Left Atrial Appendage Occluder With Radial Strut Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for occluding the left atrial appendage have limitations, necessitating the development of alternative systems and methods for effectively occluding this region to prevent thrombi formation and reduce the risk of stroke in atrial fibrillation patients.
Innovation Solution
A medical implant with an expandable framework that shifts radially between configurations, featuring strut groups and an occlusive element, allowing for precise deployment and anchoring within the left atrial appendage to occlude it, utilizing a catheter-based delivery system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the expandable framework is deployed to occlude the left atrial appendage, then the occlusion effectiveness is improved, but the tissue damage during deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework transitions from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded deployed configuration, dynamically adapting its shape and size. The struts are configured to move from a low-profile state during delivery to a expanded state that engages with the left atrial appendage wall, improving occlusion while controlling tissue interaction through controlled deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The framework utilizes changes in radial dimension and structural configuration during deployment. The struts transition between different spatial arrangements, changing the physical parameters of the device from a compact deliverable form to an expanded occlusive form, achieving effective occlusion while managing tissue engagement
2Adaptability or versatility
If the framework struts are configured to shift radially between positions, then the adaptability to different anatomical structures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is divided into multiple discrete struts (first strut, second strut, third strut) that can independently shift radially. This segmentation allows each strut to adapt to local anatomical variations while maintaining overall structural integrity, achieving anatomical adaptability through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The struts are configured to nest within each other or alongside each other in the compressed delivery configuration, then unfold and expand to the deployed configuration. This nested arrangement reduces delivery profile while enabling complex radial movement patterns for anatomical adaptation
3Area of moving object
If the first strut and second strut move laterally in opposite directions, then the radial expansion for occlusion is improved, but the force required for deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are configured with curved or angled geometries that facilitate radial expansion through mechanical leverage. The lateral movement of struts in opposite directions creates a scissoring or spreading motion that efficiently converts axial deployment force into radial expansion, reducing the force required while achieving adequate occlusion area
Data Source
AI summary
A medical implant for occluding a left atrial appendage may include an expandable framework configured to shift radially between a first configuration and a second configuration, and an occlusive element secured to the expandable framework. The framework includes a plurality of strut groups, each strut group comprising first and second joints, and first, second, and third struts. The first and second struts move laterally from a first position in the first configuration to a second position in the second configuration. The third strut is configured to shift radially from a first position in the first configuration to a second position in the second configuration. The first and second struts and a majority of the third struts of each strut group may be oriented parallel to each other in the first configuration and nonparallel to each other in the second configuration.