Light-Cure Atrial Appendage Occlusion Catheter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA) are invasive and pose risks, particularly for patients who cannot undergo anticoagulation therapy due to high hemorrhage risk, necessitating a safer and more minimally invasive solution.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a tubular shaft, balloon, catheter, adhesive delivery system, and optical fiber for non-surgical occlusion of the LAA, allowing for inflation, suction, and light-assisted adhesive application to seal the appendage cavity, with optional guidewire and patch configurations for enhanced occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical methods are used to occlude the left atrial appendage, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but patient trauma and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional surgical mechanical occlusion methods with a minimally invasive catheter-based system that delivers adhesive through a catheter to occlude the LAA, substituting open surgery with a less invasive procedural approach while maintaining occlusion effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance that facilitates LAA occlusion without requiring direct surgical manipulation or implantation of mechanical occluders, allowing for simpler procedural delivery while achieving reliable closure
2Reliability
If anticoagulation therapy is used to prevent stroke, then stroke prevention is improved, but hemorrhage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for anticoagulation therapy by providing an alternative mechanical solution (LAA occlusion) that prevents stroke without requiring systemic anticoagulation, thereby eliminating the associated hemorrhage risk for eligible patients
3Manufacturing precision
If light-cure adhesive is used for LAA occlusion, then occlusion precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical or thermal adhesive delivery systems with a light-cure adhesive system activated by optical fibers, enabling precise control of adhesive setting timing and location to improve occlusion precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
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 solution provides a safe, accurate, and minimally invasive method for occluding the LAA, reducing the risk of complications and avoiding the need for surgery, while effectively preventing thrombus formation and stroke risk in high-risk patients.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical fiber disposed within at least one lumen of the catheter and configured to emit light having a range of wavelengths, wherein when light is emitted from the at least one optical fiber, the light is communicated through the at least one opening of the distal end of the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
Atrial appendage occlusion devices and methods of using the same that employ the application of light having a desired wavelength range. The devices of the present disclosure comprise a telescoping catheter assembly coupled with an adhesive delivery device and a suction source, and comprise at least one optical fiber disposed therein. The catheter assembly is configured to isolate an atrial appendage cavity, deliver suction and adhesive thereto, and, using the optical fiber(s), cure the adhesive present within the cavity all without withdrawing any components of the catheter assembly from the body. Methods for using such device in the treatment of atrial appendage occlusion are also provided.