Biocyl Plaque Extractor Emulsification Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plaque removal devices, such as atherectomy catheters, often cut, perforate, tear, and stretch blood vessel walls, causing inflammation and blocking blood flow, and they can increase blood pressure during operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a catheter and a plaque extractor guide that includes a cylindrical shape with crescent and circular channels, a cutting auger, and a scoop, allowing for independent rotation and axial movement to shave and scoop plaque without cutting the vessel wall, emulsifying it into small particles while maintaining blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If atherectomy catheters are used to mechanically remove plaque, then plaque removal effectiveness is improved, but vessel wall damage (cutting, perforating, tearing, stretching) occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cutting system with an emulsification system that uses high-speed rotation to break down plaque into small particles through mechanical shearing forces, eliminating the need for sharp cutting edges that damage vessel walls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using extremely high rotation speeds (5000-50,000 RPM) of the emulsifier element to create intense mechanical energy that emulsifies plaque without mechanical contact with the vessel wall, transforming the removal mechanism from cutting to particle breakdown
2Productivity
If atherectomy catheters operate at high speeds to remove plaque, then plaque removal efficiency is improved, but temperature increase causes damage to vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid delivery system that acts as an intermediary to cool the emulsifier element and surrounding tissue during high-speed operation, dissipating heat before it can cause thermal damage to the vessel wall
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by delivering fluid through the catheter system to provide continuous cooling during the high-speed emulsification process, managing thermal energy through fluid flow and heat exchange
3Productivity
If atherectomy catheters block arterial blood flow during plaque removal, then complete plaque access is achieved, but blood pressure increases posing danger to patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the catheter structure into multiple channels: one pathway allows the emulsifier element to access and treat plaque while separate pathways maintain blood flow, preventing complete occlusion and associated pressure increases
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial occlusion rather than complete blockage, allowing sufficient blood flow to maintain normal pressure while still enabling effective plaque emulsification through the emulsifier element
4Productivity
If atherectomy catheters cut and stretch vessel walls to remove plaque, then plaque removal is achieved, but scar formation and inflammation occur blocking future flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical cutting and stretching with a non-contact emulsification process that breaks down plaque into particles without mechanical trauma to the vessel wall, eliminating scar formation and inflammation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful mechanical cutting action into a beneficial emulsification process where high-speed rotation creates shearing forces that break down plaque without damaging the vessel wall, transforming a potentially harmful mechanism into a safe and effective one
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 device effectively removes plaque without cutting or permanently stretching the vessel walls, maintaining blood flow and reducing blood pressure, thereby minimizing inflammation and scarring.
Implementation Method 1
a cutting auger contained with the second channel of the plaque extractor guide, wherein the cutting auger comprises a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end of the cutting auger is substantially aligned with the distal opening of the catheter; at least two occlusive material cutting edges on a distal end of the cutting auger extending outwardly from the distal opening of the second channel of the plaque extractor guide
Implementation Method 2
wherein the plaque extractor guide rotates around its center axis, and the cutting auger and catheter rotate in an eccentric rotation and move axially in an eccentric path within the vessel
Implementation Method 3
wherein the slot and the scoop of the plaque extractor guide shaves and scoops the occlusive material located outside the eccentric path of the eccentrically rotating cutter into the side cutting edges of the cutting auger for emulsification into reduced particles
Data Source
AI summary
An improved plaque extractor for shaving, scooping, cutting, and emulsifying accumulated plaque from blood vessels into fine particles, and removing the particles from blood vessel walls without cutting or permanently stretching the walls, and without substantially blocking the blood flow through the vessel during plaque removal operation. The plaque extractor includes an extractor guide and an internal auger, in which both are rotating and moving axially inside the vessel to engage the occlusive material. The operation of the device does not substantially disrupt blood pressure within the blood vessel.