Inflatable Atrial Appendage Occlusion via Fluid Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atrial appendage occlusion apparatuses are prone to tissue damage and excessive blood loss, require larger incisions for deployment, and often contain complex mechanical components like springs, which can hinder deployment and increase manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable atrial appendage occlusion apparatus with a self-sealing valve and support members that apply compression pressure to occlude the atrial appendage, allowing for deployment through smaller incisions and reducing the risk of tissue damage, featuring a design that is atraumatic and simpler in structure, utilizing materials like thermoplastic elastomers and bio-absorbable polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional occlusion apparatus are used, then occlusion of atrial appendage is achieved, but tissue damage and excessive blood loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical compression systems with an inflatable balloon system that uses fluid pressure to occlude the atrial appendage. This substitution reduces mechanical trauma to tissues while maintaining effective occlusion, as the inflated balloon applies distributed pressure without sharp edges or rigid components that could tear tissue or cause excessive bleeding.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion apparatus employs a flexible inflatable balloon that conforms to the shape of the atrial appendage. This flexible shell design allows the device to adapt to the anatomical structure, applying uniform compression without creating stress concentration points that would lead to tissue damage or hemorrhage, thereby improving safety while maintaining occlusion reliability.
2Reliability
If conventional occlusion apparatus are used, then occlusion is achieved, but larger incisions are required for deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion apparatus is designed in a nested configuration where the inflatable balloon and delivery catheter are contained within each other in a collapsed state. This nesting allows the device to be delivered through a small catheter that can pass through a minimal incision, then deployed inside the atrial appendage where it expands to achieve effective occlusion without requiring a large surgical opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a one-dimensional collapsed state during delivery to a three-dimensional expanded state during occlusion. This dimensional transformation allows the apparatus to be delivered through a narrow catheter path requiring only a small incision, then expand within the target anatomy to provide effective occlusion, eliminating the need for larger surgical incisions.
3Reliability
If conventional occlusion apparatus with springs and mechanical components are used, then occlusion is achieved, but deployment is hindered and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes complex mechanical components such as springs, shape memory alloys, and multi-part actuation mechanisms from the occlusion apparatus. By extracting these complicated elements and replacing them with a simple inflatable balloon system controlled by fluid injection, the device achieves reliable occlusion with minimal components, simplifying both deployment procedures and manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion apparatus uses pneumatic/hydraulic inflation through a catheter to deploy the balloon and achieve occlusion. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical spring systems or shape memory alloy actuators, replacing them with a simple fluid pressure system that is easier to manufacture, deploy, and control, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective occlusion.
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 apparatus effectively occludes the atrial appendage with minimal tissue damage, reduces the risk of blood loss, and simplifies deployment and manufacturing, offering a more efficient and less invasive solution compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable body defining a compression region that is sized and shaped to receive the atrial appendage
Implementation Method 2
applying a compression pressure to the exterior surface of the atrial appendage with an inflatable apparatus
Implementation Method 3
a self-sealing valve associated with the inflatable body
Data Source
AI summary
An atrial appendage occlusion apparatus including an inflatable body defining a compression region that is sized and shaped to receive an atrial appendage and a self-sealing valve associated with the inflatable body.