Expandable Basket Thrombus Segmentation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing thrombi from blood vessels often result in large debris breaking off and flowing downstream, causing embolisms, and require complex equipment and procedures.
Innovation Solution
A thrombus removal device with an expandable element that segments the thrombus into smaller pieces as it moves through a basket, using a tapered design to compress and dehydrate the thrombus, facilitating its removal without generating large debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to remove thrombi, then thrombus removal is achieved, but large debris breaks off and flows downstream causing embolisms
Solution Approach 1:
The thrombus is segmented into smaller pieces using a segmented basket structure with multiple radially extendable elements. As the basket expands and moves through the thrombus, the segmented structure breaks the thrombus into manageable segments that are captured within the basket, preventing large debris from breaking off and flowing downstream to cause embolisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket elements are configured to dynamically transition between a compressed delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. This dynamic expansion allows the basket to progressively engage and segment the thrombus as it moves through the vessel, enabling controlled fragmentation rather than abrupt breaking that would generate harmful large debris.
2Reliability
If complex equipment and procedures are used for thrombus removal, then complete thrombus removal is achieved, but device complexity and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable basket structure performs multiple functions within a single device: it captures thrombus, segments the thrombus into smaller pieces, and contains the segmented material for retrieval. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, simplifying the overall system while maintaining complete thrombus removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The basket elements are nested within each other in a compact configuration during delivery, allowing the device to be delivered through standard catheters. Upon deployment, the elements radially expand to form the functional basket structure. This nesting principle enables complex functionality to be delivered through simple access routes without requiring overly complex delivery mechanisms.
3Productivity
If thrombus is removed as a single large mass, then removal is efficient, but the rigid material interferes with device withdrawal into catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The thrombus is segmented into smaller pieces within the basket structure during the removal process. This segmentation transforms the rigid, difficult-to-manage large mass into smaller, more compliant segments that can be easily contained within the basket and withdrawn through the catheter without interfering with the device retraction mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the thrombus is changed from a rigid large mass to smaller, more compliant segments through mechanical segmentation within the basket. This parameter change in the thrombus structure (from unified rigid to segmented compliant) enables efficient removal while facilitating easy device withdrawal, as the segmented material flexes and conforms to the basket structure during retraction.
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
Effectively captures and removes thrombi by segmenting them into manageable pieces, reducing the risk of embolisms and simplifying the removal process with less complex equipment, while minimizing the risk of thrombus debris during retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
the expandable element is configured to compress thrombus positioned in the basket as the expandable element is proximally withdrawn into a retrieval catheter. Compression of the thrombus may expel water from the thrombus and dehydrate the thrombus, such that the thrombus decreases in volume in the basket.
Implementation Method 2
The tapered shape may also help distribute the thrombus longitudinally within the basket, which may help mitigate the risk of having too much relatively rigid material (e.g., the dehydrated thrombus) at the distal-most end of the basket.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a thrombus removal device includes an elongated support member and an expandable element configured to segment the thrombus into smaller pieces as the thrombus moves into a basket defined by the expandable element. The expandable element is configured to expand radially outward from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, the expandable element defines a proximal mouth configured to receive a thrombus and a distal basket configured to receive at least part of the thrombus after it has moved through the proximal mouth. A proximal portion of the expandable element defines a plurality of arms configured to segment the thrombus into smaller pieces.