Exclusion of the left atrial appendage

摘要

A device for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the LAA. The members are shaped such that they can exclude the LAA without causing the development of necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the LAA in order to cushion the contact between the members and the LAA and minimize the tendency of the LAA to bleed. The invention also includes methods for using the device to exclude the LAA.

主权项

1. A device for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA), comprising:
a first member having first and second ends adapted to extend from one side of the LAA to the other and to contact the LAA on a selected side thereof adjacent the heart; a second member having first and second ends adapted to extend from one side of the LAA to the other and to contact the LAA on the other side thereof adjacent the heart; the first and second ends of the first and second members lying in a first plane; a hinge that connects the second ends of the first and second members, the hinge being generally U-shaped and constituting an integral extension of the second ends of the first and second members to establish a structure that is closed at the second ends of the first and second members and open at the first ends of the first and second members when the first and second members are in a first, open position; the first and second members being generally arc-shaped when viewed from above and lying in a second plane that is generally orthogonal to the first plane; the first ends of the first and second members being movable in the first plane from the first, open position in which the LAA can fit therebetween to a second, closed position in which the first and second members are disposed generally parallel with each other and are sufficiently close to each other to compress the LAA between them without causing the development of necrotic tissue; an interlock that connects the first ends of the first and second members to maintain the first and second members in a fixed position relative to each other when the first and second members are in the second, closed position; those portions of the first and second members that contact the LAA being configured to minimize stress concentrations in the LAA, said portions being substantially round in cross-section; and a flexible cover for the first and second members and the hinge, the cover being biocompatible with the LAA, the cover not extending beyond the first ends of the first and second members such that the device, when provided with the flexible cover, remains open at the first ends of the first and second members when the first and second members are in the first, open position and the interlock is exposed.