Embolic filtering method and apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a device and method for preventing the undesired passage of emboli from a venous blood pool to an arterial blood pool. The invention relates especially to a device and method for treating certain cardiac defects, especially patent foramen ovales and other septal defects, through the use of an embolic filtering device capable of instantaneously deterring the passage of emboli from the moment of implantation. The device consists of a frame, and a braided mesh of sufficient dimensions to prevent passage of emboli through the mesh. The device is preferably composed of shape memory allow, such as nitinol, which conforms to the shape and dimension of the defect to be treated.

1 . A device positionable within a body opening, comprising:
 a frame, wherein the frame comprises at least two arms, and further wherein each of the at least two arms comprise at least one anchor extending laterally from the arms; and   a mesh, wherein the mesh is coupled to the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the frame further comprises at least one base, wherein the at least two arms are coupled to the base. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 2 , comprising a first base and a second base, wherein the at least two arms connect the first base to the second base. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least two arms are positioned opposite one another and biased apart from another. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the frame is elongated when the at least two arms are compressed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one anchor is arcuate. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one anchor is linear. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the frame is comprised of a radiopaque material. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the device is collapsible into a catheter and capable of expanding to a relaxed state as the device is released from the catheter. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the mesh comprises a foam. 
     
     
         11 . A device positionable within a body opening, comprising:
 a frame comprising a first base, a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first and second arms are coupled to the first base, and wherein the first arm comprises a first anchor extending laterally away from the first base, and wherein the second arm comprises a second anchor extending laterally away from the first base, and wherein the first arm is positioned substantially opposite the second arm, and wherein the first arm and the second arm are resiliently flexible, wherein the first arm further comprises a third anchor, and wherein the second arm further comprises a fourth anchor, and wherein the first anchor and third anchor are configured to anchor the device to tissue between the first and third anchors, and wherein the second anchor and the fourth anchor are configured to anchor the device to tissue between the second and fourth anchors; and   a mesh coupled to the frame.   
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the frame is substantially planar, and wherein the mesh extends out of the plane of the frame. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , further comprising a second base, wherein the first arm connects the first base to the second base. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first arm is biased away from the second arm. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the mesh comprises a metal. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the mesh is configured to act as a scaffold for new tissue growth. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the mesh comprises a material configured to promote tissue growth. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first anchor and second anchor are arcuate. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the first anchor and second anchor are linear. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein the device is collapsible into a catheter and capable of expanding to a relaxed state as the device is released from the catheter, and wherein the length of the frame is elongated when the first arm and the second arm are compressed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the frame.