Front-end loader for prosthetic occluders and methods thereof

Abstract

The invention pertains to a system, and related methods, for the percutaneous transluminal delivery and retrieval of a prosthetic occluder through a front-end loader. The prosthetic occluder may be, for example, an intracardiac occluder for a patent foramen ovale. The system includes, in one embodiment, a front-end loader having a beveled distal end. In another embodiment, the system includes a front-end loader having a chamfered rim at the beveled distal end.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A front-end loader for a percutaneous transluminal system for an intracardiac device, said front-end loader comprising:
 a proximal portion comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and an expanded lumen positioned therebetween, said expanded lumen having a conical shape and a constantly tapering diameter from said proximal end of said proximal portion to said distal end of said proximal portion; and   a distal portion comprising a tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending therethrough, said lumen of said distal portion being co-extensive with said expanded lumen of said proximal portion;   wherein said tube comprises a beveled edge at said distal end; and   further wherein said tube comprises a chamfered rim around the entire inner perimeter of said beveled edge, said chamfered rim comprising an outer rim and an inner rim and having a width therebetween, said inner rim positioned proximal to said outer rim, and wherein said width between said outer rim and said inner rim varies about the entire perimeter.   
     
     
         2 . The front-end loader of  claim 1 , wherein said intracardiac device comprises an intracardiac occluder. 
     
     
         3 . The front-end loader of  claim 2 , wherein said intracardiac occluder comprises an occluder for treating an atrial septal defect. 
     
     
         4 . The front-end loader of  claim 2 , wherein said intracardiac occluder comprises an intracardiac occluder for treating a ventricular septal defect