Patent foramen ovale closure system

Abstract

A patent foramen ovale closure device, method of delivering and a delivery system are provided. The device may include a closure device releasably connectable to an actuator. The device may include a proximal segment, an intermediate segment and a distal segment. When delivered, the proximal segment and intermediate segment form a first clip-shaped portion sized and configured to be positioned over a septum secundum of the patent foramen ovale, and the intermediate segment and distal segment form a second clip-shaped portion sized and configured to be positioned over a septum primum of the patent foramen ovale.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a Continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 771,845, filed on Feb. 4, 2004, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 445,088, filed Feb. 4, 2003, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for closing a body lumen or cavity and, in particular, for closing a patent foramen ovale.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]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 hemorrhagic, and 600,000 are ischemic (either due to vessel narrowing or to embolism). About 50,000 of the ischemic strokes are believed to be caused by a patent foramen ovale. However, the risk of recurrent stroke is hig...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a closure device for closing a patent foramen ovale that is minimally invasive and can be easily positioned and secured in place. The closure device has a generally elongate configuration and a clip configuration, and can be releasably engaged with a delivery device. The closure device can be self-expanding and may be positioned at the patent foramen ovale using a delivery catheter. The closure device is designed to securely close the patent foramen ovale and prevent complications such as blood clots."

Problems solved by technology

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

However, the risk of recurrent stroke is higher in patients whose strokes are caused by a patent foramen ovale.

Pharmacological therapies for stroke prevention such as oral or systemic administration of warfarin or the like have been inadequate due to serious side effects of the medications and lack of patient compliance in taking the medication.

Blood can flow directly between these two atria, compromising the normal flow of blood and efficiency of the patient's heart.

For example, with a patent foramen ovale, blood is shunted from the left atrium of the heart to the right, producing an over-load of the right heart.

The ill effects of these defects usually cause added strain on the heart with ultimate failure if not corrected.

Although these devices have been known to effectively close other septal defects, there are few closure devices which have been developed specifically for closing patent foramen ovale.

Although these devices have been effective in some cases, there is still much room for improvement.

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