FRONT-END LOADER FOR PROSTHETIC OCCLUDERS AND METHODS THEREOF

摘要

The invention pertains to a system, and related methods, for the percutaneous transluminal delivery and retrieval of a prosthetic occluder through a front-end loader. The prosthetic occluder may be, for example, an intracardiac occluder for a patent foramen ovale. The system includes, in one embodiment, a front-end loader having a beveled distal end. In another embodiment, the system includes a front-end loader having a chamfered rim at the beveled distal end.

主权项

1. A front-end loader for a percutaneous transluminal system for an intracardiac device, said front-end loader comprising:
a proximal portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an expanded lumen positioned therebetween, said expanded lumen having a conical shape and a constantly tapering diameter from said proximal end of said proximal portion to said distal end of said proximal portion; and a distal portion comprising a tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending therethrough, said lumen of said distal portion being co-extensive with said expanded lumen of said proximal portion; wherein said tube comprises a beveled edge at said distal end; and further wherein said tube comprises a chamfered rim around the entire inner perimeter of said beveled edge, said chamfered rim comprising an outer rim and an inner rim and having a width therebetween, said inner rim positioned proximal to said outer rim, and wherein said width between said outer rim and said inner rim varies about the entire perimeter.