Partial Occlusion Balloon Catheter for Thrombus Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thrombus removal apparatuses require significant time to dissolve and remove dense thrombi due to complete isolation of the thrombus from the bloodstream, leading to stagnation and prolonged breakdown times.
Innovation Solution
A thrombus removal apparatus with a single occlusion device, such as a balloon, that partially occludes the vessel downstream of the thrombus, allowing blood turbulence and the administration of bioactive agents, combined with a scraping mechanism to facilitate faster thrombus breakdown and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complete isolation of the thrombus is used, then the thrombolytic agent can be concentrated and prevent seepage to other parts of the bloodstream, but the blood stagnation in the isolated region causes lengthening of the time required to breakdown the thrombus
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation mechanism is segmented into a single distal occlusion element rather than complete bilateral isolation. This partial segmentation allows the thrombus to be isolated from downstream flow while maintaining upstream blood flow, thus preventing agent seepage without causing complete stagnation that would prolong breakdown time
Solution Approach 2:
The occlusion is applied locally only at the distal end of the catheter rather than completely isolating the thrombus from all directions. This localized occlusion creates a controlled environment that prevents agent diffusion downstream while allowing upstream blood flow to continue, balancing isolation benefits with breakdown efficiency
2Device complexity
If a single occlusion device is used, then the device complexity is reduced and the thrombus is not entirely isolated allowing blood movement around it, but the isolation effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The single occlusion device performs multiple functions: it provides distal isolation to prevent thrombolytic agent seepage, maintains a controlled environment for thrombus breakdown, and allows upstream blood flow to continue. This multi-functional design achieves effective isolation without requiring multiple separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The single occlusion device acts as an intermediary element that selectively blocks distal flow while permitting upstream flow. This intermediary positioning creates the optimal environment for thrombus treatment by balancing isolation needs with blood flow requirements
3Quantity of substance
If the thrombus is completely isolated from the bloodstream, then the thrombolytic agent can be administered at concentrated doses, but the scraping mechanism cannot effectively remove material from vessel walls
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation is segmented to be partial rather than complete, allowing the scraping mechanism to access and interact with the thrombus and vessel walls. This segmented approach maintains sufficient agent concentration while enabling mechanical removal effectiveness
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
This approach significantly reduces the time required to break down and remove thrombi by maintaining blood flow and using a scraping action to dislodge material from the vessel walls, enhancing the effectiveness of thrombolytic agents.
Implementation Method 1
a single occlusion device fixed to or proximate the distal end of the catheter, wherein the occlusion device is expandable to occlude solely said distal end of the carrier catheter
Implementation Method 2
at least one supply element located proximal of said distal end of the carrier catheter for supplying a bioactive agent
Implementation Method 3
a retrieval element located proximal of said distal end of the carrier catheter for retrieving thrombus material from a patient's vasculature
Implementation Method 4
the occlusion device is expandable to occlude solely said distal end of the carrier catheter
Data Source
AI summary
Thrombus removal apparatus includes a balloon catheter with a short balloon at a distal end thereof. An aspiration catheter is disposed coaxially over the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter includes a plurality of holes for the administration of lytic agent. The apparatus does not seal off completely the zone of the vessel around the thrombus, thereby allowing movement of blood within the vessel. The balloon is shaped so that it can be pulled along the vessel in an upstream direction so as to drag against the vessel walls for assisting in the removal of the thrombus.