Left Atrial Appendage Twisting Implant for Secure Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional left atrial appendage closure devices face issues such as complicated sizing algorithms, migration, leakage, and fracture, leading to thrombus formation and stroke risk, requiring prolonged anticoagulation and follow-up procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system with an implant and catheter configuration that allows for precise deployment and anchoring within the left atrial appendage, utilizing rotational mechanics to twist and secure the appendage, minimizing blood exposure and reducing the risk of thrombus formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then the left atrial appendage can be closed to block emboli, but the devices suffer from migration, leakage, and fracture leading to thrombus formation and stroke risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: a delivery catheter for minimally invasive insertion, an expandable occlusion element with radial struts for secure anchoring, and a separate emboli blocking component. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall device complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion element features a curved or arc-shaped configuration with radial struts extending outward, conforming to the natural geometry of the left atrial appendage. This curved design provides better contact with the appendage walls, preventing migration and leakage while reducing stress concentrations that could lead to fracture.
2Ease of operation
If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then emboli can be blocked, but complicated sizing algorithms and prolonged anticoagulation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an expandable structure that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded occlusion state. The radial struts dynamically adjust to the appendage geometry upon deployment, eliminating the need for complex pre-procedural sizing algorithms while ensuring proper fit and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-anchoring through its expandable radial strut configuration that automatically engages with the left atrial appendage walls upon deployment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for prolonged anticoagulation therapy and complex follow-up procedures, as the device secures itself without additional intervention.
3Reliability
If conventional LAA closure devices are used, then the appendage can be occluded, but leakage around or through the implant occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion element features radial struts with varying densities and configurations in different zones. The struts are densely packed in areas prone to leakage while maintaining appropriate spacing in other regions to accommodate tissue ingrowth. This localized quality optimization prevents leakage around and through the implant while maintaining overall occlusion effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treating a left atrial appendage includes a delivery catheter and an implant having a contact member configured to engage an inside tissue surface of the left atrial appendage and to rotate in at least a first direction from a first position to at least a second position so as to twist the left atrial appendage when the contact member is engaged with an inside tissue surface of the left atrial appendage. Some arrangements of the system include a support stand for supporting the delivery catheter during a procedure. Some arrangements of the implant include a securing element configured to engage the tissue of the left atrial appendage that has twisted.