Integrated Aspiration Control Valve for Single-Handed Thrombectomy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing intravascular treatment systems lack the ability to easily control aspiration flow rates during procedures like thrombectomy, requiring simultaneous manipulation of syringes or pumps, thrombectomy devices, and catheter stabilization, which is difficult with traditional systems.

Innovation Solution

An aspiration control device with a controllable valve and interface, integrated into or connected to a hemostasis valve, allowing a physician to adjust aspiration flow rates with a single hand, stabilizing the catheter and retracting an elongated member simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional hemostasis valves and syringes are used for aspiration, then maximum vacuum can be applied, but simultaneous manipulation of syringe, thrombectomy device, and catheter stabilization is extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of aspiration controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the hemostasis valve and aspiration control valve into a single integrated device. The control valve is positioned in the flow path between the catheter and vacuum source, allowing both hemostatic sealing and aspiration control functions to be performed through one device rather than requiring separate syringe and valve manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated valve serves multiple functions: it provides hemostatic sealing to prevent backflow, controls aspiration flow rates through adjustable opening dimensions, and allows single-handed operation while maintaining catheter stabilization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate syringe manipulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a control valve with adjustable opening is integrated into the hemostasis valve, then single-handed operation is enabled, but the valve structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesingle-handed operation capabilityVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control valve features an adjustable opening that can dynamically change dimensions to control flow rate. The valve transitions from a static hemostasis valve to a dynamic system where the opening size can be modified during operation to regulate blood flow aspiration rates according to procedural needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum source and the catheter, mediating the flow of aspirated blood. By positioning the valve in the flow path and making it adjustable, it provides precise control over the aspiration process without requiring direct manipulation of the vacuum source or catheter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If aspiration flow rate is increased to improve clot retrieval efficiency, then reverse blood flow increases, but vessel collapse risk due to negative pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclot retrieval efficiencyVSAvoidvessel collapse risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable control valve enables dynamic modification of the aspiration flow rate during the procedure. The opening dimensions can be increased to maximize clot retrieval efficiency when needed, then reduced to decrease negative pressure and prevent vessel collapse, providing real-time adaptation to procedural requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows change of the flow rate parameter by adjusting the valve opening dimensions. This parameter modification enables control over the balance between aspiration efficiency and vessel safety, allowing the physician to optimize clot retrieval while minimizing harmful negative pressure effects on the vasculature

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise control of aspiration flow rates during thrombectomy, reducing the risk of vessel collapse and improving the efficiency of clot retrieval by allowing single-handed operation of the device.

Implementation Method 1

The control valve can include a opening resizable from a first dimension to a second dimension, the first dimension sized to limit flow of aspirated blood from the catheter at a first flow rate, and the second dimension sized to limit flow of aspirated blood from the catheter at a second flow rate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control through variable opening:

Implementation Method 2

The compression element can be moved to resize the opening in the flexible tubing by manipulating the control interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3733237B1Aspiration control valve
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 NEURAVI
  • EP3733237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3733237B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3733237B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6B

AI summary

An aspiration control device can have an aspiration control valve and a switch, button, slider, trigger, grip, lever, rotating wheel, rotating valve, handle or other interface for resizing the aspiration control valve. The aspiration control interface can be conveniently positioned and configured to be manipulated while simultaneously stabilizing a catheter and/or retracting an elongated member. The aspiration control device can be integrated with a hemostasis valve, integrated with a wire gripping device, and/or attached to an inlet, outlet, hose, pump, or syringe in series with an aspiration flow path.