Dual-Scaffold Clot Retrieval for Low-Trauma One-Pass Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clot removal devices face challenges such as difficult access due to complex vasculature, vessel fragility, and varying clot morphologies, leading to potential vessel trauma, clot dehydration, and inefficiencies in removing clots without multiple device passes.
Innovation Solution
The design of a clot retrieval device with an engager portion that expands within the clot, minimizing clot compression and vessel trauma by using dual-layer structures with tailored radial forces and features that allow secure clot engagement without high radial force, enabling one-pass clot removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high radial force is applied to engage the clot, then clot engagement is improved, but vessel trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies high radial force locally at the clot engagement zone through the expandable basket structure, while the guide catheter and delivery system maintain low profile and flexibility to minimize trauma to the vessel wall during navigation and deployment. The expandable body concentrates engagement force where needed rather than applying uniform force throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a compressed low-profile delivery state to an expanded engagement state dynamically. The expandable body allows the device to adapt its radial force output based on the deployment stage, providing high engagement force when expanded at the clot site while maintaining low profile during navigation through tortuous vasculature.
2Ease of operation
If the guide catheter is made more flexible to navigate tortuous vessels, then ease of navigation is improved, but device stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible guide catheter for navigation, an expandable body for clot engagement, and a retrieval mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the catheter can be highly flexible for navigation while the expandable body provides stability during engagement when deployed.
3Reliability
If multiple device passes are used to remove clot, then clot removal completeness is improved, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to engage and retrieve the clot in a continuous one-pass operation. The expandable body engages the clot, then the entire assembly is withdrawn in a single continuous motion, eliminating the need for multiple passes. The design maintains continuous engagement force throughout the retrieval process to prevent clot fragmentation or loss.
4Ease of operation
If the device profile is reduced for easier access, then ease of delivery is improved, but clot engagement capability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested configuration where the expandable body and engagement components are compressed within the guide catheter during delivery, creating a low-profile delivery system. Upon deployment, the expandable body expands outward to provide full clot engagement capability. This nesting allows the device to have small delivery profile but large engagement profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A clot retrieval device that includes a proximal scaffolding section with a closed proximal end and an open distal end; an inner elongate member; and a distal scaffolding section with a closed proximal end and an open distal end element. The distal scaffolding section is configured to move distally or proximally so as to capture clot between the proximal and distal scaffolding sections