System and method for closure of an internal opening in tissue, such as a trans-apical access opening

US8734484B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Medtronic, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Sarah Ahlberg · Crystal, US
• Sara Simma · Windom, US
• Paul Rothstein · Elk River, US
• Martin J. Clements · Rogers, US
• Damian A. Jelich · Austin, US
• Timothy G. Laske · Shoreview, US
• Cynthia Clague · Minnetonka, US
• Michael Green · Forest Lake, US
• Paul A. Iaizzo · White Bear Lake, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 21, 2009
• Grant date: May 27, 2014
• Expiry date: Jun 2, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61F2/2466
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for closing an opening at a target site including bodily tissue including embedding a plurality of self-closing clips into the target site in a spaced apart manner about a perimeter of the opening. Each of the clips has opposing clip ends and an intermediate segment. A flexible tether is coupled to the embedded clips to form a loop about the opening perimeter. A pulling force is applied onto at least one of the loop ends, thereby drawing the perimeter of the opening onto itself to completely close the opening. The loop ends are secured to maintain the target site in a closed state. In some embodiments, the target site is apical cardiac tissue, and the method is performed as part of a trans-apical access procedure.