Systems and Methods for Treating Septal Defects

Abstract

A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . In an implantable apparatus having a longitudinal axis for deploying an implantable closure member through the septum walls of a patent foramen ovale, the improvement comprising:
 a needle adapted to pierce the septum secundum and the septum primum of a patent foramen ovale, said needle having a lumen,   a housing having a lumen which houses said needle,   a grasper adapted to grasp the limbus of the septum secundum and to alter the orientation of the distal end of said housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus,   said needle housing a closure member in the lumen therein, said closure member having a body comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion located therebetween, the first end portion being configured to engage a first outer septal surface of the septum primum, the second end portion being configured to engage a second outer septal surface of the septum secundum and the central portion being configured to fit within an opening in the septal walls formed by said needle that traverses a septal defect tunnel, at least one of said portions being coiled.