Adjustable Valve Y-Connector for Thrombectomy Aspiration Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aspiration catheters for thrombectomy procedures lack precise flow control and have cumbersome locking mechanisms, leading to delays and potential blockages due to the design of traditional clamps and switches, which can cause issues during vascular clot removal.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an adjustable valve within a hemostasis valve Y-connector that connects to the aspiration catheter and vacuum tube, allowing for continuous or multi-step adjustment of the flow rate, enabling precise control and one-handed operation, reducing the risk of blockages and improving ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamp (roller clamp or pinch clamp) is used to control flow, then flow control is achieved, but precision is poor and unlocking/locking is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from the complex clamp mechanism and implements it through a simple adjustable valve with a single control element. The valve body is removed from the distal end of the catheter, separating the flow control function from the catheter structure, allowing for precise control without the complexity of traditional clamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic adjustable valve that can be continuously positioned along the catheter shaft, allowing real-time flow rate adjustment. The valve transitions from a static clamp design to a dynamic system where the operator can precisely control the degree of occlusion, providing smooth and precise flow control.
2Ease of operation
If a flow control switch with silicone tube is used, then flow control is achieved, but the tube can be pinched to close and has ledges that cause blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flow control switch and silicone tube from the distal end of the catheter, extracting the problematic components that cause blockages. The flow control function is maintained through a valve body that does not create ledges or narrow passages where clots could accumulate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality changes by creating a smooth, ledge-free valve body structure at the critical flow control location. The valve is designed with uniform diameter and smooth surfaces to prevent clot accumulation, while maintaining effective flow control capability.
3Measurement precision
If an adjustable valve is integrated into the hemostasis valve Y-connector, then precise flow control is achieved, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the adjustable valve with the hemostasis valve Y-connector, making the valve serve multiple functions: flow control, hemostasis, and Y-connector functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, maintaining precision while managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the adjustable valve structure with the hemostasis valve Y-connector assembly, combining multiple functions into a single integrated unit. The valve body is positioned within or attached to the Y-connector, allowing flow control to be adjusted without adding separate complex components.
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 adjustable valve provides precise control over suction flow rates, reducing blood loss and facilitating efficient clot removal by allowing continuous adjustment from zero to maximum flow rates, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the complexity of flow control during thrombectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustable valve includes a valve lumen; and a control mechanism configured to adjustably occlude the valve lumen to adjust the flow rate of fluid drawn by the associated aspiration pump
Implementation Method 2
suction is applied to draw out the clot. The applied vacuum is controlled to preferentially remove the clot material while minimizing blood loss
Data Source
AI summary
A thrombectomy device (10) includes a hemostasis valve Y connector (12) including a distal end (14) configured to rotatably connect with an associated aspiration catheter (2); and a Y connector (16) connecting the distal end with a first branch (18) terminating in a hemostasis valve (20) and a second branch (22) configured to connect with an associated vacuum tube (4) of an associated aspiration pump (8). An adjustable valve (26) is integrated into the hemostasis valve Y connector or configured to connect in-line with the associated vacuum tube. The adjustable valve is configured to adjust a flow rate of fluid drawn by the associated aspiration pump and having a closed position with zero flow rate, a maximum open position with a maximum flow rate, and at least one intermediate position with a flow rate intermediate between zero flow rate and the maximum flow rate.