Methods, systems, and devices for closing a patent foramen ovale using mechanical structures

Abstract

A medical device is disclosed that can include a first atrial anchor, a first delivery shaft linked to the first atrial anchor, wherein the first delivery shaft is adapted to move the first atrial anchor, a second atrial anchor, a second delivery shaft linked to the second atrial anchor, wherein the second delivery shaft is adapted to move the second atrial anchor, and a biasing member linking either (i) the first atrial anchor to the first delivery shaft or (ii) the second atrial anchor to the second delivery shaft. The medical device can include an insulation material coupled to one or more of the first or second atrial anchors, or the first or second delivery shaft. A method for treating an internal tissue opening is also disclosed wherein a first and second electrode can be operated between unipolar and bipolar modes to initiate tissue damage, thereby inducing tissue regrowth.

1 . A medical device comprising:
 a first atrial anchor;   a first delivery shaft operatively associated with said first atrial anchor, said first delivery shaft being adapted to move said first atrial anchor;   a second atrial anchor; a second delivery shaft operatively associated with said second atrial anchor, said second delivery shaft being adapted to move said second atrial anchor; and   a biasing member linking either (i) said first atrial anchor to said first delivery shaft or (ii) said second atrial anchor to said second delivery shaft.   
     
     
         2 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said biasing member comprises a spring. 
     
     
         3 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said biasing member links said first atrial anchor to said first delivery shaft. 
     
     
         4 . The medical device of  claim 1 , wherein said biasing member links said second atrial anchor to said second delivery shaft. 
     
     
         5 . The medical device of  claim 1 , further comprising a second biasing member. 
     
     
         6 . The medical device of  claim 5 , wherein said first biasing member links said first atrial anchor to said first delivery shaft and said second biasing member links said second atrial anchor to said second delivery shaft. 
     
     
         7 . A method for treating an internal tissue opening, the method comprising:
 placing a medical device in position to treat an internal tissue opening, said medical device comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode and said second electrode being adapted to operate in at least one of a unipolar mode and a bipolar mode;   positioning said first electrode adjacent a first side of the internal tissue opening;   positioning said second electrode adjacent a second side of the internal tissue opening; and   operating said first and second electrodes between said unipolar and bipolar modes.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said medical device further comprises a conductive stem, wherein said conductive stem is adapted to operate in the at least one said unipolar mode and said bipolar mode. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising the steps of operating said conductive stem to heat the tissue adjacent the internal tissue opening. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said operating said first and second electrodes heats the tissue adjacent the internal tissue opening. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising heating the tissue adjacent the internal tissue opening by selectively operating said first and second electrodes in unipolar mode, and subsequently operating said first and second electrodes in bipoloar mode. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said first electrode and said second electrode are operated in unipolar mode simultaneously.