Manual Aspiration Vacuum Source for Space-Saving Thrombectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aspiration systems struggle to effectively remove clots from vessels due to their mechanical properties, which vary based on fibrin and red blood cell content, leading to challenges in deformation, suction grip, and fragmentation, and require multiple vacuum sources or pumps that occupy valuable OR space.
Innovation Solution
A portable aspiration vacuum source with a positive pressure fluid chamber and vacuum chamber, utilizing a manual pump to create a vacuum through interconnected pistons and tubing, allowing for efficient clot removal without requiring additional space or complex equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stand-alone aspiration pump is used as a vacuum source, then sufficient vacuum for thrombectomy can be achieved, but valuable OR real estate is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum generation function with an existing fluid management system by integrating a fluid collection reservoir that can serve dual purposes: collecting waste fluid and generating vacuum through its flexible wall design. This eliminates the need for a separate stand-alone aspiration pump, resolving the contradiction between reliable vacuum generation and OR space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible wall fluid collection reservoir serves multiple functions: it collects waste fluid during the procedure, generates vacuum through its deformable structure, and eliminates the need for separate vacuum equipment. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to provide reliable aspiration while occupying minimal OR space.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple vacuum syringes are used to create sufficient vacuum, then vacuum pressure can be achieved, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum generation function into a single integrated fluid collection reservoir with a flexible wall design, eliminating the need for multiple vacuum syringes. The reservoir's deformable structure naturally generates vacuum as fluid accumulates, providing sufficient vacuum pressure while significantly reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid collection reservoir automatically generates vacuum through its own structure as fluid accumulates during the procedure. The flexible wall deforms in response to fluid weight and pressure differentials, creating vacuum without requiring external manipulation or multiple components, thus simplifying the system while maintaining adequate vacuum pressure.
3Productivity
If firm, fibrin-rich clots are aspirated, then clot removal is achieved, but high friction prevents easy deformation and suction grip
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic reciprocating motion of the catheter, alternating between aspiration (pulling the clot toward the catheter) and pusher activation (pushing the clot into the catheter lumen). This periodic action overcomes the high friction and deformation resistance of firm clots by breaking the process into manageable cycles, improving ease of operation while maintaining clot removal efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pusher as an intermediary element that actively pushes the firm clot into the catheter lumen during the reciprocating cycle. This mediator overcomes the high friction and deformation resistance by applying direct mechanical force to propel the clot into the catheter, facilitating aspiration of otherwise difficult-to-capture clots.
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 system provides a portable and efficient vacuum source that effectively removes clots from vessels by creating a consistent suction without the need for multiple pumps or large equipment, ensuring reliable clot capture and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum piston is slidably received within the vacuum chamber and produces a vacuum within the vacuum chamber upon movement of the vacuum piston
Implementation Method 2
In response to manipulation of the manual pump, producing a positive pressure in the positive pressure chamber that displaces a fluid in a closed system
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration vacuum source comprises a vessel having a positive pressure fluid chamber and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum source having a primary tubing, and the positive pressure fluid chamber connected in fluid communication with the primary tubing via an auxiliary tubing. A fluid piston is slidably received within the positive pressure fluid chamber. A vacuum piston is slidably received within the vacuum chamber and produces a vacuum within the vacuum chamber upon movement of the vacuum piston. The fluid piston and the vacuum piston are each fixedly attached to be movable together within the positive pressure fluid chamber and the vacuum chamber, respectively. A secondary tubing is connected in fluid communication to the vacuum chamber. A manual pump is connected in fluid communication with the primary tubing. A vacuum is producible in the vacuum chamber in response to repeated manipulation of the manual pump.