Cryoadhesive LAA Stabilization for Epicardial Occlusion Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for left atrial appendage occlusion, such as magnetized guide and clamp techniques, either require invasive endocardial access or lack versatility in accommodating various anatomies, limiting their effectiveness and applicability.

Innovation Solution

An epicardial cryoadhesive device and method using a stabilization element that cryoadheres to the left atrial appendage tissue through subxiphoid access, employing a cryogenic fluid to stabilize the LAA for occlusion, allowing for a less invasive and adaptable procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetized guide technique is used for LAA occlusion, then LAA can be stabilized for occlusion, but invasive endocardial access is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLAA stabilizationVSAvoidinvasive access requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the approach by using a purely epicardial stabilization element instead of requiring endocardial access with magnetized guides. The stabilization element is deployed from the epicardial side through subxiphoid access, eliminating the need for invasive endocardial procedures while achieving LAA stabilization through cryoadhesion to the pericardial surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces cryogenic fluid as an intermediary medium that enables adhesion between the stabilization element and the pericardial surface. This cryoadhesive mechanism acts as a mediator to secure the stabilization element without requiring direct endocardial contact or complex magnetic guidance systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If clamp technique is used for LAA occlusion, then invasive endocardial access is avoided, but versatility in accommodating various anatomies is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenon-invasive accessVSAvoidanatomical accommodation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization element is designed with expandable features that allow it to dynamically adapt to different anatomical configurations. The element can be expanded or adjusted in size and shape to accommodate various LAA anatomies while maintaining secure cryoadhesive attachment, providing both ease of deployment and anatomical versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization element is designed as a universal device that can accommodate various LAA anatomies through its adjustable and expandable structure. Rather than requiring anatomy-specific clamps, this single device design can be adapted to different patient geometries while maintaining effective stabilization and occlusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The cryoadhesive device provides stable LAA occlusion with minimal tissue trauma, accommodating diverse anatomies, and reduces the risk of stroke by isolating the LAA from the bloodstream.

Implementation Method 1

the stabilization element being configured to cryoadhere to left atrial appendage tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryoadhesion: Freezing

Implementation Method 2

the stabilization element may include a non-expandable thermally transmissive region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a source of cryogenic fluid in communication with the stabilization element. The distal portion may be configured to be positioned within the pericardial space through subxiphoid access. Circulation of fluid within the stabilization element may lower the temperature of the stabilization element to a temperature that is sufficient to cause cryoadhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 4

the stabilization element may include a thermoelectric cooling element in thermal communication with the thermally transmissive region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12478419B2Cryoadhesive device for left atrial appendage occlusion

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 MEDTRONIC CRYOCATH LP

AI summary

An epicardial device, system, and method for stabilizing the left atrial appendage during a left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion procedure. A cryoadhesion device including a stabilization element is positioned within the pericardial space proximate the left atrial appendage through subxiphoid access. Once the stabilization element is in contact with the left atrial appendage, the stabilization element is cooled to a temperature that is sufficient to cryoadhere the stabilization element to the left atrial appendage. In this way, the cryoadhesion device stabilizes the left atrial appendage in order to perform left atrial appendage ligation/occlusion with a secondary medical device.