Pressure Sensor Occlusion Detection in Left Atrial Appendage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting occlusion in cardiac cavities, such as the left atrial appendage, often rely on contrast fluid, which poses risks like allergic reactions and is not ideal for percutaneous procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a medical device with a delivery catheter, pressure sensors, and a processor to detect occlusions by measuring pressure changes within a target cavity, allowing for occlusion detection without contrast fluid, and including an occluder and anchor mechanism for positioning and securing the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contrast fluid is used to detect occlusion, then occlusion detection capability is improved, but patient safety deteriorates due to allergic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the contrast fluid from the occlusion detection process, replacing it with pressure sensor-based detection. The pressure sensor system measures pressure changes within the left atrial appendage to detect occlusion status, completely eliminating the need for contrast fluid injection and its associated allergic reaction risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical contrast fluid injection system with an electronic pressure sensing system. Instead of injecting contrast material and observing its flow, the system uses pressure sensors to detect pressure changes that indicate occlusion, substituting a potentially harmful mechanical-chemical process with a safer electronic measurement approach.
2Ease of operation
If percutaneous delivery system is used, then invasiveness is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested delivery system where the medical device is contained within a delivery catheter, which is itself contained within a delivery sheath. The occluder device, pressure sensors, and anchoring mechanisms are all nested within the delivery system, allowing percutaneous insertion through blood vessels while maintaining complex functional capabilities. This nested structure enables minimally invasive delivery of sophisticated devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the medical device into separate functional modules: an occluder portion for closing the appendage, an anchor portion for securing the device, and pressure sensors for detection. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, positioned, and activated, reducing the overall complexity of the delivery procedure while maintaining full functionality.
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
Enables safe and effective occlusion detection in cardiac cavities, reducing the risk of allergic reactions and providing a less invasive approach compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the target cavity while blood is suctioned from inside the target cavity
Implementation Method 2
while blood is suctioned from inside the target cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A system, device and method for left atrial appendage occlusion detection is disclosed. The system for occlusion detection comprises a sheath; a delivery system comprising: a delivery catheter extending between a proximal end and a distal end; and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the delivery catheter; a medical tool coupled to a distal end of the delivery catheter at a target location within a portion of an organ of a patient, the medical device comprising a hub including a bore defining an axis, an occluder portion coupled to the hub and an anchor portion extending between a first end and a second end; at least one pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the target cavity while blood is suctioned form inside the left atrial appendage; and at least one processor configured to process the pressure measurement acquired from the at least one pressure sensor.