Cannula System for Minimally Invasive Clot Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing blood clots and other undesirable materials from medium to large blood vessels and heart chambers are limited by fragmentation issues and excessive blood loss, with existing catheter-based treatments being inefficient and invasive surgical options being highly invasive.
Innovation Solution
A system using a cannula with a distal end designed to capture undesirable materials en bloc, accompanied by a pump for suction and a separate cannula for continuous reinfusion of filtered fluid, minimizing fragmentation and fluid loss, and incorporating a filter device to ensure debris-free reinfusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If catheter-based methods are used to remove blood clots from medium to large blood vessels, then the procedure is less invasive, but fragmentation of clots occurs and blood loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the clot removal process into distinct functional segments: a suction catheter for clot aspiration, a separate reinfusion catheter for fluid return, and an integrated filter device. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without causing fragmentation or excessive blood loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter device acts as an intermediary component between the suction and reinfusion pathways. It captures debris and fragmented clot material while allowing filtered blood to pass through to the reinfusion catheter, preventing fragment dissemination while maintaining the minimally invasive approach.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing catheter-based treatments are used, then the procedure is minimally invasive, but treatment effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple functions into an integrated platform: clot aspiration, fluid reinfusion, and debris filtration all occur through a single catheter system. This multi-functionality maintains minimally invasive access while significantly improving treatment effectiveness through coordinated action of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous simultaneous operation of suction and reinfusion pathways. As the suction catheter removes clots, the reinfusion catheter continuously returns filtered blood to the patient, maintaining continuous therapeutic action without interruption or need for repeated procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If larger catheters are used to remove clots en bloc, then fragmentation is reduced, but blood loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the clot capture function (suction catheter with larger lumen) from the blood return function (separate reinfusion catheter). This segmentation allows the suction catheter to be sized for effective clot removal while the reinfusion catheter handles the returned blood, and the filter device captures any excess debris, resolving the trade-off between clot integrity and blood loss.
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 effective, minimally invasive removal of blood clots and other materials from medium to large vessels and heart chambers without significant fragmentation and excessive blood loss, providing a safer alternative to existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a pump, in fluid communication with the proximal end of the first cannula, so as to provide a sufficient suction force for removing the undesirable material from the site of interest
Implementation Method 2
a filter device positioned in fluid communication with the first cannula, which filter device acts to capture the undesirable material and remove it from the fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
a second cannula in fluid communication with the pump, so that fluid removed from the site of interest by the first cannula can be directed along the second cannula and reinfused through a distal end of the second cannula
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing an undesirable material is provided. The method includes maneuvering a first cannula within a vessel such that it is positioned for capturing the undesirable material. The method also includes positioning a second cannula within the vessel such that it is in a spaced relation to the first cannula. A suction force may be provided so as to capture the undesirable material through the first cannula. The undesirable material may be fragmenting as it is drawn along the first cannula, so as to enhance removal of the undesirable material through the first cannula. A system for removing an undesirable material is also provided.