LAAC Mechanical Joining Assembly for Secure Tine Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) have limitations and an ongoing need for alternative designs and manufacturing methods to effectively prevent thrombi from forming and escaping into the bloodstream, which can lead to stroke or heart attack.
Innovation Solution
A left atrial appendage closure device with a distal plate, expandable frame, and connection assembly that includes a first and second annular connection plate, with tines having engagement ends that are secured in place using complementary shapes and mechanical locks, preventing movement and ensuring secure attachment within the left atrial appendage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tines are secured to the distal plate using traditional methods, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of tine attachment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: engagement regions on the distal plate, corresponding engagement ends on the tines, and a connection element that links them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement ends of the tines are positioned within engagement regions on the distal plate, creating a nested configuration. The connection element then connects these nested components, ensuring that the tines are securely attached to the distal plate through a hierarchical assembly structure.
2Reliability
If the connection assembly is made more complex to prevent orthogonal movement, then the reliability improves, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement regions and engagement ends are designed with complementary geometries that automatically constrain movement in both the plane and orthogonal directions when assembled. The structure self-constrains the tines without requiring additional active control mechanisms, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The design addresses movement constraints in three-dimensional space by creating engagement features that restrict motion in multiple directions simultaneously. The engagement regions on the distal plate prevent in-plane movement, while the connection element prevents orthogonal movement, collectively constraining all degrees of freedom through a unified three-dimensional geometry.
3Reliability
If traditional closure devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the effectiveness in preventing thrombi escape is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The distal plate serves multiple functions: it provides a structural base for the device, contains engagement regions for securing tines, and acts as a sealing surface against the left atrial appendage. This multi-functionality improves thrombi prevention effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tines are pre-configured with engagement ends that are designed to mate with engagement regions on the distal plate. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the device is deployed, the tines automatically secure to the distal plate in the correct orientation, improving the reliability of thrombi containment while simplifying the deployment process.
Data Source
AI summary
A left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) device includes a distal plate having a central aperture and a plurality of tine engagement regions that are circumferentially disposed about a periphery of the distal plate. An expandable frame extends between a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region includes a plurality of tines that each include an engagement end that is adapted to engage a corresponding one of the plurality of tine engagement regions such that the tines are prevented from moving within a plane extending through and parallel with the distal plate. A connection assembly is adapted to prevent the engagement ends of each of the tines from moving orthogonally to the plane extending through the distal plate.