LAA Exclusion Beam Clip for Minimally Invasive Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LAA occlusion clips are large, obstruct surgical views, and difficult to use in minimally invasive surgeries, necessitating improvements in construction and operation for enhanced usability and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The development of an exclusion device with a first and second beam, coupled by a U-shaped spring, featuring crimp connections and stress reduction features, allowing for a smaller profile and easier deployment, including a biocompatible fabric cover to promote tissue ingrowth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger LAA occlusion clips are used to ensure secure occlusion, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but surgical visibility deteriorates due to obstruction of the surgeon's view
Solution Approach 1:
The exclusion device is divided into two separate beams (first beam and second beam) that can be positioned on opposite sides of the LAA orifice. This segmentation allows the device to achieve secure occlusion through the combined action of both beams while each individual beam maintains a smaller profile that does not obstruct the surgeon's view.
2Reliability
If larger LAA occlusion clips are used to ensure secure occlusion, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in minimally invasive approaches
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into two smaller beams connected by a spring mechanism, allowing each beam to be delivered through minimally invasive access points. The modular design with the spring connector enables the device to be assembled or positioned in a minimally invasive manner while achieving the secure occlusion of a larger device.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism allows the first and second beams to be positioned in close proximity or nested configuration during delivery, reducing the overall profile for minimally invasive access. Once deployed, the spring expands to position the beams on opposite sides of the LAA orifice, achieving secure occlusion.
3Ease of operation
If smaller profile exclusion devices are used to improve surgical visibility and minimally invasive usability, then ease of operation is improved, but occlusion effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded or pre-configured to exert a closing force on the beams. This preliminary action ensures that once the beams are positioned on the LAA orifice, the spring automatically applies the necessary clamping force to achieve secure occlusion, eliminating the need for additional actuation or larger device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically exerting the closing force needed to secure the occlusion. The elastic potential energy stored in the spring configuration provides the necessary clamping force without requiring external actuation, power sources, or complex control mechanisms, thereby maintaining occlusion effectiveness with a smaller device profile.
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 effective occlusion of the LAA with reduced surgical interference, facilitating minimally invasive procedures and promoting tissue integration, thereby reducing stroke risk and improving surgical visibility.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring operatively coupled to the first beam and the second beam to exert a closing force on the first beam and the second beam and bias the first beam and the second beam in a closing direction
Implementation Method 2
The first crimp connection may include a plastically deformed portion of the at least one spring engaged with a plastically deformed portion of the first beam
Data Source
AI summary
Exclusion devices for anatomical structures, and related instruments and related methods, are disclosed. An exclusion device for an anatomical structure may include a first beam, a second beam, and/or at least one spring operatively coupled to the first beam and the second beam to exert a closing force on the first beam and the second beam and bias the first beam and the second beam in a closing direction. The spring may be operatively coupled to the first beam by a crimp connection.