Curved dual side spring V-clip for surgical treatment of left atrial appendage

Inventors

Fago, Frank

Assignees

Atricure Inc

Abstract

A clip and method provide for surgically minimizing or eliminating an atrial appendage of the patient using a clip. The curved side spring V-clip includes first and second elongate beams having matching distally curved portions. The clip includes a dual side springs configured to urge the first and the second elongate beams from an open V-shaped position to a parallel closed position. Right-side spring and left-side spring have first and second terminal ends attached to distal sections respectively of the first and the second elongate beams. The right and the left-side springs extend proximally to a respective proximal bend. The V-clip is configured to resist lateral splaying movement of the first and the second elongate beams. by including one or more of a lateral spacing element attached between respective proximal bends of the right and the left-side spring or having springs of different strengths.

Core Innovation

The disclosed invention relates to a curved dual side spring V-clip occlusion apparatus for surgically minimizing or excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA). The apparatus includes a first elongate beam with a straight proximal portion and a laterally curved distal portion, and a second elongate beam that matches the first beam and is positionable between an open state and a closed state. In the closed state the beams are in parallel alignment, and in the open state the beams are distally angled away from each other in a V-shape.

A dual side spring assembly urges the elongate beams from the open V-shaped position to the closed parallel alignment. The assembly comprises a right-side spring and a left-side spring with terminal ends attached to distal sections of the respective beams and extending proximally to corresponding proximal bends. Each spring presents crossed distal ends with a reverse bend as compared to the proximal bend, and the right-side and left-side springs have separated distal ends attached to the beams.

To resist lateral splaying movement and maintain parallel alignment, a lateral spacing element is attached between respective proximal bends of the right-side spring and the left-side spring. The invention further incorporates atraumatic inward-facing clamping surfaces and optional structural details including an overmolded portion with overmolded spring terminal ends, including anti-rotation feature geometries for the overmolded tips. The disclosure also describes positioning and occluding concepts using an end effector/applier, including repositioning and verification concepts such as visualization and transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).

In further variations, the right-side and left-side springs can incorporate anti-lateral-splaying features such as a lateral spacing element, asymmetric spring strength through different cross-sectional dimensions, or different spring geometry. The apparatus optionally includes a textured friction interface configured for a knit braided polyester cover and uses implantation-compatible materials for a patient's left atrial appendage.

Claims Coverage

Two independent claims are identified. The inventive features center on a dual-beam V-clip occlusion apparatus with open-to-closed movement, a dual side spring assembly with crossed distal ends and reverse bends, and resistance to lateral splaying to maintain parallel alignment.

Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage is directed to a dual-beam V-clip occlusion apparatus having open-to-closed movement between a distally angled V-shape and a closed parallel alignment, where closure is driven by a dual side spring assembly with crossed distal ends and reverse bends. Claim coverage further includes maintaining parallel alignment by resisting lateral splaying movement through a lateral spacing element and/or asymmetric spring geometry.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications