Clot Retrieval Structure With Expandable Engaging Members

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clot removal devices fail to capture clots in their entirety, promote clot fragmentation, and cause endothelial denudation due to high friction with the vessel wall, increasing the risk of stroke.

Innovation Solution

An obstruction removal device with a proximal axial core structure, distal bumper structure, and engaging members, including self-collapsible and self-expandable features, designed to minimize friction and capture clots effectively while limiting endothelial denudation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If devices are designed to hold and capture clots for physical removal, then clot removal capability is improved, but clot fragmentation is promoted allowing thrombi to dislodge and accumulate at another site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot capture capabilityVSAvoidclot fragmentation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates multiple engaging members distributed along its length, with each member capable of independently engaging with different portions of the clot. This segmentation allows the clot to be captured and held without applying concentrated forces that would cause fragmentation, as each engaging member gently grasps its target area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging members are designed with specific geometric parameters including curved engagement surfaces and controlled spacing between members. These parameter optimizations allow the device to apply distributed mechanical forces that secure the clot while minimizing stress concentration points that would cause fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If devices are designed to maximize mechanical capture of clot, then clot removal effectiveness is improved, but endothelial denudation occurs due to high friction between device and vessel wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot capture effectivenessVSAvoidendothelial denudation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging members feature curved and rounded engagement surfaces rather than sharp or flat surfaces. This curvature distributes contact forces over a larger area of the vessel wall, reducing stress concentration and preventing endothelial denudation while maintaining effective clot engagement through the curved geometry's natural conforming action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The engaging members are constructed with flexible materials that can adapt to the vessel wall contour. This flexibility allows the device to conform to the vascular anatomy, reducing friction and mechanical stress on the endothelium while maintaining effective contact with the clot for secure capture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If devices use rigid structures to ensure stable clot engagement, then engagement reliability is improved, but friction with vessel wall increases causing endothelial damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement stabilityVSAvoidvessel wall friction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The engaging members are designed with dynamic characteristics including flexibility and rotational capability. This dynamic design allows the members to adapt their orientation and contact points based on vessel wall contours, maintaining stable engagement with the clot while reducing friction through natural movement and adjustment rather than rigid resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12594086B2Obstruction removal system

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 MICROVENTION INC

AI summary

An obstruction removal device is described, having one or more engaging members which can engage portions of the clot. The one or more engaging members have a collapsed, delivery state, and an expanded, deployed state.