Patent Publication Number: US-2021169491-A1

Title: Occlusive device with expandable member

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/223,731, filed Dec. 18, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/607,053, filed Dec. 18, 2017, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a small organ attached to the left atrium of the heart as a pouch-like extension. In patients suffering from atrial fibrillation, the left atrial appendage may not properly contract with the left atrium, causing stagnant blood to pool within its interior, which can lead to the undesirable formation of thrombi within the left atrial appendage. Thrombi forming in the left atrial appendage may break loose from this area and enter the blood stream. Thrombi that migrate through the blood vessels may eventually plug a smaller vessel downstream and thereby contribute to stroke or heart attack. Clinical studies have shown that the majority of blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation are found in the left atrial appendage. As a treatment, medical devices have been developed which are positioned in the left atrial appendage and deployed to close off the ostium of the left atrial appendage. Over time, the exposed surface(s) spanning the ostium of the left atrial appendage becomes covered with tissue (a process called endothelization), effectively removing the left atrial appendage from the circulatory system and reducing or eliminating the number of thrombi which may enter the blood stream from the left atrial appendage. A continuing need exists for improved medical devices and methods to control thrombus formation within the left atrial appendage of patients suffering from atrial fibrillation. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage includes an expandable member having a first end region, a second end region and an inflation cavity. The medical device also includes a plurality of spine members coupled to the expandable member, the plurality of spine members spaced circumferentially around an outer surface of the expandable member. Additionally, the medical device includes a valve member extending at least partially into the inflation cavity, wherein the plurality of spine members are configured to position the medical device within an opening of the left atrial appendage and wherein the expandable member is configured to expand and seal the opening of the left atrial appendage. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein each of the spine members extends along a longitudinal axis of the medical device from the first end region to the second end region. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the second end region includes a bottom surface and wherein at least a portion of each of the spine members is positioned along the bottom surface. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the expandable member includes a curved portion extending radially inward toward the longitudinal axis, and wherein the curved portion is configured to nest with the opening of the left atrial appendage. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein each of the spine members is positioned along an outer surface of the expandable member. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein a portion of each of the spine members extends into the wall of the expandable member. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the first end region of the expandable member extends toward a longitudinal axis of the medical device to form an apex. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the second end region includes a coating, and wherein the coating is designed to promote endothelial cell growth. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising a fixation member configured to anchor the medical device to a target tissue site of the left atrial appendage. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the fixation member includes a plurality of bristles projecting away from an outer surface of the expandable member. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the fixation member includes a barb projecting away from an outer surface of the expandable member. 
     Another example medical device for occluding the left atrial appendage includes: 
     an expandable balloon including an outer surface and an inner expansion cavity; 
     a plurality of positioning members coupled to the expandable balloon; 
     a fixation member extending away from the outer surface of the expandable balloon; 
     wherein the plurality of positioning members are configured to position the medical device within an opening of the left atrial appendage; 
     wherein the expandable balloon is configured to expand and seal the opening of the left atrial appendage. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein each of the positioning members extends along a longitudinal axis of the balloon from a first end region of the balloon to a second end region of the balloon. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the second end region of the balloon includes a bottom surface and wherein at least a portion of each of the positioning members is positioned along the bottom surface. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein each of the positioning members is embedded within a wall of the balloon. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the second end region includes a coating, and wherein the coating is designed to promote endothelial cell growth. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the fixation member includes a plurality of bristles projecting away from an outer surface of the balloon. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, wherein the fixation member includes a barb projecting away from an outer surface of the balloon. 
     An example method for sealing the left atrial appendage includes: 
     advancing an expandable occluder to a position adjacent the left atrial appendage, wherein the expandable occluder includes:
         an expandable balloon including an inflation cavity;   a plurality of spine members coupled to the balloon, wherein the spine members are spaced circumferentially around an outer surface of the expandable balloon; and   a valve member extending at least partially into the inflation cavity; inserting a tubular member into the valve;       

     passing an inflation media through the tubular member into the valve; and 
     inflating the expandable member to a first position such that the plurality of spine members position the occluder within an opening of the left atrial appendage. 
     Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, further comprising: 
     inflating the expandable member to a second position in which the expandable member seals against an inner surface of the left atrial appendage. 
     The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an example occlusive implant; 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom view of the example occlusive implant shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of another example occlusive implant; 
         FIG. 5  shows an example occlusive implant positioned in an opening of the left atrial appendage; 
         FIGS. 6-10  illustrate an example occlusive implant being positioned within an opening of the left atrial appendage; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates another example occlusive implant; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates another example occlusive implant including fixation members; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another example occlusive implant; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a top view of the occlusive implant shown in  FIG. 13 . 
       While aspects of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The detailed description and drawings are intended to illustrate but not limit the claimed disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described and/or shown may be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description and drawings illustrate example embodiments of the claimed disclosure. However, in the interest of clarity and ease of understanding, while every feature and/or element may not be shown in each drawing, the feature(s) and/or element(s) may be understood to be present regardless, unless otherwise specified. 
     For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. 
     All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about”, in the context of numeric values, generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term “about” (e.g., in a context other than numeric values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definition(s), as understood from and consistent with the context of the specification, unless otherwise specified. 
     The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, including the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). 
     Although some suitable dimensions, ranges, and/or values pertaining to various components, features and/or specifications are disclosed, one of skill in the art, incited by the present disclosure, would understand desired dimensions, ranges, and/or values may deviate from those expressly disclosed. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. It is to be noted that in order to facilitate understanding, certain features of the disclosure may be described in the singular, even though those features may be plural or recurring within the disclosed embodiment(s). Each instance of the features may include and/or be encompassed by the singular disclosure(s), unless expressly stated to the contrary. For simplicity and clarity purposes, not all elements of the disclosure are necessarily shown in each figure or discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the following discussion may apply equally to any and/or all of the components for which there are more than one, unless explicitly stated to the contrary. Additionally, not all instances of some elements or features may be shown in each figure for clarity. 
     Relative terms such as “proximal”, “distal”, “advance”, “retract”, variants thereof, and the like, may be generally considered with respect to the positioning, direction, and/or operation of various elements relative to a user/operator/manipulator of the device, wherein “proximal” and “retract” indicate or refer to closer to or toward the user and “distal” and “advance” indicate or refer to farther from or away from the user. In some instances, the terms “proximal” and “distal” may be arbitrarily assigned in an effort to facilitate understanding of the disclosure, and such instances will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. Other relative terms, such as “upstream”, “downstream”, “inflow”, and “outflow” refer to a direction of fluid flow within a lumen, such as a body lumen, a blood vessel, or within a device. 
     The term “extent” may be understood to mean a greatest measurement of a stated or identified dimension, unless the extent or dimension in question is preceded by or identified as a “minimum”, which may be understood to mean a smallest measurement of the stated or identified dimension. For example, “outer extent” may be understood to mean a maximum outer dimension, “radial extent” may be understood to mean a maximum radial dimension, “longitudinal extent” may be understood to mean a maximum longitudinal dimension, etc. Each instance of an “extent” may be different (e.g., axial, longitudinal, lateral, radial, circumferential, etc.) and will be apparent to the skilled person from the context of the individual usage. Generally, an “extent” may be considered a greatest possible dimension measured according to the intended usage, while a “minimum extent” may be considered a smallest possible dimension measured according to the intended usage. In some instances, an “extent” may generally be measured orthogonally within a plane and/or cross-section, but may be, as will be apparent from the particular context, measured differently—such as, but not limited to, angularly, radially, circumferentially (e.g., along an arc), etc. 
     The terms “monolithic” and “unitary” shall generally refer to an element or elements made from or consisting of a single structure or base unit/element. A monolithic and/or unitary element shall exclude structure and/or features made by assembling or otherwise joining multiple discrete elements together. 
     It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect the particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless clearly stated to the contrary. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, are nevertheless contemplated as being combinable or arrangeable with each other to form other additional embodiments or to complement and/or enrich the described embodiment(s), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     For the purpose of clarity, certain identifying numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the description and/or claims to name and/or differentiate between various described and/or claimed features. It is to be understood that the numerical nomenclature is not intended to be limiting and is exemplary only. In some embodiments, alterations of and deviations from previously-used numerical nomenclature may be made in the interest of brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a “first” element may later be referred to as a “second” element, a “third” element, etc. or may be omitted entirely, and/or a different feature may be referred to as the “first” element. The meaning and/or designation in each instance will be apparent to the skilled practitioner. 
     The occurrence of thrombi in the left atrial appendage (LAA) during atrial fibrillation may be due to stagnancy of blood pooling in the LAA. The pooled blood may still be pulled out of the left atrium by the left ventricle, however less effectively due to the irregular contraction of the left atrium caused by atrial fibrillation. Therefore, instead of an active support of the blood flow by a contracting left atrium and left atrial appendage, filling of the left ventricle may depend primarily or solely on the suction effect created by the left ventricle. However, the contraction of the left atrial appendage may not be in sync with the cycle of the left ventricle. For example, contraction of the left atrial appendage may be out of phase up to 180 degrees with the left ventricle, which may create significant resistance to the desired flow of blood. Further still, most left atrial appendage geometries are complex and highly variable, with large irregular surface areas and a narrow ostium or opening compared to the depth of the left atrial appendage. These aspects as well as others, taken individually or in various combinations, may lead to high flow resistance of blood out of the left atrial appendage. 
     In an effort to reduce the occurrence of thrombi formation within the left atrial appendage and prevent thrombi from entering the blood stream from within the left atrial appendage, it may be desirable to develop medical devices and/or occlusive implants that close off the left atrial appendage from the heart and/or circulatory system, thereby lowering the risk of stroke due to thrombolytic material entering the blood stream from the left atrial appendage. Example medical devices and/or occlusive implants that close off the left atrial appendage are disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an example occlusive implant  10 . The occlusive implant  10  may include a first end region  12  and a second end region  14 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first end region  12  may include the portion of the occlusive implant  10  which extends farthest into a left atrial appendage, while the second end region  14  may include the portion of the occlusive implant  10  which is positioned closer to an opening of the left atrial appendage. 
     The occlusive implant  10  may include an expandable member  16 . The expandable member  16  may also be referred to as an expandable balloon  16 . The expandable member  16  may be formed from a highly compliant material (e.g., “inflation material”) which permits the expandable member  16  to expand from a first unexpanded (e.g., deflated, collapsed, delivery) configuration to a second expanded (e.g., inflated, delivered) configuration. In some examples, the expandable balloon  16  may be inflated to pressures from about 4 psi to about 200 psi. It can be appreciated that the outer diameter of the implant  10  may be larger in the expanded configuration versus the unexpanded configuration. Example materials used for the inflation material may be hydrogel beads (or other semi-solid materials), saline, etc. 
     In some examples, the inflatable member may be constructed from silicone or a low-durometer polymer, however, other materials are contemplated. Additionally, the expandable member  16  may be impermeable to blood and/or other fluids, such as water. In some embodiments, the expandable member  16  may include a woven, braided and/or knitted material, a fiber, a sheet-like material, a metallic or polymeric mesh, or other suitable construction. Further, in some embodiments, the expandable member  16  may prevent thrombi (e.g., blood clots, etc.) originating in the left atrial appendage from passing through the occlusive device  10  and into the blood stream. In some embodiments, the occlusive device  10  may promote endothelial growth after implantation, thereby effectively removing the left atrial appendage from the patient&#39;s circulatory system. Some suitable, but non-limiting, examples of materials for the occlusive member  10  are discussed below. 
       FIG. 1  further illustrates that occlusive member  10  may include one or more spine members  18  extending along the longitudinal axis  50  of the expandable member  16  from the second end region  14  to the first end region  12 . In some examples described herein, the spine members  18  may be described as positioning members  18 . Each of the spine members  18  may include a first end  20  and a second end  22  (the second end  22  is shown in  FIG. 2 ).  FIG. 1  further illustrates that the each of the individual spine members  18  may be spaced apart from adjacent spine members  18 . In other words, the spacing between adjacent spine members  18  may be substantially uniform around the circumference of the expandable member  16 . In some examples, the spine members  18  may include one or more materials which are stiffer, higher durometer materials than the material utilized to construct the expandable member  16 . Some suitable, but non-limiting, examples of materials for the spine members  18  are discussed below. 
     Further, it is contemplated that in some instances the spacing between spine members  18  may not be uniform. In some examples, the spacing between adjacent spine members  18  may be variable (e.g., non-uniformly spaced) around the circumference of the expandable member  16 . Additionally, it is contemplated that the spine member  18  may form a framework in which the spine members  18  are connected to one another via a series of laterally extending members. A variety of different geometries for example frameworks are contemplated. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first end region  12  of the expandable member  16  may extend radially inward to form an apex region  33 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 1 , each of the first end portions  20  of each of the spine members  18  may extend inward along the longitudinal axis  50  toward the apex region  33  of the expandable member  16 . 
     Additionally,  FIG. 1  illustrates that the occlusive member  10  may include a “nesting region”  26 . The nesting region  26  may define a portion of the occlusive member  10  which is configured to nest within an opening of the left atrial appendage (as will be illustrated and described further in  FIG. 5 ). The nesting region  26  may include a portion of the occlusive member  10  which extends radially inward toward the longitudinal axis  50  of the occlusive member  10 . Further, the inward curve which defines the nesting region  26  may extend circumferentially around the occlusive member  10 . In other words, the inward curvature of the nesting region  26  may resemble a channel or groove which extends around the circumference of the occlusive member  10 . 
       FIG. 1  further illustrates that the second end region  28  of the occlusive member  10  may include a coating  28 . The coating  28  may extend around the circumference of the occlusive member  10  (including both the expandable member  16  and the spine members  18 ). In some examples, the coating  28  may promote cellular growth along the surface thereof. For example, the coating  28  may include elements which promote endothelial growth along the surface thereof. For example, the endothelial growth elements may accelerate the ability for endothelial cellular tissue to form a seal across an opening of the left atrial appendage. In other examples, the coating  28  may include a polymer mesh (e.g., PET mesh), a woven, braided and/or knitted material, a fiber, a sheet-like material, a metallic or polymeric mesh, or other similar materials which may be coupled to the outer surface of the expandable member  16 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a bottom view of the occlusive device described in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2  illustrates that the occlusive device may include a bottom surface  30 . As discussed above, the second end regions  22  of the spine members  18  may “wrap” along (e.g., around) the second end region  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and terminate along the bottom surface  30 . 
       FIG. 2  further shows twelve spine members  18  positioned circumferentially around the longitudinal axis  50  of the occlusive device  10 . However, while  FIG. 2  illustrates twelve spine members  18  positioned around the longitudinal axis  50  of the occlusive device  10 , it is contemplated that more greater or less than twelve spine members  18  may be utilized for any example occlusive devices  10  contemplated herein. For example, occlusive device  10  may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or more spine members  18  positioned along the occlusive device  10 . 
     As will be described in greater detail below,  FIG. 2  further illustrates a valve member  32  positioned in a central region of the bottom surface  30  of the occlusive member  10 . The valve  32  may be utilized as an access aperture to insert a secondary medical device (not shown). The secondary medical device may be utilized to inject a fluid material into the expandable member  16 .  FIG. 2  further illustrates that the coating  28  may be positioned along the bottom surface  30  of the occlusive device  10 . The coating  28  may cover all or a portion of the bottom surface  30  of the occlusive device  10 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  illustrates that the expandable member  16  may include an inner surface  25  and outer surface  27 . Additionally,  FIG. 3  shows that the expandable member  16  may include a wall thickness “X” defined as the width of the wall between the inner surface  25  and outer surface  27  of the expandable member  16 . 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates that the spine members  18  may be positioned within the wall of the expandable member  16 .  FIG. 3  illustrates that each of the spine members  18  may include an inwardly-facing surface  29  and an outwardly-facing surface  31 . The inner surface  29  of each of the spine members  18  may be positioned radially outward of the inner surface  25  of the expandable member  16 . Further, the outer surface  31  of each of the spine members  18  may be positioned radially inward of the outer surface  27  of the occlusive member  10 . In other words, each of the spine members  18  be embedded (e.g., encased, surrounded, etc.) within the wall of the expandable member  16 . However, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, it can be appreciated that in some examples, a portion of one or more of the spine members  18  may extend radially away from the outer surface  27  of the expandable member  16 . For example, in some instances a portion of the outer surface  31  of one or more of the spine members  18  may be free from the expandable member  16 . 
       FIG. 3  further illustrates that the expandable member  16  may include an inner cavity  34 . Inner cavity  34  may be described as a chamber in which in an inflation media (e.g., hydrogel beads, semi-solid materials, saline or other suitable liquids, gases, etc.) may be injected (via valve  32 , for example) in order to expand the expandable member  16 . As will be described in greater detail below, as an inflation media is inserted into the expandable member  16 , the inner cavity  34  may expand, thereby permitting the expandable member  16  to seal against the tissue walls defining an opening in the left atrial appendage. 
     As stated above, inflation of the inner cavity  34  may be accomplished by inserting inflation media through the valve  32 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the valve  32  may be formed from the same material that forms the wall of the expandable member  16 . In other words, the valve  32  may be an extension of the wall of the expandable member  16 . Additionally, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the valve  32  may be positioned within the inner cavity  34 . For example,  FIG. 3  illustrates that the valve  32  may extend (e.g., project) into the inner cavity  34  from the bottom surface  30 . 
     The valve  32  may include an inflation lumen  36  which may be designed to allow a secondary medical device to be inserted therethrough. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the inflation lumen  36  may be aligned with the longitudinal axis  50  of the occlusive member  10 .  FIG. 3  shows the inflation lumen  36  in a closed configuration such that it would prevent inflation media (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) from passing back through the valve  32 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in some examples the valve  32  may be maintained in a closed configuration via a torus-shaped mechanical gasket  38 . For simplicity purposes, the gasket  38  may be referred to as an “O-ring” in the remaining discussion. 
     It can be appreciated that the O-ring  38  may be formed from a material (e.g., rubber, elastomer, etc.) which permits it to compress radially inwardly. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the O-ring  38  may be positioned around the valve  32  such that the O-ring  38  compresses the lumen  36  of valve  32  shut. However, the O-ring  38  must also permit the lumen  36  to open enough for a secondary medical device to be inserted therethrough (for inflation of the expandable member  16  as described above). Therefore, in some examples the O-ring  38  may designed to stretch and allow an inflation device access to the inner chamber  34  while also exerting sufficient radially inward force to maintain the lumen  36  in a closed configuration once the inner chamber  34  has been inflated and after the inflation device (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) is removed from the lumen  36  (inflation of the chamber  34  will be discussed with respect to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 ). 
     As will be discussed in greater detail below, the occlusive member  10  may be coupled to a delivery system in a variety of ways. Further, a component of the delivery system may also function as a secondary medical device utilized to inflate the expandable member  16 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an attachment region  40  which may be utilized to attach the delivery system to the occlusive member  10 . Attachment region  40  may be include a variety of features which permit attachment to a delivery system. For example, attachment region  40  may include threads which mate with a threaded region on a delivery catheter (not shown in  FIG. 3 ). In other examples, the attachment region  40  may be designed such that it forms a “press-fit” with a distal end region of a delivery catheter. Other methods of attaching the occlusive device  10  to the delivery catheter may include a ratcheting mechanism, break-away mechanisms, detent lock, spring lock, single-piece coupling, two-piece coupling, or combinations thereof. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another example occlusive device  110 . The occlusive device  110  may be similar in form and function as the occlusive device  10 . For example, the occlusive device  110  may include an expandable member  116  and one or more spine members  118  coupled thereto. Additionally, the occlusive device  110  may include a valve  132 . The valve  132  illustrated in  FIG. 4  may function in a similar manner as the valve  32  described above. However, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the valve  132  may include a flap  142  configured to mate with a support member  144 . It can be appreciated from  FIG. 4  that in some instances the flap  142  and the support member  144  may resemble a one-way valve system whereby the flap  142  is designed to permit inflation media (or an inflation device) to access an inner chamber  134  while preventing inflation media from exiting the inner chamber  134  once the expandable member  116  has been inflated to a sufficient extent. In other words, the flap  142  may be designed to pivot counter-clockwise, thereby allowing lumen  136  to access the inner chamber  134  of the expandable member  116 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates that the occlusive implant  10  may be inserted and advanced through a body lumen via an occlusive implant delivery system  21 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates the occlusive implant  10  positioned within the left atrial appendage  60 . As discussed above, in some instances the occlusive implant  10  may be positioned within the left atrial appendage such that the nesting region  26  is anchored within a portion of the left atrial appendage  60 . 
     In some instances, an occlusive implant delivery system  21  may include a delivery catheter  24  which is guided toward the left atrium via various chambers and lumens of the heart (e.g., the inferior vena cava, the superior vena cava, the right atrium, etc.) to a position adjacent the left atrial appendage  60 . The delivery system  21  may include a hub member  23  coupled to a proximal region of the delivery catheter  24 . The hub member  23  may be manipulated by a clinician to direct the distal end region of the delivery catheter  24  to a position adjacent the left atrial appendage  60 . As discussed above, a proximal end of the occlusive device  10  may be configured to releasably attach, join, couple, engage, or otherwise connect to the distal end of the delivery catheter  24 . In some embodiments, an end region of the occlusive device  10  may include a threaded insert coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the threaded insert may be configured to and/or adapted to couple with, join to, mate with, or otherwise engage a threaded member disposed at the distal end of the delivery catheter  24 . Other means of releasably coupling and/or engaging the proximal end of the occlusive device  10  to the distal end of the delivery catheter are also contemplated. Further, in some examples the delivery catheter  24  may include an inflation lumen (not show) designed to permit inflation media to pass into the occlusive device  10  (as described above). For example, in some examples, the distal end of the delivery catheter  24  may include a needle designed to be inserted through the valve  32  (discussed in  FIG. 3 ). 
       FIGS. 6-8  illustrate the example occlusive device  10  (described above) being positioned and deployed in an opening of the left atrial appendage  60 . As discussed above, in some examples, the occlusive device  10  may be configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. For example, in some instances, the occlusive implant may be in a collapsed configuration during delivery via an occlusive device delivery system, whereby the occlusive device expands to an expanded configuration once deployed from the occlusion implant delivery system. 
       FIG. 6  shows the occlusive device  10  including an expandable member  16 , a plurality of spine members  18  and a cellular-growth promoting coating  28  (as described above). Further,  FIG. 6  illustrates that the occlusive member  10  may be detachably coupled to a delivery catheter  24 . The occlusive member  10  shown in  FIG. 6  may be described as being in a deflated or delivery configuration. In other words, the expandable member  16  may not contain any inflation media within its inner cavity. It can be appreciated that it may be desirable to maintain the occlusive member  10  in a collapsed configuration when delivering the occlusive member  10  to the target site (e.g., an opening in the left atrial appendage  60 ). A collapsed configuration may permit the occlusive member  10  to more easily track through tortuous vasculature as a clinician directs the device to the target site. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an example first stage in deployment of the occlusive member  10 .  FIG. 7  shows the expandable member  16  expanded to a larger diameter as compared with the non-expanded configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6 . It can be appreciated that inflation media has been injected into the inner chamber of the expandable member  16 , whereby the inflation media shifts the expandable member from the deflated configuration (shown in  FIG. 6 ) to the partially-inflated configuration shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Additionally,  FIG. 7  illustrates that as the expandable member  16  inflates radially outward, the spine members  18  approach and may contact the inner surface  62  (e.g., the tissue wall) of the left atrial appendage  60 . It can be appreciated that as the spine members  18  (which are circumferentially spaced around the expandable member  16 ) begin to contact the inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 , they may center and maintain the occlusive device  10  within the opening of the left atrial appendage  60 . Additionally, as the spine members  18  contact the inner surface  62  of the atrial appendage  60  they may reduce the likelihood that occlusive device  10  will shift its position within the left atrial appendage  60 . Additionally, when aligned properly, the nesting region  26  of the occlusive member  10  may nest within a portion of the wall of the left atrial appendage  60 , thereby furthering reducing the likelihood that the occlusive member  10  will shift its position while in the partially deflated state shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the occlusive member  10  in a fully inflated state. Additionally,  FIG. 8  illustrates that the expandable member  16  may be compliant and, therefore, substantially conform to and/or be in sealing engagement with the shape and/or geometry of a lateral wall  62  of a left atrial appendage  60  while in the inflated (e.g., expanded) configuration. In some embodiments, the occlusive device  10  may expand to a size, extent, or shape different from a maximum unconstrained extent, as determined by the surrounding tissue and/or lateral wall  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 . 
     As can be appreciated from  FIG. 8 , continued inflation of the expandable member  16  beyond the partially inflated state shown in  FIG. 7  may permit the expandable member  16  to expand and conform to the specific geometry of the inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 . In other words, as inflation media is added to the expandable member  16 , the expandable member  16  may fill and/or seal gaps in the opening of the left atrial appendage  60  which may not have been sealed while the occlusive device  10  was partially inflated (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). It can be appreciated that the flexible material used to construct the expandable member  16  may stretch, conform and directly oppose the folded curvature of the inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 . For example,  FIG. 8  shows the expandable member  16  expanded such that the expandable member  16  is contacting the curved inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 , thereby sealing the opening of the left atrial appendage  60 . Additionally,  FIG. 8  illustrates the nesting region  26  of the occlusive member seated within a portion of the inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 . 
     It can further be appreciated from  FIG. 8  that the bottom surface  30  of the occlusive device is positioned such that it is facing the left atrium of the heart. As discussed above, the bottom surface  30  of the occlusive device  10  may include the cellular-growth promoting coating  28 . Accordingly, the cellular-growth promoting coating  28  is positioned to promote the growth of endothelial cellular tissue across the bottom surface  30  of the occlusive implant  10 , thereby effectively sealing the left atrial appendage  60 . 
       FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10  show cross-sectional views of the occlusive device  10  being inflated from a partially-inflated state (shown in  FIG. 7 ) to a fully inflated state (shown in  FIG. 8 .) whereby the expandable member  16  fully opposes the inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 .  FIG. 9  further illustrates a delivery catheter  24  (described above in some examples as a secondary medical device) having been advanced through the lumen  36  of the valve  32 . As described above, the O-ring  38  has expanded radially outward to permit the distal end region of the delivery catheter  24  to be advanced through the valve lumen  36  and into the inner chamber  34  of the expandable member  16 . Once positioned within the inner chamber  34 , the inflation media (depicted by the arrows in  FIG. 9 ) may be injected into the inner chamber  34 , thereby expanding the occlusive device  10  as described above. 
       FIG. 10  shows the occlusive device  10  deployed along the inner surface  62  of the left atrial appendage  60 . Further,  FIG. 10  illustrates the delivery catheter  24  described above in  FIG. 9  having been removed from the inflation lumen  36  of the valve  32 . It can be appreciated from  FIG. 10  that the O-ring  38  has been compressed radially inward such that it has closed the lumen  36 . It can be further appreciated that the O-ring  38  may designed to exert sufficient radially inward force along the valve  36  to prevent the inflation media from passing back through the valve  32  (which may partially collapse the occlusive device  10 ). 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another example occlusive device  210 . Occlusive device  210  may be similar in form and function to other occlusive devices described above (e.g., occlusive device  10 ). Occlusive device  210  may include an expandable member  216  including a first end region  212  and a second end region  214 . The expandable member  216  may be similar in form and function to the expandable member  16  described above. 
     Occlusive device  210  may include a positioning member  218 . The positioning member  218  may function similarly to the spine members  18  described above. However, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the spine member  218  may extend around the circumference of the expandable member  216 . Further, the spine member  218  may include a plurality of curved portions  220 . In some examples, the spine member  218  may provide additional radial support for the occlusive device  210 . Additionally, in some examples, the expandable member  216  may expand in the radial direction a greater distance than the spine member  218 . The ability for the expandable member  216  to expand farther (in the radial direction) than the spine member  218  may permit the expandable member  218  to conform to the irregularly-shaped folds and curved surfaces of a left atrial appendage. 
     While not illustrated in  FIG. 11 , it is contemplated that the occlusive device  210  may include more than one expandable member  216 . For example, the first end region  212  may include a first expandable member and the second end region  214  may include a second expandable member which operates independently of the first expandable member. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another example occlusive device  310 . Occlusive device  310  may be similar in form and function to other occlusive devices described above (e.g., occlusive device  10 ). Occlusive device  310  may include an expandable member  316  and a plurality of spine members  318  coupled thereto. Further,  FIG. 12  illustrates that the occlusive device  310  may include a plurality of anchor members  364  disposed along the expandable member  316 . It can be appreciated that in some examples the occlusive device  310  may be affixed to a left atrial appendage by one or more anchoring members  364 . For example, when the occlusive device  310  is positioned adjacent the inner surface of the left atrial appendage (as shown in  FIG. 8 ), the anchor members  364  may extend radially outward from the expandable member  316  and contact the tissue of the left atrial appendage thereby anchoring the occlusive implant  310  in a fixed position. 
     In some embodiments, at least some of the anchor members  364  may include a base  368  and a tip portion  366  projecting radially away from the base  368 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . For example, the detailed view of  FIG. 12  illustrates the base  368  of anchor member  364  positioned along an inner surface of the expandable member  316 . Further,  FIG. 12  illustrates the tip portion  366  extending through the wall of the expandable member  316  such that it extends away from the expandable member  316 . In other examples, it is contemplated that the base  368  of the anchor members  364  may be bonded directly to the outer surface of the expandable member  316 . Further, in other examples it is contemplated that the base  368  of the anchor members  364  may be bonded directly to a portion of the spine members  318 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates two anchor members  364  positioned along the occlusive device  310 . However, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the occlusive device  310  may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 or more anchor members  364 . Additionally, it is contemplated that an anchor member  364  may be positioned along a spine member  318 . However, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, it is contemplated that more than one anchor members  364  may be attached to a single spine member  318 . For example, a single spine member  318  may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more anchor members  364  attached thereto. 
     Additionally or alternatively, the occlusive device  310  may include fixation elements  370  disposed along the outer surface of expandable member  316  and/or the spine members  318 . Fixation elements  370  may include one or more individual bristles  372  positioned adjacent one another. In some examples, the bristles made be formed from a metal (e.g., stainless steel), a polymer (e.g., polyester, etc.) or combinations thereof. As illustrated in the detailed view in  FIG. 12 , the bristles may extend radially away from the outer surface of the expandable member  316 . Further, a plurality of the fixation elements  370  may be positioned in a variety of locations along the occlusive member  310 .  FIG. 12  illustrates six fixation elements  370  positioned along the occlusive device  310 . However, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the occlusive device  310  may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more fixation elements  370 . The fixation elements  370  may improve the ability of the occlusive device  310  to grip and maintain its position when positioned within the left atrial appendage. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another example occlusive device  410 . The occlusive device  410  may be similar in form and function as the occlusive device  10  described above. For example, the occlusive device  410  may include an expandable member  416  and one or more spine members  418  coupled thereto. The expandable member  416  may be formed from a highly compliant material (e.g., “inflation material”) which permits the expandable member  416  to expand from a first unexpanded (e.g., deflated, collapsed) configuration to a second expanded (e.g., inflated) configuration (as described above with respect to the occlusive device  10 ). 
     As discussed above,  FIG. 13  illustrates that occlusive member  410  may include one or more spine members  418  extending along the longitudinal axis  50  of the expandable member  416  from the second end region  414  to the first end region  412 . In some examples described herein, the spine members  418  may be described as positioning members  418 . Each of the spine members  418  may include a first end  420  disposed along the first end region  412  and a second end (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) disposed along the bottom surface (not shown in  FIG. 13 ) of the occlusive member  410 .  FIG. 13  further illustrates that the each of the individual spine members  418  may be spaced apart from adjacent spine members  418 . In other words, the spacing between adjacent spine members  418  may be substantially uniform around the circumference of the expandable member  416 . In some examples, the spine members  418  may include one or more materials which are stiffer, higher durometer materials than the material for which the expandable member  416  is constructed. Some suitable, but non-limiting, examples of materials for the spine members  418  are discussed below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the first end region  412  (including spine members  418 ) of the expandable member  416  may extend radially inward to form an apex region  433 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 13 , each of the first end portions  420  of each of the spine members  418  may extend inward along the longitudinal axis  50  toward the apex region  433  whereby each of the first end portions  420  of the spine members  418  may combine (e.g., engage, affix, attach, etc.) with one another to form the apex region  433 . It can be appreciated that combining the first end portions  420  of each of the spine members to one another may limit the elongation of the occlusive implant  410  along the longitudinal axis  50  when the occlusive implant  410  shifts from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration (as described above). In other words, when the first end portions  420  of each of the spine members  418  are attached to one another, they may work together to resist the longitudinal elongation imparted by the expandable member  416  along the longitudinal axis  50  of the occlusive implant  410  when the occlusive implant  410  shifts from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration (as described above). 
       FIG. 13  further illustrates that the second end region  414  of the occlusive member  410  may include a coating  428 . The coating  428  may extend around the circumference of the occlusive member  410  (including both the expandable member  416  and the spine members  418 ). In some examples, the coating  428  may promote cellular growth along the surface thereof. For example, the coating  428  may include elements which promote endothelial growth along the surface thereof. For example, the endothelial growth elements may accelerate the ability for endothelial cellular tissue to form a seal across an opening of the left atrial appendage. In other examples, the coating  428  may include a polymer mesh (e.g., PET mesh) or similar covering which may be attached to the outer surface of the occlusive member  410 . 
     Additionally,  FIG. 13  illustrates that the occlusive member  410  may include a “nesting region”  426 . The nesting region  426  may define a portion of the occlusive member  410  which is configured to nest within an opening of the left atrial appendage. The nesting region  426  may include a portion of the occlusive member  10  which extends radially inward toward the longitudinal axis  50  of the occlusive member  410 . Further, the inward curve which defines the nesting region  426  may extend circumferentially around the occlusive member  410 . In other words, the inward curvature of the nesting region  426  may resemble a channel or groove which extends around the circumference of the occlusive member  410 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a top view of the occlusive member  410  shown in  FIG. 13 . Specifically,  FIG. 14  illustrates the first end portions  420  of the spine members  418  extending radially inward to form the apex region  433 . As discussed above, while  FIG. 14  illustrates the spine members  418  being evenly spaced from one another, it can be appreciated that the spine members  418  may be spaced at unequal intervals from one another. 
     The materials that can be used for the various components of the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) and the various elements thereof disclosed herein may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For simplicity purposes, the following discussion makes reference to the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components disclosed herein). However, this is not intended to limit the devices and methods described herein, as the discussion may be applied to other elements, members, components, or devices disclosed herein. 
     In some embodiments, the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) may be made from a metal, metal alloy, polymer (some examples of which are disclosed below), a metal-polymer composite, ceramics, combinations thereof, and the like, or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steel, such as 444V, 444L, and 314LV stainless steel; mild steel; nickel-titanium alloy such as linear-elastic and/or super-elastic nitinol; other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N06625 such as INCONEL® 625, UNS: N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C-22®, UNS: N10276 such as HASTELLOY® C276®, other HASTELLOY® alloys, and the like), nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS: N04400 such as MONEL®  400 , NICKELVAC®  400 , NICORROS®  400 , and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44035 such as MP35-N® and the like), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: N10665 such as HASTELLOY® ALLOY B2®), other nickel-chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel-cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, and the like; cobalt-chromium alloys; cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like); platinum enriched stainless steel; titanium; platinum; palladium; gold; combinations thereof; and the like; or any other suitable material. 
     As alluded to herein, within the family of commercially available nickel-titanium or nitinol alloys, is a category designated “linear elastic” or “non-super-elastic” which, although may be similar in chemistry to conventional shape memory and super elastic varieties, may exhibit distinct and useful mechanical properties. Linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may be distinguished from super elastic nitinol in that the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol does not display a substantial “superelastic plateau” or “flag region” in its stress/strain curve like super elastic nitinol does. Instead, in the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol, as recoverable strain increases, the stress continues to increase in a substantially linear, or a somewhat, but not necessarily entirely linear relationship until plastic deformation begins or at least in a relationship that is more linear than the super elastic plateau and/or flag region that may be seen with super elastic nitinol. Thus, for the purposes of this disclosure linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may also be termed “substantially” linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol. 
     In some cases, linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may also be distinguishable from super elastic nitinol in that linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nitinol may accept up to about 2-5% strain while remaining substantially elastic (e.g., before plastically deforming) whereas super elastic nitinol may accept up to about 8% strain before plastically deforming. Both of these materials can be distinguished from other linear elastic materials such as stainless steel (that can also be distinguished based on its composition), which may accept only about  0 . 2  to  0 . 44  percent strain before plastically deforming. 
     In some embodiments, the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy is an alloy that does not show any martensite/austenite phase changes that are detectable by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic metal thermal analysis (DMTA) analysis over a large temperature range. For example, in some embodiments, there may be no martensite/austenite phase changes detectable by DSC and DMTA analysis in the range of about −60 degrees Celsius (° C.) to about 120° C. in the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy. The mechanical bending properties of such material may therefore be generally inert to the effect of temperature over this very broad range of temperature. In some embodiments, the mechanical bending properties of the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy at ambient or room temperature are substantially the same as the mechanical properties at body temperature, for example, in that they do not display a super-elastic plateau and/or flag region. In other words, across a broad temperature range, the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy maintains its linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic characteristics and/or properties. 
     In some embodiments, the linear elastic and/or non-super-elastic nickel-titanium alloy may be in the range of about  50  to about  60  weight percent nickel, with the remainder being essentially titanium. In some embodiments, the composition is in the range of about  54  to about  57  weight percent nickel. One example of a suitable nickel-titanium alloy is FHP-NT alloy commercially available from Furukawa Techno Material Co. of Kanagawa, Japan. Other suitable materials may include ULTANIUM™ (available from Neo-Metrics) and GUM METAL™ (available from Toyota). In some other embodiments, a superelastic alloy, for example a superelastic nitinol can be used to achieve desired properties. 
     In at least some embodiments, portions or all of the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) may also be doped with, made of, or otherwise include a radiopaque material. Radiopaque materials are understood to be materials capable of producing a relatively bright image on a fluoroscopy screen or another imaging technique during a medical procedure. This relatively bright image aids a user in determining the location of the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein). Some examples of radiopaque materials can include, but are not limited to, gold, platinum, palladium, tantalum, tungsten alloy, polymer material loaded with a radiopaque filler, and the like. Additionally, other radiopaque marker bands and/or coils may also be incorporated into the design of the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein). to achieve the same result. 
     In some embodiments, a degree of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MM) compatibility is imparted into the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein). For example, the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) and/or components or portions thereof, may be made of a material that does not substantially distort the image and create substantial artifacts (e.g., gaps in the image). Certain ferromagnetic materials, for example, may not be suitable because they may create artifacts in an MRI image. The occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components disclosed herein) or portions thereof, may also be made from a material that the MRI machine can image. Some materials that exhibit these characteristics include, for example, tungsten, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44003 such as ELGILOY®, PHYNOX®, and the like), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS: R44035 such as MP35-N® and the like), nitinol, and the like, and others. 
     In some embodiments, the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) and/or portions thereof, may be made from or include a polymer or other suitable material. Some examples of suitable polymers may include copolymers, polyisobutylene-polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, for example, DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block ester, polyurethane (for example, Polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyether-ester (for example, ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether or ester based copolymers (for example, butylene/poly(alkylene ether) phthalate and/or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamide (for example, DURETHAN® available from Bayer or CRISTAMID® available from Elf Atochem), elastomeric polyamides, block polyamide/ethers, polyether block amide (PEBA, for example available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), silicones, polyethylene (PE), Marlex high-density polyethylene, Marlex low-density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene (for example REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), poly paraphenylene terephthalamide (for example, KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12 (such as GRILAMID® available from EMS American Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefin, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (for example, SIBS and/or SIBS 50A), polycarbonates, ionomers, polyurethane silicone copolymers (for example, ElastEon® from Aortech Biomaterials or ChronoSil® from AdvanSource Biomaterials), biocompatible polymers, other suitable materials, or mixtures, combinations, copolymers thereof, polymer/metal composites, and the like. In some embodiments, the sheath can be blended with a liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about 6 percent LCP. 
     In some embodiments, the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) may include a textile material. Some examples of suitable textile materials may include synthetic yarns that may be flat, shaped, twisted, textured, pre-shrunk or un-shrunk. Synthetic biocompatible yarns suitable for use in the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, polyesters, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polyolefins, polyvinyls, polymethylacetates, polyamides, naphthalene dicarboxylene derivatives, natural silk, and polytetrafluoroethylenes. Moreover, at least one of the synthetic yarns may be a metallic yarn or a glass or ceramic yarn or fiber. Useful metallic yarns include those yarns made from or containing stainless steel, platinum, gold, titanium, tantalum or a Ni-Co-Cr-based alloy. The yarns may further include carbon, glass or ceramic fibers. Desirably, the yarns are made from thermoplastic materials including, but not limited to, polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, polynaphthalenes, polytetrafluoroethylenes, and the like. The yarns may be of the multifilament, monofilament, or spun-types. The type and denier of the yarn chosen may be selected in a manner which forms a biocompatible and implantable prosthesis and, more particularly, a vascular structure having desirable properties. 
     In some embodiments, the occlusive implant  10  (and variations, systems or components thereof disclosed herein) may include and/or be treated with a suitable therapeutic agent. Some examples of suitable therapeutic agents may include anti-thrombogenic agents (such as heparin, heparin derivatives, urokinase, and PPack (dextrophenylalanine proline arginine chloromethylketone)); anti-proliferative agents (such as enoxaparin, angiopeptin, monoclonal antibodies capable of blocking smooth muscle cell proliferation, hirudin, and acetylsalicylic acid); anti-inflammatory agents (such as dexamethasone, prednisolone, corticosterone, budesonide, estrogen, sulfasalazine, and mesalamine); antineoplastic/antiproliferative/anti-mitotic agents (such as paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, vinblastine, vincristine, epothilones, endostatin, angiostatin and thymidine kinase inhibitors); anesthetic agents (such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, and ropivacaine); anti-coagulants (such as D-Phe-Pro-Arg chloromethyl keton, an RGD peptide-containing compound, heparin, anti-thrombin compounds, platelet receptor antagonists, anti-thrombin antibodies, anti-platelet receptor antibodies, aspirin, prostaglandin inhibitors, platelet inhibitors, and tick antiplatelet peptides); vascular cell growth promoters (such as growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcriptional activators, and translational promoters); vascular cell growth inhibitors (such as growth factor inhibitors, growth factor receptor antagonists, transcriptional repressors, translational repressors, replication inhibitors, inhibitory antibodies, antibodies directed against growth factors, bifunctional molecules consisting of a growth factor and a cytotoxin, bifunctional molecules consisting of an antibody and a cytotoxin); cholesterol-lowering agents; vasodilating agents; and agents which interfere with endogenous vascoactive mechanisms. 
     While the discussion above is generally directed toward an occlusive implant for use in the left atrial appendage of the heart, the aforementioned features may also be useful in other types of medical implants where a fabric or membrane is attached to a frame or support structure including, but not limited to, implants for the treatment of aneurysms (e.g., abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic aortic aneurysms, etc.), replacement valve implants (e.g., replacement heart valve implants, replacement aortic valve implants, replacement mitral valve implants, replacement vascular valve implants, etc.), and/or other types of occlusive devices (e.g., atrial septal occluders, cerebral aneurysm occluders, peripheral artery occluders, etc.). Other useful applications of the disclosed features are also contemplated. 
     It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The disclosure&#39;s scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.