Direct-Stream Hydrodynamic Catheter With Radial Jets for Thrombectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombectomy devices often fail to effectively control fluid jet streams, leading to either inadequate thrombectomy or vessel damage due to insufficient or excessive stream strength, and lack robustness in removing highly organized thrombus and lesions from vascular conduits.
Innovation Solution
A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system utilizing radially directed fluid jet streams controlled by a high-pressure fluid pump and exhaust regulator, with a fluid jet emanator and inflow orifice for thrombus evacuation, enabling physician-controlled aspiration and infusion of drugs, and optionally using balloons for centering and aspiration assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If indirect cross path fluid jet streams are used in prior art thrombectomy devices, then the device structure is simpler, but the fluid jet stream strength is insufficient and cannot accomplish satisfactory thrombectomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional indirect cross-path fluid jet configuration by implementing direct radially directed fluid jet streams that emanate outward from the catheter axis. This inversion allows the fluid jets to directly impinge on thrombus material from multiple radial directions, dramatically increasing jet stream strength and thrombectomy effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple catheter structure with a central lumen and radial openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from the conventional two-dimensional indirect cross-path jet configuration to a three-dimensional radial jet pattern. By directing fluid jets radially outward in multiple dimensions from the central catheter axis, the system achieves comprehensive coverage and superior thrombus disruption capability, transforming the geometric arrangement of fluid delivery to maximize cutting effectiveness.
2Productivity
If the strength of fluid jet streams is increased to accomplish robust thrombectomy, then thrombectomy effectiveness is improved, but damage may occur to the blood vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing high-strength fluid jet streams specifically at the thrombus material while the radial configuration naturally limits the exposure of healthy vessel wall to excessive jet forces. The fluid jets are concentrated where needed (at the thrombus) while the surrounding vessel tissue receives minimal exposure, achieving effective thrombectomy without compromising vessel integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control through the physician's real-time observation of the thrombectomy process, allowing adjustment of fluid jet stream strength based on the actual condition of the vessel and thrombus. The physician can modulate the pump rate and jet pressure to maintain effective thrombus removal while preventing damage to the vessel wall, creating a controlled feedback loop that balances productivity and safety.
3Reliability
If controlled fluid jet streams are used for aggressive thrombectomy, then removal of highly organized thrombus is improved, but control mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the physician to directly control the fluid pump rate and jet stream parameters without requiring complex automated control systems. The simplicity of the control mechanism (basic pump rate adjustment) enables reliable and robust thrombectomy of highly organized thrombus while minimizing device complexity, as the system relies on the physician's expertise rather than sophisticated automation.
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 system provides a robust and aggressive thrombectomy with controlled fluid jet streams that effectively remove thrombus and lesions without vessel damage, while allowing for drug infusion and cell sampling, enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
radially directed fluid jet streams emanating from an emanator at the distal end of a direct stream hydrodynamic catheter tube
Implementation Method 2
physician controlling a high pressure fluid pump and high pressure fluid source for the purposes of delivering pressurized saline
Implementation Method 3
exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump which can be operated by a physician and which is used to provide for the evacuation and control of the evacuation rate, i.e., aspiration of the catheter tube
Data Source
AI summary
A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanatory in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus and lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.