Expandable Left Atrial Appendage Implant for Secure Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for occluding the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation are inadequate in providing a secure and effective seal, leading to potential thrombi formation and downstream complications such as stroke or heart attack.
Innovation Solution
An expandable framework with a first and second framework portion, configured to shift between collapsed and expanded configurations, featuring interconnected struts and anchoring members to securely anchor within the left atrial appendage, enhancing sealing and occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lattice structure with braided layers is used to occlude the left atrial appendage, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is divided into multiple discrete struts (first plurality and second plurality) that are interconnected to form the framework structure. These struts can be independently positioned and anchored, allowing for segmented deployment and adjustment to achieve effective occlusion while managing device complexity through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The collapsible configuration allows the framework struts to be nested within each other during delivery, with the first and second plurality of struts arranged in a compact, space-efficient manner within the delivery catheter. Upon deployment, the struts expand outward to form the occlusive structure, transitioning from a compressed nested state to an expanded functional state
2Reliability
If anchoring members are added to the framework, then anchoring security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring members are integrated directly into the framework structure, with struts serving dual functions as both structural support elements and anchoring components. The interconnection between struts and anchoring members creates a unified structure that provides secure anchoring without requiring separate, independent anchoring devices
Solution Approach 2:
Anchoring members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the framework struts where they can engage with the left atrial appendage tissue. The anchoring function is localized to specific regions of the device rather than distributed uniformly, optimizing anchoring security at critical interface points while maintaining overall structural integrity
3Ease of operation
If the framework is made expandable between collapsed and expanded configurations, then delivery ease is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is designed with dynamic characteristics, transitioning from a collapsed low-profile configuration during delivery to an expanded functional configuration upon deployment. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt its shape and size according to the procedural requirements, facilitating easy delivery through the catheter while providing the necessary structural complexity for effective occlusion when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The framework structure employs asymmetric design elements in the arrangement and configuration of struts, allowing for optimized collapse and expansion mechanics. The asymmetric positioning of struts and connection points enables controlled deformation during deployment while maintaining structural integrity, reducing the complexity of symmetric mechanisms that would be required for balanced expansion
Data Source
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AI summary
An implant for occluding a left atrial appendage may include an expandable framework including a first framework portion and a second framework portion, wherein the expandable framework is configured to shift along a longitudinal axis between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The second framework portion may be disposed radially inward of the first framework portion in the collapsed configuration. The expandable framework includes a proximal hub and a distal hub. The first framework portion may be fixedly attached to the proximal hub and the distal hub. The second framework portion may be fixedly attached to the proximal hub and the distal hub.