Energy based devices and methods for treatment of anatomic tissue defects

Apparatus for treating an anatomic defect in a heart, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a housing extending from the distal end of the catheter body for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect;
• and
• an energy transmission member adjacent a distal end of the housing, the at least one energy transmission member comprising a planar radiofrequency energy electrode, the energy transmission member having at least one substantially planar surface and includes an outer rim extending at least partially around an outer circumference of the electrode, and a plurality of metallic struts formed in a pattern within the outer rim;
• wherein the housing is adapted to apply vacuum to the tissues to bring them together and position them against the energy transmission member.

Apparatus for treating an anatomic defect in a heart, the apparatus comprising:

• an elongate catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end;
• a housing extending from the distal end of the catheter body for engaging tissues at the site of the anatomic defect;
• and
• an energy transmission member adjacent a distal end of the housing, the energy transmission member having at least one substantially planar surface,
• wherein the at least one energy transmission member comprises a planar radiofrequency energy electrode disposed adjacent the distal end of the housing, and the electrode further includes at least one guidewire aperture to allow passage of a guidewire through the electrode,
• wherein the housing is adapted to apply vacuum to the tissues to bring them together and position them against the energy transmission member.