Abstract: A patent foramen ovale closure device and method are provided. The device is deployed at the foramen ovale to secure the septum primum and septum secundum together, thus sealing the patent foramen ovale. In one embodiment, the closure device is a coil that is delivered through the septum secundum and septum primum in an axially elongated state using a tissue piercing structure. After being delivered, the coil is released, causing the coil to axially shorten to pinch the septum primum and septum secundum together.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.

Abstract: The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft includes a optical fiber, and at least one coaxial layer of heat shrink polymer disposed over the optical fiber of a length shorter than the optical fiber, to provide variations in stiffness along the length of the shaft. The variable stiffness optical fiber shaft preferably includes a plurality of coaxial layers of heat shrink polymer encapsulating the optical fiber, extending from the proximal end of the optical fiber toward the distal end, the plurality of coaxial layers having different lengths to provide said optical fiber shaft with varying stiffness over the length of the optical fiber shaft. The plurality of coaxial layers can be arranged in successive progressively shorter coaxial layers, and can be formed of heat shrink polymeric material, such as polyethylene, PTFE, PEEK, PET or PPS.