Flow Direction Sensor for Catheter Clog Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheter clogging during clot removal operations in thrombectomy devices often goes undetected, leading to complications such as blood lysis, clot displacement, and prolonged procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow direction sensor and/or a flow sensor proximal to the fluid jet on the aspiration catheter to detect the flow direction and rate of fluid, respectively, indicating clog states and enabling real-time alerts or system adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If catheter-based thrombectomy devices are used to remove blood clots, then clot removal capability is improved, but catheter clogging occurs during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors (flow direction sensor, flow sensor) that provide real-time feedback about fluid flow conditions through the catheter. When clogging is detected through abnormal flow patterns, the system can automatically adjust operation parameters or alert the operator to prevent complete catheter blockage and maintain reliable clot removal capability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If catheter clogging is not detected, then procedure continuity is maintained, but complications such as blood lysis and clot displacement occur
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time sensing of flow direction and flow rate provides continuous monitoring that detects clogging early, allowing the system to maintain procedure continuity by adjusting parameters before harmful complications occur, rather than allowing clogging to progress unchecked.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of fluid flow into a useful diagnostic signal. By monitoring flow characteristics (direction and rate), the system transforms what would be invisible to the operator into actionable information that prevents complications while maintaining procedure continuity.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If flow sensors are added to detect catheter clogging, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing fluid flow through the catheter as the sensing medium itself. The flow direction sensor and flow sensor utilize the same fluid that would indicate clogging, eliminating the need for separate complex detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while improving detection capability.
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 implementation of these sensors reduces the duration of thrombectomy operations, minimizes clot movement/displacement, and improves patient outcomes by ensuring timely detection and management of catheter clogs.
Implementation Method 1
the flow direction sensor comprises an ultrasonic flow meter that includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers
Implementation Method 2
the flow sensor is configured to detect a flow rate of fluid within an aspiration lumen of the aspiration catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured for advancement through vasculature of a subject to facilitate clot removal from the vasculature of the subject. The thrombectomy system includes a fluid jet proximate to a distal end of the aspiration catheter. The thrombectomy system includes a flow direction sensor positioned on the aspiration catheter proximate to the fluid jet. The flow direction sensor is configured to detect a flow direction of fluid at a distal region of the aspiration catheter during operation of a clot removal state of the thrombectomy system. The flow direction of the fluid at the distal region of the aspiration catheter indicates a clog state of the aspiration catheter.