Pulsatile Vacuum Catheter for Complete Fibrin-Rich Clot Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clot aspiration techniques struggle with fibrin-rich clots due to high friction and deformation energy requirements, leading to incomplete aspiration and risk of clot fragmentation or embolization in distal vessels.
Innovation Solution
Applying a pulsatile vacuum force through a catheter tip with a sequence of alternating pressures, transitioning from positive to negative, to reduce friction and deformation energy, facilitating complete clot aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional steady-state vacuum aspiration is applied to fibrin-rich clots, then the aspiration force is sufficient to pull the clot into the catheter, but the high static friction and deformation energy cause the clot to fragment or embolize in distal vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsatile vacuum forces through the catheter tip, alternating between positive and negative pressure phases. During the negative pressure phase, the clot is pulled into the catheter; during the positive pressure phase, the clot is pushed forward and friction is reduced. This periodic action prevents the clot from becoming lodged and fragmenting while maintaining effective aspiration.
2Force
If high vacuum force is applied to overcome the high friction of fibrin-rich clots, then the clot can be aspirated, but the deformation energy required causes the clot to fragment
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsatile vacuum delivers force in periodic pulses rather than continuous high force. The alternating positive and negative pressure phases allow the clot to be moved incrementally with reduced peak forces, preventing the excessive deformation that would cause fragmentation while still achieving complete aspiration.
3Ease of operation
If continuous vacuum aspiration is applied to fibrin-rich clots, then the clot is pulled into the catheter, but the static friction prevents complete aspiration and causes lodging
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic pulsatile vacuum alternates between pulling the clot into the catheter (negative pressure phase) and pushing it forward to reduce friction (positive pressure phase). This prevents the clot from becoming lodged and ensures complete aspiration, significantly improving retrieval efficiency compared to continuous vacuum.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous vacuum to dynamic pulsatile vacuum, making the aspiration force variable in time. This dynamic approach allows the system to overcome static friction periodically while maintaining clot movement, improving both ease of operation and aspiration completeness.
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
Enhances clot retrieval efficiency by reducing static friction and deformation energy, allowing for effective aspiration of fibrin-rich clots without fragmenting them.
Implementation Method 1
Applying a pulsatile vacuum force through a catheter tip with a sequence of alternating pressures, transitioning from positive to negative, to reduce friction and deformation energy, facilitating complete clot aspiration
Data Source
AI summary
A system for removing an occlusive clot from a blood vessel comprises a catheter and an apparatus for generating a pulsatile vacuum force to pulse the pressure gradient at a distal end of the catheter. The pulse generator may be integral with or separate from the vacuum pump. The pulse generator may be applied to a flexible tubing between the vacuum pump and the proximal end of the catheter.