LAA Inversion Catheter with Vacuum Snare for Secure Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for closing the left atrial appendage are prone to incomplete closure, dislodgement, and blood clot formation, which increases the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system comprising a vacuum tube and a snare, which is slidably disposed within the catheter's lumen, is used to invert and securely close the left atrial appendage by engaging the tissue with a suction flange and a snare that can lock in a closed position, along with an outer scaffold and occluder membrane to anchor and occlude the appendage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If percutaneous and intravascular approaches are used for LAA closure, then the procedure can be performed minimally invasively, but the systems are subject to incomplete LAA closure, dislodgement of the device, and blood clot formation on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a delivery catheter for minimally invasive access, an expandable frame for structural support and anchoring, and a separate occluding element (such as a plug or membrane) for sealing the LAA. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and closure completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary anchoring of the expandable frame within the LAA before deploying the occluding element. This preliminary action ensures stable positioning and prevents dislodgement, creating a secure foundation for the subsequent closure step and ensuring complete sealing of the appendage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing LAA closure devices are deployed, then stroke risk reduction is attempted, but the devices may dislodge or form blood clots on the device surface
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes the natural blood flow and pressure within the LAA to its advantage. The expandable frame is designed to anchor into the LAA wall using the inherent hemodynamic forces, converting the potentially harmful blood flow into a stabilizing mechanism that secures the device in place and prevents dislodgement.
Solution Approach 2:
The occluding element is constructed from flexible, biocompatible materials such as thin-film membranes or pliable polymers that conform to the LAA orifice geometry. This flexibility allows the material to adapt to the native tissue, creating a seamless interface that minimizes blood clot formation while maintaining effective closure and reducing stroke risk.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the left atrial appendage is inverted and closed, then emboli formation and stroke risk are reduced, but the procedure requires precise tissue engagement and secure anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable frame is designed with a curved or spheroidal geometry that mirrors the natural shape of the LAA. This curvature enables the device to engage the tissue along a distributed arc rather than at discrete points, providing stable anchoring through continuous contact and reducing the complexity of achieving precise tissue engagement during deployment.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of emboli formation and stroke by ensuring complete closure of the left atrial appendage, promoting fibrosis, and preventing blood clots from entering the cerebral circulation.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum source is operable to generate a vacuum within the first lumen of the vacuum tube to facilitate engagement of the target site using the distal end of the vacuum tube
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for inverting and closing a left atrial appendage. Certain methods include the steps of inverting a distal portion of a left atrial appendage and constraining the inverted portion using at least a snare device configured to be fit around the inverted portion of the left atrial appendage and closed, so that the inverted portion is securely circumscribed and closed. Devices and systems related to such methods are also described and include a catheter system comprising a vacuum tube and a snare slidably disposed within a catheter.