Filterless Rotating Microcatheter for Clot Aspiration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating vascular occlusions, such as strokes and myocardial infarcts, are limited by the inefficacy of fibrinolytic agents and the risks associated with mechanical interventions, particularly in cases of proximal occlusions and intracranial hemorrhage, and there is a need for a safer and more effective means of recanalization.
Innovation Solution
A filterless aspiration, irrigating, and macerating rotating microcatheter designed for endovascular use that combines aspiration, irrigation, and maceration to effectively remove thrombi and emboli while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical interventions are used to remove thrombi, then recanalization effectiveness is improved, but risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions (aspiration, irrigation, and maceration) into a single integrated microcatheter system. The rotating macerating element fragments thrombi while simultaneous irrigation flushes debris through the catheter lumen, and aspiration provides additional removal force, creating a synergistic effect that improves recanalization while controlling complications through a unified controlled system
Solution Approach 2:
Irrigation fluid serves as an intermediary medium that facilitates thrombus removal by flushing fragmented debris through the catheter lumen. The fluid acts as a carrier that transports broken thrombus material from the treatment site to the collection system, enabling effective removal while maintaining vessel patency and reducing complications
2Productivity
If filtration is used during aspiration, then emboli removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the filter component from the aspiration system entirely. Instead of using a filter to capture emboli, the system relies on the combination of maceration (fragmenting thrombi into small particles), irrigation (flushing debris through the lumen), and aspiration (suctioning removed material). This extraction of the filter simplifies the device while maintaining effectiveness through the alternative mechanism
3Productivity
If rotating maceration is applied to thrombi, then thrombus removal efficiency is improved, but tissue damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating macerating element segments large thrombi into smaller fragments through mechanical rotation. This segmentation process breaks down the thrombus gradually, allowing it to be flushed through the catheter lumen in manageable pieces. The segmentation approach improves removal efficiency while controlling tissue damage by avoiding excessive force that would occur with attempts to remove large intact thrombi
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation with the rotating macerating element working continuously while irrigation and aspiration operate simultaneously. This continuous action ensures thorough thrombus breakdown and removal without interruption, maximizing efficiency while the controlled continuous process prevents localized excessive force that could damage surrounding tissues
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 microcatheter provides enhanced thrombus removal capabilities, reducing the risk of complications and improving recanalization rates in vascular occlusions, particularly in complex cerebral and coronary artery blockages.
Implementation Method 1
macerating rotating microcatheter
Implementation Method 2
aspiration
Implementation Method 3
irrigating
Data Source
AI summary
An endovascular device providing several elements to help mechanically break up and/or lyse a clot inside vessels and/or remove a clot via aspiration, irrigation, maceration and/or rotation, without a filter. According to some embodiments, the devices are adapted to irrigate a blood vessel during thrombectomy; to macerate an obstruction during thrombectomy, to block blood flow in a blood vessel during aspiration of a thrombus.