Left Atrial Appendage (LAA) Occlusion | MIT Micro-Gel Implant Animation

Ghost Medical created a 3D animation for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that walks through the lifecycle of a novel shear-thinning micro-gel implant designed to occlude the left atrial appendage (LAA).

Mechanism of Action: From Flowable Gel to Autologous Tissue Cap

The animation showcases a trans-septal catheter navigating into the left-atrial appendage, the sequence shows blue, radiopaque micro-gels flowing from the catheter into a collagen “sock,” their rheology shifting from liquid-like under shear to a jammed, solid scaffold that perfectly conforms to the appendage’s complex contours; the middle segment highlights the fully filled, shape-locked plug and the translucent collagen casing that seals the ostium; finally, the animation advances in simulated time to reveal native endocardial tissue sprouting across and eventually enveloping the porous scaffold, visually underscoring how the device biointegrates and leaves behind a soft autologous cap.

Clinical Significance of LAA Occlusion

The shear-thinning micro-gel implant is designed to permanently seal the left-atrial appendage (LAA), the thumb-shaped cul-de-sac in the heart where 90 % of stroke-causing clots form in people with non-valvular atrial fibrillation. By injecting a flowable alginate micro-gel into a thin collagen “sock,” the system creates a custom-shaped, soft scaffold that conforms to any LAA anatomy, then jams into a solid plug and invites native tissue to overgrow it. This approach eliminates the shape-mismatch, peri-device leaks, metal-frame erosion, and chronic device thrombus risks that plague today’s one-size-fits-few nitinol plugs and it removes the need for lifelong anticoagulant drugs. 

Patient and Physician Benefits

Primary beneficiaries are AFib patients who cannot tolerate blood thinners or are excluded from current catheter devices; secondary beneficiaries include interventional cardiologists (simpler, single-device procedure with standard trans-septal access).

Educational Value

The animation combines molecular rheology with cardiac intervention visuals to educate clinicians and innovators. Ghost Medical specializes in creating engaging and educational content. From medical animations to interactive software, Ghost ensures your medical marketing strategy is both impactful and successful. Partner with us to elevate your marketing efforts and achieve better patient and healthcare provider engagement and satisfaction. Contact Ghost Medical today to learn how we can help you showcase your healthcare services and medical devices effectively.