Systems And Methods For Treating Septal Defects
A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus, devices for controlling delivery of the treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, and a proximal control device for controlling delivery of the implantable apparatus, among others.
1 . In an apparatus for treating a patent foramen ovale (PFO), the improvement. comprising:
an elongate body member with a distal end section, wherein the distal end section comprises:
an upper jaw-like portion comprising an open region located proximal to a distal tip of the upper portion; and
a fixed, non-pivotable lower jaw-like portion adapted to be inserted into the tunnel of a PFO, said upper jaw-like portion being pivotably coupled to said lower jaw-like portion; and
an elongate delivery member having a distal end tip coupled with the upper jaw-like portion in the open region.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the distal end tip of the elongate delivery member has an opening configured to allow the passage of an elongate needle-like member therethrough.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the lower jaw-like portion comprises an open region configured to allow the needle-like member to pass therethrough.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the lower jaw-like member comprises two deflectable side sections each being free to deflect away from the other such that the open region in said lower jaw-like portion is enlarged.
5 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the upper and lower jaw-like portions are adapted to grasp the septum secundum of a PFO.
6 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the lower jaw-like portion includes a rotatable generally cylindrical section configured to resist impact by the needle-like member.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the rotatable generally cylindrical section is aligned with the opening in said upper jaw-like portion and is configured to allow the passage of a needle-like member through the lower jaw-like portion when said jaw-like portions are in a closed position.
8 . The apparatus of claim of claim 2 , wherein the distal end tip of the delivery member is pivotably coupled with the upper jaw-like portion.
9 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the distal end tip of the delivery member includes a lumen oriented at an angle through the distal end tip configured to guide passage of the needle-like member.
10 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower jaw-like portions are coupled together with a hinge, the hinge having a flexible strut configured to enter a torsioned state upon pivoting of the upper-jaw-like portions away from the lower jaw-like portion such that the upper and lower jaw-like portions are biased toward each other.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper jaw-like portion comprises one or more tooth-like members.
12 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the lower jaw-like portion comprises one or more tooth-like members.
13 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower jaw-like portions each include one or more tooth-like members.
14 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the tooth-like members on the upper and lower jaw-like portions are in complementary positions.
15 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein at least one tooth-like member faces proximally such that the surface friction between the tooth-like member and tissue is increased when proximal force is exerted on the body member.
16 . The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the distal end tip comprises at least one tooth-like member.
17 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the upper jaw-like portion extends further distally than the lower jaw-like portion such that a needle-like member can pass beyond the distal end of the lower jaw-like portion.
18 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein a clamp distance of the upper jaw-like portion is greater than 3 millimeters.
19 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the clamp distance of the upper jaw-like portion is greater than 5 millimeters.
20 . The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the clamp distance of the upper jaw-like portion is in a range of 3-7 millimeters.
21 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the proximal regions of said deflectable side sections of said lower jaw-like portion are each connected to said body by a hinge.
22 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pivotable coupling between said upper jaw-like portion with said lower jaw-like portion is at the proximal region of said distal end section.
23 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the distal end section has a single pivot point for the jaw-like portions.
24 . In an apparatus for treating a PFO, the improvement comprising:
an elongate body with a distal end section, wherein the distal end section comprises:
a movable upper jaw-like portion comprising an open region located proximal to a distal tip of the upper portion; and
a stationary lower jaw-like portion adapted to be inserted into the tunnel of a PFO;
said upper jaw-like portion being pivotably coupled at a single pivot point to said body member; and
said upper and lower jaw-like portions being adapted to grasp the septum secundum of a PFO.