Lasso Filter Microcatheter for Thrombectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for thrombectomy lack a safe and effective means to simultaneously apply irrigation, aspiration, and maceration, leading to challenges such as vessel collapse, emboli formation, and incomplete clot removal, particularly in venous thrombectomy where continuous aspiration can cause massive blood loss.
Innovation Solution
A device with a string length adjustment mechanism, allowing for simultaneous irrigation, aspiration, and maceration using a lasso-type filter assembly that can be opened or closed within a bodily vessel, incorporating a ratchet or reel mechanism to manage string length, enabling safe and effective thrombectomy by capturing emboli and reversing flow to prevent distal embolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous aspiration is applied during venous thrombectomy, then clot removal effectiveness is improved, but massive blood loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using intermittent aspiration rather than continuous aspiration during venous thrombectomy. The device allows the operator to activate aspiration only when needed to clear accumulated clot from the filter, rather than maintaining constant suction. This periodic activation reduces overall blood loss while still achieving effective clot removal when aspiration is applied.
2Reliability
If irrigation is applied to prevent vessel collapse, then vessel patency is maintained, but loose clot pieces are propagated distally
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly acts as an intermediary device that captures loose clot pieces while allowing irrigation to proceed. The filter structure intercepts embolic material that would otherwise be propelled distally by irrigation flow, thereby maintaining vessel patency through irrigation while preventing distal embolization through filtration.
3Reliability
If a filter assembly is deployed to capture emboli, then emboli capture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filter assembly with the catheter structure, integrating emboli capture functionality into the existing catheter design. The filter is positioned at the distal end of the catheter and works in conjunction with the catheter's irrigation and aspiration capabilities, combining multiple functions into a single integrated device rather than using separate components.
4Ease of operation
If string length is increased for lasso deployment, then filter opening capability is improved, but string management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides self-service by automatically maintaining string length during filter deployment. As the string is pulled to open the filter, the ratchet engages to prevent retraction, automatically regulating string length without requiring manual adjustment or complex control systems. This simplifies string management while maintaining filter opening capability.
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
The device ensures safe vessel pressure maintenance, prevents vessel collapse, and effectively removes clots by simultaneously irrigating, aspirating, and macerating, reducing the risk of emboli and blood loss during thrombectomy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a semi-permeable flared filter or filtered-tipped catheter for capturing emboli while allowing passage therethrough of blood cells and serum
Implementation Method 2
aspiration and maceration
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a filter assembly including a string or wire such that a lasso type cincture is effected, said filter being openable and closeable while in deployed within a bodily vessel. A string lengthen or shorting adjustment mechanism, such as a ratchet or reel allows more length of string into the device or alternatively to shorten the length of available string in the system. The described invention, when used to ameliorate venous clots and most arterio-venous dialysis grafts, a filter-tipped aspirator is used downstream from the clot to capture and remove dislocated emboli. A method of using same is disclosed.