Expandable Mesh Distal Element for Clot Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for removing clot material from blood vessels face challenges such as dislodged clot fragments causing further obstructions and the risk of clot being stripped or sheared during retrieval, leading to incomplete removal and potential downstream migration.

Innovation Solution

A treatment system comprising an elongated member with an expandable distal element that anchors and stabilizes the device within the blood vessel, facilitating clot retrieval by deploying an expandable mesh to anchor and align components, and using aspiration to secure the clot for removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a stent is deployed into the clot to push it to the side of the vessel, then blood flow is re-established, but the clot may dislodge and migrate downstream causing further obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow restoration speedVSAvoidclot retention stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval device employs a nested structure where an inner catheter is positioned within an outer catheter, and the stent is deployed from the inner catheter. The clot is captured within the nested configuration, allowing the device to maintain clot containment while navigating the vasculature and restoring blood flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retrieval device acts as an intermediary between the clot and the vasculature, providing a controlled interface for clot manipulation. The device's structure mediates the interaction between clot material and vessel walls, preventing direct contact that could cause dislodgment while enabling blood flow restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the stent is withdrawn to remove the clot, then the clot can be extracted, but the clot may be stripped or sheared from the stent during withdrawal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal simplicityVSAvoidclot retrieval completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary actions by deploying the stent into the clot before withdrawal begins. The stent is positioned and expanded within the clot material, creating a secure engagement that prevents stripping or shearing during the subsequent withdrawal process. This preliminary positioning ensures complete clot retrieval.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retrieval device employs dynamic structures that can change configuration during operation. The stent transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded retrieval state, and the catheters can be selectively advanced or retracted. This dynamic behavior allows the device to adapt to the clot material and maintain secure engagement throughout the retrieval process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If aspiration is applied to remove the clot, then clot material can be extracted, but dislodged fragments may migrate downstream

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal efficiencyVSAvoiddownstream fragment migration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts the clot material from the vasculature through a controlled process. The stent is deployed into the clot, securing it in place, and then the entire clot-stent assembly is withdrawn together as a single unit. This extraction method prevents fragment separation and downstream migration that could occur with uncontrolled aspiration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies preliminary anti-action by deploying the stent into the clot before any removal action occurs. This preliminary engagement creates a mechanical barrier that prevents clot fragment dislodgment and downstream migration during the subsequent withdrawal process, counteracting the potential harmful effect of fragment migration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 system effectively retrieves clot material with reduced risk of dislodgment and migration, ensuring complete removal and improved blood flow restoration.

Implementation Method 1

the distal element is configured to expand into contact with the blood vessel wall at the treatment site to anchor and/or stabilize the elongated member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExpansion:

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3982861B1Retrieval of material from corporeal lumens

Publication Date: 2023.10.25 COVIDIEN LP

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AI summary

Retrieval of material from vessel lumens can be improved by use of a distal element comprising an expandable mesh, a treatment device includes an elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion configured to be positioned within a blood vessel at a treatment site at or near a thrombus. A distal element comprising an expandable mesh is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated member via a connection assembly. In an expanded state, at least a portion of the mesh is configured to be in apposition with the blood vessel wall at the treatment site to anchor or stabilize the elongated member with respect to the blood vessel. The distal element can be electrically coupled to an extracorporeal current generator.