Floating Clot Retrieval Device With Pinching Cells for Vessel-Sparing Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clot retrieval devices face challenges in navigating complex vasculature, causing vessel trauma and failing to account for varying clot morphologies and consistencies, particularly in cerebral, coronary, and pulmonary arteries.
Innovation Solution
A clot retrieval device with an expandable frame and pinching cells made from superelastic materials like Nitinol, which self-expand to engage and tweeze clots, minimizing vessel damage and adapting to different clot structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid or high profile clot retrieval device is used, then clot removal capability is improved, but vessel trauma and damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clot retrieval device employs a self-expanding frame that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded retrieval state. The frame members are constructed from superelastic Nitinol material that automatically expands upon deployment, providing adaptive engagement with the clot while conforming to the vessel geometry, thereby reducing vessel trauma while maintaining effective clot capture
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a flexible frame construction with thin wall members made from superelastic material. This flexible structure allows the device to conform to the delicate vessel walls and adapt to varying clot morphologies without exerting excessive rigid forces that could cause vessel perforation or damage
2Strength
If an inflexible device is used, then structural strength is improved, but navigation through tortuous vasculature becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a flexible compressed state during navigation to a rigid expanded state during clot retrieval. The self-expanding frame members provide the necessary structural strength only when deployed, while maintaining flexibility during delivery through tortuous vessels including the aortic arch and cerebral vasculature
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame is nested within a delivery catheter in a compressed configuration, allowing it to navigate through complex vasculature. Upon deployment, the frame expands outward from the catheter, transforming from a flexible delivery state to a rigid retrieval state with sufficient structural strength for clot capture
3Ease of manufacture
If a device with fixed morphology is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different clot morphologies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-expanding frame provides a dynamic structure that adapts its morphology based on the clot characteristics and vessel geometry. The superelastic Nitinol members naturally conform to the engaged clot shape, providing versatility for different clot morphologies including soft fresh clot, organized clot, and various configurations without requiring multiple fixed-geometry device designs
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the inherent superelastic properties of Nitinol material, which allows the frame members to change their physical parameters (shape, curvature, expansion ratio) in response to external forces from the clot and vessel wall, enabling adaptation to varying clot morphologies while maintaining a relatively simple fixed manufacturing process
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
Effectively removes clots from delicate vasculature with reduced trauma and improved adaptability, enhancing clot removal success and vessel reperfusion.
Implementation Method 1
A clot retrieval device with an expandable frame and pinching cells made from superelastic materials like Nitinol, which self-expand to engage and tweeze clots
Data Source
AI summary
A clot removal device including an elongated member including a distal end; and an expandable frame including a proximal end, and one or more frame members including one or more pinching cells operable to be slidably and rotatably placed thereon, each of the pinching cells including a collapsed state within a microcatheter and an expanded state distal of the microcatheter configured to tweeze at least a portion of a clot.