Electrostatic Clot Retrieval Device for Vessel Lumens
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical procedures for removing occlusions from body lumens, such as clots in blood vessels, face challenges like clot detachment during retrieval, especially at bifurcations and tortuous anatomy, leading to secondary strokes and incomplete blood flow restoration.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an interventional element that applies a direct current electrical signal to attract negatively charged clot components, using a core assembly with a pushwire and conductive tubular member to enhance clot capture and retention, employing specific waveform and power delivery parameters to prevent tissue ablation and new clot formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical thrombectomy devices are used to remove clots from blood vessels, then clot removal capability is improved, but clot detachment during retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical clot capture methods with an electrostatic-based system. The retrieval device incorporates an electrode that applies electrical charge to attract and hold clot material through electrostatic forces, reducing reliance on mechanical friction and physical entanglement that can cause clot detachment during retrieval through tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of electrical charge on the retrieval device surface. By applying direct current to the electrode, the device surface acquires an electrical charge that can be dynamically adjusted, creating electrostatic attraction forces that enhance clot adhesion without requiring increased mechanical force that could damage the clot structure
2Reliability
If electrical charge is applied to enhance clot adhesion, then clot capture is improved, but risk of tissue ablation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial electrical charge to the retrieval device surface rather than high-voltage continuous charging. The system uses controlled direct current application that creates sufficient electrostatic attraction for clot adhesion while limiting the total energy delivered to prevent thermal accumulation that could cause tissue ablation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed application of direct current to the electrode rather than continuous charging. This periodic action allows brief intervals for heat dissipation, preventing thermal buildup while maintaining effective electrostatic attraction during active clot capture phases
3Productivity
If stent is used to push clot to vessel side, then blood flow restoration is improved, but clot detachment at bifurcations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrostatic force as an intermediary mechanism between the retrieval device and clot material. This electrostatic field acts as a mediator that holds clot fragments in place during navigation through bifurcations, preventing detachment without requiring mechanical pushing actions that could dislodge clots into branch vessels
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 improves clot capture and retention, reducing the number of device passages needed for complete retrieval, minimizing the risk of secondary strokes by effectively adhering clots to the interventional element without causing tissue damage or generating new clots.
Implementation Method 1
applies a direct current electrical signal to attract negatively charged clot components
Data Source
AI summary
Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by electrically enhancing attachment of the material to the removal device. The removal device can have a core assembly that includes a hypotube coupled to a first electrical terminal and a pushwire coupled to a second electrical terminal, the pushwire extending through the hypotube lumen. An insulating layer separates the hypotube and the pushwire, and an interventional element is coupled to a distal end of the pushwire. The interventional element can be disposed adjacent to a thrombus. An electrical signal is delivered to the interventional element to promote adhesion of the thrombus to the interventional element. The electrical signal can optionally be a periodic waveform, and the total energy delivered can be between 0.75-24,000 mJ and the peak current delivered via the electrical signal can be between 0.5-5 mA.