LAA Closure via Tissue Anchor Pulling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LAA closure devices face challenges such as significant learning curves for physicians, device-related embolization, erosion into tissue, and complications like pericardial effusion and major bleeding, with a need for effective closure without metal, minimal invasion, and reduced recovery time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the insertion of a locating wire across the atrial septum into the LAA chamber to implant tissue anchors, which are then pulled together to resize or close the LAA chamber, potentially using a space-filling material to prevent escape and secure the closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If percutaneous LAA occlusion devices with metal cages are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but device-related embolization and erosion into tissue occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the metal cage structure from the LAA closure device, extracting only the necessary functional elements (disc and sutures) to achieve closure without the harmful metal components that cause embolization and tissue erosion
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a composite structure combining a flexible disc with absorbable sutures, creating a biocompatible assembly that achieves closure without metal while maintaining reliability
2Object-generated harmful factors
If LARIAT suture delivery device is used, then LAA closure is achieved with minimal metal, but access-related complications including pericardial effusion and major bleeding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a delivery catheter as an intermediary device that enables percutaneous access and deployment without requiring trans-septal puncture or pericardial access, thereby avoiding the harmful access-related complications while maintaining minimal metal usage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical trans-septal access system with a percutaneous delivery system that uses a catheter-based approach, substituting the harmful mechanical access method with a less invasive alternative
3Reliability
If surgical suturing or stapling techniques are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but tissue tearing and intrathoracic bleeding occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses absorbable sutures that dissolve after serving their purpose of closing the LAA, eliminating the need for permanent foreign bodies and reducing long-term harmful effects while maintaining effective closure during the healing period
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the closure system by using a flexible disc with distributed suture attachment points instead of concentrated suturing or stapling forces, reducing tissue stress and preventing tissue tearing and bleeding
4Reliability
If existing LAA closure devices are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but significant learning curve for physicians exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the LAA closure procedure into distinct, manageable steps: delivery catheter insertion, disc deployment, suture attachment, and knot tying. This segmentation simplifies the overall procedure and reduces the learning curve by making each step independent and learnable
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings provide methods for resizing, reducing, and/or closing an atrial appendage. A delivery catheter is percutaneously advanced to the atrial appendage. At least two tissue anchors are implanted in tissue of the heart. Both tissue anchors are pulled together so that the atrial appendage is resized, reduced, and/or closed. This closure method and system could be used alone in closing the atrial appendage. This closure method and system could also be used in addition to other treatment mechanisms.