Electrostatic Clot Retrieval Device for Stroke Thrombus Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for removing obstructions from body lumens, such as clots in cerebral vasculature, face challenges with clot detachment during retrieval, leading to secondary strokes due to boundary conditions, vessel diameter changes, and tortuosity, which complicates complete clot removal and increases the risk of clot fragments obstructing other arteries.
Innovation Solution
The use of an interventional element with a signal generator that applies a periodic electrical signal with a positive phase and a negative phase to positively charge the interventional element, enhancing clot adhesion by attracting negatively charged blood components, thereby improving the attachment of the clot to the retrieval device and reducing the number of passes required for complete removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a stent is used to push or drag the clot through the vasculature, then blood flow can be restored, but the clot may detach and fragment during retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical stent-clot interaction with an electrostatic-based retention system. The retrieval device incorporates charged surfaces that generate electrostatic attraction forces to hold the clot, substituting mechanical friction and physical interlocking with electrical field-based adhesion. This allows the clot to be retained without mechanical entanglement that could cause fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the retrieval device by introducing electrical charge as a controllable parameter. The device can adjust its surface charge density and polarity to optimize clot retention under different vascular conditions. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows adaptation to varying clot sizes, vessel diameters, and flow conditions without mechanical modification of the device structure.
2Reliability
If the retrieval device is made larger to improve clot capture, then clot retention improves, but the device becomes harder to navigate through tortuous vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the retrieval device flexible and adaptable in size. The device can change its configuration from a compressed delivery state to an expanded retrieval state, and adjust its surface charge dynamically. This allows the device to navigate tortuous vessels in a compact form while expanding to provide sufficient clot retention capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the electrical charge density and distribution on the device surface rather than changing physical dimensions. This allows the device to maintain a navigable size while improving clot retention through enhanced electrostatic attraction. The charge parameter can be optimized to provide maximum retention force within the constraints of device size and vessel accessibility.
3Reliability
If multiple passes are made to remove the clot completely, then clot removal is more thorough, but the procedure time increases and risk of fragmentation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging the retrieval device with optimal electrostatic attraction forces before encountering the clot. This preliminary preparation ensures that the device is ready to capture and retain the clot immediately upon contact, reducing the need for multiple passes. The device is pre-configured with the appropriate charge density and distribution to maximize clot engagement in a single attempt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by sustaining the electrostatic charge on the retrieval device throughout the entire retrieval process. Unlike mechanical systems that may lose grip during withdrawal, the electrostatic attraction continues to hold the clot securely as the device moves through the vasculature. This continuous retention force ensures complete clot removal in a single pass without interruption or loss of capture.
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 clot adhesion to the retrieval device, reducing the risk of secondary strokes by improving the efficiency of clot removal and minimizing the risk of clot fragments obstructing other arteries, thus facilitating faster restoration of blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical signal can include a waveform having: a positive phase having a peak positive current and a first duration; and a negative phase having a peak negative current and a second duration. A magnitude of the peak positive current can be greater than a magnitude of the peak negative current, and the first duration can be greater than the second duration.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 1D
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for removing obstructions from body lumens are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a system for removing a thrombus includes an interventional element configured to be disposed proximate to or adjacent to a thrombus within a blood vessel. The system can include a signal generator in electrical communication with the interventional element. The signal generator can be configured to deliver an electrical signal to the interventional element. The electrical signal can include a waveform having a positive phase having a peak positive current and a first duration, and a negative phase having a peak negative current and a second duration. A magnitude of the peak positive current can be greater than a magnitude of the peak negative current, and the first duration can be greater than the second duration.