's vasculature during the delivery of a second device through the catheter into the patient's body.

Abstract: A medical delivery system for delivering or retrieving a medical implant. In one embodiment, the medical delivery system includes a tube having a lumen; an implant; and a suture releasably joined to the implant, the suture comprising a first end, a second end, and a releasable knot, wherein tension applied to the first end of the suture collapses at least a portion of the implant for introduction into the tubular lumen and tension applied to the second end of the suture releases the implant.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a suture. In one embodiment the suture cutting apparatus includes a distal cutting end and a proximal control end. The apparatus also includes a first tube defining a lumen, and a second tube located and movable within the lumen of the first tube. The second tube defines a lumen and includes a lever arm pivotably attached at the distal cutting end of the apparatus. The lever arm has a cutting edge that is held away from the longitudinal axis of the second tube when the lever arm is located within the first tube, and is biased toward the longitudinal axis of second tube when the lever arm is outside of the first tube.