Even-Pressure Occlusion Clip With Friction-Compensating Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LAA clips require large applier mechanisms due to high closure forces, limiting their use in minimally invasive procedures and increasing patient recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile occlusion clip with a clip setting mechanism that compensates for friction, using a crimping sleeve or one-way knot to apply even pressure, allowing for a smaller access port and reduced recovery time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If spring loaded clips are used to provide closure force, then the clip can securely occlude the LAA, but the applier mechanism must be large and complex to withstand the closure force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a spring-loaded clip that requires a large applier to withstand closing forces, the invention inverts the approach by using a tension-based system where the clip opens passively and requires only minimal force to close. The elongate strand under tension pulls the beams together, eliminating the need for a complex spring mechanism and large applier.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex spring-loaded mechanical system with a simpler tension-based mechanism. Rather than relying on spring force storage and release, the system uses a tensioned strand passing through pulleys to create mechanical advantage, reducing the applier mechanism to essentially just the pulleys and strand.
2Force
If large applier mechanisms are used to deliver LAA clips, then sufficient closure force can be achieved, but the access port size must be large and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the force application approach by having the clip close under tension rather than spring force. This allows the use of a small access port since the applier mechanism is dramatically reduced in size, while still achieving sufficient closure force through the mechanical advantage of the pulley system.
3Force
If friction is present in the clip mechanism, then the clamping force is lost, but adding friction compensation mechanisms increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of friction into a beneficial feature by using a pulley system where friction in the pulleys creates a mechanical advantage. The friction actually helps maintain tension in the strand and provides a self-locking effect that prevents the clip from opening accidentally, while the overall mechanical advantage still provides sufficient closing force.
Data Source
AI summary
A clip applier and method provide for surgically minimizing or eliminating a tissue appendage of the patient using an occlusion clip. An end effector of the clip applier has first and second channels that respectively receive/engage first and second elongate beams of the clip. The clip includes strand(s) that forms a loop through the first and the second elongate beams. Terminal segments of the strand(s) extend proximally through a clip setting mechanism of the occlusion clip. An opening between first and second elongate beams of the occlusion clip are positioned around a tissue appendage. A closure mechanism of the clip applier is actuated to proximally draw the terminal segments of the strand(s) to close the occlusion clip and to close the end effector. A release mechanism of the occlusion clip is actuated, allowing the end effector to open away from the occlusion clip in a clamped state.