Percutaneous LAA Occlusion Device With Segmented Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular occlusion devices for conditions like atrial fibrillation and left atrial appendage (LAA) lack flexibility, retention, and thrombogenicity, leading to inefficiencies and complications such as embolizations and shunts.
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, designed for rapid deployment and occlusion through a catheter, utilizing materials like Nitinol for self-expansion and thrombogenic enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional occlusion devices are used in the LAA, then the device structure is simple, but the flexibility and retention are insufficient leading to embolizations and shunts
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal flange, a body portion, and a distal flange. Each segment serves specific functions: the proximal flange engages the LAA ostium, the body portion provides radial engagement within the LAA cavity, and the distal flange anchors in the LAA tip. This segmentation allows the device to achieve reliable retention through multiple engagement points while maintaining a manageable overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion device is designed to be nested within a delivery catheter during insertion. The collapsible configuration allows the device to fit inside the catheter lumen, and upon deployment, the device expands outward from the catheter tip into its functional configuration. This nesting approach enables minimally invasive delivery while maintaining device integrity.
2Reliability
If existing occlusion devices are used, then the device can be implanted, but thrombogenicity is insufficient leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device incorporates porous materials in its structure, particularly in the body portion and flanges. These porous structures promote thrombus formation by providing a large surface area for platelet adhesion and fibrin deposition. The porosity allows blood components to interact with the device surface while maintaining structural integrity, thereby enhancing thrombogenicity and occlusion efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous delivery is used, then the procedure is less invasive, but precise positioning and visualization are more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device incorporates radiopaque markers and visualization features that allow for easy detection during fluoroscopic guidance. These markers provide clear visual contrast against the surrounding tissue and catheter, enabling precise positioning of the device within the LAA. The visualization features include radiopaque bands on the flanges and body portion, as well as potential echogenic elements for ultrasound guidance.
4Productivity
If the device is designed for rapid deployment, then occlusion is achieved in minutes, but the deployment process requires higher precision
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device employs a dynamic deployment mechanism that transitions from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded functional configuration. The device includes self-expanding features where elastic memory alloys or shape memory materials automatically expand the device upon release from the delivery catheter. This dynamic transition allows rapid deployment while maintaining precise positioning through controlled expansion forces that push the flanges against the LAA wall.
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 minutes, reduces complications, and improves thrombogenicity, allowing for easier maneuverability and positioning with lower tissue injury risk, utilizing visualization techniques for precise implantation.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing materials like Nitinol for self-expansion
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.