Opposed-Jaw LAA Clip for External Stroke Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cardiac arrhythmias, particularly atrial fibrillation, lead to reduced blood flow and increased clot formation in the left atrial appendage (LAA), posing a risk of embolization and stroke.
Innovation Solution
A clip with opposed jaws and a spring mechanism is used to compress the LAA externally, reducing blood flow and preventing clot passage by deploying over the LAA's outer surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clip with opposed jaws and spring mechanism is used to compress the LAA externally, then blood flow through the LAA is reduced and clot passage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into two separate jaws (first jaw and second jaw) that can be deployed independently from opposite sides of the LAA. Each jaw has its own compression surface, allowing the device to enclose and compress the LAA from multiple directions simultaneously, achieving effective closure while maintaining manageable individual component complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism integrates the closing force generation and jaw actuation functions into a single unified mechanism. The spring extends over both jaws and simultaneously forces them together, combining the functions of force generation, transmission, and jaw closure into one cohesive system that reduces overall device complexity despite the multi-component structure
2Ease of operation
If the clip compresses the LAA externally over the outer surface, then the procedure becomes minimally invasive, but the compression force may be insufficient compared to internal closure methods
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism acts as a counterbalancing force generator that compensates for the mechanical disadvantage of external compression. By positioning the spring to extend over both jaws and force them together, the system generates sufficient compression force externally to match or exceed internal closure methods, eliminating the need for surgical penetration while maintaining adequate compressive pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The jaws are designed with curved compression surfaces that conform to the cylindrical/oval shape of the LAA. This curvature allows the external clip to distribute compression force evenly around the LAA circumference, maximizing the effectiveness of external compression and achieving adequate closure force without requiring excessive mechanical input
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 clip effectively reduces the risk of stroke by minimizing blood flow and clot formation in the LAA, providing a minimally invasive solution for LAA closure.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending over the outer surface of the first jaw and the outer surface of the second jaw and configured to force the first jaw and the second jaw together to compress the portion of the heart
Data Source
AI summary
A clip may be configured to close the portion of the heart, to reduce blood flow therethrough as well as passage of clots or other undesired materials. The clip may be configured to close the left atrial appendage (LAA). The closure of the LAA may reduce the possibility of stroke or other maladies stemming from fluid flow with the LAA. The clip may include a first jaw with a compression surface facing a compression surface of a second jaw.