Left Atrial Appendage Occluder With Laser-Cut Anchors

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing left atrial appendage occluders have issues with poor fitting properties, limited anchor number, and structural strength, leading to instability and potential damage during implantation, as well as limited reusability due to anchor deformation and poor fixation.

Innovation Solution

A left atrial appendage occluder with a plugging column woven from elastic metal wire or wire and sheet, featuring multiple anchors formed by flattening and laser-cutting, allowing for improved fitting and structural strength, and designed for repeated use by maintaining anchor functionality during deployment and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a cage structure with sparse anchors is used, then the device can be manufactured with fewer components, but the fitting property between the occluder and the left atrial appendage inner wall deteriorates, affecting stability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of anchorsVSAvoidfitting property and stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The occluder is divided into a cage structure and multiple independent anchors. The cage provides structural support while the anchors independently engage with the left atrial appendage inner wall. This segmentation allows the anchors to be distributed more effectively along the occluder length, improving fitting property without excessive increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchors extend radially outward from the cage structure in a perpendicular dimension, creating a three-dimensional anchoring configuration. This dimensional extension allows multiple anchors to be positioned along the inner wall surface, enhancing the fitting property and stability without increasing the axial or radial dimensions of the occluder itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the number of anchors is increased to improve fitting property, then stability improves, but the structural strength of the occluder deteriorates due to excessive anchors weakening the cage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefitting propertyVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the anchoring function from the structural support function, the cage can maintain its structural integrity while the anchors provide the necessary fitting property. The cage remains a discrete structural element, and the anchors are separate components that engage with the tissue, preventing the cage itself from being weakened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchors are strategically positioned at specific locations along the cage structure where local engagement with the left atrial appendage inner wall is most effective. This localized anchoring provides maximum fitting property with minimum number of anchors, preserving the overall structural strength of the cage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If anchors are made hard to ensure strong attachment, then fixation strength improves, but the ability to repeatedly push and pull the occluder deteriorates due to anchor deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidreusability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anchors are designed with specific material parameters and geometric configurations that allow them to withstand repeated deformation cycles. The anchor material and structure are optimized to maintain elasticity and recoverability, enabling the occluder to be pushed and pulled multiple times without permanent deformation or loss of attachment function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 occluder achieves enhanced stability and structural integrity, allowing for secure attachment and repeated use without causing damage, while ensuring effective occlusion of the left atrial appendage.

Implementation Method 1

a plugging column (11) and anchors (12) located on the plugging column (11), wherein the plugging column (11) is woven from an elastic metal wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the anchors are made by partially flattening and then cutting the elastic metal wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS11191546B2Left atrial appendage occluder and fabricating method therefor

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 SHANGHAI PUSH MEDICAL DEVICE TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A left atrial appendage occluder and a fabricating method thereof are provided. The left atrial appendage occluder includes a plugging column and a anchor located on the plugging column, wherein the plugging column is woven from an elastic metal wire, or woven from an elastic metal wire and an elastic metal sheet, the anchor is made by partially flattening and then cutting the elastic metal wire, or the anchor is made by cutting the elastic metal sheet. In the above-described left atrial appendage occluder, firstly, the anchor is formed on the elastic metal wire and/or the elastic metal sheet, and then the elastic metal wire and/or the elastic metal sheet with the anchor are/is co-woven with other elastic metal wire to form the plugging column of the left atrial appendage occluder. Therefore, the amount of the anchor is not limited, and a plurality of anchors can be provided.