Segmented LAA Occluder with Detachable Covering Portion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LAA occluders face challenges in adapting to varying LAA anatomies, leading to issues such as residual cavities and potential damage to nearby tissues, due to their fixed designs that do not match individual anatomical variations.

Innovation Solution

A flexible LAA occluder design featuring a plugging portion, connecting portion, and covering portion, which can be used independently or in combination, with adjustable structures and anchoring members to accommodate different anatomies, ensuring effective occlusion and minimizing tissue damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-design LAA occluder is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying LAA anatomies leading to residual cavities and tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to LAA anatomiesVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LAA occluder is divided into multiple detachable segments including a plugging portion, connecting portion, and covering portion. Each segment can be independently configured and connected to match the specific anatomy of the LAA, allowing customization without requiring a completely different device design for each anatomical variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable structures that can be modified during the procedure. The detachable connection between segments allows the device to be dynamically adapted to fit different LAA anatomies, transforming from a static fixed-design device to a dynamic customizable one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a plug-like occluder is used, then the device structure is simple, but it leaves residual cavities near the LAA opening where thrombus can form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethrombus preventionVSAvoidoccluder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges a plugging portion designed to occlude the LAA opening with a covering portion that extends to seal residual cavities near the opening. By combining these two functional elements in a single integrated device with detachable connections, it achieves comprehensive thrombus prevention without requiring multiple separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a double-disc occluder with cover disc is used, then the device can be repeatedly retracted and released, but the cover disc may impact nearby tissues such as mitral valves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretraction and release capabilityVSAvoidtissue damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs different structural configurations for different portions: the plugging portion is designed with tissue-grasping anchoring members for secure placement, while the covering portion has a more compliant structure that conforms to the LAA anatomy without exerting excessive force on nearby tissues like the mitral valve, thus protecting them from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If existing LAA occluders are used, then the device design is standardized, but they do not match individual anatomical variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical matchingVSAvoiddevice configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The LAA occluder is divided into multiple detachable segments including a plugging portion, connecting portion, and covering portion. Each segment can be independently configured and connected to match the specific anatomy of the LAA, allowing customization without requiring a completely different device design for each anatomical variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable connection system allows a single standardized device to serve multiple anatomical configurations. By combining different segments in various configurations, the same basic device components can adapt to individual anatomical variations, achieving universality across different patient anatomies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

The occluder's adaptability allows for precise fitting to various LAA anatomies, preventing thrombus formation in residual cavities and reducing the risk of tissue damage, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and safety of LAA occlusion procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The first support mesh that can be transformed to have a reduced radial profile, and a second support mesh that can be transformed to have a reduced radial profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

A plurality of anchoring members for grasping LAA tissues are arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the first support mesh

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The elastic member is provided between the first limiting member and the second limiting member, with two ends respectively connected to the first limiting member and the second limiting member. The first limiting member and the second limiting member extend or retract axially or bend relatively.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4241695B1Occlusion device for left atrial appendage
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 SHANGHAI PUSH MEDICAL DEVICE TECH CO LTD
  • EP4241695B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4241695B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4241695B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a left atrial appendage (LAA) (40) occluder, and a method of application. The LAA occluder includes a plugging portion (10), a connecting portion (20), and a covering portion (30) that are connected sequentially along an axial direction, where the plugging portion (10) includes a first support mesh (11) that can be transformed to have a reduced radial profile, and a first gathering member (14); a plurality of anchoring members (13) for grasping LAA (40) tissues are arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the first support mesh (11); the first gathering member (14) is detachably connected to the connecting portion (20), such that the plugging portion (10) can be provided individually at an LAA (40); the covering portion (30) includes a second support mesh (33) that can be transformed to have a reduced radial profile, and a second gathering member (32); the second gathering member (32) is provided at an end of the second support mesh (33) away from the connecting portion (20); and an end of the first gathering member (14) away from the first support mesh (11) and an end of the second gathering member (32) away from the first support mesh (11) are respectively provided with pushing device connection positions (32-a). Through specific structures and connection relationships of the plugging portion (10), the connecting portion (20) and the covering portion (30), the LAA (40) occluder is used flexibly, and is more adaptive for various LAA (40) anatomies.