Open-cell clot capture device for stroke reperfusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for acute ischemic stroke, such as the Merci device, are limited in their ability to capture and remove blood clots in their entirety without fragmenting, often leading to complications like vessel dissection, perforation, and hemorrhage, and require multiple passes through the vessel, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based system that includes a microcatheter and a capturing device with an open-cell structure or everted section to securely engage and remove emboli without fragmenting, using a combination of revascularization and recanalization techniques to restore blood flow and maintain arterial access, allowing for the capture and removal of clots in a single procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current clot removal devices are used, then some clot removal capability is achieved, but the clots are fragmented and complications like vessel dissection, perforation, and hemorrhage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The capturing device employs an open-cell structure with controlled porosity that allows blood flow through the device while mechanically engaging and securing the embolus. The porous architecture enables the device to filter and trap clot material without requiring high mechanical forces that would damage the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The capturing device acts as an intermediary between the embolus and the vessel wall, providing a gentle mechanical interface that secures the clot without direct contact between the embolus and vessel wall that could cause dissection or perforation. The device mediates the removal process by holding the embolus securely while allowing controlled extraction.
2Reliability
If multiple passes through the vessel are performed to remove clots, then more complete clot removal is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The capturing device combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: filtration, mechanical capture, and securement of the embolus are all achieved through one device deployment. This consolidation allows complete clot removal in a single procedure rather than requiring multiple sequential passes through the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The capturing device features a dynamic structure that can expand and contract, allowing it to adapt to different embolus sizes and shapes. This dynamic capability enables the device to capture and secure varying amounts of clot material in one deployment, improving both completeness of removal and procedural efficiency.
3Productivity
If aggressive mechanical manipulation is used to remove clots, then faster clot removal is achieved, but vessel dissection and perforation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capturing device utilizes a flexible, compliant structure that can conform to the vessel wall and embolus geometry without exerting excessive localized forces. This flexibility allows the device to engage and remove clots efficiently while adapting to vessel contours, reducing the risk of dissection and perforation compared to rigid mechanical manipulators.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for restoring blood flow to facilitate lysis of clots and/or enable capture of clots are disclosed. The devices can be configured to be disposed within a lumen of a microcatheter that is inserted within neurovasculature above a carotid siphon to a location of a clot. The devices can include an elongate pusher member and a self-expandable capturing member coupled to a distal end of the elongate pusher member. The capturing member can comprise a generally cylindrical body having an cell structure that is configured to compress the clot against an inner wall of the neurovasculature and capture the clot at least partially on a surface of the generally cylindrical body upon deployment of the capturing member from the microcatheter, thereby restoring blood flow to the neurovasculature downstream of the clot.