Rotating Separator Microcatheter for Thrombectomy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mechanical endovascular thrombectomy devices face challenges in effectively removing large clots from blood vessels without causing vessel collapse, as existing devices often fail to provide sufficient aspiration force and are not easily manageable in terms of size and flexibility, leading to variable success rates and complications such as hemorrhage.

Innovation Solution

The development of a device that simultaneously irrigates and aspirates clots using a rotating cutting element, replacing the mass of the target clot with a saline solution to maintain vessel pressure and prevent collapse, allowing for the safe removal of clot elements through existing vessel access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If aspiration force is increased to remove large clots, then clot removal effectiveness is improved, but vessel collapse risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal effectivenessVSAvoidvessel collapse

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A liquid intermediary (irrigation fluid) is introduced between the aspiration force and the vessel wall to prevent direct contact between the collapsing vessel and the aspiration catheter, thereby maintaining vessel patency during high-force clot removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Hydraulic pressure from continuous irrigation fluid flow counteracts the negative pressure generated by aspiration, preventing vessel collapse while maintaining effective clot removal capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If device size is reduced for easier navigation, then flexibility and manageability are improved, but aspiration force and clot removal capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and manageabilityVSAvoidaspiration force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions (cutting, maceration, irrigation, and aspiration) are merged into a single integrated catheter system, allowing a compact device to achieve high clot removal effectiveness through combined mechanical and hydraulic actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical cutting and maceration actions replace the need for high-aspiration-force systems, enabling effective clot removal in a compact device through rotational cutting elements that fragment clots before aspiration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach effectively prevents vessel collapse during clot removal, ensuring safe and efficient extraction of clots while maintaining vessel integrity, thereby reducing the risk of hemorrhage and improving clinical outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

simultaneously with the removal of parts of said target clot by a rotating cutting element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

introduces fluids such as a saline solution to a target clot simultaneously with the removal of parts of said target clot to maintain pressure inside a vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The aspiration element removes both clot elements and excess fluid to prevent the vessel from exploding

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS10299824B2Rotating separator, irrigator microcatheter for thrombectomy

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 WALZMAN INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

The described invention provides several aspects designed to help mechanically break up and/or lyse a clot inside vessels and/or remove a clot via aspiration. According to some embodiments, the devices are adapted to irrigate a blood vessel during thrombectomy; to macerate an obstruction during thrombectomy, to block blood flow in a blood vessel during aspiration of a thrombus; or to capture distal emboli.