US20060036282A1 — Closure devices, related delivery methods and too…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 5 words

1 - 102 . (canceled)

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 5 words

1 - 102 . (canceled)

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 130 words

103 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human heart, the device comprising: a first anchor adapted to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway, the first anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub; a second anchor adapted to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway, the second anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub; an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the first and second anchors, the elongate member being configured to permanently connect the first and second anchors implanted in the body; and a securing element positioned on and movable relative to the elongate member to permanently secure the location of the second anchor on the elongate member.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 130 words

103 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human heart, the device comprising: a first anchor adapted to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway, the first anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub; a second anchor adapted to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway, the second anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub; an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the first and second anchors, the elongate member being configured to permanently connect the first and second anchors implanted in the body; and a securing element positioned on and movable relative to the elongate member to permanently secure the location of the second anchor on the elongate member.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 16 words

104 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the passageway is a patent foramen ovale.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 14 words

105 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member is flexible.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 26 words

106 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the plurality of arms of the first anchor can assume a collapsed state and a deployed state.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 26 words

107 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the plurality of arms of the second anchor can assume a collapsed state and a deployed state.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 18 words

108 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the first anchor pivots relative to the elongate member.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

109 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the second anchor pivots relative to the elongate member.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 34 words

110 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member is capable of moving through the second anchor to vary a length of the elongate member between the first and second anchors.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 20 words

111 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the second anchor is movable with respect to the elongate member.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 57 words

112 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member includes an operative portion configured to receive the securing element to secure the position of the second anchor relative to the elongate member, and wherein the securing element may be positioned at any point along a length of the operative portion of the elongate member.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 28 words

113 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member is configured to move through the second anchor to vary a tension of the elongate member.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 22 words

114 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the securing element is movable in only one direction along the elongate member.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 21 words

115 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the second anchor includes a cover spanning between its plurality of arms.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 22 words

116 . The device of claim 115 , wherein the first anchor does not include structure spanning between its plurality of arms.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 23 words

117 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member has sufficient flexibility to conform to a shape of the passageway.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 38 words

118 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the plurality of arms of the first anchor are made of a first material and the elongate member is made of a second material different from the first material.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 23 words

119 . The device of claim 118 , wherein the plurality of arms of the second anchor are made from the first material.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 16 words

120 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member is a braided structure.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 16 words

121 . The device of claim 103 , wherein the elongate member is a multifilar structure.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 128 words

122 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human heart, the device comprising: a first anchor adapted to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway, the first anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub; a second anchor adapted to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway, the second anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub; an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the first and second anchors, the elongate member including a portion having a substantially uniform diameter; and a securing element movable on the elongate member to permanently secure the location of the second anchor on the portion of the elongate member having a substantially uniform diameter.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 128 words

122 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human heart, the device comprising: a first anchor adapted to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway, the first anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub; a second anchor adapted to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway, the second anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub; an elongate member adapted to extend through the passageway and connect the first and second anchors, the elongate member including a portion having a substantially uniform diameter; and a securing element movable on the elongate member to permanently secure the location of the second anchor on the portion of the elongate member having a substantially uniform diameter.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 16 words

123 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the passageway is a patent foramen ovale.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 14 words

124 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the elongate member is flexible.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 26 words

125 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the plurality of arms of the first anchor can assume a collapsed state and a deployed state.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

126 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the plurality of arms of the second anchor can assume a collapsed state and a deployed state.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 34 words

127 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the elongate member is capable of moving through the second anchor to vary a length of the elongate member between the first and second anchors.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 30 words

128 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the securing element may be positioned at any point along the portion of the elongate member having a substantially uniform diameter.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 28 words

129 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the elongate member is configured to move through the second anchor to vary a tension of the elongate member.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 22 words

130 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the securing element is movable in only one direction along the elongate member.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 21 words

131 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the second anchor includes a cover spanning between its plurality of arms.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 22 words

132 . The device of claim 131 , wherein the first anchor does not include structure spanning between its plurality of arms.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 23 words

133 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the elongate member has sufficient flexibility to conform to a shape of the passageway.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 38 words

134 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the plurality of arms of the first anchor are made of a first material and the elongate member is made of a second material different from the first material.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 23 words

135 . The device of claim 134 , wherein the plurality of arms of the second anchor are made from the first material.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

136 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the elongate member is a braided structure.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 16 words

137 . The device of claim 122 , wherein the elongate member is a multifilar structure.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 153 words

138 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human heart, the device comprising: a first anchor adapted to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway, the first anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub; a second anchor adapted to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway, the second anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub; and an elongate member connected to the first central hub of the first anchor, the elongate member being free to move longitudinally through the second central hub of the second anchor, wherein the device is movable between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the device being configured to fit within a delivery sheath in the collapsed configuration such that, when in the collapsed configuration, the first central hub of the first anchor abuts the second central hub of the second anchor.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 153 words

138 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human heart, the device comprising: a first anchor adapted to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway, the first anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub; a second anchor adapted to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway, the second anchor including a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub; and an elongate member connected to the first central hub of the first anchor, the elongate member being free to move longitudinally through the second central hub of the second anchor, wherein the device is movable between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration, the device being configured to fit within a delivery sheath in the collapsed configuration such that, when in the collapsed configuration, the first central hub of the first anchor abuts the second central hub of the second anchor.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 142 words

139 . A method for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) between two atria in a heart of a patient, comprising: introducing a closure device to the heart in an undeployed configuration, said closure device comprising a self expanding left atrial anchor, a self-expanding right atrial anchor, a flexible elongate member permanently secured to the left atrial anchor and extending to and through the right atrial anchor, and a securing element; positioning the left atrial anchor in the left atrium of the heart; deploying the left atrial anchor; positioning the right atrial anchor in the right atrium of the heart; deploying the right atrial anchor; moving the right atrial anchor along the elongate member to a desired position on the elongate member; and actuating the securing element to permanently secure the position of the right atrial anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 142 words

139 . A method for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) between two atria in a heart of a patient, comprising: introducing a closure device to the heart in an undeployed configuration, said closure device comprising a self expanding left atrial anchor, a self-expanding right atrial anchor, a flexible elongate member permanently secured to the left atrial anchor and extending to and through the right atrial anchor, and a securing element; positioning the left atrial anchor in the left atrium of the heart; deploying the left atrial anchor; positioning the right atrial anchor in the right atrium of the heart; deploying the right atrial anchor; moving the right atrial anchor along the elongate member to a desired position on the elongate member; and actuating the securing element to permanently secure the position of the right atrial anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 35 words

140 . The method of claim 139 , wherein introducing a closure device to the heart in an undeployed configuration includes advancing a sheath containing the closure device in the undeployed configuration into the heart.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 39 words

141 . The method of claim 140 , wherein positioning the left atrial anchor in the left atrium of the heart includes advancing the sheath containing the device through the PFO and into the left atrium of the heart.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 28 words

142 . The method of claim 139 , wherein deploying the left atrial anchor includes expanding the left atrial anchor from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 31 words

143 . The method of claim 142 , further comprising placing the left atrial anchor adjacent to a left atrial side of the PFO subsequent to deploying the left atrial anchor.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 35 words

144 . The method of claim 143 , wherein placing the left atrial anchor further includes pulling the flexible elongate member in a proximal direction to seat the left atrial anchor against the septum primum.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 39 words

145 . The method of claim 144 , wherein placing the left atrial anchor further includes pulling the flexible elongate member in a proximal direction to seat the left atrial anchor against the septum primum and the septum secundum.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 36 words

146 . The method of claim 141 , wherein positioning the right atrial anchor in the right atrium of the heart includes withdrawing the sheath through the PFO and into the right atrium of the heart.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 28 words

147 . The method of claim 139 , wherein deploying the right atrial anchor includes expanding the right atrial anchor from the undeployed configuration to the deployed configuration.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 47 words

148 . The method of claim 147 , wherein deploying the right atrial anchor in the right atrium includes deploying the right atrial anchor a substantial distance away from the septum secundum, such that the right atrial anchor does not contact the septum secundum as it expands.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 34 words

149 . The method of claim 139 , wherein moving the right atrial anchor along the flexible elongate member includes advancing the right atrial anchor in a distal direction along the flexible elongate member.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 36 words

150 . The method of claim 149 , further comprising placing the right atrial anchor adjacent to a right atrial side of the PFO subsequent to advancing the right atrial anchor along the flexible elongate member.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 48 words

151 . The method of claim 139 , wherein actuating the securing element to permanently secure the position of the right atrial anchor includes advancing the securing element out of the sheath subsequent to placing the right atrial anchor adjacent to the right atrial side of the PFO.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 42 words

152 . The method of claim 151 , wherein actuating the securing element to permanently secure the position of the right atrial anchor further includes moving the securing element along the elongate member to a position proximal to the right atrial anchor.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 19 words

153 . The method of claim 152 , further comprising severing the flexible elongate member adjacent the securing element.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 44 words

154 . The method of claim 139 , wherein actuating the securing element to permanently secure the position of the right atrial anchor includes causing a portion of the securing element connected to the right atrial anchor to grippingly engage the flexible elongate member.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 114 words

155 . A method of closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) track having a left atrial end and a right atrial end, the method comprising: positioning a first anchor on the left atrial end of the PFO track, the first anchor being connected to an elongate member that extends proximally; positioning a second anchor on the right atrial end of the PFO track, the second anchor being movable along the elongate member; and advancing a securing element in a distal direction along the elongate member from a position proximal to the second anchor to a position adjacent to the second anchor to secure the position of the second anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 114 words

155 . A method of closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) track having a left atrial end and a right atrial end, the method comprising: positioning a first anchor on the left atrial end of the PFO track, the first anchor being connected to an elongate member that extends proximally; positioning a second anchor on the right atrial end of the PFO track, the second anchor being movable along the elongate member; and advancing a securing element in a distal direction along the elongate member from a position proximal to the second anchor to a position adjacent to the second anchor to secure the position of the second anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 53 words

156 . The method of claim 155 , further comprising advancing a sheath containing the first and second anchors, the elongate member, and the securing element in a delivery configuration into the heart, wherein a central hub of the first anchor abuts a central hub of the second anchor in the delivery position.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 29 words

157 . The method of claim 156 , wherein positioning the first anchor includes advancing the sheath through the PFO track and into the left atrium of the heart.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 28 words

158 . The method of claim 157 , wherein positioning the first anchor further includes advancing the first anchor out of the sheath and into the left atrium.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 22 words

159 . The method of claim 158 , further including expanding the first anchor from the delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 32 words

160 . The method of claim 155 , wherein positioning the first anchor includes pulling the flexible elongate member in a proximal direction to seat the first anchor against the septum primum.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 37 words

161 . The method of claim 160 , wherein positioning the first anchor further includes pulling the flexible elongate member in a proximal direction to seat the first anchor against the septum primum and the septum secundum.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 51 words

162 . The method of claim 157 , further comprising withdrawing the sheath containing the second anchor, the elongate member, and the securing element through the PFO track and into the right atrium of the heart subsequent to positioning the first anchor on the left atrial end of the PFO track.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 27 words

163 . The method of claim 162 , wherein positioning the second anchor includes advancing the second anchor out of the sheath and into the right atrium.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 22 words

164 . The method of claim 163 , further including expanding the second anchor from the delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Claim 70

Dependent Claim 42 words

165 . The method of claim 164 , wherein positioning the second anchor further includes moving the second anchor along the flexible elongate member to a desired position on the elongate member adjacent to the right atrial end of the PFO track.

Claim 71

Dependent Claim 81 words

166 . The method of claim 155 , wherein a portion of the flexible elongate member is configured to remain implanted with the first and second anchors, and wherein advancing the securing element in the distal direction along the elongate member to a position adjacent to the second anchor includes advancing the securing element to a position at any point along a length of the portion of the flexible elongate member configured to remain implanted with the first and second anchors.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 49 words

167 . The method of claim 155 , further comprising severing the flexible elongate member adjacent the securing element subsequent to advancing the securing element in a distal direction along the elongate member from a position proximal to the second anchor to a position adjacent to the second anchor.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 101 words

168 . A method for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) track in a heart of a patient, the method comprising: positioning a distal anchor in a left atrium of the heart, the distal anchor connected to an elongate member, and the elongate member extending proximally to the outside of the patient; positioning a proximal anchor in a right atrium of the heart, the proximal anchor including a central portion through which the elongate member passes; securing the position of the proximal anchor relative to the elongate member; and cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the proximal anchor.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 101 words

168 . A method for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) track in a heart of a patient, the method comprising: positioning a distal anchor in a left atrium of the heart, the distal anchor connected to an elongate member, and the elongate member extending proximally to the outside of the patient; positioning a proximal anchor in a right atrium of the heart, the proximal anchor including a central portion through which the elongate member passes; securing the position of the proximal anchor relative to the elongate member; and cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the proximal anchor.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 28 words

169 . The method of claim 168 , wherein positioning the distal anchor includes advancing the distal anchor out of a delivery sheath and into the left atrium.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 22 words

170 . The method of claim 169 , further including expanding the distal anchor from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 34 words

171 . The method of claim 170 , wherein positioning the distal anchor further includes pulling the flexible elongate member in a proximal direction to seat the deployed distal anchor against the septum primum.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 28 words

172 . The method of claim 168 , wherein positioning the proximal anchor includes advancing the proximal anchor out of a delivery sheath and into the right atrium.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 22 words

173 . The method of claim 172 , further including expanding the proximal anchor from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 42 words

174 . The method of claim 173 , wherein positioning the proximal anchor further includes moving the proximal anchor along the flexible elongate member to a desired position on the elongate member adjacent to a right atrial end of the PFO track.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 37 words

175 . The method of claim 168 , wherein securing the position of the proximal anchor relative to the elongate member includes advancing a securing element out of a delivery sheath and along the elongate flexible member.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 42 words

176 . The method of claim 175 , wherein securing the position of the proximal anchor further includes moving the securing element along the elongate member from a position proximal to the proximal anchor to a position adjacent to the proximal anchor.

Claim 83

Dependent Claim 71 words

177 . The method of claim 175 , wherein a portion of the flexible elongate member is configured to remain implanted with the proximal and distal anchors, and wherein securing the position of the proximal anchor further includes positioning the securing element adjacent to the proximal anchor at any point along a length of the portion of the flexible elongate member configured to remain implanted with the proximal and distal anchors.

Claim 84

Dependent Claim 40 words

178 . The method of claim 168 , wherein cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the proximal anchor includes cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to a securing element positioned adjacent to the proximal anchor.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 34 words

179 . The method of claim 176 , wherein cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the proximal anchor includes cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the securing element.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 34 words

180 . The method of claim 177 , wherein cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the proximal anchor includes cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the securing element.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 81 words

181 . A method of sealing a passageway in a heart, comprising: positioning a first anchor proximate a first end of the passageway; moving a second anchor away from the first anchor and through the passageway along an elongate member connected to the first anchor; positioning the second anchor proximate a second end of the passageway; advancing a securing element along the elongate member toward the second anchor; and securing the position of the second anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 81 words

181 . A method of sealing a passageway in a heart, comprising: positioning a first anchor proximate a first end of the passageway; moving a second anchor away from the first anchor and through the passageway along an elongate member connected to the first anchor; positioning the second anchor proximate a second end of the passageway; advancing a securing element along the elongate member toward the second anchor; and securing the position of the second anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 31 words

182 . The method of claim 181 , wherein positioning the first anchor includes advancing the first anchor out of a delivery sheath and into a first chamber of the heart.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 22 words

183 . The method of claim 182 , further including expanding the first anchor from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 37 words

184 . The method of claim 183 , wherein positioning the first anchor further includes pulling the flexible elongate member in a proximal direction to seat the deployed first anchor against the first end of the passageway

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 52 words

185 . The method of claim 181 , wherein moving the second anchor away from the first anchor and through the passageway along an elongate member connected to the first anchor includes withdrawing a delivery device containing the second anchor proximally through the passageway and into a second chamber of the heart.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 31 words

186 . The method of claim 185 , wherein positioning the second anchor includes advancing the second anchor out of the delivery device and into the second chamber of the heart.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 22 words

187 . The method of claim 186 , further including expanding the second anchor from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 40 words

188 . The method of claim 187 , wherein positioning the second anchor further includes moving the second anchor along the flexible elongate member to a desired position on the elongate member adjacent to the second end of the passageway.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 41 words

189 . The method of claim 181 , wherein securing the position of the second anchor includes moving the securing element along the elongate member from a position proximal to the second anchor to a position adjacent to the second anchor.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 70 words

190 . The method of claim 181 , wherein a portion of the flexible elongate member is configured to remain implanted with the first and second anchors, and wherein securing the position of the second anchor includes positioning the securing element adjacent to the second anchor at any point along a length of the portion of the flexible elongate member configured to remain implanted with the first and second anchors.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 23 words

191 . The method of claim 181 , further comprising cutting the flexible elongate member at a position proximal to the second anchor.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 35 words

192 . The method of claim 191 , wherein cutting the flexible elongate member at a position proximal to the second anchor includes cutting the elongate member at a position proximal to the securing element.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 123 words

193 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human body, the device comprising: a first anchor configured to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway; a second anchor configured to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway; an elongate member configured to extend through the passageway and connect the first and second anchors, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member is configured to remain implanted in the body with the device; and a securing element positionable on and movable relative to the elongate member to secure the location of the second anchor at any point along a length of the portion of the elongate member configured to remain implanted in the body with the device.

Claim 101

Dependent Claim 123 words

193 . A device for sealing a passageway in a human body, the device comprising: a first anchor configured to be placed proximate a first end of the passageway; a second anchor configured to be placed proximate a second end of the passageway; an elongate member configured to extend through the passageway and connect the first and second anchors, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member is configured to remain implanted in the body with the device; and a securing element positionable on and movable relative to the elongate member to secure the location of the second anchor at any point along a length of the portion of the elongate member configured to remain implanted in the body with the device.

Claim 102

Dependent Claim 16 words

194 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the passageway is a patent foramen ovale.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 14 words

195 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the elongate member is flexible.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 23 words

196 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the first anchor includes a plurality of arms radiating from a first central hub.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 26 words

197 . The device of claim 196 , wherein the plurality of arms of the first anchor can assume a collapsed state and a deployed state.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 23 words

198 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the second anchor includes a plurality of arms radiating from a second central hub.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 25 words

199 . The device of claim 198 , wherein plurality of arms of the second anchor can assume a collapsed state and a deployed state.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 18 words

200 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the first anchor pivots relative to the elongate member.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 18 words

201 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the second anchor pivots relative to the elongate member.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 34 words

202 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the elongate member is capable of moving through the second anchor to vary a length of the elongate member between the first and second anchors.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 20 words

203 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the second anchor is movable with respect to the elongate member.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 28 words

204 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the elongate member is configured to move through the second anchor to vary a tension of the elongate member.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 22 words

205 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the securing element is movable in only one direction along the elongate member.

Claim 114

Dependent Claim 21 words

206 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the second anchor includes a cover spanning between its plurality of arms.

Claim 115

Dependent Claim 22 words

207 . The device of claim 206 , wherein the first anchor does not include structure spanning between its plurality of arms.

Claim 116

Dependent Claim 23 words

208 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the elongate member has sufficient flexibility to conform to a shape of the passageway.

Claim 117

Dependent Claim 38 words

209 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the plurality of arms of the first anchor are made of a first material and the elongate member is made of a second material different from the first material.

Claim 118

Dependent Claim 23 words

210 . The device of claim 209 , wherein the plurality of arms of the second anchor are made from the first material.

Claim 119

Dependent Claim 16 words

211 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the elongate member is a braided structure.

Claim 120

Dependent Claim 16 words

212 . The device of claim 193 , wherein the elongate member is a multifilar structure.

Claim 121

Dependent Claim 145 words

213 . A method for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) track having a left atrial end and a right atrial end, the method comprising: advancing a sheath through the PFO track; advancing a closure device in an undeployed configuration through the sheath to a position proximate a distal end of the sheath, the closure device comprising a distal anchor, a proximal anchor, and an elongate member, a distal end of the elongate member being secured to the distal anchor, the elongate member extending proximally through said proximal anchor, wherein the proximal and distal anchors are in an abutting relationship in the undeployed configuration; deploying the distal anchor in the left atrium; retracting the proximal anchor and the sheath in a proximal direction along the elongate member and through the PFO track into the right atrium; and deploying the proximal anchor in the right atrium.

Claim 122

Dependent Claim 145 words

213 . A method for closing a patent foramen ovale (PFO) track having a left atrial end and a right atrial end, the method comprising: advancing a sheath through the PFO track; advancing a closure device in an undeployed configuration through the sheath to a position proximate a distal end of the sheath, the closure device comprising a distal anchor, a proximal anchor, and an elongate member, a distal end of the elongate member being secured to the distal anchor, the elongate member extending proximally through said proximal anchor, wherein the proximal and distal anchors are in an abutting relationship in the undeployed configuration; deploying the distal anchor in the left atrium; retracting the proximal anchor and the sheath in a proximal direction along the elongate member and through the PFO track into the right atrium; and deploying the proximal anchor in the right atrium.

Claim 123

Dependent Claim 32 words

214 . The method of claim 213 , wherein advancing the sheath through the PFO track includes advancing the sheath until a distal end of the sheath is in the left atrium.

Claim 124

Dependent Claim 38 words

215 . The method of claim 213 , wherein deploying the distal anchor in the left atrium includes advancing the distal anchor and the distal end of the elongate member out of the distal end of the sheath.

Claim 125

Dependent Claim 30 words

216 . The method of claim 213 , wherein retracting the proximal anchor and the sheath in a proximal direction includes moving the proximal anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 126

Dependent Claim 32 words

217 . The method of claim 213 , wherein retracting the proximal anchor and the sheath in a proximal direction includes positioning a portion of the elongate member in the PFO track.

Claim 127

Dependent Claim 33 words

218 . The method of claim 213 , wherein retracting the proximal anchor and the sheath in a proximal direction includes advancing the elongate member out of the distal end of the sheath.

Claim 128

Dependent Claim 43 words

219 . The method of claim 213 , wherein deploying the proximal anchor in the right atrium includes moving the sheath proximally relative to the proximal anchor and elongate member to advance the proximal anchor out of the distal end of the sheath.

Claim 129

Dependent Claim 31 words

220 . The method of claim 219 , wherein deploying the proximal anchor in the right atrium further includes advancing the proximal anchor along the elongate member in a distal direction.

Claim 130

Dependent Claim 23 words

221 . The method of claim 213 , further comprising positioning the distal anchor adjacent the left atrial end of the PFO track.

Claim 131

Dependent Claim 53 words

222 . The method of claim 221 , wherein positioning the distal anchor adjacent the left atrial end of the PFO track includes, subsequent to deploying the distal anchor in the left atrium, moving the distal anchor and the distal end of the elongate member in a proximal direction within the left atrium.

Claim 132

Dependent Claim 23 words

223 . The method of claim 213 , further comprising positioning the proximal anchor adjacent the right atrial end of the PFO track.

Claim 133

Dependent Claim 49 words

224 . The method of claim 223 , wherein positioning the proximal anchor adjacent the right atrial end of the PFO track includes, subsequent to deploying the proximal anchor in the right atrium, moving the proximal anchor in a distal direction along the elongate member within the right atrium.

Claim 134

Dependent Claim 22 words

225 . The method of claim 224 , further comprising fixing the location of the proximal anchor relative to the elongate member.

Claim 135

Dependent Claim 36 words

226 . The method of claim 225 , wherein fixing the location of the proximal anchor relative to the elongate member includes, subsequent to positioning the proximal anchor, deploying a securing element in the right atrium.

Claim 136

Dependent Claim 26 words

227 . The method of claim 226 , wherein deploying the securing element includes advancing the securing element along the elongate member toward the proximal anchor.

Claim 137

Dependent Claim 19 words

228 . The method of claim 227 , further comprising cutting the elongate member proximal to the securing element.

Closure devices, related delivery methods and tools, and related methods of use

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