Self-Expandable Hyperelastic Cage for Left Atrial Auricle Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac prostheses for occluding the left atrial auricle face challenges in achieving reliable and stable hydraulic sealing due to the non-coplanarity and irregular shape of the inlet surface, and the complexity of implantation, leading to reliability issues and incomplete closure.
Innovation Solution
A self-expandable hyperelastic cage prosthesis with a conical or ogival obturator is used to seal the auricle from the inside of the atrium, providing a watertight closure through elastic expansion and anchoring against the atrial surface, allowing for redundancy in coverage and access to the mitral valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hooks or self-expandable circular metal elements are used for anchoring, then the prosthesis can be fixed in position, but the structural complexity increases and hermetic sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the anchoring function from the prosthesis structure itself, eliminating hooks and self-expandable metal elements. Instead, the prosthesis is held in position by the operator's thumb, extracting the anchoring mechanism from the device design and simplifying its structure while maintaining fixation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator's thumb serves as the anchoring element, using the natural anatomy of the operator's hand to hold the prosthesis in position during implantation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex anchoring structures integrated into the prosthesis.
2Ease of operation
If complex anchoring structures are used, then the prosthesis can be stabilized, but the implantation procedure becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring function is extracted from the prosthesis design and transferred to the operator's thumb, simplifying the implantation procedure by eliminating complex anchoring structures and reducing the steps required for secure positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of anchoring from a structural feature of the prosthesis to a functional feature of the operator's hand, fundamentally altering how the device is held and positioned during implantation.
3Reliability
If the auricle is closed from the inside using complex prostheses, then occlusion can be achieved, but stability and hermetic sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes complex anchoring and sealing structures from the prosthesis design, relying instead on the simplicity of a flat disc shape that can be effectively held and positioned by the operator's thumb, achieving stable occlusion through anatomical positioning rather than mechanical complexity.
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 solution ensures a stable and hermetic sealing of the auricle, reducing the risk of clot formation and facilitating access for potential mitral valve interventions, while minimizing the complexity of implantation and improving the reliability of the occlusion process.
Implementation Method 1
a self-expandable hyperelastic cage prosthesis configured to occupy at least a substantial part of the atrium resting against the inner surface of the atrium and provided with an end obturator suitable to be retained, i.e. urged, frontally against the auricle, plugging it, by the elastic thrust exerted by said cage
Data Source
AI summary
Left atrial auricle occluder designed to be implanted into a left atrium through a transcatheter route includes a self-expandable hyperelastic cage configured to rest against an inner surface of the left atrium and is provided with an end obturator suitable to be retained frontally against a rim of an auricle, plugging it, by an elastic thrust exerted by the cage.