Cerebral Vasculature Device with Embedded Polymer Braid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for removing thrombus from the cerebral vasculature face challenges in minimizing crossing profile, compatibility with microcatheters, and preventing distal migration of particulate, particularly in the delicate and tortuous neurovasculature.
Innovation Solution
A cerebral vasculature device featuring a continuous braided structure with a proximal, distal, and expandable portion, embedded polymer, and a core wire with an atraumatic component, designed to minimize crossing profile and prevent distal migration, allowing for effective thrombus removal through a microcatheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanically expanded devices with multiple components are used for thrombus removal, then thrombus removal capability is improved, but crossing profile increases making them incompatible with microcatheters
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the expandable braid is contained within a delivery catheter during insertion, and the core wire is positioned within the braid structure. This nesting allows the device to pass through microcatheters with small lumens while maintaining the capability for effective thrombus removal when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a delivery catheter for minimally invasive insertion, an expandable braid structure for thrombus engagement, and a core wire for structural support and actuation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving both small crossing profile and effective thrombus removal
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed wire assemblies with collars are used to manage wire ends, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity and crossing profile increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates the core wire directly into the braid structure without requiring separate collars or complex assembly mechanisms. The core wire serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support, enabling device actuation, and maintaining stability within the braid, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving structural integrity
3Ease of manufacture
If a single helically shaped wire is used to minimize device complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ability to prevent distal migration of particulate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different structural qualities to different regions: a single helical wire provides flexibility and ease of manufacture in the delivery section, while an expandable braid structure provides particulate containment and reliability in the deployment section. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function
4Ease of operation
If physician preferred microcatheters with flexible distal ends are used for access, then ease of operation is improved, but ability to hold shaped wire straight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a flexible delivery state to a rigid deployed state. During delivery, the compressed braid and flexible catheter allow easy navigation through tortuous vasculature. Upon deployment, the expanded braid structure provides rigidity to hold the shaped wire straight, enabling effective thrombus removal while maintaining ease of operation during access
Data Source
AI summary
Novel cerebral vasculature devices are disclosed, including thrombectomy removal devices that include a continuous braided structure, a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a first expandable portion located between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The braided structure includes a plurality of wires. The proximal portion and the distal portion include polymer imbedded at least partially into the braided structure. The device is useful for removing thrombus from a patient's vasculature.