Left Atrial Appendage Clip With Spring-Loaded Compression Jaws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, lead to reduced blood flow and increased clot formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA), posing a risk of embolization and stroke.
Innovation Solution
A clip system comprising jaws connected by a spring, deployable via an expansion apparatus, to compress and close the LAA, reducing blood flow and clot passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip is used to close the LAA, then the risk of stroke is reduced by minimizing blood flow and clot passage, but the structural complexity of the device increases due to the need for jaws, spring, and expansion apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into separate functional components: first jaw, second jaw, spring mechanism, and elongate couplers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip components are nested within the expansion apparatus during delivery, with the compressed clip fitting inside the catheter-based deployment system. This nested configuration enables minimally invasive delivery while maintaining device functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the clip compresses the LAA to reduce blood flow, then clot formation and embolization risk are reduced, but the force required for compression increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded during manufacturing to automatically generate the necessary compression force when the jaws are released. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous external force application while maintaining effective LAA compression.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded functional state, with the spring dynamically adjusting to provide optimal compression force. The elongate couplers allow for dynamic engagement with the expansion apparatus during deployment.
3Ease of operation
If the clip is deployed via an expansion apparatus, then the procedure becomes minimally invasive, but the device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is pre-compressed and configured within the expansion apparatus before reaching the target site. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment at the LAA without requiring complex manipulation during the procedure, reducing overall procedural time.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion apparatus serves as an intermediary delivery system, allowing the clip to be transported through catheters and deployed precisely at the LAA site. This mediator enables minimally invasive access while simplifying the actual clipping operation.
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
Effectively reduces the risk of stroke by minimizing blood flow and clot passage through the LAA, enhancing cardiac efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to force the first jaw and the second jaw together to compress the portion of the heart with the first jaw and the second jaw
Data Source
AI summary
A clip may be configured to close the portion of the heart, to reduce blood flow therethrough as well as passage of clots or other undesired materials. The clip may be configured to close the left atrial appendage (LAA). The closure of the LAA may reduce the possibility of stroke or other maladies stemming from fluid flow with the LAA.