Asymmetric Impeller Thrombectomy Reduces Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrombectomy devices face issues with clogging due to symmetrical mass distribution in the impeller, leading to high aspiration pressures and increased blood loss during the removal of thrombus and soft plaque.
Innovation Solution
The thrombectomy system employs a rotating impeller with a radially offset center of mass, allowing it to achieve a larger working diameter than its resting diameter, thereby reducing the need for high aspiration pressures and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If symmetrical mass distribution is used in the impeller, then the device structure is simple and balanced, but the working diameter remains limited and high aspiration pressures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally creating an uneven mass distribution in the impeller, where a dense region is positioned at a radial distance from the rotational axis. This asymmetric configuration causes the impeller to orbit around the axis during rotation, thereby achieving a larger working diameter that exceeds the static impeller diameter, while avoiding the need for complex symmetric adjustments
2Productivity
If high aspiration pressure is applied to remove thrombus particles, then thrombus removal efficiency is improved, but blood loss increases and procedural risks are elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric mass distribution creates an orbiting motion that enlarges the working diameter, allowing the impeller to engage and fragment thrombus more effectively at lower aspiration pressures. The orbital path increases the interaction area between the impeller blades and thrombus material, improving removal efficiency without requiring high pressure that would cause excessive blood loss
3Length of moving object
If symmetrical impeller design is used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but the device cannot treat larger and longer regions of thrombus effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetry by positioning a dense region at a radial distance from the rotational axis, which generates an orbiting motion during rotation. This orbital movement effectively extends the treatment region along the vessel length, as the impeller samples a larger volume of thrombus material over each rotation cycle, thereby enabling treatment of longer thrombus regions without complex manufacturing processes
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
This solution enables efficient removal of thrombus and soft plaque with lower aspiration pressures, reducing blood loss and procedural risks, while allowing treatment of larger and longer regions.
Implementation Method 1
The impeller may comprise a center of mass that is radially spaced away from the nominal axis of rotation, causing the impeller to achieve a working diameter that is greater than its resting diameter
Implementation Method 2
A thrombectomy device and method that may be used in conjunction with adjunctive devices and methods such as atherectomy and/or angioplasty
Data Source
AI summary
A thrombectomy system is provided that, in various embodiments, a rotating impeller that may be translated within limits along a guidewire and within a catheter. The rotating impeller is, during operation, either located entirely inside or outside of the distal end of the catheter's lumen or at least partially outside of the distal end of the catheter's lumen. In some cases, the impeller may be prevented from rotating if at least partially inside the catheter's lumen. The rotating impeller may achieve a working diameter that is greater than its resting diameter.