Methods and systems for accessing a pericardial space and preventing strokes arising from the left atrial appendage

摘要

The invention presents methods and systems for accessing a pericardial space and preventing strokes arising from a left atrial appendage (“LAA”) by achieving a complete occlusion of the LAA using an epicardial approach without creating a puckering of the LAA ostium. A complete occlusion of the LAA is desired because blood clots arising from the LAA often leads to embolic strokes. Due to the peculiar anatomy of the LAA ostium, traditional LAA ligation techniques using sutures can lead to puckering, thus compromising the occlusion of the LAA. The invention achieves a complete occlusion and a more effective hemostatic seal with the use of inflatable balloons having electromagnetic coils internally, as well as hydrogels, sponges, and caliber tubes attached to the respective balloon's exterior, anchoring balloons, a closure device having a suture looped through two semi-rigid hollow tube that can be coated with hydrogel or silicone, and locking mechanisms.

主权项

1. A system for accessing a pericardial cavity and preventing strokes arising from a left atrial appendage (LAA), said system comprising:
a catheter comprising an inner sheath, an outer sheath, and an inner catheter; the inner sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end has at least two inflatable balloons; the outer sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end has at least one inflatable balloon; the inner catheter having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end has a tissue-penetrating tip, and wherein the proximal end has at least one inflatable balloon; locking means to lock the inner sheath and the outer sheath; an inflation port for inflating the at least two inflatable balloons of the inner sheath, the at least one inflatable balloon of the outer sheath, or the at least one inflatable balloon of the inner catheter; a control port for controlling the catheter; and a closure device having at least two semi-rigid hollow tubes and a suture looped around the at least two semi-rigid hollow tubes, the closure device configured to extend over the inner catheter.