Catheter Loop Measurement for Left Atrial Appendage Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack an effective way to accurately measure and close off the opening of a left atrial appendage (LAA) for implantation, leading to potential improper sizing and incomplete closure of implants.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based method involving the deployment of loops from the catheter wall to measure the opening of the atrium, allowing for precise measurement and implantation of an appropriate-sized implant by expanding the loop to contact perimeter points and using imaging or markers for sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional catheter-based measurement methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient leading to improper implant sizing
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion with multiple deployable loops (first loop, second loop, etc.), each capable of independent deployment and measurement. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple dimensions of the LAA opening while maintaining a relatively simple overall catheter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system transitions from traditional single-point or linear measurements to multi-dimensional spatial measurements by deploying loops that extend radially from the catheter body. The loops can be positioned at different orientations and depths, enabling three-dimensional characterization of the LAA opening geometry.
2Measurement precision
If loops are deployed from the catheter wall to measure the opening, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployable loops serve multiple functions: they act as measurement probes for determining LAA opening dimensions, provide structural support for implant delivery, and can be used to confirm proper positioning of the implant. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The loops are nested within the catheter body in a compact configuration during insertion, then deployed outward like nested dolls unfolding. This nesting principle allows the complex measurement structure to be delivered through a relatively small access point while maintaining full measurement capability upon deployment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple loops are deployed to measure different points on the perimeter, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The loops are designed to be dynamically deployable and adjustable, allowing the operator to expand or contract them as needed during the procedure. This dynamic capability enables flexible adaptation to different LAA geometries and facilitates easier positioning compared to fixed measurement structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the deployment state of each loop provides real-time information about the LAA opening dimensions. This feedback allows the operator to adjust loop positions and orientations to achieve optimal measurement coverage, simplifying the overall operation through intuitive visual or tactile cues.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for measuring an opening of an appendage of an atrium of a subject. A catheter is inserted into the atrium, and 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. The loop is used to measure the opening of the appendage. Other applications are also described.