Apparatus and method for closing a septal defect

A method of reversibly closing a septal defect comprising the steps of:

• a) providing an apparatus for reversibly closing a septal defect, the apparatus comprising:
• i) a septal defect closure device that is unitary in construction and comprises a first end, a second end, a center portion and having a first configuration comprising a cylindrical shaft having an axis therethrough and a plurality of concentric parallel cuts therethrough,
• ii) a catheter delivery means;
• and
• iii) an intralumen mechanical mechanism located in the catheter delivery means;
• b) delivering the apparatus to an area having a septal defect;
• c) positioning the center portion of the shaft of the device in the septal defect;
• d) pulling the first and second ends of the shaft toward the center portion thereof, by means of the intralumen mechanical mechanism, thereby creating at least two flattened support struts which move radially away from the axis in a hinge like fashion;
• e) moving the struts radially away from the axis in a hinge like fashion, by means of the intralumen mechanical mechanism, thereby causing the septal defect closure device to assume a specific second configuration which fits securely into the septal defect, spanning both sides thereof and is anchored thereto by pressure, causing the defect to be reversibly closed.