Expandable Catheter Elements for Occlusion Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for removing occlusions, such as thrombi, from vessels are limited by their exclusivity to the vascular system, inability to handle calcified materials, poor distal protection, and requirement for pre-selected device lengths and balloon sizes, leading to inefficiencies and potential complications like embolization.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based device with expandable elements that can dynamically adjust to match the size of the occlusion, featuring a handle with manipulable interfaces to expand or contract the proximal and distal elements independently, allowing for improved capture and removal of occlusions without the need for pre-measured devices or inflatable balloons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current medical devices are designed exclusively for the vascular system with fixed structures, then they can be manufactured with simple designs, but they cannot be used for extraction of material from ducts, ureters, urethra, or other anatomical features
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates expandable elements that can be deployed in various anatomical locations (vessels, ducts, ureters, urethra) to perform the same thrombus extraction function across different body systems, making the device universally applicable while maintaining a relatively simple base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic configuration where expandable elements can change size and shape upon deployment, allowing adaptation to different anatomical geometries without requiring multiple specialized device designs
2Reliability
If current devices use wire structures to compress into embolic material, then they can be manipulated through the vessel, but they provide poor distal protection from secondary emboli during thrombus extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the retrieval mechanism into separate functional segments: a proximal graspable portion for manipulation, a distal expansion portion for thrombus engagement, and an intermediate compression portion for applying force. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall controllability
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces an intermediary compression mechanism between the proximal manipulation point and the distal thrombus contact point, allowing controlled force transmission that protects distal vessels from emboli while maintaining ease of manipulation through the intermediary structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If current devices require operators to choose a predetermined device length at time of device insertion, then the device structure can be simplified, but the chosen device length might not match the size of the target thrombus once the operator is in the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs expandable elements that can dynamically adjust their size after deployment, allowing the device to adapt to the actual thrombus dimensions discovered during the procedure rather than requiring pre-selection of a fixed size that may not match the target
Solution Approach 2:
The device is deployed in a compressed or collapsed state through the vessel, and then expanded to the required size at the target location, performing the size adjustment action after the device is already in position rather than requiring preconfiguration
4Adaptability or versatility
If current devices use inflatable balloons for encapsulation, then they can be used in vascular applications, but they require pre-selected balloon models and sizes which may not match the occlusion size
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces the inflatable balloon system with a mechanically expandable element that uses a different expansion mechanism, eliminating the need for fluid-filled balloons while providing the same encapsulation function and allowing size adjustment without pre-selecting specific balloon models
Data Source
AI summary
A clot removal device for removal of an occlusion from a lumen in a patient's body is provided. The clot removal device has a lumen, an elongated member positioned within the lumen and extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, a handle attached to the proximal end of the lumen, a first expandable member positioned along a length of the elongated member, a second expandable member positioned along the length of the elongated member, wherein the second expandable member is distal to the first expandable member relative to the handle. The handle has at least one actuation mechanism and at least one of the following applies: a) the first expandable member is coupled to the at least one actuation mechanism and is configured to be moveable relative to the second expandable member upon manipulation of the at least one actuation mechanism; b) the first expandable member is configured to mechanically expand or contract by manipulating the at least one actuation mechanism; c) the second expandable member is coupled to the at least one actuation mechanism and is configured to be moveable relative to the first expandable member upon manipulation of the at least one actuation mechanism; or d) the second expandable member is configured to mechanically expand or contract by manipulating the at least one actuation mechanism.