Passive Pressure Oscillation Valve for Aspiration Catheter Clogs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aspiration systems for removing blood clots from blood vessels face inefficiencies due to tip clogging during aspiration, leading to decreased efficiency and potential damage from water vapor introduction, and require manual intervention or inefficient pressure pulsing methods to address clogging.
Innovation Solution
A manifold with a passive pressure oscillation assembly that automatically switches between normal and oscillatory modes in response to clogging, using a pressurized fluid source to pulse fluid communication with the aspiration flow path, enhancing clot removal efficiency by dynamically managing pressure and flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If static loading aspiration is used to remove clots, then the aspiration system can ingest clots into the catheter, but tip clogging occurs when the clot is too large for the aspiration conduit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by dynamically loading the aspiration conduit through cyclically activating a valve to block and unblock aspirate flow to the pump. This creates pressure pulsing that disrupts clogged clots and maintains aspiration flow continuity. The valve switches between open and closed states at predetermined time intervals, generating periodic pressure variations that prevent tip clogging while maintaining clot removal efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If manual valve activation is used to cyclically load the aspiration conduit, then pressure pulsing can be achieved to disrupt clogs, but user distraction from the aspiration procedure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by using a pressure sensor to automatically detect clogging conditions and trigger valve activation without user intervention. The system monitors aspiration flow parameters and autonomously determines when cyclic loading is needed, eliminating user distraction while maintaining simple operation. The control system activates the valve based on predetermined pressure thresholds, providing automatic clog management.
3Reliability
If cyclic loading is activated immediately upon vacuum application, then pressure pulsing occurs continuously, but aspiration efficiency decreases during free flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using a pressure sensor to monitor aspiration flow conditions and activate cyclic loading only when clogging is detected. The system continuously monitors pressure parameters and triggers valve activation based on predetermined thresholds indicating clog formation. This feedback mechanism ensures pressure pulsing occurs only when needed, maintaining aspiration efficiency during free flow while preventing clogs when necessary.
4Extent of automation
If electro-mechanical or pneumatic valves are used to block aspirate flow, then automatic pressure pulsing can be achieved, but system complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatics and hydraulics by employing a simple manually operable valve that the user opens or closes by hand to control pressurized fluid flow. This mechanical approach provides automatic pressure pulsing through fluid dynamics rather than complex electro-mechanical actuators. The valve mechanism is simple with few moving parts, reducing potential failure points while achieving the desired pressure control through fluid pressure differentials.
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 passive pressure oscillation assembly effectively manages clogging by automatically adjusting fluid communication, maintaining efficient clot removal without user intervention and minimizing system damage, thereby improving the efficacy of aspiration procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The valve is configured to open in response to a pressure differential between the relief inlet and the aspiration flow path
Implementation Method 2
a spring configured for applying a biasing force to the valve to maintain the valve in a closed position against the valve seal
Implementation Method 3
fluid communication pulsing between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path causes pressure pulses to propagate in the aspiration flow path
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration system comprises an aspiration catheter, an aspiration source fluidly coupled to the aspiration catheter to create an aspiration flow path between the aspiration catheter and the aspiration source, a pressurized fluid source, and a passive pressure oscillation assembly fluidly coupled between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path. The passive pressure oscillation assembly is configured for being operated between a normal mode that prevents fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path, and an oscillatory mode that pulses fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path. The passive pressure oscillation assembly is configured for being triggered to switch from the normal mode to the oscillatory mode in response to a clog in the aspiration catheter.