Clot Retrieval Shaft Extension for Tortuous Vessel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clot removal systems face challenges in navigating tortuous vasculature, maintaining control over the retrieval device during catheter removal, and accommodating varying clot morphologies and sizes, particularly in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A clot retrieval device with an extendable shaft and adaptable catheter system allows for controlled retraction of microcatheters while retaining device control, using shaft extensions and tactile features for navigation, and enabling aspiration through larger lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a microcatheter is used to deliver the clot retrieval device to navigate tortuous vasculature, then access to difficult arch configurations and tortuous vessels is improved, but control over the retrieval device is lost when the microcatheter is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested catheter system where an inner microcatheter is contained within an outer sheath. The microcatheter delivers the retrieval device through tortuous vasculature, then the outer sheath is advanced over the microcatheter to provide a stable rail for device control during retrieval. This nesting approach allows the microcatheter to serve its delivery function while the outer sheath maintains control during the retrieval phase.
2Productivity
If aspiration is performed through the microcatheter lumen, then clot removal capability is improved, but the lumen size is insufficient for optimal aspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aspiration function into two components: the microcatheter provides initial access and can perform limited aspiration through its smaller lumen, while the outer sheath provides a larger lumen for enhanced aspiration capability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function according to its size constraints, with the larger sheath lumen providing the primary aspiration pathway for efficient clot removal.
3Ease of operation
If the clot retrieval device shaft is made short for ease of manipulation, then device handling is improved, but the shaft cannot extend sufficiently through tortuous vessels to reach the clot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic shaft length solution where the outer sheath can be extended or advanced beyond the microcatheter tip as needed. The sheath acts as an extendable extension that provides additional length when navigating tortuous vessels or reaching distal clots, while retracted to a manageable length when not needed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt shaft length to the specific procedural requirements without compromising ease of manipulation.
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
Facilitates safe and efficient retrieval of clots by maintaining device control during catheter removal, minimizing vessel damage, and optimizing lumen size for aspiration, thereby enhancing procedural flexibility and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
subsequent advancement of a second catheter having a lumen to enable enhanced aspiration adjacent to the clot retrieval element
Data Source
AI summary
A clot retrieval device comprising an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a clot retrieval element at the distal end of the elongate shaft. A proximal end of the elongate shaft configured to retract a first catheter over the elongate shaft. The shaft extension member comprising one or more raised profiles configured to interfere with one or more indentations along the elongate shaft such that the shaft extension member is configured to extend between a first length and an intermediate length. A second catheter is advanced to or adjacent to the distal end of the clot retrieval device shaft to enable enhanced aspiration adjacent to the clot retrieval element.