Aspiration Catheter Pressure Control for Clot Removal and Blood Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombectomy systems face challenges in controlling blood loss and optimizing clot removal during aspiration procedures, particularly when the catheter tip falls out of contact with the thrombus, leading to excessive blood loss and premature termination of the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum aspiration control system with a sensing unit and controller that monitors fluid flow through the aspiration catheter, automatically adjusting aspiration modes based on flow state to minimize blood loss and enhance clot removal, including unrestricted, restricted, and clogged flow detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous aspiration is applied to remove clot, then clot removal efficiency is improved, but blood loss increases excessively when catheter tip falls out of contact with thrombus
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors flow characteristics through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust aspiration status. When the catheter tip falls out of contact with thrombus, the flow pattern changes (from restricted to unrestricted), triggering the controller to close the valve and stop aspiration, thereby preventing excessive blood loss while maintaining efficient clot removal when contact is established
Solution Approach 2:
The aspiration system transitions from a static continuous aspiration mode to a dynamic controlled mode where the aspiration status automatically changes based on real-time flow conditions. The valve opens and closes dynamically in response to detected flow states, optimizing the balance between clot removal efficiency and blood loss prevention
2Loss of substance
If manual monitoring and control of aspiration is used, then blood loss can be limited, but procedure time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-control of the aspiration process. The sensing unit automatically detects flow conditions and the controller autonomously adjusts the valve status without requiring continuous manual intervention from the operator, thereby limiting blood loss while maintaining efficient procedure progression
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors flow characteristics and automatically adjusts aspiration status, replacing manual monitoring and control with an automated system that responds in real-time to changing conditions, reducing both blood loss and procedure time
3Loss of substance
If unrestricted flow is detected, then blood loss is reduced by stopping aspiration, but clot removal may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic sampling of flow conditions to determine when to interrupt aspiration. By detecting unrestricted flow patterns that indicate loss of contact with thrombus, the system strategically interrupts aspiration only when necessary, minimizing blood loss while maintaining overall clot removal productivity through resumption of aspiration when contact is re-established
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 system effectively prolongs procedures by reducing blood loss and ensuring more complete clot removal through dynamic aspiration cycling, allowing for safer and more efficient thrombectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source, and a connecting tube linear in an unconstrained configuration and flexible along its length. The proximal end of the connecting tube is connected to the vacuum source
Implementation Method 2
a flow sensor positioned at a spaced-apart location relative to the aspiration catheter. The controller characterizes the state of a catheter's contents as unrestricted flow, restricted flow, or clogged, based on pressure sensor readings
Implementation Method 3
The valve opens and closes in response to detected flow conditions. The controller closes the valve if the flow sensor detects unrestricted flow
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic aspiration system includes a vacuum source, an aspiration catheter, a connecting tube, controllable valves to control a level of pressure in the aspiration catheter or the connecting tube, pressure sensors to detect pressure readings, and a controller capable of utilizing an artificial neural network (ANN) trained to predict flow state classifications. The controller may receive pressure readings from the sensors, provide the pressure readings as input data for the ANN, classify, via the ANN, a current flow state in the aspiration catheter or the connecting tube based on outputs generated by the ANN, and operate the controllable valves based on the classification of the current flow state. The controller operates the controllable valves in a first pressure protocol if the classification by the ANN is restricted or obstructed, and operates the controllable valves in a second pressure protocol if the classification by the ANN is unrestricted.