Joint-less Wire Retrieval Device for Vascular Obstruction Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices face challenges in accessing remote body regions due to their jointed construction, which limits their ability to fit within small catheters and increases the risk of breaking or embolizing, especially when attempting to remove obstructions in tortuous anatomy like the cerebral vasculature during ischemic stroke treatment.
Innovation Solution
The development of a 'joint-less' wire-form device with a main bundle of wires that diverge to form various shapes, including a capturing portion with a permeable distal end and a capturing surface, allowing for secure envelopment and removal of obstructions without premature mobilization, and featuring self-expanding capabilities or shape-memory alloys for automatic deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a device is constructed with joints and connection points to enable structural integrity, then the device can maintain its shape and strength, but the device cannot fit within small catheters and is prone to breaking or embolizing in tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple individual wire elements (typically 3-6 wires) that are separately deliverable through the microcatheter. These wires are then configured to form the capturing portion and main bundle, eliminating the need for pre-assembled joints while maintaining structural integrity through the wire configuration itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The individual wire elements are nested within the microcatheter during delivery in a compressed, low-profile state. Upon deployment, the wires self-expand or are expanded to form the functional device structure, transitioning from a nested delivery configuration to an operational expanded configuration without requiring joints.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a device is constructed with joints and connection points to enable structural integrity, then the device can maintain its shape, but the risk of breaking or embolizing increases in tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple flexible wire elements instead of a single rigid structure with joints, the device can better accommodate tortuous anatomy. The individual wires can flex and conform to vessel curves independently, reducing stress concentration points where breaks would occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire elements are designed with appropriate flexibility to navigate tortuous vasculature while maintaining their structural configuration. The wires can bend and flex to follow vessel paths without compromising the overall device shape or risking breakage at rigid joint connections.
3Device complexity
If the open proximal end is attached to the main bundle, then the structure is simplified, but the open proximal end constricts and reduces in size when the device is pulled through tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The open proximal end is separated from the main bundle connection, allowing it to function independently. The wires forming the open proximal end are configured to maintain their expanded profile even when the device is pulled through tortuous anatomy, as they are not constrained by attachment to the main bundle.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows dynamic movement and articulation between the capturing portion and the main bundle. This dynamic configuration enables the open proximal end to maintain its profile while the device navigates tortuous anatomy, as the wires can articulate relative to each other rather than being rigidly attached.
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 design enhances the device's flexibility and strength, enabling safe and effective delivery through small catheters, secure obstruction removal, and reduced risk of complications by eliminating joints and connection points, thus improving access to remote body regions.
Implementation Method 1
featuring self-expanding capabilities or shape-memory alloys for automatic deployment
Data Source
AI summary
The devices and methods described herein relate to improved structures for removing obstructions from body lumens. Such devices have applicability in through-out the body, including clearing of blockages within the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.