Segmented Clot Retriever Structure for Fast Neurovascular Recanalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current stent retrievers for removing blood clots in neurovascular systems require time to expand, may not fully engage with clots, especially tough ones, elongate during retraction, causing multiple passes and potential vessel trauma, and have high surface contact leading to longer recanalization times and reduced clinical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A novel extractor design with partially deployable engagement panels that can engage clots with sufficient radial force, resist elongation under tension, and minimize vessel contact, allowing for immediate recanalization in a single pass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional stent retriever deploys entirely to engage clot, then engagement force is sufficient, but deployment time increases preventing immediate blood flow restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The stent retriever is divided into multiple segments or sections along its length, allowing selective deployment of only the necessary portions to engage the clot. This segmentation enables the device to achieve sufficient engagement force in a subset of expanded segments rather than requiring complete deployment of the entire stent structure, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining adequate clot engagement capability.
2Productivity
If stent retriever is retracted to remove clot, then clot removal is achieved, but stent elongates under tension causing multiple passes and vessel trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The stent retriever incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to adapt its structural properties during retraction. The stent can dynamically adjust its rigidity or dimensional stability to resist elongation under tension forces during clot retrieval. This dynamic behavior enables the device to maintain its structural integrity and engagement force throughout the retraction process, ensuring reliable single-pass clot removal without vessel trauma.
3Reliability
If stent retriever has high surface contact with vessel, then engagement is secure, but recanalization time increases and clinical outcomes reduce
Solution Approach 1:
The stent retriever is designed with non-uniform surface contact characteristics along its length. High contact force and secure engagement are concentrated locally at specific segments where the clot is engaged, while other portions of the stent maintain minimal contact with the vessel wall. This localized quality distribution allows the device to achieve secure clot engagement without requiring high surface contact throughout the entire stent structure, thereby reducing recanalization time and improving clinical outcomes.
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 extractor achieves rapid blood flow restoration in under 120 seconds, securely removes clots without elongation or vessel trauma, and reduces the risk of downstream emboli, enhancing clinical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
engage clots with sufficient radial force
Implementation Method 2
resist elongation under tension
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of devices and methods of use are provided. The device can include a catheter shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. The device can include an extractor. The extractor can include engagement panels located at a first longitudinal location and engagement panels located at a second longitudinal location. The extractor can include a spacer between engagement panels located at the first longitudinal location and engagement panels located at the second longitudinal location. The device can include a sheath, wherein the extractor comprises a collapsed state within the sheath for delivery and an expanded state within a blood vessel. In the expanded state, the engagement panels are configured to engage material between engagement panels located at a first longitudinal location and engagement panels located at a second longitudinal location.