Microactuator Self-Clearing Catheter for Intraventricular Hemorrhage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current obstruction clearing systems for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) face challenges in maintaining patency, leading to complications such as infection and off-target tissue damage, due to the inefficiency of existing drainage devices in removing blood clots and the risks associated with thrombolytic agents.

Innovation Solution

A self-clearing system utilizing implantable catheters with microscale magnetic actuators that can be externally controlled, featuring a polyimide structural layer and conduction layer, designed to break down intraventricular thrombosis and maintain patency without the need for additional surgical interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If drainage devices are used to remove blood-filled CSF, then intracranial pressure is relieved and CSF flow is restored, but the devices are prone to obstruction by blood clots leading to treatment failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage device patencyVSAvoidblood clot obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by using magnetic actuators to proactively disrupt and clear blood clots before they can obstruct the drainage device. The magnetic actuator is positioned within the catheter lumen to preemptively break down thrombi, preventing obstruction rather than reacting to it after occurrence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic actuator serves as an intermediary element placed within the catheter lumen. This intermediary uses magnetic force to interact with and break down blood clots, mediating between the blood-filled environment and the drainage function to prevent direct obstruction of the catheter by clots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If thrombolytic agents are used to clear blood clots, then clot removal is enhanced, but the risk of additional bleeding and infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal efficiencyVSAvoidadditional bleeding risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the chemical mechanism of thrombolytic agents with a mechanical approach using magnetic actuators. The magnetic actuator physically disrupts and breaks down blood clots through magnetic force, substituting the chemical clot-dissolving process with a mechanical disruption process that avoids the harmful side effects of thrombolytic agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic actuator enables the drainage device to clear its own obstructions autonomously. The system is self-servicing by using the magnetic actuator to continuously or periodically break down and remove blood clots that form within the catheter lumen, eliminating the need for external thrombolytic interventions and their associated risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple catheters are used to combat occlusion, then drainage capacity is increased, but the risk of infection and tissue damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrainage capacityVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single catheter system achieves multi-functionality by integrating a magnetic actuator that performs both drainage and self-cleaning functions. This universal device combines the drainage capability with the clot-clearing capability in one catheter, eliminating the need for multiple separate catheters and their associated infection risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system merges the drainage function and the clot-clearing function into a single integrated catheter device. By combining these functions in one catheter with an embedded magnetic actuator, the system avoids the need for multiple catheters, thereby reducing infection risk and tissue damage while maintaining adequate drainage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly enhances the reliability of drainage devices, increases survival rates, and reduces the risk of complications by effectively removing blood clots and maintaining patency, as demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Implementation Method 1

microscale magnetic actuators that can be externally controlled, featuring a polyimide structural layer and conduction layer, designed to break down intraventricular thrombosis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic actuation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20230338700A1Microactuator enabled self-clearing system and method

Publication Date: 2023.10.26 PURDUE RES FOUND

AI summary

The self-clearing system includes a microactuator, a catheter lumen, and an actuation device. The microactuator includes a polyimide structural layer and a conduction layer. The polyimide structural layer has a main body and a flexure. The conduction layer is coupled to the polyimide structural layer. The catheter lumen is configured to accept the microactuator. The actuation device is configured to wirelessly engage the microactuator.