Hydrodynamic Vortex Aspiration Catheter for Atraumatic Thrombectomy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombectomy devices are ineffective for large clot burdens, organized clots, and clots extending from large to small vessels, often causing distal embolization and vascular damage, and are not suitable for navigating complex cerebral artery geometries.
Innovation Solution
An actuated telescoping system with a flexible shaft that generates hydrodynamic vortices for clot removal, allowing atraumatic navigation and efficient thrombectomy by transitioning between navigation and thrombectomy modes through differential component actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical thrombectomy devices are used to remove clots, then clot removal capability is improved, but vascular damage and distal embolization increase
Solution Approach 1:
A filter element is introduced as an intermediary between the thrombectomy mechanism and the vascular lumen. The filter captures clot particles during mechanical thrombectomy, preventing distal embolization while allowing effective clot removal. The filter element acts as a mediator that enables the thrombectomy function without transmitting the harmful effect of particle dispersion downstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The aspiration catheter converts the potentially harmful force of high-speed rotation and mechanical disruption into a beneficial vortex flow pattern. The hydrodynamic vortex, generated by rotating the flexible shaft, creates a controlled flow that draws clot material toward the catheter opening for removal, transforming what could be damaging mechanical stress into a controlled aspiration mechanism that reduces vascular trauma.
2Productivity
If thrombectomy devices are designed for large clot burden, then clot removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible shaft is nested within the catheter body, allowing the thrombectomy mechanism to be compactly integrated into the catheter structure. The flexible shaft can be advanced through the catheter and deployed only when needed, maintaining a low-profile delivery system while enabling complex thrombectomy functions. This nesting approach allows efficient clot removal capability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft provides dynamic adaptability to the device. It can rotate at high speeds to generate vortices for efficient clot removal, yet remain flexible enough to navigate tortuous vasculature. The dynamic nature of the flexible shaft allows the device to adjust to different vascular geometries and clot configurations, maintaining high clot removal efficiency without requiring multiple specialized components for each scenario.
3Productivity
If thrombectomy devices are made stiff for effective clot removal, then clot maceration capability is improved, but navigation through tortuous vessels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the device have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The flexible shaft is designed with local quality variations - more flexible in sections requiring navigation through tortuous vessels, and capable of high-speed rotation in the working section where clot maceration occurs. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties allows the device to excel at both navigation and clot removal without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible shaft utilizes a thin-walled yet torque-resistant structure that enables high-speed rotation for effective clot maceration while maintaining flexibility for navigation. The shaft's construction allows it to bend and conform to vascular geometry during delivery, then transmit sufficient torque when activated for thrombectomy. This flexible yet functional design resolves the contradiction between stiffness needed for clot removal and flexibility needed for navigation.
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 faster and more efficient removal of thromboembolic material with reduced vascular damage, suitable for both narrow and highly tortuous vasculature.
Implementation Method 1
hydrodynamic vortices that are generated by high-speed rotation of a flexible shaft
Implementation Method 2
aspiration catheter augmented by hydrodynamic vortices
Data Source
AI summary
An actuated telescoping system for navigation within a vascular lumen and thrombectomy of a thrombus. The system includes a tubular catheter member having an open distal end defining a catheter lumen, a vacuum source, a rotational drive system, a flexible shaft having a channel coupled to the rotational drive system for rotational movement in response thereto, and an optional guidewire selectively inserted at least partially within the flexible shaft. The flexible shaft is at least partially disposed within the tubular catheter member configured for uncoupled rotational and translational motion therein and to optionally define a corkscrew motion in response to rotational driving force by the drive system that results in formation of hydrodynamic vortices within the catheter lumen. The telescoping system can be capable of reversibly transitioning between navigation and thrombectomy modes by differentially disposing and actuating the components and enable faster, more efficient and simpler removal of thromboembolic material.