Left atrial appendage devices and methods

Abstract

Devices and methods for clamping tissue and/or moving two tissue structures together by moving two plates or arm together. The pressure or force applied to the tissue may be used to bring the tissue together, to seal an opening or to cut through and remove a portion of the tissue. In one procedure disclosed, a clip applier may be used to apply one or more clips to the left atrial appendage of the heart to prevent clots from the left atrial appendage from embolizing and causing harm to the patient, such as a stroke.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A tissue clamping device for sealing the left atrial appendage of a patient, comprising:
 a first arm having an adjustable first length,   a second arm having an adjustable second length, the second arm opposing the first arm and coupled with the first arm via a hinge,   a plurality of fasteners coupled with the first arm; and   wherein the tissue clamping device is moveable between an open position and a closed position, such that:   when in the open position the first and second arms of the device can be positioned at a base of the left atrial appendage, and   when in the closed position the first arm is moved towards the second arm, the plurality of fasteners engaging the first arm with the second arm.   
     
     
         2 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of staples. 
     
     
         3 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of staples are loaded into openings of the first arm. 
     
     
         4 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 2 , further comprising a cartridge, the cartridge loading the plurality of staples. 
     
     
         5 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 4 , wherein the first arm comprises a groove configured to receive the cartridge. 
     
     
         6 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of needles. 
     
     
         7 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of needles are configured to inject drug therapies. 
     
     
         8 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of needles are attached to a suction lumen. 
     
     
         9 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sliding track configured to adjust the first length or the second length. 
     
     
         10 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the hinge comprises a hinge stop. 
     
     
         11 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first arm or the second arm comprises an ablation laser. 
     
     
         12 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first arm, the second arm, or both further comprises a scaffolding material. 
     
     
         13 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first arm, the second arm, or both further comprises an anti-clotting material. 
     
     
         14 . A tissue clamping device for sealing the left atrial appendage of a patient, comprising:
 a first arm having an adjustable first length,   a second arm having an adjustable second length, the second arm opposing the first arm and coupled with the first arm via a hinge,   an elongated member coupled to the first arm and the second arm; and   wherein the tissue clamping device is moveable between an open position and a closed position, such that:   when in the open position the first and second arms of the device can be positioned at a base of the left atrial appendage, and   when in the closed position the elongated member is actuated to tighten the tissue clamping device such that the first arm is moved towards the second arm.   
     
     
         15 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 14 , wherein the elongated member is actuated by a clip applier. 
     
     
         16 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 15 , wherein the clip applier comprises a threaded rod configured to twist the elongated member. 
     
     
         17 . The tissue clamping device according to  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of fasteners. 
     
     
         18 . A method for sealing the left atrial appendage of a patient, the method comprising:
 positioning a tissue clamping device at the left atrial appendage of the patient,   wherein the tissue clamping device is in an open position and comprises a first arm having an adjustable first length, a second arm having an adjustable second length, the second arm opposing the first arm and coupled with the first arm via a hinge;   engaging a plurality of fasteners of the first arm of the tissue clamping device with the left atrial appendage;   sealing the left atrial appendage of the patient by actuating the tissue clamping device to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the first arm is moved towards the second arm, the plurality of fasteners engaging the first arm with the second arm.   
     
     
         19 . The method according to  claim 18 , further comprising releasing the tissue clamping device from an applier following the sealing step. 
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 18 , wherein the sealing step comprises tightening the tissue clamping device using a threaded rod.