LAA Closure Clip Couplers for Reliable Jaw Compression

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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 a first and second jaw with a spring mechanism to compress the LAA, coupled with an expansion apparatus for deployment and control, effectively reducing blood flow and clot passage by securing the LAA.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a clip system is used to close the LAA, then the risk of stroke is reduced by preventing clot passage, but the device complexity increases due to the need for coupling mechanisms with expansion apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestroke risk reductionVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clip system is divided into separate functional components: the clip body with jaws for LAA compression, and a separate expansion apparatus for deployment. The coupler enables controlled connection between these segments, allowing the clip to be deployed only when needed while maintaining simplicity in each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler acts as an intermediary mechanism between the clip and the expansion apparatus. This intermediate component provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process, enabling reliable coupling without requiring complex integrated designs. The coupler allows for easy attachment and detachment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the clip jaws are designed to compress the LAA effectively, then closure reliability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure reliabilityVSAvoidjaw compression precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clip jaws are designed with specific geometric parameters and material properties that enable effective compression of the LAA. By optimizing parameters such as jaw shape, compression force distribution, and material elasticity, the system achieves reliable closure without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances. The design allows for controlled deformation during deployment while maintaining consistency across production batches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 clip system minimizes the risk of stroke by securely closing the LAA, preventing clot formation and undesired material passage into the bloodstream.

Implementation Method 1

A clip system comprising a first and second jaw with a spring mechanism to compress the LAA

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS20260047836A1Clips with couplers for left atrial appendage closure

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP

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.