Aspiration Device Locking Mechanism for One-Handed Vacuum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aspiration devices face challenges in maintaining controlled one-handed aspiration, losing vacuum when not manually held, and experiencing flow restrictions due to standard Luer connections, which can lead to incomplete clot removal and potential re-embolization during procedures like thrombectomy.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aspiration device with a locking mechanism to maintain vacuum force during one-handed operation, combined with an unrestricted connector adapter that eliminates flow restrictions and a stopcock valve for efficient emptying and vacuum control, allowing for optimized clot aspiration and reduced risk of clot re-embolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a syringe is used for aspiration, then near full vacuum can be generated and tactile feedback is provided, but the device requires constant manual hold and is cumbersome for one-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the vacuum generation function (syringe mechanism) from the control function (locking mechanism with finger actuation), allowing one hand to operate the lock while the other maintains vacuum, enabling effective one-handed operation while preserving full vacuum capability
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the syringe plunger and the user's hand, transferring and maintaining the vacuum force without requiring constant manual pressure, thus enabling hands-free or one-handed operation while preserving full vacuum capability
2Ease of operation
If a locking syringe is used to maintain vacuum, then hands-free operation is enabled, but the device requires two hands to lock and loses tactile feedback
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with asymmetric finger actuation elements that require only one hand to operate, while the rest of the device maintains simple syringe structure, thus achieving hands-free operation without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates visual indicators (such as colored windows or markings) that show vacuum status, replacing the need for tactile feedback while maintaining simple locking operation with one hand
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard Luer connectors are used for connection, then universal compatibility is achieved, but flow restrictions occur that can cause clot catching and re-embolization
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the problematic Luer connector component from the aspiration path, replacing it with a direct smooth-bore connection that eliminates the ledge and narrowing, thus eliminating clot catching while maintaining connector compatibility through alternative coupling mechanisms
4Productivity
If a syringe is filled and needs to be emptied for further aspiration, then the syringe can be reused, but the procedure requires pausing, removing, emptying, and reattaching which loses vacuum and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a continuous aspiration capability where the syringe can be emptied and refilled without removal from the catheter, maintaining vacuum continuity and eliminating procedure pauses through integrated refill mechanisms that require only one hand
Solution Approach 2:
The aspiration device is combined with an integrated refill system and vacuum maintenance mechanism, merging the functions of aspiration, vacuum maintenance, and refilling into a single integrated unit that eliminates the need for removal and reattachment
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
Enables controlled, one-handed aspiration with maintained vacuum force, reduces the risk of clot re-embolization by eliminating flow restrictions, and facilitates efficient emptying of the aspiration device, optimizing clot removal during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
applying vacuum to the clot via a proximal port of the catheter
Implementation Method 2
A single lumen catheter is sometimes used to aspirate a clot from a cerebral vessel
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration device can be used to aspirate an obstruction from a blood vessel. The aspiration device is configured to allow controlled one-handed aspiration yet maintain a syringe plunger feel of vacuum. The aspiration device also allows one-handed injection to empty the device when needed. Furthermore, mechanisms enable one-handed locking of a plunger position of the device to maintain vacuum when the user releases the device.