NONINVASIVE TRANS-CATHETER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOTE SUTURE PLACEMENT SUCH AS FOR SEPTAL DEFECT REPAIR, LEFT ATRIAL APPENDAGE CLOSURE, PACEMAKER ELECTRODE PLACEMENT, MITRAL VALVE REPAIR, AND OTHER INNER-CARDIAC AND INNER-ARTERIAL APPLICATIONS

摘要

A noninvasive trans-catheter method and apparatus for remote suture placement can be used in a variety of inner cardiac applications. For example, a method of non-invasive transcatheter atrial septal defect repair comprises the steps of: advancing a positioning member along a catheter into the Atrial Septal Defect, wherein at least one suture deploying lumen is coupled to the positioning member with a piercing member within the suture deploying lumen; deploying the positioning member within the Atrial Septal Defect to align each suture deploying lumen with tissue adjacent the Atrial Septal Defect; and piercing the tissue adjacent the Atrial Septal Defect with the piercing member to secure a suture line through the tissue. A repair patch may be advanced along suture lines to repair the defect and secured into place with the suture lines. The apparatus is also applicable for left atrial appendage closure, mitral valve repair and pacemaker electrode placement.