Left Atrial Appendage Closure Assembly for Secure Distal Tine Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for closing the left atrial appendage (LAA) have limitations, necessitating the development of alternative designs and manufacturing methods to effectively prevent thrombi from forming and entering the bloodstream, thereby reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
Innovation Solution
A left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device featuring an expandable frame with tines secured by a connection assembly, utilizing a ring member and connection member with engagement recesses and various engagement mechanisms such as threaded, mechanical, or snap-fit engagements, to securely entrap the tines and limit their movement, thereby ensuring effective closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional LAAC devices are used to close the left atrial appendage, then thrombi prevention is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing limitations persist
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments including a delivery catheter, expandable frame with tines, connection assembly with separate ring member and connection member, and securing mechanisms. Each segment performs a specific function during deployment and operation, allowing for modular manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall device reliability for thrombi prevention.
2Reliability
If existing LAAC device designs are employed, then LAA closure is achieved, but manufacturing flexibility and alternative methods are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates multiple engagement mechanisms between the ring member and connection member including threaded engagement, mechanical engagement with protrusions and recesses, and snap-fit engagement. These different engagement parameter options allow manufacturers to select appropriate manufacturing methods and assembly techniques while maintaining reliable LAA closure functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the connection assembly secures multiple tines firmly, then structural stability is improved, but the difficulty of assembling and deploying the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tines are pre-formed with engagement portions during manufacturing, and the ring member and connection member are designed with predetermined engagement features. During deployment, the connection assembly automatically secures the tines through pre-configured mechanical interactions, reducing the complexity of real-time assembly operations while maintaining stable tine securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tines and the expandable frame. It provides a standardized interface with engagement portions that simplify the coupling process, allowing tines to be securely attached through routine deployment actions rather than complex manual assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A left atrial appendage closure device includes an expandable frame that extends between a proximal region and a distal region, with the distal region including a plurality of tines each having an engagement portion. A connection assembly secures the engagement portion of each of the plurality of tines together. The connection assembly includes a connection member having an outer surface and a ring member that is advanced over the outer surface of the connection member, the ring member including an inner annular surface and a plurality of engagement recesses extending from the inner annular surface, each of the plurality of engagement recesses accommodating the engagement portion of a corresponding one of the plurality of tines. The engagement portion of each of the plurality of tines are entrapped between the ring member and the connection member, thereby securing the plurality of distal tines.