Device for plugging an opening such as in a wall of a hollow or tubular organ including biodegradable elements

Abstract

An implant for occluding a passage in a circulatory system is provided. The implant in one form includes a plurality of thin wire-like members each having a proximal and a distal end and a first holder to which the distal ends of the members are attached. The proximal ends of the members are attached to a second holder. The implant includes an expansible occluding body attached to the members at a point intermediate the first and second holders. A carrier rod is releasably attached to the first holder and upon which the second holder is slidably received. A driving implement is located on the carrier rod, the driving implement contacting the second holder and movable toward the first holder along the carrier rod. The members are attached to the first and second holders in a manner to cause the members to execute a twisting motion relative to the longitudinal axis to yield a plurality of generally radially extending loops combining to form a first fixation structure adjacent the distal face of the occluding body, and a second fixation structure of generally radially extending loops adjacent the proximal face of the occluding body. In another form, the implant includes a balloon structure which is expanded from within by a spring-like mechanism in situ, or by the foregoing radially extending loop mechanism.