LAA Ablation Catheter With Occlusive Implant Position Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with atrial fibrillation experiences stagnant blood pooling, leading to thrombi formation, which can break loose and cause stroke or heart attack, and existing medical devices for closing off the LAA face challenges in maintaining position and preventing thrombi entry into the bloodstream.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based ablation and implant system with expandable members and electrodes delivers energy to ablate the LAA and deploys an occlusive implant to close off the ostium, using direct current energy and potentially saline or pharmacological agents to facilitate endothelialization, ensuring secure attachment and thrombus prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an occlusive implant is deployed to close off the LAA ostium, then thrombus formation is reduced, but the device may dislodge or fail to maintain proper position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing ablation of the LAA tissue before deploying the occlusive implant. This creates a sealed-off cavity that prevents thrombus formation and provides a stable environment for implant positioning. The ablation is performed in advance to prepare the tissue structure, ensuring that when the implant is deployed, it maintains proper position without dislodgment.
2Reliability
If existing medical devices are used to close off the LAA, then thrombus entry into bloodstream is reduced, but the devices face challenges in secure attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two functions into a single integrated system: ablation capability and occlusive implant deployment. The catheter system combines the ablation module with the implant delivery mechanism, allowing the ablation to create a sealed cavity that enhances attachment strength while simultaneously providing thrombus prevention. This merging ensures secure attachment through the combined effect of tissue sealing and mechanical anchoring.
3Reliability
If the LAA is ablated and closed off, then thrombus formation is reduced, but the procedure requires complex multi-functional device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single catheter system that performs multiple functions: navigation to the LAA, ablation of the tissue, delivery of the occlusive implant, and sealing of the cavity. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate procedures and devices, reducing overall procedural complexity while maintaining high reliability in thrombus prevention through the integrated approach.
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 system effectively reduces thrombus formation by ablating the LAA and securing an occlusive implant, minimizing the risk of thrombi entering the bloodstream and reducing the risk of stroke.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of one or more electrodes arranged within the first expandable member and configured to deliver energy to the tissue region
Implementation Method 2
delivering a direct current energy to the tissue region through the one or more electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An example medical system for ablating and occluding the left atrial appendage is disclosed. The example system includes a catheter sized and shaped for vascular access and including an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A first expandable member may be positioned near the distal end of the elongate body and have a first region configured to permeate a liquid therethrough. A first set of one or more electrodes may be arranged within the first expandable member and may be configured to deliver energy to the tissue region. An occlusive implant may be releasably secured to the distal end of the elongate body.