Left Atrial Appendage Closure by Rotational Tissue Twisting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional LAA closure devices face issues such as complicated sizing algorithms, implant migration, leakage, fracture, and thrombus formation, necessitating prolonged anticoagulation and follow-up procedures, with a 7.2% annual incidence of device-related thrombus.

Innovation Solution

A device with a contact member that rotates and engages the LAA wall, a securing element to prevent reverse rotation, and a self-expanding mechanism to securely anchor within the LAA, ensuring effective closure and minimizing thrombus risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but device migration, leakage, and fracture occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a delivery catheter for minimally invasive insertion, an expandable frame that transitions from a compressed to expanded state for secure anchoring, and a closure element that seals the LAA. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall device reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs dynamic transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. The expandable frame dynamically adjusts its configuration to engage with the LAA anatomy, providing secure anchoring that prevents migration while accommodating physiological movements. This dynamic design enhances reliability without requiring overly complex static structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but thrombus formation occurs with 7.2% annual incidence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrombus preventionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure element utilizes a flexible membrane or thin film structure that conformally seals the LAA ostium. This flexible barrier effectively prevents thrombus formation by eliminating blood flow turbulence and stasis at the closure site, achieving thrombus prevention with a relatively simple structural design rather than complex mechanical systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but prolonged anticoagulation and follow-up procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosure effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates self-anchoring features through its expandable frame design that automatically engages with the LAA anatomy upon deployment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for prolonged anticoagulation therapy and extensive follow-up procedures, as the device secures itself without requiring additional interventions or monitoring over extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Manufacturing precision

If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then LAA closure is achieved, but device sizing is complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizingVSAvoidsizing algorithm

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a family of pre-fabricated sizes with standardized dimensions that simplify the sizing selection process. The expandable frame design allows the same base structure to accommodate varying LAA anatomies through controlled expansion, reducing the need for complex sizing algorithms while maintaining manufacturing precision for each size variant.

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 device provides secure LAA closure with reduced thrombus risk, eliminating the need for prolonged anticoagulation and follow-up procedures, and significantly lowers the incidence of device-related thrombus.

Implementation Method 1

a contact member that rotates and engages the LAA wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a self-expanding mechanism to securely anchor within the LAA

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS12514587B2Devices, systems, and methods for treating the left atrial appendage

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 LAMINAR INC

AI summary

Disclosed are embodiments of a device for occluding a left atrial appendage (LAA) and other cavities or openings within a body. Some embodiments of the device can include an implant configured to be deployed within the LAA or other cavity, configured to be expanded or moved against a wall portion of the LAA or other cavity, and configured to twist at least a portion of the LAA or other cavity when the implant is rotated. Thereafter, one or more securing elements, staples, sutures, or other fasteners can be implanted in the gathered tissue to hold the tissue in the gathered state, thereby occluding the opening of the LAA or other cavity. In some embodiments, the opening of the LAA or other cavity can be occluded by elongating or otherwise reshaping the opening using an implant device, and securing the opening in the occluded state.