Endovascular Clot Removal Device with Dual Capture Membranes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for removing blood vessel blockages are traumatic to the vessel and often cause clot fragmentation, leading to further obstructions due to insufficient capture and retention of obstructing materials during removal.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive endovascular device with two capture members, each having an open and tapered end, is used to enclose and remove obstructions from blood vessels, minimizing force and friction to prevent fragmentation, featuring self-expanding materials and guide members for precise positioning and suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional clot removal devices are used to remove obstructions, then the obstruction can be removed from the blood vessel, but the devices cause trauma to the vessel lining and fragment the clot due to stiffness and pressure exerted during engagement and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The capture member utilizes a flexible membrane that can conform to the vessel wall and gently engage the clot without exerting excessive pressure. The membrane's flexibility allows it to wrap around the clot and enclose it within a capture zone, removing the need for rigid structures that cause trauma and fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the clot removal function into distinct segments: the flexible membrane forms a capture zone that encloses the clot, while the guide member provides structural support and navigation. This segmentation allows the clot to be captured and removed as a contained unit, preventing fragmentation during extraction.
2Ease of operation
If traditional devices exert pressure and friction during clot removal, then the clot can be engaged and removed, but the friction causes excessive fragmentation and migration of clot fragments to distal areas
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane creates a low-friction environment for clot engagement by conforming to the clot surface rather than forcing it. The membrane encapsulates the clot within a protected zone, reducing friction during removal and preventing clot fragments from breaking loose and migrating distally.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the clot and the external forces applied during removal. It distributes forces evenly across the clot surface and provides a smooth interface that minimizes friction, preventing the clot from fragmenting during extraction.
3Strength
If rigid structures are used to engage and remove clots, then the devices can provide structural support for clot engagement, but they cause trauma to the vessel lining and fragment the clot
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane provides sufficient structural support to engage and contain the clot while maintaining compliance with the vessel wall. This eliminates the need for rigid structures that cause trauma, as the membrane can adapt to the vessel's geometry and apply gentle, distributed forces during clot engagement and removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines the flexible membrane with a more rigid guide member to create a composite structure. The guide member provides the necessary structural support and navigation capabilities, while the flexible membrane interfaces with the clot and vessel wall, distributing forces to prevent trauma and fragmentation.
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 removes obstructions without excessive force or compression, reducing clot fragmentation and migration, thereby minimizing further damage to the vascular system.
Implementation Method 1
the frame component comprises a self-expanding material configured to have an original configuration and a deformed configuration; where the self-expanding material is configured to change from the deformed configuration to the original configuration at least by exposure to an activating condition
Implementation Method 2
at least one guide member is adapted to provide a suctioning force
Data Source
AI summary
A minimally invasive endovascular device for treating a blocked or obstructed biological lumen, such as a blood vessel fully or partially obstructed by deposits of biological matters in or non-biological matters. Certain embodiments of the present invention comprise two capture members that are configured to be placed on either side of the obstruction and enclose around the obstruction for removal. Embodiments of the present invention also provide methods for implementing an endovascular device according to aspects of the present invention.