Percutaneous LAA Occlusion Device with Segmented Self-Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular occlusion devices for conditions like atrial fibrillation-induced blood clots in the left atrial appendage lack flexibility, retention, and thrombogenicity, necessitating improved solutions for effective and rapid occlusion.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a first portion outside the LAA and a second portion partially within, featuring a transition segment for flexibility, hooks for engagement, and occluding material layers, designed for rapid deployment and occlusion through a catheter, utilizing materials like Nitinol for self-expansion and thrombosis facilitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If balloon-like devices are implanted completely within the LAA cavity, then occlusion of the LAA is achieved, but flexibility and retention are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is divided into multiple segments including a first portion with occlusion plane positioned outside the LAA, a second portion with occlusion plane positioned within the LAA cavity, and a transition segment coupling them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform specific functions: the first portion provides anchoring and flexibility, while the second portion provides retention and occlusion, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and retention.
2Reliability
If surgical techniques are used to invert and close the LAA cavity, then occlusion is achieved, but the procedure becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes self-expanding memory alloy materials that automatically expand to their predetermined configuration upon deployment, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or inversion techniques. The device self-anchors through its specific geometric configuration and self-adjusts to achieve optimal occlusion, significantly simplifying the procedure while maintaining high effectiveness.
3Productivity
If conventional occlusion devices are used, then vessel occlusion is achieved, but thrombogenicity is insufficient for rapid occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs composite materials including memory alloy strands (such as Nitinol) combined with thrombogenic materials. The memory alloy provides structural integrity and self-expanding capability, while the thrombogenic materials promote rapid blood clot formation. This composite construction enables both rapid occlusion through enhanced thrombogenicity and reliable long-term occlusion through the mechanical stability of the memory alloy framework.
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 device provides rapid occlusion of the LAA in less than 10 minutes, reduces complications, and enhances thrombogenicity, allowing for easier maneuverability and positioning with lower tissue injury risk, while eliminating the need for additional occlusion techniques.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials like Nitinol for self-expansion
Implementation Method 2
a transition segment coupling the first portion and the second portion and configured to provide flexibility therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved vascular occlusion device for occlusion of a passageway, cavity, or the like. According to one embodiment, a medical device for occluding a left atrial appendage is provided. The medical device includes a first portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be positioned outside of the left atrial appendage, and a second portion having at least one plane of occlusion that is configured to be at least partially positioned within a cavity defined by the left atrial appendage.