Columbia University

Other

Robert E Michler

Albert N Santilli

Shunichi Homma

A heart vent catheter includes an elongate, flexible tube that defines a first passageway. The catheter has a distal end, a central portion, and a proximal end. A balloon is included as part of the distal end and surrounds at least a portion of the tube. A plurality of first openings are formed in the tube adjacent the balloon on the forwardmost side of the balloon. A plurality of second openings can be formed in the tube adjacent the balloon on the proximal side of the balloon. After the distal end has been inserted into a desired part of a patient's heart, such as the left ventricle, the balloon can be inflated so as to engage a part of the heart such as the mitral valve and thereby prevent undesired withdrawal of the catheter. The proximal end includes a formation that can be connected to a vacuum source. The openings in the tube in the distal end permit blood, other fluid, debris and/or air to be withdrawn from the heart through the first passageway under suction. After the surgical procedure has been completed, the balloon can be collapsed and the catheter can be withdrawn from the heart.

Heart vent catheter and method of use

A device for excluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the LAA. The members are shaped such that they can exclude the LAA without causing the development of necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the LAA in order to cushion the contact between the members and the LAA and minimize the tendency of the LAA to bleed. The invention also includes methods for using the device to exclude the LAA.

Exclusion of the left atrial appendage

A device for occluding a conduit includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the conduit. The members are shaped such that they can occlude the conduit without causing the development of damaged or necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the conduit in order to cushion the contact between the members and the conduit, minimize the tendency of the conduit to bleed, and increase traction relative to the conduit. The invention also includes methods for using the device to occlude a conduit.

Vascular and intestinal occlusion

The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device () for an intravascular procedure such as patent foramen ovate closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means () which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

Endovascular flexible stapling device

A single-arm stabilizer having suction capability includes a single, small leg through which suction can be applied. The leg has an upper surface and a lower surface that are spaced apart to define a chamber. The lower surface includes a plurality of openings that are disposed adjacent each other. A support arm is connected to the leg in order to position the leg as desired. A suction line is in fluid communication with the chamber in order to create a vacuum within the chamber. The stabilizer can be used to stabilize any desired portion of a patient's body, but is particularly effective at stabilizing the septum of a patient's heart. Such stabilization can be accomplished by inserting the leg into the patient's heart through the aorta.

Single-arm stabilizer having suction capability

The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device () for an intavascular procedure such as patent foramen ovale closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means () which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device (). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device () for an intravascular procedure such as patent foramen ovale closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means () which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

The present invention concerns a flexible stapling device ( ). More particularly, this invention concerns a flexible endovascular stapling device ( ) for an intravascular procedure such as patent foramen ovale closure, which is designed to avoid open heart surgery by permitting the closure of the defect utilizing a stapling means ( ) which is positioned by using a flexible shaft/guidewire system.

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Riverside, CT, United States of America

Robert E Michler