Catheter Loop for Left Atrial Appendage Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring and closing off the opening of a left atrial appendage (LAA) are inefficient, often requiring guidewires and multiple steps, which can lead to improper implant sizing and increased procedural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a catheter with deployable loops that measure the opening of the atrium by atraumatically contacting its perimeter, allowing for precise sizing and implant selection without the need for guidewires, using the loop to guide the implant placement directly into the appendage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guidewires and multiple steps are used for measuring and closing the LAA opening, then the procedure can be performed, but the procedural complexity increases and implant sizing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function and the closure function into a single integrated device. The catheter incorporates both a measurement loop for assessing the LAA opening size and a closure implant delivery mechanism, eliminating the need for separate guidewires and multiple procedural steps. This integration directly resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining implant sizing precision while reducing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform multiple tasks: navigating to the LAA, measuring the opening dimensions using the deployable loop, delivering the closure implant, and potentially providing therapeutic functions. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining or improving measurement and implantation precision.
2Ease of operation
If guidewires are used for catheter advancement into the appendage, then the catheter can be positioned, but the procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the guidewire component from the procedural sequence. Instead of using a guidewire for catheter advancement, the invention employs a self-navigating catheter with deployable loops that can directly engage and measure the LAA opening. This removal of the guidewire step simplifies the overall procedure while maintaining ease of catheter positioning through the loop's ability to atraumatically contact and map the opening perimeter.
3Measurement precision
If multiple steps are used for measuring the LAA opening, then the measurement can be obtained, but the procedure becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement loop is designed to be deployed and positioned at the LAA opening before the closure implant is delivered. This preliminary measurement action allows the operator to assess the opening dimensions and select the appropriate implant size in advance, ensuring precise fit without requiring additional measurement steps after implant delivery. The loop's preliminary engagement and measurement function streamlines the workflow while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for measuring an opening of an appendage of an atrium of a subject, the method including inserting a catheter into the atrium of the subject using a transvenous approach. Thereafter, at least one loop is deployed from a wall of the catheter, such that a distal end of the loop is distal to a distal end of the catheter. Thereafter, the loop is used to measure the opening of the appendage. Other embodiments are also described.