Self-expanding defect closure device and method of making and using

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a self-expanding defect closure device that overcomes the many drawbacks and disadvantages of prior devices.
The devices of the present invention rely on memory induced support structures having curved outer surfaces that minimize tissue erosion.
These structures facilitate repair of septal defects.
Also, these structures facilitate repair of containers/filters without their removal from their environments of use.
The device of the present invention can also be used with adhesives to repair the walls of tents, fabrics, inflatable devices, etc.
The structures of the present invention radially and circumferentially support a membrane, providing greater central support to the membrane.
Thin membranes are laminated together and embed a memory induced elastic wire structure, preferably a super-elastic wire, to reduce the collapsed dimensions of the closure device.
Thinner membranes are possible because the preferred thin ply expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) films are cross-laminated to increase membrane strength and maintain a desired microstructure.
The support structure may have a star or helical geometrical configuration.
The self-expanding defect closure device of the present invention can be readily deployed by a 9F, preferably 5F, or smaller catheter or thoracoscopic instrument or open procedural tools.
An aspect of the present invention is to provide a closure device having one or two discrete sections where each section has a smoothly curved outer periphery and is formed from a single elastic element.
It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a self-expanding closure device that eliminates or minimizes trauma to existing muscles or tissues surrounding a defect to be occluded.
It is another purpose of the present invention to prepare a closure device by forming a wire structure into a desired configuration and inducing memory of that configuration into the wire, and laminating the wire structure so as to be embedded in the membrane