Method of implanting an adjustable occlusion device

Abstract

Disclosed is an adjustable occlusion device for use in a body lumen such as the left atrial appendage. The occlusion device is removably carried by a deployment catheter. The device may be enlarged or reduced to facilitate optimal placement or removal. Methods are also disclosed.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . An implant deployment system, comprising:
 an elongate tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough;   a tubular rod extending axially through the lumen of the elongate tubular body, the tubular rod having a threaded portion at a distal end of the tubular rod;   an implant releasably coupled to the distal end of the tubular body, the implant enlargeable from a reduced cross-section configuration to an enlarged cross-section configuration; and   wherein the implant includes a plurality of tissue anchors.   
     
     
         2 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the tubular rod includes a lumen, the lumen configured to be an infusion lumen. 
     
     
         3 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein a proximal end of the implant includes a threaded aperture, the threaded aperture configured to engage with the threaded portion. 
     
     
         4 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein rotation of the threaded portion in a first direction advances the threaded portion distally, and rotation of the threaded portion in a reverse direction retracts the threaded portion proximally. 
     
     
         5 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the implant includes one or more openings configured to receive one or more projections at the distal end of the elongate tubular body. 
     
     
         6 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate tubular body includes a zone of enhanced lateral flexibility. 
     
     
         7 . The implant deployment system of  claim 6 , wherein the zone of enhanced lateral flexibility is provided by a plurality of spiral grooves. 
     
     
         8 . The implant deployment system of  claim 6 , wherein the zone of enhanced lateral flexibility comprises a plurality of tubular segments coupled to one another by a plurality of hinge elements. 
     
     
         9 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein a handle is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate tubular body. 
     
     
         10 . The implant deployment system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of tissue anchors includes barbs. 
     
     
         11 . The implant deployment system of  claim 10 , wherein the implant includes a proximal plurality of barbs inclined in a first direction, and a distal plurality of barbs inclined in a second direction. 
     
     
         12 . An implant deployment system, comprising:
 an elongate tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough;   a tubular rod extending axially through the lumen of the elongate tubular body, the tubular rod includes a lumen configured to be an infusion lumen;   an implant releasably coupled to the distal end of the tubular body, the implant enlargeable from a reduced cross-section configuration to an enlarged cross-section configuration;   wherein the tubular rod extends into a proximal end of the implant; and   wherein the implant includes a plurality of tissue anchors.   
     
     
         13 . The implant deployment system of  claim 12 , wherein the tubular rod includes a threaded portion at a distal end of the tubular rod. 
     
     
         14 . The implant deployment system of  claim 13 , wherein the proximal end of the implant includes a threaded aperture, the threaded aperture configured to engage with the threaded portion. 
     
     
         15 . The implant deployment system of  claim 13 , wherein rotation of the threaded portion in a first direction advances the threaded portion distally, and rotation of the threaded portion in a reverse direction retracts the threaded portion proximally. 
     
     
         16 . The implant deployment system of  claim 12 , wherein a handle is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate tubular body. 
     
     
         17 . The implant deployment system of  claim 12 , wherein the elongate tubular body includes a zone of enhanced lateral flexibility. 
     
     
         18 . An implant deployment system, comprising:
 an elongate tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therethrough;   a tubular rod extending axially through the lumen of the elongate tubular body, the tubular rod having a threaded portion at a distal end of the tubular rod and a lumen therethrough configured to be an infusion lumen;   an implant releasably coupled to the distal end of the tubular body, the implant enlargeable from a reduced cross-section configuration to an enlarged cross-section configuration;   wherein the threaded portion of the tubular rod extends into a proximal end of the implant; and   wherein the implant includes a plurality of tissue anchors.   
     
     
         19 . The implant deployment system of  claim 18 , wherein a handle is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate tubular body. 
     
     
         20 . The implant deployment system of  claim 18 , wherein rotation of the threaded portion in a first direction advances the threaded portion distally, and rotation of the threaded portion in a reverse direction retracts the threaded portion proximally.