Neurovascular Catheter Agitator Tip Clot Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for acute ischemic stroke, such as thrombolytic drugs and mechanical thrombectomy devices, have limitations including time constraints, increased risk of hemorrhage, and contraindications, necessitating the development of new methods for effectively removing embolic material from intravascular sites.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongate, flexible tubular body with a rotatable core wire and agitator tip, designed for mechanical and aspiration assistance, allows for the removal of embolic material by advancing through tortuous vasculature and applying vacuum to draw material into the lumen, with features like helical threads and tapered designs to enhance clot engagement and aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thrombolytic drugs are used to treat acute ischemic stroke, then clot dissolution is achieved, but the risk of hemorrhage increases and time constraints are imposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the clot removal function from chemical thrombolytic agents and implements it through a mechanical device. The catheter system physically removes embolic material through aspiration and mechanical disruption, eliminating the need for thrombolytic drugs and their associated hemorrhage risks while maintaining effective clot removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical mechanism of thrombolytic drug action with a mechanical system consisting of a catheter, agitator tip, and aspiration apparatus. This mechanical substitution allows for direct physical removal of clots through disruption and suction, bypassing the biochemical pathways that cause hemorrhagic complications
2Reliability
If mechanical thrombectomy devices are used, then clot removal is achieved, but device complexity and procedural difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thrombectomy function into distinct components: a catheter body for navigation, an agitator tip for clot disruption, and an aspiration system for removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity and ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system integrates multiple functions into a single device: navigation through vasculature, mechanical disruption of clots via rotation, and aspiration of debris. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, reducing overall complexity while maintaining effectiveness
3Productivity
If existing treatments are used, then some patients are treated, but many patients have contraindications that prevent treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the treatment option from pharmacological agents with strict contraindications and replaces it with a mechanical approach that has fewer restrictions. The mechanical thrombectomy device can be applied to patients who would otherwise be ineligible for thrombolytic therapy, expanding the treatable population
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of treatment from chemical to mechanical, thereby altering the contraindication profile. Mechanical disruption and aspiration do not carry the same bleeding risks as thrombolytic drugs, making the treatment applicable to patients with conditions that would contraindicate pharmacological therapy
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 navigates tortuous vasculature and enhances clot removal efficiency, potentially overcoming the limitations of existing treatments by providing a more versatile and safer method for addressing vasculature occlusions.
Implementation Method 1
an agitator tip on the distal end of the core wire... rotating a tip within the lumen... to provide an aspiration flow path around the outside of the tip
Implementation Method 2
applying vacuum to the lumen and rotating the tip to draw material into the lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A neurovascular catheter having an atraumatic navigational tip is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongate flexible tubular body, a distal zone of the tubular body comprising: a tubular inner liner; a helical coil surrounding the inner liner and having a distal end, a tubular jacket surrounding the helical coil, and extending distally beyond the helical coil distal end to terminate in a catheter distal face, and a tubular radiopaque marker embedded in the tubular jacket. The catheter distal face comprises a first section that resides on a first plane which crosses a longitudinal axis of the tubular body at a first angle within the range of from about 35 degrees to about 55 degrees, and a second section that resides on a second plane which crosses the longitudinal axis of the tubular body at a second angle within the range from about 55 degrees to about 90 degrees.