Current Generator for Medical Thrombectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for removing obstructions from body lumens, such as clots in cerebral vasculature, face challenges including dislodgment of clot fragments, incomplete clot retrieval, and complications due to tortuous anatomy, which can lead to secondary strokes and increased procedure duration.
Innovation Solution
The use of a treatment system that includes an interventional element and a current generator to positively charge the interventional element during thrombectomy procedures. The current generator applies direct current to the interventional element, attracting negatively charged blood components and improving clot attachment, thereby reducing the number of device passes required for complete clot retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stent is deployed into the clot to push the clot to the side of the vessel, then blood flow is re-established, but the stent may not sufficiently retain the clot during retrieval and clot fragments may dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical stent-clot interaction with an electrostatic-based retention system. A current generator applies electrical current to the stent, creating electrostatic attraction forces that enhance clot retention during retrieval through tortuous vasculature, reducing fragment dislodgment while maintaining retrieval efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the stent by applying electrical current, transforming it from a passive mechanical structure to an actively charged element. This parameter change (electrical charge) creates additional retention forces beyond mechanical engagement, improving clot security during navigation through bifurcations and tortuous anatomy
2Ease of operation
If the stent mobilizes the clot from the original blockage site, then the clot can be retrieved, but the clot may not adhere to the stent as the stent is withdrawn through tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical adhesion with electrostatic attraction for clot-stent bonding. The current generator charges the stent, creating electrostatic forces that securely bind the clot to the stent during withdrawal through tortuous vasculature, preventing detachment at bifurcations and sharp angles
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical charge acts as an intermediary force between the stent and clot. By applying current through the current generator, an electrostatic field is created that mediates the interaction between stent and clot, providing reliable adhesion without relying solely on mechanical interlocking
3Reliability
If multiple device passes are performed to fully retrieve the clot, then complete clot removal is achieved, but procedure duration increases and risk of secondary strokes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical current to change the interaction parameters between stent and clot, creating stronger retention forces that enable complete clot retrieval in fewer passes. This reduces procedure duration and minimizes the risk of secondary strokes associated with multiple interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic retention provides continuous secure holding of the clot throughout the entire retrieval process, from mobilization through final extraction. This continuous secure attachment prevents fragment loss and enables complete retrieval in a single continuous action, reducing the need for repeated passes
4Reliability
If the stent is expanded against or enmeshed within the clot, then clot dissolution is enhanced, but the clot may be stripped or sheared from the stent as the stent enters the guide catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical friction-based retention with electrostatic attraction for clot-stent bonding. This substitution prevents clot stripping and shearing during guide catheter entry, as the electrostatic forces maintain secure attachment without relying on mechanical friction that can be lost during catheter navigation
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
This approach enhances the attachment of thrombi to the interventional element, reducing the number of device passes needed for complete clot retrieval and minimizing the risk of clot dislodgment and secondary strokes, thus improving the efficiency and safety of thrombectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The current generator applies direct current to the interventional element, attracting negatively charged blood components and improving clot attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A current generator for a medical treatment system is disclosed herein. In one example, the medical treatment system can include a cable and a current generator. The cable can include a distal portion that couples to a medical device and a proximal portion. The proximal portion of the cable can include a first and second conductor, with each conductor having an exposed contact region. The current generator can releasably couple to the cable to deliver an electrical signal. The current generator can include an inner chamber that can receive at least a portion of the cable. The current generator can also include first and second electrical connectors, which can electrically connect to the conductors. The current generator can also include a cable guide that can assist with position the cable within the inner chamber and a cable lock that can lock a part of the cable in position.