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Publication Number
US-10881386-B2
Publication Date
2021-01-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
The invention relates to a self-expanding device, particularly an implant, for closing defect openings in the human or animal body, which device, in a first state, has the shape of an elongated tube (2) with slotted segments and, in a second state, has a shortened shape with formation of at least one open or substantially closed hollow structure (3) of considerable transverse extent, where in the slotted segments of the tube (2) form individual webs (16) that are each connected to adjacent webs (16), such that a net-like overall structure is obtained in the second state.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a self-expanding implant for closing defect openings in human and animal bodies. In a first state, the implant has the shape of an elongated tube with slit segments, and in a second state it takes on a shorter shape that defines a proximal and a distal umbrella with a larger lateral extension and a middle piece.
The slit segments of the tube form individual strips that are connected to adjacent strips. The strips forming the proximal and distal umbrellas have equal length so that an overall net-like structure emerges in the second state with an approximately rhombus-shaped or hexagonal-shaped mesh structure, and strips of the proximal and distal umbrellas are directly connected to strips of the middle piece.
The strips of the middle piece run diagonally parallel in the first state in order to reduce tension and for self-centering the implant after implantation. The implant is formed from connected strips of multiple wires merged into an annular or tubular shape at both ends, and the strips collectively form approximately quadrangular parallelograms, rhombi, or hexagons connected at the tip to the next parallelogram, rhombus, or hexagon thereby facilitating retrieval of the implant.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent claims. Both independent claims center on the same core structural transition between a first elongated slit-tube state and a second shorter net-like umbrella-and-middle structure with a rhombus/hexagon mesh, including diagonally parallel middle-piece strips for tension reduction and self-centering and wire/strip geometry that facilitates retrieval.
Slit-tube to net-like umbrella transition with proximal and distal umbrellas
A self-expanding implant for closing defect openings that, in a first state, is an elongated tube with slit segments and, in a second state, takes on a shorter shape defining a proximal and a distal umbrella with a larger lateral extension and a middle piece.
Connected strips forming rhombus- or hexagon-mesh net-like structure
Slit segments form individual strips connected to adjacent strips, wherein the proximal and distal umbrellas have equal length so that an overall net-like structure emerges in the second state with an approximately rhombus-shaped or hexagonal-shaped mesh structure.
Direct connection between umbrella strips and middle-piece strips
Strips of the proximal and distal umbrellas are directly connected to strips of the middle piece.
Diagonally parallel middle-piece strips to reduce tension and self-centering
The strips of the middle piece run diagonally parallel in the first state in order to reduce tension and for self-centering the implant after implantation.
Wire-based parallelogram/rhombus/hexagon strip geometry facilitating retrieval
The implant is formed from connected strips of multiple wires merged into an annular or tubular shape at both ends, wherein the strips collectively form approximately quadrangular parallelograms, rhombi or hexagons connected at the tip to the next parallelogram, rhombus or hexagon thereby facilitating retrieval of the implant.
Both independent claims cover a self-expanding closure implant that changes from an elongated slit-tube to a shorter net-like structure with proximal and distal umbrellas and a middle piece. The mesh is formed from connected wire strips into rhombus/hexagon-like geometry, with diagonally parallel middle-piece strips in the first state to reduce tension and enable self-centering, and with connected tip-to-tip geometry to facilitate retrieval.
Stated Advantages
Reduces tension in the implant configuration.
Enables self-centering of the implant after implantation.
Facilitates retrieval of the implant.
Documented Applications
Closing of defect openings in human and animal bodies, including atrial septal defect (ASD) and patent foramen ovale (PFO).
Configuration variants including a cava-umbrella-like design and designs allowing partial closure with defined residual flow lumen.
Use of catheter technology for insertion and repositioning, including coupling mechanisms and guidewire/over-the-wire repositioning concepts.
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