Infusion Catheter with Inflatable Embolic Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for percutaneous coronary intervention, such as aspiration catheters, fail to prevent distal embolization of microparticles and do not allow for drug infusion distal to the occlusion during thrombus aspiration in atherosclerotic vascular disease, leading to diminished myocardial perfusion in some patients.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with an inflatable member and separate infusion and aspiration tubes is used, where the inflatable member is positioned proximal to the thrombus, inflated to prevent embolization, and then deflated to allow aspiration, while the infusion tube delivers pharmacologic agents distally to the thrombus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If aspiration catheters are used to remove blood clots, then blood flow in the infarction zone is improved, but distal embolization of microparticles cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into functionally distinct segments: an aspiration catheter portion for clot removal and a separate infusion catheter portion for drug delivery and embolization prevention. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, thereby achieving both blood flow improvement and embolization prevention simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
A distal protection device is introduced as an intermediary element between the aspiration catheter and the distal vasculature. This device captures embolic particles during aspiration, acting as a mediator that prevents harmful microparticle embolization while allowing the aspiration process to proceed for blood flow improvement.
2Productivity
If aspiration catheters are used for thrombus removal, then clot evacuation is achieved, but drug infusion distal to occlusion is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated catheter system: thrombus aspiration capability and distal drug infusion capability. The combined catheter allows both functions to be performed through one device, enabling versatile treatment of occluded vessels with both mechanical thrombus removal and pharmacologic therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform aspiration, infusion, and embolization prevention within a single instrument. This universality allows the device to adapt to different treatment requirements during the same procedure, enhancing both thrombus removal efficiency and drug delivery capability.
3Device complexity
If a single catheter performs both aspiration and infusion, then device complexity is reduced, but functional performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into distinct functional portions (aspiration portion and infusion portion) with dedicated lumens and openings for each function. This segmentation maintains functional performance by ensuring each function has its own optimized pathway, while the overall device remains relatively simple through the use of a single catheter body rather than multiple separate devices.
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
This method effectively prevents distal embolization and allows for targeted drug delivery and thrombus aspiration, improving blood flow and myocardial perfusion by ensuring pharmacologic agents are absorbed locally beyond the occlusion.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable member of the catheter proximally to the thrombus and inflating the inflatable member proximally to the thrombus
Implementation Method 2
an aspiration tube adapted to aspire the thrombus, the aspiration tube passing through the tubular body and having an open front end between the carrier catheter and the inflatable member
Implementation Method 3
an infusion tube adapted to infuse pharmacologic agents, the infusion tube passing through the tubular body and having an open front end extending beyond the inflatable member
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter device and method for treating an artery with thrombus, the catheter comprising an inflatable member. A carrier catheter has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted percutaneously into an artery, the carrier catheter having a tubular body adjacent to a rear end of the inflatable member. An inflating tube passes through the tubular body and having an open front end in fluid communication with the inflatable member to inflate same. An infusion tube is adapted to infuse pharmacologic agents, the infusion tube passing through the tubular body and having an open front end extending beyond the inflatable member. An aspiration tube is adapted to aspire the thrombus, the aspiration tube passing through the tubular body and having an open front end between the carrier catheter and the inflatable member.