Method and apparatus for occluding a physiological opening

摘要

A method and apparatus for suture-less placement of an occluding patch in which release of the device can be accelerated. In one embodiment, an inactive form of an adhesive is applied on the area of the patch that will come into contact with cardiac tissue; this allows for the introduction and necessary manipulation of the catheter system until activation of the adhesive occurs. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adhesive properties of certain polymeric materials are relied upon rather than their ability to cure or harden into a specific shape. In another embodiment, the patch is immediately released utilizing a detaching mechanism on the balloon or the balloon catheter which supports the patch; the patch along with the inflated balloon remain on the cardiac structure occluding the opening.

主权项

1. A method of placing a patch at the site of a physiological opening comprising:
(a) providing a patch of a polymeric material placed on a distal balloon to create a balloon-patch assembly; (b) providing an inner catheter, detachably coupled to said balloon; (c) providing an outer catheter, surrounding said inflation catheter and extending to said balloon; (d) utilizing said catheter to place said patch and said balloon proximate to the physiological opening; (e) inflating said balloon to bring said balloon-patch assembly in contact with said physiological opening; and, (f) withdrawing said inner catheter from said inflated balloon-patch assembly and withdrawing said catheter.