Embolectomy Device Attachment Structure for Withdrawal Profile Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolectomy devices often experience a compressed tapered profile and reduced effective length when withdrawn, leading to the potential disengagement and re-occlusion of embolic obstructions in the vasculature due to withdrawal forces.
Innovation Solution
The embolectomy device features an attachment structure with an elongated support member and a distal end coupler that attaches to the struts at locations distal to the proximal end, allowing for the transmission of withdrawal forces away from the proximal end, thereby minimizing the formation of a compressed tapered profile and maintaining the effective length during withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the embolectomy device is withdrawn through the vasculature, then the device can be removed from the patient, but the withdrawal forces cause a compressed tapered profile and reduced effective length leading to disengagement of embolic obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is pre-configured with an elongated support member and distal end coupler that will transmit withdrawal forces away from the proximal end during device retrieval. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when withdrawal occurs, the forces are directed to distal attachment points, preventing the compressed tapered profile and maintaining engagement of embolic obstructions throughout the withdrawal process
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated support member and distal end coupler act as intermediary structures between the withdrawal force and the clot engaging structure. These intermediaries transmit the withdrawal forces to distal locations on the struts, preventing direct transmission of compressive forces to the proximal end that would cause tapered profile compression and disengagement
2Shape
If the attachment structure transmits withdrawal forces to locations distal of the proximal end, then the compressed tapered profile is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is segmented into distinct functional components: an elongated support member and a distal end coupler that connects to the struts. This segmentation allows the withdrawal forces to be transmitted to specific distal locations on the struts, maintaining the expanded profile while using modular components that can be manufactured and assembled separately
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 design prevents the disengagement of captured embolic obstructions and maintains the expanded profile of the embolectomy device, ensuring effective removal and reducing the risk of re-occlusion in the vasculature during withdrawal.
Implementation Method 1
The embolectomy device 112 comprises a shape memory material and has a self-expanding capability that produces a radial force to an expanded outer diameter (EOD)
Implementation Method 2
The embolectomy device 12 is composed of shape memory, self-expandable and biocompatible materials, such as Nitinol
Data Source
AI summary
An embolectomy device includes a clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell structure, and further includes an attachment structure configured to advance and retract the clot engaging structure out of, and back into, respectively, the open distal end of a delivery catheter, the attachment structure comprising an elongated support member attached to one or more struts of the clot engaging structure only at locations on each of the respective one or more struts that are distal of a proximal end of the clot engaging structure.