Reinforced Aspiration Catheter Tip for Guidewire Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombectomy systems fail to effectively address the need for alternative configurations of catheters, specifically in the design, material, and use of specific configurations of thrombectomy catheters and aspiration catheters, as well as methods of operating such systems.
Innovation Solution
The design of a thrombectomy catheter with a reinforced distal tip member, featuring a guidewire shaft within a distal tip member with spokes and a hub aperture, and a fluid jet loop to enhance structural integrity and fluid flow, allowing for improved thrombus removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforced distal tip member with spokes and hub aperture is added to the catheter, then the catheter's ability to withstand increased forces and maintain guidewire alignment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a catheter shaft, a separate distal tip member with spokes, and a hub aperture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while assembling into a unified structure that provides both strength and controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidewire shaft extends through the hub aperture and within the distal tip member, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are positioned within larger ones. This nesting approach maintains guidewire alignment and structural integrity without requiring additional external support structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distal tip member includes multiple spokes and a hub aperture, then guidewire alignment is maintained, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub aperture is positioned asymmetrically within the distal tip member structure, with the guidewire shaft extending through a specific offset position rather than the center. This asymmetric design maintains guidewire alignment precision while allowing for simplified manufacturing processes compared to symmetric multi-component assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub aperture and spoke structures are combined into a single integrated distal tip member component rather than being manufactured as separate parts. This merging reduces the number of assembly steps and manufacturing operations required while maintaining the precise guidewire alignment function.
3Productivity
If the distal tip member is tapered at a steep angle, then thrombus removal efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity during insertion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The distal tip member features a tapered distal portion with a steep angle (at least 15 degrees) specifically at the thrombus engagement zone, while the proximal portion maintains a more gradual transition. This local quality variation optimizes thrombus removal efficiency at the tip while preserving structural integrity during catheter insertion and navigation through the vasculature.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration catheter for use in a thrombectomy procedure is disclosed. The aspiration catheter includes a guidewire shaft having a proximal end region, a distal end region and a guidewire lumen extending within at least a portion of a distal tip member. The distal tip member is coupled to the distal end region of the catheter shaft and includes a plurality of spokes extending between the guidewire shaft and an inner surface of the distal tip member.