Expandable Sheath Inversion for Vascular Obstruction Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular obstruction removal systems face risks of obstruction dislodgement during removal, which can lead to complications such as stroke or heart attack, due to inadequate securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An obstruction removal system comprising a guide catheter, a delivery tool with a removal tool and an expandable member, where the expandable member surrounds the obstruction and removal tool, ensuring secure capture and removal from the vasculature, reducing the risk of dislodgement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a retrieval component is used to engage an obstruction, then the obstruction can be removed from the vasculature, but the obstruction may dislodge during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the sheath component inverts to fold over and contain the obstruction and retrieval component. The obstruction is captured between the inverted sheath and the retrieval component, creating a nested configuration that secures the obstruction during removal through the vasculature.
Solution Approach 2:
The sheath component is designed to dynamically invert and fold over the obstruction during the removal process. This dynamic transformation allows the sheath to transition from a straight configuration during delivery to an inverted configuration that secures the obstruction during retrieval, adapting to different stages of the procedure.
2Reliability
If the sheath component inverts to fold over the obstruction, then the obstruction is contained securely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath component is constructed as a flexible structure capable of inverting and folding over itself. This flexible shell design allows the sheath to transform its configuration dynamically during the procedure, enabling secure containment of the obstruction without requiring complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the proximal end of the expandable member is free or slidably coupled, then the expandable member can invert or slide to surround the obstruction, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal end of the expandable member is configured to be free or slidably coupled, allowing it to self-adjust and invert or slide autonomously to surround the obstruction. This self-service mechanism enables the expandable member to adapt to the obstruction without requiring complex external control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure capture.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1D-1~1D-2
AI summary
In embodiments of an obstruction removai device, system, and/or method, a removai tooi is disposed at a distal end of a delivery tool and configured to at least partially separate an obstruction from an inner surface of a vasculature. An expandable member is also coupled to the delivery tool. The expandable member includes a proximal end that is free or slidably coupled to the delivery tool. The proximal end of the expandable member is configured to invert or slide toward a distal end of the expandable member, thereby causing the expandable member to surround at least a portion of the obstruction and the removal tool so that the obstruction is captured between the expandable member and the removal tool, when the delivery tool is withdrawn from the vasculature to remove the removal tool and the obstruction from the vasculature.