Helical Thrombectomy Lattice for Chronic Clot Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thrombectomy devices are ineffective against chronic blood clots and have limited efficacy in venous aneurysmal dilations, causing vessel trauma, pulmonary embolism, and poor outcomes in acute ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction due to their design limitations.

Innovation Solution

A helical thrombectomy device with a compressible and self-expanding lattice structure that can traverse blood vessels, convert between compressed and uncompressed states, and is designed to engage and remove thrombi effectively, optionally with a delivery system including a sheath and rotary mechanism for deployment and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a self-expanding basket made of shape memory alloys is used to break up clots, then clot removal capability is improved, but vessel trauma and in-situ thrombosis increase due to multiple contact points with vessel wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal capabilityVSAvoidvessel trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible wire with a specific configuration that allows it to conform to the vessel lumen while maintaining fewer contact points compared to rigid basket structures. The wire's flexibility enables effective clot engagement without the need for multiple rigid contact points, thereby reducing vessel trauma while maintaining clot removal capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the thrombectomy device by using a pliable wire configuration instead of a rigid basket structure. This parameter change allows the device to achieve clot breakdown through a different mechanical action that is less traumatic to the vessel wall, resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and vessel safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a pliable wire is used to macerate clots, then vessel trauma is reduced, but efficacy against subacute or chronic clots decreases due to wire deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevessel traumaVSAvoidclot breakdown efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a wire with controlled dynamics - it is designed to be pliable enough to navigate vessels and engage clots effectively, yet possesses sufficient structural integrity to maintain its configuration when encountering stiffer subacute or chronic clots. The wire's dynamic properties are optimized to provide both vessel compatibility and reliable clot maceration across different clot types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a wire constructed from composite or specially alloyed materials that combine flexibility with enhanced strength and resistance to deformation. This material composition allows the wire to remain pliable for vessel navigation while gaining the mechanical properties needed to effectively macerate tougher, chronic clots without deforming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If rotational thrombectomy devices are used, then clot breakdown is achieved, but pulmonary embolism risk increases due to larger clot pieces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot breakdown capabilityVSAvoidpulmonary embolism risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes periodic rotational motion of the wire to macerate clots. This periodic action gradually breaks down clots into smaller particles through repeated mechanical stress cycles, reducing the risk of large clot pieces embolizing to the lungs while maintaining effective clot removal. The controlled periodic rotation allows for progressive clot fragmentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If stent retrievers are used for acute ischemic stroke, then acute clot removal is effective, but outcomes worsen in chronic clot cases due to inability to penetrate fibrotic tissue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacute clot removal efficiencyVSAvoidchronic clot engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid stent structure with a flexible wire-based system that can adapt to different clot types. Instead of relying on rigid strut penetration, the flexible wire uses maceration and engagement mechanisms that are effective against both acute and chronic clots, including the fibrotic tissue of chronic thrombi, thereby improving reliability across different clot chronologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device minimizes vessel trauma, effectively breaks up and removes both acute and chronic clots, including those in venous aneurysmal dilations, and reduces the risk of embolism, providing improved outcomes in thrombectomy procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the helical lattice is configured to convert between a compressed state (e.g., a deformed state) and an uncompressed state (e.g., a nondeformed state) about the second axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260053515A1Thrombectomy device and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 TRANSLATIONAL & FUNDAMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides devices and systems for performing thrombectomies and methods of use thereof.