Whisk-Like Clot Removal System for Single-Procedure Recanalization

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stroke intervention devices are limited in their ability to effectively recanalize blood vessels after a first attempt, often requiring multiple methods and tools to remove clots, which wastes time and reduces efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A versatile clot removal system with a whisk-like structure that can be deployed in multiple configurations, including partially constrained, clot trapping, and enmeshed, allowing for maceration, trapping, or enmeshing of clots without the need to withdraw and re-insert tools, enhancing the chances of successful recanalization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single fixed-function thrombectomy device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the effectiveness of recanalization is limited and multiple attempts are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecanalization effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a deployable cage structure that can transition between a compressed delivery state and an expanded engagement state. The cage can be deployed in multiple configurations (partially constrained, fully expanded, rotated) to adapt to different clot characteristics and vessel anatomy, enabling a single device to perform multiple thrombectomy functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thrombectomy device is designed with a universal cage structure that can engage clots through multiple mechanisms including mechanical interlocking, suction aspiration, and balloon occlusion. This multi-functional design allows the same device to handle various clot types and locations without requiring multiple specialized tools, thereby improving recanalization effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple different tools and methods are used to remove clots, then the completeness of clot removal is improved, but the procedure time increases and time is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal completenessVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with pre-configured engagement mechanisms and a ready-to-deploy cage structure that can be prepared and positioned before reaching the clot. The guiding catheter and microcatheter are pre-positioned to facilitate immediate engagement, and the cage can be rapidly deployed in multiple configurations without requiring tool exchanges or repositioning operations during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines multiple thrombectomy functions (mechanical retrieval, suction aspiration, balloon occlusion) into a single integrated system. The cage structure serves multiple purposes: it provides a framework for clot engagement, acts as a scaffold for aspiration catheters, and enables coordinated action with balloons and wires. This merging of functions eliminates the need to withdraw and re-insert multiple separate tools, significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining complete clot removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple attempts with different devices are made, then the success rate of recanalization is improved, but the number of device exchanges increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecanalization success rateVSAvoiddevice exchange frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a deployable cage structure that can transition between a compressed delivery state and an expanded engagement state. The cage can be deployed in multiple configurations (partially constrained, fully expanded, rotated) to adapt to different clot characteristics and vessel anatomy, enabling a single device to perform multiple thrombectomy functions effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The thrombectomy device is designed with a universal cage structure that can engage clots through multiple mechanisms including mechanical interlocking, suction aspiration, and balloon occlusion. This multi-functional design allows the same device to handle various clot types and locations without requiring multiple specialized tools, thereby improving recanalization effectiveness while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250228583A1Clot and foreign body removal system and methods for use

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 LOH YINCE

AI summary

A highly versatile removal system for thrombus and foreign body removal, which is capable of many possible configurations, some of which are a partially constrained configuration; 2) a clot trapping, or “en bloc”, configuration or 3) an enmeshed configuration.