Interwoven Occluder Hook Design for Stable Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing left atrial appendage occluders face issues with inadequate endothelialization, thrombus formation, and detachment due to non-degradable materials, and combining degradable materials with smaller volumes of non-degradable materials for support is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A hook is integrated into the occluder through its own structure without sutures, using a positioning body with first and second positioning portions to stabilize the occluder, formed by interweaving wires and bending to create hook portions at specific angles for secure fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If degradable materials are used to make the occluder, then the chronic problems such as occluder detachment, inadequate endothelialization, device-related thrombi, and wear on surrounding tissues are reduced, but the support and memory properties become poor, making the occluder prone to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder is constructed by interweaving degradable absorption-resistant polymer threads with non-degradable memory alloy wires (nickel-titanium or copper-based). This composite structure combines the biocompatibility and degradation benefits of degradable materials with the superior support and memory properties of non-degradable wires, resolving the contradiction between reducing chronic problems and maintaining structural strength
2Reliability
If memory hooks with better support properties are added to prevent detachment, then the risk of occluder detachment is reduced, but the volume of non-degradable materials increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large memory hook, the invention segments the support function into multiple small memory alloy wires (0.015-0.035 inches in diameter) distributed throughout the occluder structure. These wires are interwoven with degradable threads to form a mesh pattern, providing localized support at critical points while minimizing the total volume of non-degradable material
3Strength
If memory hooks are combined with degradable occluders by sutures, then the support properties are improved, but the risk of detachment of the memory hooks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory alloy wires are permanently integrated into the occluder structure by interweaving them with degradable threads during manufacturing, forming a unified mesh structure. This eliminates the need for separate sutures to attach memory hooks, as the memory wires become an intrinsic part of the occluder framework that maintains support properties throughout the device's lifetime
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a hook and an occluder. The hook is used for being fixed to the occluder. The occluder is formed by interweaving a first-direction line and a second-direction line. The hook includes a positioning body and hook portions. The positioning body is provided with first and second positioning portions. The first and second positioning portions are configured to limit the hook to the first-direction line and the second-direction line, respectively, or to simultaneously limit, in different directions of force, the hook in an axial direction to the first-direction line/the second-direction line. The hook portion is formed by bending the positioning body. An included angle α is formed between a projection of the hook portion on the positioning body and an axis of the positioning body, and the included angle α is in a range of greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.