Method for left atrial appendage occlusion

Abstract

Disclosed is an occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device includes an occlusion member and may also include a stabilizing member. The stabilizing member inhibits compression of the left atrial appendage, facilitating tissue in-growth onto the occlusion member. Methods are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 435,562, filed Nov. 8, 1999, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 187,200, filed Nov. 6, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,144, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entireties herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Embolic stroke is the nation's third leading killer for adults, and is a major cause of disability. There are over 700,000 strokes per year in the United States alone. Of these, roughly 100,000 are hemoragic, and 600,000 are ischemic (either due to vessel narrowing or to embolism). The most common cause of embolic stroke emanating from the heart is thrombus formation due to atrial fibrillation. Approximately 80,000 strokes per year are attributable to atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia of the heart that results in a rapid and chaotic heartbeat that produces lower cardiac output and irregular and turbulent blood flow in the vascul...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of occluding an atrial appendage. The method comprises the steps of introducing a stabilizing member into the appendage, for resisting compression of the appendage wall, and preventing rotation and axial migration of the implant, and positioning an occlusion member across the appendage. The introducing step preferably comprises introducing a radially expandable stabilizing member, and radially expanding the m

Problems solved by technology

Embolic stroke is the nation's third leading killer for adults, and is a major cause of disability.

Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia of the heart that results in a rapid and chaotic heartbeat that produces lower cardiac output and irregular and turbulent blood flow in the vascular system.

A patient with atrial fibrillation typically has a significantly decreased quality of life due, in part, to the fear of a stroke, and the pharmaceutical regimen necessary to reduce that risk.

The LAA normally contracts with the rest of the left atrium during a normal heart cycle, thus keeping blood from becoming stagnant therein, but often fails to contract with any vigor in patients exp

Images