Progressive Cavity Pump for Pulsatile Vacuum Clot Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing clots and other materials from blood vessels face challenges such as significant blood loss, difficulty in removing various clot compositions, vessel injury, large device size, clot fragmentation, and the need for extensive capital equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device incorporating a progressive cavity pump with a motor and controller, which generates a pulsatile vacuum using a rotor and stator configuration, is designed for efficient removal of occlusive materials from blood lumens, minimizing blood loss and requiring no external capital equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If existing thrombectomy devices are used to remove clots from blood vessels, then clot extraction is achieved, but significant blood loss occurs during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a pulsatile vacuum system that cycles between suction and pause phases, creating periodic negative pressure waves that draw clots toward the catheter tip while minimizing continuous blood flow disruption. This periodic action reduces overall blood loss compared to continuous suction methods while maintaining effective clot removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum pressure parameters based on real-time feedback from pressure sensors and flow rate measurements. By modulating the vacuum pressure intensity and duration, the device optimizes clot extraction efficiency while minimizing excessive blood suction, thereby reducing blood loss without compromising productivity.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If existing thrombectomy devices are used to remove clots, then clot removal is achieved, but clot fragmentation with subsequent embolization occurs during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsatile vacuum creates rhythmic suction forces that gradually draw clots toward the catheter tip without applying continuous high shear forces. This periodic loading allows clots to be pulled intact rather than fragmented, reducing embolization risk while maintaining effective removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a compliance chamber that acts as a buffer between the vacuum source and the clot. This cushioning element absorbs pressure fluctuations and prevents sudden force spikes that could cause clot fragmentation, thereby protecting against embolization while preserving removal effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If existing thrombectomy devices are used for clot extraction, then clot removal is achieved, but injury to blood vessels occurs during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The device monitors pressure and flow rate parameters in real-time and dynamically adjusts vacuum intensity to remain within safe thresholds for vascular tissue. By controlling the maximum negative pressure applied, the system prevents vessel wall damage while maintaining sufficient suction force for effective clot removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors positioned within the catheter provide continuous feedback on the mechanical environment during clot removal. The control system uses this feedback to adjust vacuum parameters, preventing excessive forces that could injure blood vessels while ensuring adequate suction for productivity.
4Device complexity
If existing thrombectomy devices are used, then clot removal function is provided, but large device size and extensive capital equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates the vacuum pump, control electronics, pressure sensors, and catheter into a single unified device platform. By merging these previously separate components into one integrated system, the device reduces overall complexity and eliminates the need for multiple external capital equipment pieces while maintaining full clot removal functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is nested within the handle assembly, which contains the pump and control systems. This nested configuration allows the entire system to be delivered through standard vascular access routes without requiring large external equipment, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving clot removal capability.
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 removes clots and other materials with reduced blood loss, minimal vessel injury, and compact design, providing precise control over fluid removal and vacuum profiles, enhancing the efficiency of clot extraction procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a progressive cavity pump disposed within the handle body. The progressive cavity pump includes a stator and a rotor and is configured to transfer fluid between a first volume within the handle body and a second volume within the handle body
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor in communication with the first volume and configured to measure pressure within the first volume
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for removing occlusive material from blood lumens and similar physiological structures are provided and generally include a progressive cavity pump. The progressive cavity pump may be integrated into a handle assembly or a distal end of a catheter and may be drive by a motor activated by a controller. In certain implementations, the controller may be configured to activate the motor to generate a pulsatile vacuum using the progressive cavity pump. To facilitate activation of the motor by the controller, the device may further include a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure distal the progressive cavity pump.