Electrode Catheter for Thrombus Dissolution via Unipolar Voltage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing thrombus from blood vessels using electrical fields are not satisfactory, as existing catheter designs and techniques are either too energetic for clot dissolution or ineffective in achieving complete thrombus removal.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with electrodes that apply unipolar voltage signals, where one electrode contacts the thrombus and delivers negative charges for dissolution or positive charges for attachment and retrieval, allowing for partial or complete removal of thrombotic material using a flexible and retractable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high voltage pulses with low currents are applied to remove concretions from urinary tract, then concretion removal is achieved, but the energy level is too high and causes damage to blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters from high voltage pulses (prior art) to low voltage direct current (5-50 volts). This parameter change allows effective thrombus removal through electrostatic forces while avoiding the harmful thermal and mechanical effects associated with high energy applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/acoustic disruption method (ultrasound waves causing bubble formation and jetting) with an electrostatic field-based method. The electrostatic forces directly act on charged components of the thrombus (proteins, enzymes, phospholipids, mineral ions) to achieve dissolution and removal without mechanical disruption.
2Quantity of substance
If electro-thermal or electro-mechanical effects are used to disassociate thrombus, then thrombus breakdown is achieved, but the method is too complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex intermediate components required by prior art methods. Instead of requiring acoustic wave generators, bubble formation mechanisms, and pharmacologic agent delivery systems, the invention uses a simple electrode catheter that directly applies electrostatic forces to the thrombus.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic field method allows the thrombus components themselves (charged proteins, enzymes, phospholipids, mineral ions) to interact directly with the electrical field. The thrombus material's own charged components serve as the mechanism for dissolution, eliminating the need for external mechanical or chemical agents.
3Reliability
If positive electrode is applied to blood vessel surface to produce thrombosis, then thrombus formation is achieved, but the method cannot be reversed for thrombus removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the polarity approach. Instead of using positive electrode to form thrombus (prior art), the invention uses negative electrode to attract and remove thrombus. The negative polarity creates electrostatic attraction to charged components of the thrombus, enabling removal rather than formation.
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 effectively dissolves or removes thrombus material from blood vessels with low voltage and frequency signals, minimizing damage to vessels and organs, and can be reused for further thrombus removal as needed.
Implementation Method 1
The coagulation process of the blood clot involves charged proteins, enzymes, phospholipids and mineral ions, and platelets. Therefore, electrostatic forces may act on the clot by these components
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention generally relates to a flexible catheter device capable of being introduced into body passages, withdraw fluids therefrom or introduce fluids thereinto, and which includes electrodes configured to apply electrical signals in the body passage for carrying out thrombus dissolution and/or thrombectomy, wherein one of said electrodes is designed to contact the thrombus material and remove it or dissolve it, and wherein the electrical voltage signals are a unipolar pulsatile voltage signal.