Method and apparatus for accessing the left atrial appendage

US7056294B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ev3 Sunnyvale, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Alexander Khairkhahan · Palo Alto, US
• Andrew Frazier · Sunnyvale, US
• Alan R. Klenk · San Jose, US
• Marc S. Kreidler · Sunnyvale, US
• Stewart M. Kume · Belmont, US
• Darrell H. Ogi · Cupertino, US
• Chad C. Roue · Livermore, US
• Erik van der Burg · Sunnyvale, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 15, 2002
• Grant date: Jun 6, 2006
• Expiry date: Nov 9, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/0084
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for facilitating access to the left atrium, and specifically the left atrial appendage. The apparatus may comprise a sheath with first and second curved sections that facilitate location of the fossa ovalis and left atrial appendage. The apparatus may further comprise tissue piercing and dilating structures. Methods are also disclosed.