Intravascular Retrieval Device Cover Securing Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for removing occlusions from body lumens and vessels face challenges such as dislodging fragments of obstructions, which can lead to further complications and trauma to the vessel.

Innovation Solution

A retrieval device with an elongated shaft and a retrieval assembly that includes a flexible cover and a capture structure, where a securing element is used to secure the cover while the device is resheathed, preventing movement of the cover and ensuring effective retrieval of clot material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the retrieval device is resheathed to a more proximal position within the delivery sheath, then the device can be repositioned or stored, but the cover may move, bunch, or snag during resheathing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresheathing operationVSAvoidcover position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element is deployed in advance during the resheathing process to prevent cover movement before it can bunch or snag. The element is positioned and activated preliminarily as the device enters the resheathing phase, securing the cover in place before further proximal movement occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element acts as an intermediary component between the cover and the delivery sheath during resheathing. It mediates the interaction by providing a mechanical connection that prevents direct contact and potential snagging between the cover and sheath walls, allowing smooth resheathing while maintaining cover stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the obstruction is mobilized or disturbed during retrieval, then the device can engage and remove the clot, but dislodged fragments can flow downstream and cause further harm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal efficiencyVSAvoiddownstream embolism risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is inverted over the capture structure during retrieval, creating a nested configuration where the cover encompasses the capture structure and any engaged clot material. This nested arrangement contains the obstruction within the device during withdrawal, preventing fragment dislodgement and downstream embolism while maintaining effective clot engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of clot fragmentation is converted into a benefit by using the fragmentation forces to enhance capture. The mobilization and disturbance of the clot during engagement are leveraged to improve capture structure penetration and anchoring, while the subsequent inversion and containment prevent any fragments from escaping downstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Productivity

If the physician uses an expanded stent to drag the clot through the vasculature, then blood flow can be restored, but the stent may strip the cellular lining from the vessel causing hemorrhagic stroke

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow restorationVSAvoidvascular trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is constructed as a flexible shell that can conform to the vessel lumen and clot geometry during retrieval. This flexible configuration allows the device to navigate tortuous vasculature and engage clot material without the rigid structure of an expanded stent, thereby restoring blood flow while minimizing vascular trauma and preventing hemorrhagic stroke.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded operational configuration and back to compressed for retrieval. This dynamic transformation allows the device to engage and retrieve clot material effectively while maintaining a low-profile configuration during navigation, reducing vascular trauma compared to permanently expanded stents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250169838A1Securing element for resheathing an intravascular device and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

Devices and methods for securing a cover of a retrieval device while the retrieval device is resheathed to a more proximal position within a delivery sheath are disclosed herein. A retrieval device may include, for example, a securing element configured to grip the cover when the retrieval device is pulled proximally, to thereby secure the cover. A method of positioning the retrieval device may include, for example: (a) advancing the retrieval device distally through a delivery sheath to a partially deployed state while the securing element is in a first state, and (b) retracting the clot retrieval proximally from the partially deployed state while the securing element is in a second state that grips the cover to secure the cover.