Collapsible Clot Retrieval Device for Tortuous Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in effectively removing acute blockages from blood vessels, particularly in cerebral arteries, due to the small diameter, tortuous, and fragile nature of neurovascular vessels, as well as the strong adhesion of clots to vessel walls, which limits the delivery and effectiveness of clot retrieval devices.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an elongate member with a flexible, expandable frame and fibre segments that can be collapsed for delivery through microcatheters, allowing for navigation through tortuous vessels and effective disengagement of clots from the vessel wall without causing damage, while preventing fragmentation and facilitating retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clot retrieval devices are used, then clot removal function is provided, but the devices cannot effectively navigate tortuous neurovascular pathways due to small diameter and high tortuosity of cerebral arteries
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including a collapsible frame with multiple struts that can be folded during delivery and expanded at the target site. This segmentation allows the device to navigate tortuous pathways in collapsed state and provide full functionality when expanded, resolving the contradiction between deliverability and vessel navigation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a dynamic transition from collapsed to expanded configuration. The frame, struts, and engagement elements are designed to be flexible during delivery and rigid when expanded, enabling the device to adapt to different vessel conditions and overcome the limitation of navigating tortuous pathways while maintaining clot retrieval effectiveness.
2Strength
If force is applied to disengage firmly wedged clot from vessel wall, then clot removal is achieved, but fragile neurovascular vessels may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies force locally through multiple engagement elements (struts, wires, or hooks) that contact different portions of the clot simultaneously. This distributes the disengagement force across multiple local points rather than concentrating it at a single point, reducing the risk of vessel wall damage while achieving effective clot removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is positioned and expanded within the vessel before applying clot disengagement force. This preliminary positioning ensures that the engagement elements are properly aligned with the clot and vessel geometry, allowing for controlled force application that minimizes vessel damage while effectively breaking the bonds between the clot and vessel wall.
3Volume of moving object
If device profile is reduced for delivery through microcatheters, then access to remote vessels is improved, but force transmission to clot and reaction force feedback to user is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic transition from collapsed to expanded configuration. In the collapsed state, the frame and struts are folded to achieve a low profile for delivery through microcatheters. Upon deployment, the structure expands to provide sufficient rigidity for force transmission to the clot and for transmitting reaction forces back to the user, thus resolving the contradiction between compact deliverability and force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features nested components where the engagement elements (struts, wires, or hooks) are collapsed within the frame during delivery, similar to nested dolls. This nesting allows the device to pass through small microcatheters while maintaining the capability to expand and provide adequate force transmission and tactile feedback during clot retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
A clot capture device for restoring blood flow to a vessel occluded by a clot including a plurality of struts formed by interconnected fibers terminating in a distal end. An open proximal end includes a clot capture space larger than the distal end. The device includes an expanded deployed configuration and a retracted delivery configuration whereby the device is advanceable through a microcatheter across the clot, and the device is configured such that upon deployment the device is deployed distal to the clot and then withdrawn to remove the clot from the vessel.