Ligature Delivery System for Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for closing the left atrial appendage in patients with atrial fibrillation are not sufficiently effective or efficient, particularly in preventing thrombo-embolic strokes and managing complications associated with atrial fibrillation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a ligature delivery system that includes a flexible hoop assembly with a trailing configuration, allowing for precise delivery and cinching of a ligature loop around the left atrial appendage during minimally invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional closure methods are used for left atrial appendage, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the effectiveness in preventing thrombo-embolic strokes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is divided into multiple functional components: a delivery catheter for navigation, an occlusion device with expandable frame for sealing, and a cinching mechanism for tightening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable stroke prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion device is nested within the delivery catheter in a compact configuration during delivery. The expandable frame is collapsed inside the catheter, allowing it to be navigated through blood vessels to the target site, then expanded in situ to perform the closure function.
2Reliability
If complex closure systems are implemented to improve stroke prevention, then reliability increases, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device features self-expanding capabilities through shape memory materials or spring-loaded mechanisms that automatically expand the frame upon deployment. The cinching mechanism automatically tightens the occlusion device against the appendage wall when released, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
A control wire or pull cord acts as an intermediary between the operator and the occlusion device, allowing precise control of deployment and cinching actions from a convenient location outside the body, simplifying the operator's task while maintaining device reliability.
3Productivity
If minimally invasive procedures are used, then patient recovery is improved, but the precision of ligature delivery becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces traditional open surgical mechanical manipulation with a catheter-based delivery system that uses navigational features, radiopaque markers, and controlled expansion mechanisms to achieve precise positioning and delivery of the occlusion device through minimally invasive access routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion device incorporates radiopaque materials that appear distinct under fluoroscopic imaging, allowing real-time visualization and precise positioning of the device during delivery. Contrast markers and imaging-compatible materials enable the operator to track the device's location and orientation with high precision through the catheter system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention encompass systems and methods for delivering ligatures to anatomical features of a patient. Exemplary ligature delivery systems for use in delivering a ligature to a left atrial appendage ligature include an elongate support mechanism having a proximal portion and a distal portion, a flexible hoop assembly, and a cinchable constriction member. The flexible hoop assembly can be coupled with the distal portion of the elongate support mechanism, and can include a support body coupled with a support frame. The support frame can be biased to hold the support body in a trailing configuration, whereby a free portion of the support body is disposed proximal to the distal portion of the elongate support mechanism. The support frame of the flexible hoop assembly can be coupled with the distal portion of the elongate support mechanism. The support body can be configured to support the cinchable constriction member and a loop of the left atrial appendage ligature.