Patent ID: 7735493

Claim:
A system for preventing the release of embolic material from the left atrial appendage of a medical patient, comprising: an axially moveable core having a proximal end and a distal end; an implant having a proximal end and a distal end; and a slider assembly positioned within the implant, the slider assembly comprising: a guide tube extending proximally from the distal end of the implant; and a nut slideably received and substantially coaxially aligned within the guide tube, the nut being operable to releasably engage a distal portion of the axially moveable core; wherein movement of the axially moveable core when engaged with the nut allows the nut to slide within the guide tube without substantially affecting the shape or position of the implant; and, wherein the guide tube includes at least one slot extending at least partially along a length thereof; and, wherein the nut includes at least one flange extending into the at least one slot, wherein movement of the nut within the at least one slot is at least partially limited by interference between the at least one slot and the at least one flange; and, wherein the at least one slot has a length of between about 3 to 35 mm; and, wherein the implant is enlargeable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration; and, wherein the implant comprises a frame extending between a proximal hub and a distal hub.