Patent ID: 7527634
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for selectively isolating a lumen of a left atrial appendage (LAA) from a patient's left atrium of a heart thereby preventing passage of embolic material from said LAA while maintaining physical integrity of said left atrium and said LAA of said heart, the apparatus comprising: an extension having a proximal end and a distal end and defining a longitudinal axis; means at the distal end of the extension for non-invasively securing the LAA via contact with the exterior surface of the LAA, wherein said securing means is adapted to entirely enclose said LAA; means at the distal end of the extension for preventing passage of embolic material from said LAA while maintaining physical integrity of said left atrium and said LAA, wherein said preventing and maintaining means is adapted to disengage from said apparatus and remain securely in place at the base of said LAA; and means for cinching said preventing and maintaining means wherein said cinching means is adapted to maintain tension in said preventing and maintaining means thereby isolating the lumen of said LAA, wherein physical integrity of said left atrium and said LAA is maintained and said LAA remains viable during operation of the apparatus, further wherein said preventing and maintaining means and said cinching means are located outside of said securing means during operation of the apparatus including before and during isolation of the LAA.