Piezoelectric Clot Retrieval Device for Vessel Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clot retrieval devices are limited by mechanical interaction, leading to vessel damage, inefficient clot removal, and poor distal protection from emboli, particularly in calcified or stenotic vessels, requiring predetermined device lengths that may not match the thrombus size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-segmented clot retrieval device with a lattice structure and piezoelectric material that generates electric charges for improved clot retention and prevention of distal and new territory emboli, featuring a delivery wire connected to each segment for enhanced control and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical interaction is used to remove clot, then clot removal can be achieved, but vessel damage occurs and clot removal efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pure mechanical interaction with a combined electrostatic-mechanical system. The retrieval element carries an electrostatic charge that attracts clot material through electrostatic attraction, reducing the need for aggressive mechanical embedding and compression that causes vessel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval element uses composite construction combining conductive materials (for electrostatic charge) with structurally supportive materials. This allows the device to generate and maintain electrostatic fields while providing the mechanical strength needed for safe vessel navigation and clot retrieval.
2Productivity
If retrieval element is embedded into thrombus, then clot can be removed, but thrombus material may escape or breakage occurs leading to distal emboli
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aggressive mechanical embedding with electrostatic attraction. The charged retrieval element attracts and holds clot material through electrostatic forces, allowing for gentler engagement that reduces thrombus fragmentation and distal embolization while maintaining effective clot capture.
3Ease of operation
If predetermined device length is chosen, then device insertion is simplified, but device length may not match target thrombus size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescopic or extendable retrieval element that can dynamically adjust its length during the procedure. The device starts in a compact configuration for easy insertion, then extends to match the actual thrombus length once visualized, providing both ease of deployment and adaptability to varying clot sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval element is divided into multiple segments that can independently extend or retract. This segmented construction allows the device to adapt its overall length to match different thrombus sizes while maintaining structural integrity and ease of insertion in its compressed state.
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 device effectively collects clots with reduced vessel damage and emboli formation, improving clot removal efficiency and clinical outcomes by using piezoelectric materials to enhance clot retention and prevent secondary embolization.
Implementation Method 1
the body includes a piezo-electric material... The new material is a piezoelectric material that can generate electric charges when deformed
Data Source
AI summary
A clot retrieval device has one or more segments that include a first segment and a second segment. Each of the first segment and the second segment has a generally conical body with a distal tip and a proximal mouth, the body has a lattice structure with struts crossing each other to define diamond-shaped spaces therebetween, and the body includes a piezo-electric material. A delivery wire extends though the body of the first segment and the body of the second segment, and is fixedly connected to at least the distal tip of the first segment and the distal tip of the second segment.