Pfo closure devices and related methods of use

Abstract

Devices and methods for sealing a passageway formed by a patent foramen ovale (PFO track) in the heart are provided. One method includes providing an abrading device to the PFO track and abrading the tissue within the PFO track. The abraded tissue forming the PFO track is then held together under pressure, either via lowering right atrial pressure or via applying suction to the septum primum to pull it into apposition against the septum secundum. After a sufficient period of time, the pressure is released and the abraded tissue heals to form a robust seal over the PFO track. Additionally, several devices are provided which can be placed into the PFO track to apply adhesive to the walls of the PFO track. The devices may or may not be left within the PFO track. If the devices are not left within the PFO track, the walls of the PFO track, covered with adhesive, are brought into apposition with one another and adhered together. If the device is left within the PFO track, the device is flattened from an expanded configuration to a flattened configuration, and the walls of the PFO track, adhering to the outer surface of the device, are pulled toward each other as the device flattens. The device may also include interior structure to hold the device in a flattened configuration.

1 - 87 . (canceled) 
   
   
       88 . A method of sealing a passageway in a heart, comprising:
 advancing a delivery device having an expandable end into the passageway, the delivery device including at least two suture lumens, each suture lumen having an open end positioned in the passageway when the delivery device is advanced into the passageway;   expanding the expandable end;   advancing a suture-anchor assembly out of the open end of each suture lumen;   penetrating the tissue forming the passageway with an anchor of each suture-anchor assembly; and   pulling the passageway closed with the anchored sutures.   
   
   
       89 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein the pulling step includes tying the sutures in a knot. 
   
   
       90 . The method of  claim 88 , further comprising abrading portions of the tissue surfaces forming the passageway prior to advancing the delivery device. 
   
   
       91 . The method of  claim 88 , wherein the expanding step includes inflating a balloon inside of the expandable end. 
   
   
       92 - 98 . (canceled) 
   
   
       99 . A method of sealing a passageway in a heart, comprising:
 introducing a suture delivery system to the passageway, the suture delivery system including at least two suture lumens, each suture lumen containing a suture-anchor assembly;   advancing the suture-anchor assemblies out of the at least two suture lumens;   penetrating the tissue forming the passageway with an anchor of each suture-anchor assembly; and   pulling the passageway closed with the anchored sutures.   
   
   
       100 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein the pulling step includes tying the sutures in a knot. 
   
   
       101 . The method of  claim 99 , wherein the passageway to be sealed is a patent foramen ovale, and the penetrating step includes penetrating the septum secundum with one of the anchors and penetrating the septum primum with another of the anchors. 
   
   
       102 . A system for sealing a passageway in a human body, the system comprising:
 a suture delivery device having at least two suture lumens; and   at least one suture positioned within each of the suture lumens.   
   
   
       103 . The system of  claim 102 , further comprising an anchor at an end of each suture. 
   
   
       104 . The system of  claim 103 , wherein each anchor includes a barbed end. 
   
   
       105 . The system of  claim 102 , wherein one of the at least two suture lumens is positioned on a first side of the suture delivery device and the other of the at least two suture lumens is positioned on an opposite side of the suture delivery device. 
   
   
       106 . The system of  claim 105 , wherein the at least two suture lumens are spaced about 180° apart. 
   
   
       107 . The system of  claim 102 , wherein each of the two suture lumens has an open end. 
   
   
       108 . The system of  claim 102 , wherein the suture delivery device includes an expandable distal portion. 
   
   
       109 . The system of  claim 108 , wherein the expandable distal portion of the suture delivery device includes a balloon. 
   
   
       110 . The system of  claim 102 , further comprising a lock device. 
   
   
       111 . The system of  claim 110 , wherein the lock device is configured to engage the suture and move in only one direction along the suture. 
   
   
       112 . The system of  claim 102 , wherein the passageway is a patent foramen ovale.