Ring Occluder for Left Atrial Appendage Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for occluding the left atrial appendage to prevent embolic stroke, such as surgical removal and pharmacological therapies, are invasive, carry risks of bleeding and thrombosis, and have limitations in efficacy and patient tolerance.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a ring or clip occluder and applicator that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage, using a ring spreader assembly and actuator to apply the occluder, which can include pharmacological agents and biocompatible materials for tissue engagement and integration, allowing for minimally invasive occlusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical removal of the left atrial appendage is performed, then the risk of embolic stroke is reduced, but the procedure is very invasive and results in significant bleeding and loss of atrial hormones

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of embolic strokeVSAvoidinvasiveness and bleeding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the harmful function of the left atrial appendage (thrombus formation) while preserving the beneficial tissue and hormone production. The occlusion device isolates the appendage chamber from blood flow, removing the thrombogenic risk without requiring surgical removal of the tissue itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The occlusion device acts as an intermediary barrier between the left atrial appendage and the bloodstream. This mediator prevents direct contact between blood and the appendage interior, eliminating thrombus formation risk while allowing the appendage tissue to remain intact and functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If pharmacological therapies such as oral anticoagulants are administered, then stroke prevention is achieved, but patients experience side effects including bleeding and lifestyle compromises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestroke preventionVSAvoidbleeding and lifestyle compromises

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the need for lifelong pharmacological intervention by providing a mechanical solution that physically prevents thrombus formation. The occlusion device eliminates the requirement for continuous anticoagulant therapy, thereby removing associated bleeding risks and lifestyle restrictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If biomaterials are introduced into the left atrial appendage, then occlusion is achieved, but the biomaterials eventually break down resulting in clot formation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion effectivenessVSAvoiddurability of occlusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The occlusion device is designed to be self-sustaining and self-securing. The tissue engagement features allow the device to anchor itself into the appendage wall, creating a permanent occlusion that does not rely on degradable biomaterials. The device structure maintains its occlusive function indefinitely without requiring replacement or adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If endoscopic or percutaneous approaches are used to occlude the left atrial appendage, then invasiveness is reduced, but the procedures have inherent limitations in efficacy and durability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinvasivenessVSAvoidocclusion efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex endoscopic or percutaneous mechanical delivery systems with a simpler direct application approach. The occlusion device can be applied through minimally invasive means without requiring complex delivery mechanisms, combining the benefits of low invasiveness with reliable occlusion efficacy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8663245B2Device for occlusion of a left atrial appendage

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 MEDTRONIC INC

AI summary

The invention provides a system for occluding a left atrial appendage of a patient. The system can include a ring occluder that can be positioned around the left atrial appendage and a ring applicator to position the ring occluder with respect to the left atrial appendage. The system can also provide a tissue-grasping tool that is separable from the ring applicator tool.