Self-Expanding Clot Retrieval Assembly for Smaller Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical thrombectomy devices face challenges in effectively embedding and retrieving clots into catheters, particularly with smaller catheters, due to clot fragmentation and shear forces, especially with friable and organized fibrin-rich clots, and require improvements in clot engagement, retention, and minimization of clot compression.
Innovation Solution
A self-expanding intravascular medical device with a dual structure assembly, comprising a 2-cell outer cage and a single cell wave-shape component, optimized strut geometry, and distal fragment protection, designed to enhance clot embedding, minimize fragmentation, and facilitate retrieval through smaller catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical thrombectomy device is used to capture the clot, then the clot can be physically removed from the vessel, but the device causes clot fragmentation and compression especially with friable and organized fibrin-rich clots
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple struts arranged in a grid pattern, where each strut acts as an independent engagement element. This segmentation allows the device to gently grasp the clot without applying concentrated compressive forces that cause fragmentation, while still maintaining overall structural integrity for effective retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts are designed with varying properties in different regions of the device. The proximal struts have different characteristics compared to distal struts, allowing optimized local engagement with the clot at different positions. This enables tailored interaction with the clot structure to minimize compression and fragmentation while maximizing retrieval efficiency.
2Reliability
If the device is designed to engage and retain clots effectively, then clot embedding is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grid pattern of struts serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the device, creates engagement points for the clot, and maintains the device's ability to be deployed through catheters. This multi-functionality achieves effective clot engagement without requiring additional specialized components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is made to minimize clot compression, then clot fragmentation is reduced, but the device may have reduced ability to stabilize the clot during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The device exhibits dynamic behavior during the thrombectomy process. The struts are designed to flex and adapt during clot engagement and retrieval, allowing the device to stabilize the clot through controlled deformation rather than rigid compression. This dynamic response minimizes fragmentation while maintaining sufficient stabilization during retrieval through the catheter.
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
The device improves clot retrieval efficiency by minimizing compression and fragmentation, stabilizing clots during retrieval, and allowing full retrieval into smaller catheters, enhancing the overall performance of thrombectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a self-expanding outer cage component (e.g., a stent or mechanical thrombectomy device) that is expandable from a compressed state to an enlarged state
Data Source
AI summary
A self-expanding intravascular medical device including a multi-component assembly with a self-expanding outer cage component comprising a plurality of struts; and a single cell wave-shape component disposed within the self-expanding outer cage component forming a channel therein. The proximal end of the single cell wave-shape component is connected to the self-expanding outer cage component at a proximal joint.