Flexible Recanalization Device for Thrombus Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters for removing thrombi from neurovasculature face challenges such as large crossing profiles, distal migration of thrombus particulate, and the need for complete removal and reinsertion, which increases procedural time and radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A flexible recanalization device with a distal end tube that can convert from a straight to an irregularly coiled configuration, featuring eccentric inner and outer surfaces, corrugations, and regions of varying flexibility, allowing for effective engagement and retention of thrombi without the need for sheath removal, enabling efficient thrombus removal and reduced procedural time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a single helically shaped wire is used to reduce crossing profile, then the device can navigate neurovasculature, but the ability to hold pre-shaped wire straight and extract clot is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the wire structure into multiple helical elements (first helical element, second helical element, etc.) that can work together to maintain both low profile and effective clot engagement. The segmented approach allows each element to contribute to both navigation and extraction functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical elements are arranged in a nested configuration where they can collapse into each other during delivery to minimize profile, then expand to engage and extract the clot. The elements nest within the microcatheter during delivery and deploy at the target site.
2Ease of operation
If larger interstices are used in the wire structure, then distal end flexibility is increased, but the ability to prevent distal migration of particulate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the wire structure have different properties - the distal end has larger interstices for flexibility and navigation, while proximal sections have smaller interstices to prevent particulate migration. This local variation in structure quality addresses both requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire structure is designed to be dynamic, changing its configuration from a compressed low-profile state during delivery to an expanded state at the target site. The interstices dynamically adjust size based on the deployment state, providing flexibility during navigation and containment during extraction.
3Reliability
If complete removal and reinsertion of the device is performed for each pass, then thrombus removal can be attempted, but procedural time and radiation exposure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous action by allowing multiple thrombus engagement and extraction cycles without removing the device from the patient. The microcatheter and wire assembly remain in place, enabling repeated passes through the clot to progressively remove thrombus burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be recovered and reused for multiple passes rather than discarded after a single use. The wire elements can be repositioned and re-engaged with the clot multiple times, maximizing the utility of each device insertion.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2F
AI summary
Catheters for the removal of occlusions in a patient's vasculature. Exemplary catheters use a flexible distal end tube which is capable of coiling irregularly within the occlusion and securing it for removal.