Helical Blood Clot Capture Device with Inner Cable Pitch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood clot removal devices are unsuitable for small-sized vessels as they cause undue strain leading to separation and escape of clot fragments, and are invasive in design, making them ineffective for precise removal in cerebral vessels.
Innovation Solution
A blood clot removal device with a capture member featuring a tubular body and a helical distal portion with coils, where an inner cable is used to shorten the helical pitch during clot capture and withdrawal, allowing for precise positioning and complete removal without fragmenting the clot, and is designed to be flexible and navigable through tortuous vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the helical distal portion is deployed to capture the blood clot, then the capture capability is improved, but the strain on the clot increases causing fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The capture member transitions from a compressed linear configuration during delivery to an expanded helical configuration during clot capture. The helical distal portion dynamically adjusts its geometry to optimize capture while controlling strain on the clot, preventing fragmentation through controlled expansion rather than static rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch of the helical coils is controlled to maintain optimal spacing during clot engagement. By adjusting and maintaining appropriate pitch parameters, the device captures the clot effectively while preventing excessive compression forces that would cause fragmentation. The inner cable mechanism allows precise control of these geometric parameters.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device is made rigid to prevent clot fragmentation, then the clot integrity is preserved, but the device cannot navigate tortuous vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The capture member employs a dynamic structure that transitions between flexible and rigid states. During navigation through tortuous vessels, the helical distal portion remains compressed and flexible, allowing the device to follow vessel contours. Upon deployment at the target site, it expands to a more rigid helical configuration that provides structural support for clot capture while maintaining controlled flexibility through the helical geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical distal portion is nested within the catheter in a compressed state during delivery, allowing the device to navigate tortuous vessels with flexibility. Once positioned, the helical portion is deployed outward from the catheter, transforming from a nested compact configuration to an expanded operational configuration that provides clot capture capability while maintaining navigability during the delivery phase.
3Reliability
If the helical coils are closely spaced to improve capture, then the capture efficiency increases, but the device cannot be introduced into small vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The helical distal portion with closely spaced coils is nested within the catheter in a compressed linear configuration during delivery, presenting a small profile that can be introduced into small cerebral vessels. Upon deployment, the helical portion expands outward, transforming from a compact nested state to an expanded state where the closely spaced coils provide efficient clot capture while the device profile remains compatible with small vessel access.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a compressed linear configuration with small profile during delivery to an expanded helical configuration with closely spaced coils during clot capture. This dynamic transformation allows the device to present different geometric characteristics at different operational phases: a small flexible profile for navigation and a large structured profile for effective clot engagement.
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
Enables efficient and precise removal of blood clots from small vessels by minimizing strain on the clot, preventing fragmentation, and maintaining device flexibility for easy navigation, thus overcoming the limitations of existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
Said inner cable is adapted, when subjected to a relative movement relative to the capture member in a proximal direction, to bring the distal end of the tubular body closer to the proximal portion thereof, shortening the pitch of the coils of the helical length
Implementation Method 2
Once the blood clot has been passed beyond, the cable is released and withdrawn, allowing to the device elastic distal portion, which is no more stressed, to return to a helical configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
A blood clot removal device (1), comprising a capture member (2) having a tubular body (3) of prevailing longitudinal extension and provided with a lumen (10) extending longitudinally in said tubular body (3), at least one proximal portion (4), at least one distal portion (5), an apical end (6) of said distal portion (5), and a tip (7); said at least one distal portion (5) of said capture member (2) having at least one helical length (8) provided,with coils (16) wrapped in a helical manner forming a pitch (p) therebetween in the longitudinal direction and adapted to the capture of blood clots (9); an inner cable (11) received in said longitudinal lumen (10) of said tubular body (3) so as to remain within said tubular body (3) helical length (8), said inner cable (11) comprising a proximal length (12) having a proximal manoeuvering end (13) and a distal length (14) provided with a tip (15); wherein said tip (15) of said inner cable (11) is secured to said apical end (6) of said capture member (2) tubular body (3), said tip (15) being firmly secured to said apical end (6) so that, when said inner cable (11) is subjected to a relative movement relative to the capture member (2) in the proximal direction, said inner cable (11) brings the tubular body (3) apical end (6) closer to the proximal portion thereof, shortening the pitch (p) of said coils (16) of the helical length (8) of the blood clot (9) capture member (2).