Percutaneous Catheter-Directed LAA Occlusion With Flexible Segments
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 efficient 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, self-expansion, and hooks for engagement, made from materials like Nitinol, allowing rapid occlusion and reduced tissue injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional occlusion devices are used to occlude the LAA, then occlusion can be achieved, but the devices lack flexibility, retention, and thrombogenicity
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is divided into multiple segments including a first portion with occlusion plane, a second portion with engagement features, and a transition segment connecting them. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall device flexibility and adaptability to the LAA anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a transition segment that provides flexibility and dynamic adaptation between the first and second portions. This allows the device to conform to the varying anatomy of the LAA and maintain retention under different physiological conditions, resolving the contradiction between structural reliability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If complex surgical techniques are used to occlude the LAA, then occlusion can be achieved, but the procedure time and tissue injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes self-expanding portions that automatically expand to their functional configuration upon deployment, eliminating the need for complex manual manipulation or additional occlusion techniques. The engagement features automatically anchor the device, reducing procedure time while maintaining reliable occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with engagement features and transition segments that enable automatic anchoring and adaptation upon deployment. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid deployment without requiring time-consuming surgical manipulation, resolving the contradiction between reliable occlusion and procedure time.
3Reliability
If larger diameter devices are used for occlusion, then retention may improve, but delivery through catheters becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be nested within a delivery catheter in a compressed state, with the first portion, second portion, and transition segment arranged to fit within the catheter lumen. This nesting allows the device to be delivered through standard catheters while maintaining its full functional dimensions upon deployment for reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition segment provides dynamic flexibility that allows the device to compress into a small delivery profile within the catheter, then expand to its full functional size upon deployment. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between retention (requiring larger size) and ease of delivery (requiring smaller size).
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, minimizes complications, and reduces the need for additional occlusion techniques, with improved thrombogenicity and ease of delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a transition segment coupling the first portion and the second portion and configured to provide flexibility therebetween
Implementation Method 2
made from materials like Nitinol, allowing rapid occlusion
Implementation Method 3
The first, second, and third portions may be configured to be constrained to a smaller diameter than the expanded preset configuration for delivery to the LAA and to self expand when unconstrained
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.