Patent ID: 8002740
Filing Date: 2011-08-23
Classification: A61B,A61F,A61M

Abstract:
1. An implant delivery system for locating and placing the implant within an opening in tissue, the delivery system comprising: an elongate shaft having a distal portion, a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one lumen extending through the proximal end; a balloon member having an interior in fluid communication with the lumen, the balloon member located on the distal portion of the elongate shaft; a guide member located at the distal end of the elongate shaft and located distal to the balloon member, where the guide member has a blunt front surface, such that it may tactilely locate the opening and not drag on tissue or cause trauma and at least one resistance feature, such that when the guide member enters the opening, the resistance feature exerts resistance against tissue upon removal of the guide member from the opening; and an expandable implant located over the balloon member.