Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device with Integrated Suction and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing the left atrial appendage are invasive, risky, and require multiple access sites, leading to complications such as tearing, perforation, and increased recovery time, due to the use of large surgical incisions and separate visualization tools.
Innovation Solution
A compact, integrated device with a vacuum tube and contrast fluid tube that allows for simultaneous suction and visualization, enabling minimally invasive closure of the left atrial appendage with a single access point, using a snare loop assembly and suture loop for tissue closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional imaging devices are used to visualize the left atrial appendage, then visualization capability is provided, but device complexity and procedural steps increase due to separate imaging devices requiring reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the imaging device with the vacuum tube into a single integrated device. The imaging device is positioned within the vacuum tube such that the vacuum tube serves dual purposes: providing vacuum suction and housing the imaging device for visualization. This merging eliminates the need for separate imaging devices and reduces procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum tube is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vacuum suction for tissue stabilization and houses the imaging device for visualization. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall procedure.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If separate visualization tools are used, then visualization capability is achieved, but procedural complexity and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the imaging device within the vacuum tube, the patent eliminates the need for separate visualization tools and reduces the number of procedural steps. This integration streamlines the closure procedure and reduces recovery time by minimizing the complexity of the intervention.
3Ease of operation
If large surgical incisions are used for access, then device advancement is facilitated, but risk of complications and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the access approach by using a catheter that can be advanced through the vasculature to reach the left atrial appendage, eliminating the need for large surgical incisions. This segmented approach divides the access pathway into smaller, less invasive segments through the vascular system.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter acts as an intermediary device that facilitates access to the left atrial appendage through the vasculature without requiring direct surgical incisions. This intermediary approach reduces the risk of complications associated with large incisions while still enabling effective device advancement.
4Ease of operation
If multiple access sites are required, then device positioning is improved, but procedural complexity and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device combines vacuum suction and imaging capabilities in a single unit that can be positioned through a single access site. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and access sites, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining effective positioning capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces procedural complexity, minimizes contrast fluid usage, and decreases recovery time by providing effective visualization and stabilization of the target tissue, thereby reducing the risk of complications and improving the safety and efficiency of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum tube may be configured to apply vacuum to the target tissue through a second lumen therethrough
Implementation Method 2
The contrast tube may be configured to inject a fluid through a third lumen therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue stabilizing devices and methods for stabilizing, and optionally closing, a target tissue, such as the left atrial appendage, generally include an elongate body with a first lumen and a second lumen, a suction tip coupled to the elongate body, and an injection tip coupled to the elongate body proximal of the suction tip. The suction tip may define a suction aperture and the suction aperture may be in fluid communication with the first lumen to apply suction to the target tissue. The injection tip may be in fluid communication with the second lumen to dispense a contrast fluid.