Integrated Clot Evacuation Device with Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing intracranial blood clots are invasive and carry high risks, with long recovery times, and there is a need for improved tools that provide ease of navigation, visualization, and removal during neurosurgical procedures for intracranial hemorrhage.
Innovation Solution
An integrated clot evacuation device with visualization capabilities, featuring a visualization sensor, an elongated body with a proximal and distal end, and a lumen for aspiration and irrigation, allowing for minimally invasive clot removal through a combination of visualization, articulation, and irrigation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a craniotomy is performed to directly visualize and remove blood clots, then the surgeon can safely distinguish clots from brain tissue, but the surgery becomes high risk with long recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visualization function (camera and light source) with the clot removal function (aspiration catheter) into a single integrated device. This allows the surgeon to visualize the clot and surrounding tissue while simultaneously performing aspiration, eliminating the need for separate craniotomy procedures and reducing surgical risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (camera system with transparent or translucent distal tip) that allows indirect visualization of the clot through the catheter tip. This intermediary enables the surgeon to see through the instrument itself, providing real-time imaging without requiring open skull access, thus reducing surgical invasiveness and recovery time.
2Productivity
If a craniotomy is performed to access blood clots, then direct removal is possible, but the procedure becomes invasive with long recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter device is designed to perform multiple functions: visualization (camera and light), aspiration (clot removal), and potentially irrigation. This multi-functional design consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments and procedures into a single device, simplifying the overall surgical approach while maintaining efficient clot removal capability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional aspiration catheters are used without visualization, then the procedure is simpler, but navigation and clot identification become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is nested within the catheter structure, with the camera positioned at the distal tip and the light source integrated into the same assembly. This nested arrangement allows the visualization components to be housed within the existing catheter framework without significantly increasing external dimensions, making the device relatively easy to navigate while providing enhanced visual guidance.
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 and minimally invasive clot evacuation with improved visualization and navigation, reducing the risk and recovery time associated with traditional neurosurgical methods.
Implementation Method 1
a visualization element positioned along or within the elongate body configured to visualize tissue and/or blood clots
Implementation Method 2
the lumen configured to provide aspiration and/or irrigation for the removal of clots through the lumen
Implementation Method 3
In certain embodiments, the integrated clot evacuation device further comprises an illumination element
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated clot evacuation device having visualization for use in neurosurgical applications, particularly for the evacuation of clots formed as a result of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The device may further include an integrated camera and light for visualizing the interior of the brain and the clot itself. Further, the device is configured to evacuate clots through aspiration and irrigation.