LAA Balloon Occlusion Structure for Stable, Low-Trauma Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occlusion devices for the left atrial appendage (LAA) face challenges due to its complex, irregular shape and high pulsatile pressure, leading to migration and complications such as bleeding and poor apposition, with embolic coils and barbed devices presenting additional issues.
Innovation Solution
A balloon or expandable occlusive structure with a proximal barrier and dual-port mechanism for inflation and adhesive delivery, combined with magnetic attraction or permeable layers, to securely anchor and occlude the LAA.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embolic coils are used to occlude the LAA, then the device can fill the target space, but the coils tend to migrate due to the odd shape of the LAA, wide ostium, high pulsation pressure, and proximity to the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible occlusion device that can conform to the irregular shape of the LAA, adapting to its complex geometry and pulsatile movements. This flexibility allows the device to maintain stable positioning without migrating, unlike rigid embolic coils
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion device is designed with a curved or shaped configuration that matches the natural curvature and geometry of the LAA cavity. This geometric adaptation ensures proper apposition against the LAA walls, preventing migration while maintaining effective occlusion
2Stability of the object's composition
If barbs are added to anchor the occlusive device, then migration is resisted, but the barbs can puncture the vessel wall and cause bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high pulsation pressure that causes migration into a beneficial anchoring mechanism. The device is designed to be pushed against the LAA wall by the pulsatile blood flow, using the pressure itself to maintain stable positioning without requiring invasive barbs
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion device utilizes the body's own physiological forces (pulsatile blood pressure) to achieve stable positioning. The device passively anchors itself through the natural cardiac cycle, eliminating the need for active anchoring structures that could cause tissue damage
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the occlusive device foregoes anchors, then bleeding complications are avoided, but the device suffers from poor apposition relative to the LAA due to high pulsatile forces and odd shape
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a flexible membrane or shell structure that can dynamically adapt to the LAA's irregular shape and pulsatile movements. This flexibility maintains continuous apposition against the LAA wall throughout the cardiac cycle, achieving stable occlusion without anchors
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion device is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to move and deform with the LAA during cardiac pulsation. This dynamic adaptation ensures continuous contact and stable positioning without requiring static anchoring structures
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 device effectively occludes the LAA by conforming to its geometry, preventing blood flow and clot formation while minimizing migration and tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The permeable layer is porous and allows adhesive or other bonding material delivered through the balloon to permeate to the surface, thereby aiding in binding the balloon to the target treatment site
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic device utilizing a magnet of a second, opposite polarity is tracked to a region adjacent to the LAA, and the attraction between the magnets binds the implant to the wall of the LAA, thereby aiding in retaining the implant to the LAA
Data Source
AI summary
An occlusion device with particular utility in occlusion of left atrial appendages is described. The occlusion device embodiments utilize an inflatable balloon or expandable element used to occlude the treatment site.