Shaped Aspiration Catheter Tip for Force Resistance and Anti-Clogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombectomy systems face challenges in providing alternative configurations of thrombectomy catheters and systems that can effectively resist increased forces on the distal tip during prolonged operation, which can lead to clogging and reduced efficacy.
Innovation Solution
Design of a thrombectomy catheter with a strengthened distal tip member configured to resist increased forces, featuring a guidewire shaft within a catheter shaft and a tip member with a distal facing outer surface that follows a convex path or multiple planes, and includes distally oriented jet orifices to macerate clots and prevent clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional catheter tip design is used, then the catheter is simpler to manufacture, but the distal tip cannot resist increased forces during prolonged operation leading to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is divided into multiple functional segments: a first portion with a first configuration for initial thrombus engagement, and a second portion with a second configuration for maintaining position and resisting forces. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between strength and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the catheter tip are given different local configurations and properties. The first portion has one configuration optimized for cutting engagement, while the second portion has a different configuration optimized for force resistance and position maintenance. This local differentiation enables the tip to handle varied forces without requiring the entire structure to be overly complex.
2Productivity
If the catheter operates for prolonged periods, then more thrombus can be removed, but the distal tip experiences increased forces leading to clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip configurations are designed in advance to prevent clogging before it occurs. The second portion's specific configuration proactively resists forces that would otherwise cause clogging during prolonged operation, ensuring continuous productivity without reliability failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter tip configurations are designed to dynamically adapt to varying operational conditions. The different configurations allow the tip to maintain effectiveness throughout prolonged procedures by adjusting to different force regimes, preventing clogging while maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If alternative catheter configurations are designed, then clogging is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes parameter changes in the catheter tip configurations, specifically utilizing thermal parameters during fabrication. The different configurations can be achieved through controlled heating and shaping processes, allowing complex geometries to be manufactured using standard techniques, thus reducing manufacturing difficulty despite the alternative configurations.
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 strengthened distal tip design enhances the catheter's ability to withstand forces, reduces clogging, and improves the efficiency of clot removal by maintaining aspiration rates and preventing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
distally oriented jet orifices to macerate clots and prevent clogging
Data Source
AI summary
An aspiration catheter for use in a thrombectomy procedure is disclosed. The aspiration catheter also includes distal tip member having a length and a lumen extending therein, wherein the distal tip member is coupled to the distal end region of the catheter shaft. A guidewire shaft extends within at least a portion of the lumen of the catheter shaft and the lumen of the distal tip member. A first portion of a distal facing outer surface of the distal tip member lies in a first plane, and a second portion of the distal facing outer surface of the tip member lies in a second plane, different from the first plane.