Helical Embolectomy Device for Non-fragmented Clot Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for removing emboli and thrombi from the distal, tortuous neurovasculature face challenges such as clot fragmentation, vessel damage, and difficulty in navigating complex vascular anatomy, particularly due to the presence of atherosclerosis, which complicates the removal process and can lead to incomplete extraction or further complications.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive embolectomy device featuring a rotatable spring-like helical member with loops and a tubular mesh-like net that applies radial compression and longitudinal shearing forces to the clot, ensuring it is extracted in a non-fragmented manner, while also being designed to separate the clot from the vessel wall and encapsulate it for safe removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If balloon catheters are used to remove clots, then the clot can be pulled proximal, but the resistance often causes the balloon to evert over the tip and may damage the vessel lining or dislodge plaque
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the clot engagement function into two separate components: the helical member for initial clot engagement and separation, and the mesh-like net for encapsulation and securement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the conflicting requirements that cause balloon catheter eversion and vessel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical member performs preliminary action by first engaging and separating the clot from the vessel wall before the net encapsulates the clot. This preliminary separation reduces the adhesion between clot and vessel wall, enabling subsequent extraction with minimal pulling force and reduced risk of vessel damage.
2Force
If high inflation pressures are applied to remove clots, then the clot can be extracted, but forces significant enough to shear the vessel lining or dislodge plaque are created
Solution Approach 1:
The helical member performs preliminary action by first engaging and separating the clot from the vessel wall before the net encapsulates the clot. This preliminary separation reduces the adhesion between clot and vessel wall, enabling subsequent extraction with minimal pulling force and reduced risk of vessel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the high-pressure inflation mechanism of balloon catheters with a mechanical engagement system consisting of the helical member and net. The helical member mechanically engages and separates the clot, while the net encapsulates it, eliminating the need for high inflation pressures that cause intima shearing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is made flexible to navigate tortuous vasculature, then it can reach distal occlusions, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs flexible components including the mesh-like net and the helical member mounted on a flexible catheter shaft. These flexible elements allow the device to navigate tortuous vasculature and reach distal occlusions while maintaining structural integrity and controllability through the catheter shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the clot engagement function into two separate components: the helical member for initial clot engagement and separation, and the mesh-like net for encapsulation and securement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the conflicting requirements that cause balloon catheter eversion and vessel damage.
4Ease of operation
If the helical member rotates to engage the clot, then it can separate the clot from the vessel wall, but the clot may fragment during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The helical member performs preliminary action by first engaging and separating the clot from the vessel wall before the net encapsulates the clot. This preliminary separation reduces the adhesion between clot and vessel wall, enabling subsequent extraction with minimal pulling force and reduced risk of vessel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh-like net acts as an intermediary that encapsulates the clot after the helical member has separated it from the vessel wall. This encapsulation secures the clot during extraction, preventing fragmentation while allowing the helical member to perform its separation function through rotation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 1F~1H
AI summary
It is one object of the present invention to provide a device for extracting a clot from a blood vessel in a non fragmented manner, comprising: 1. an endless wire coupled to a spring-like helical member having a plurality of loops; said loops are positioned at an angle A relatively to the main longitudinal axis of said blood vessel; and, are adapted to radially encircle at least a portion of the outer circumference of said clot; and, 2. a tubular mesh-like net for both enveloping said helical member and enclosing said clot therein; wherein at least a portion of said clot is contemporaneously confined within said loops and said mesh-like net, such that radial compression forces and longitudinal shearing forces are exerted on said clot and the tendency of said clot to fragment is mitigated.