Extravascular Locking Mechanism for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for left atrial appendage occlusion face challenges in eliminating leaks and avoiding device-related thrombus, requiring ongoing efforts to improve closure security and reduce the need for anticoagulation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The proposed medical device includes an expandable framework with a collar, a shaft, and a lock mechanism. The expandable framework is configured to expand from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration, with a plurality of projections for engagement with the left atrial appendage. The lock mechanism features an engagement member that moves between constrained and radially expanded configurations, ensuring secure closure without structures in contact with the endovascular space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional medical devices are used for left atrial appendage occlusion, then closure function is achieved, but device-related thrombus risk remains and leaks cannot be fully eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the securing elements (locks and engagement members) from the endovascular space and positions them entirely within the extravascular space. The expandable framework remains in the LAA to provide closure, while the securing mechanisms are moved to the extravascular side, eliminating their contact with blood and thus eliminating device-related thrombus risk while maintaining closure security
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the expandable framework remains within the LAA for occlusion, while the shaft and locking mechanisms are positioned in the extravascular space. This spatial segmentation allows the securing elements to perform their function without exposing foreign surfaces to the endovascular environment, thereby preventing thrombus formation
2Reliability
If securing elements are placed in endovascular space to ensure closure, then closure security is improved, but device-related thrombus risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing elements are extracted from the endovascular space and repositioned entirely within the extravascular space. The expandable framework provides the necessary closure function within the LAA, while the locks and engagement members operate from the extravascular side, eliminating their contact with blood and thus eliminating their ability to generate thrombus while maintaining closure security
3Reliability
If expandable framework is used to occlude LAA, then closure function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the occlusion function and the securing function into a single integrated device system. The expandable framework and the locking mechanism work together as a unified system where the framework provides structural support and occlusion while the locking mechanism provides secure anchoring, eliminating the need for separate devices and simplifying the overall procedural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An implant for left atrial appendage closure includes an expandable framework having a proximal end coupled to a collar, a shaft disposed within the collar and axially moveable relative to the collar, and a lock coupled to the shaft. The expandable framework is configured to expand from a collapsed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration. The lock includes an engagement member configured to move between a constrained configuration and a radially expanded configuration, where the engagement member is biased in the radially expanded configuration.