Microfluidic Thrombus Removal Circuit for Vascular Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombus removal systems cause vascular damage, distal embolization, and require repetitive installation due to incomplete thrombus retrieval, posing risks and prolonging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A thrombus removal system that creates a microfluidic circuit through side holes, using a flexible main body with a microflow circuit part and aspiration part to fragment and aspirate thrombi, minimizing vessel contact and distal embolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stent retriever is used to remove thrombus, then thrombus removal is achieved, but vascular damage occurs due to mechanical pressure on the vessel
Solution Approach 1:
A microfluidic circuit is introduced as an intermediary between the thrombus and the aspiration force. The microfluidic circuit delivers controlled fluid flow to fragment the thrombus and transport it to the aspiration site, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact between the stent retriever and the thrombus, thus preventing vascular damage while maintaining thrombus removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical interaction with a fluid-based system. Instead of using mechanical force to grab and pull the thrombus (which causes vascular damage), the system uses microfluidic flow to fragment and transport the thrombus, substituting mechanical action with fluid dynamics to achieve the same goal without harmful side effects
2Reliability
If a stent retriever pulls down the thrombus, then thrombus is removed, but distal embolization occurs due to thrombus fragmentation
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic circuit serves as a controlled intermediary that fragments the thrombus in a contained environment and directs the fragments through controlled fluid flow to the aspiration site. This prevents uncontrolled thrombus fragmentation and embolization that occurs with direct mechanical retrieval, while still achieving complete thrombus removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical pulling forces that cause uncontrolled fragmentation with controlled microfluidic flow. The fluid-based approach allows precise control over where and how the thrombus is fragmented, preventing fragments from traveling to distal vessels and causing embolization, while maintaining effective thrombus removal
3Ease of operation
If a regular aspiration catheter is used, then thrombus aspiration is achieved, but the procedure requires repetitive installation due to incomplete thrombus retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic circuit enables continuous thrombus fragmentation and transport throughout the procedure. By maintaining active fluid flow and continuous aspiration, the system can retrieve thrombus in a single pass without needing to repeat the installation, eliminating procedure interruptions and reducing overall time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic circuit performs preliminary fragmentation of the thrombus before it reaches the aspiration site. This pre-processing action ensures that the thrombus is broken into manageable pieces that can be continuously aspirated, preventing incomplete retrieval and the need for repetitive procedures
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
Effectively fragments and removes thrombi while reducing vascular damage and distal embolization, enabling continuous aspiration and revascularization even in small and tortuous vessels.
Implementation Method 1
creates a microflow circuit which acts on the thrombus to move, deform, and fragment the thrombus
Implementation Method 2
aspirates the thrombus which has been moved, deformed and fragmented by the microflow circuit part and transferred by the main body part and discharges the thrombus
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing a thrombus in a blood vessel, includes: a main body part which is movable along the blood vessel and performs a revascularization function within the blood vessel during installation, and sucks and transfers the thrombus during aspiration; a microflow circuit part which is attached to the outer surface of the main body part and extends to the exterior of the body, creates a microflow circuit which acts on the thrombus to move, deform, and fragment the thrombus; and an aspiration part which is provided to the exterior of the body from the inside of the blood vessel, and which during aspiration, after blocking blood flow in the blood vessel, aspirates the thrombus which has been moved, deformed and fragmented by the microflow circuit part and transferred by the main body part and discharges the thrombus to the outside of the body.