Single-Insertion Catheter Delivery for Repeated Clot Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing emboli and thrombi from blood vessels are complex, cause vessel trauma, lack sufficient retaining structures, and require multiple invasive procedures for repeated clot removal, leading to prolonged treatment times and patient trauma.
Innovation Solution
A retraction and aspiration system that allows for repeated deployment and withdrawal of an interventional device within a blood vessel without fully removing the guide catheter, using a lever mechanism to retract and aspirate clot material through a tubing system, with a clot reservoir for capturing and visualizing the collected material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple invasive procedures are performed for repeated clot removal, then complete clot removal is achieved, but patient trauma and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interventional device is nested within the guide catheter, allowing the device to be repeatedly deployed and withdrawn through the same catheter access. The delivery sheath is inserted through the guide catheter, and the interventional device is advanced through the delivery sheath, creating a nested configuration that enables multiple clot removal passes without removing the guide catheter.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide catheter is preliminarily positioned in the blood vessel and left in place to serve as a reusable access pathway. This preliminary action establishes a permanent access route that eliminates the need for repeated invasive procedures, allowing multiple interventional device deployments through the same catheter.
2Reliability
If existing devices are used for embolus removal, then clot extraction is achieved, but vessel trauma occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The interventional device utilizes a flexible balloon that can be inflated to engage and capture the embolus. The balloon's flexibility allows it to conform to the vessel geometry and gently retrieve the clot without causing mechanical trauma to the vessel wall, unlike rigid extraction devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon acts as an intermediary between the interventional device and the embolus. Instead of directly grasping or pulling the clot with mechanical structures that could damage the vessel, the balloon inflates to envelop the embolus and translates it back through the catheter system, mediating the interaction to protect the vessel.
3Reliability
If complex devices are used for clot removal, then clot capture capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the guide catheter for access, the delivery sheath for device deployment, the interventional device with balloon for clot capture, and the aspiration system for clot removal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall system design and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide catheter serves multiple functions: it provides the access pathway, supports the delivery sheath during insertion, and remains in place as a reusable conduit for multiple interventional device deployments. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
Enables efficient and repeated clot removal with reduced risk of reintroducing contaminants, minimizing patient trauma and procedural time, while maintaining vessel integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a retraction and aspiration system that allows for repeated deployment and withdrawal of an interventional device within a blood vessel without fully removing the guide catheter, using a lever mechanism to retract and aspirate clot material through a tubing system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, engaging an interventional device of a catheter system with clot material in a blood vessel and withdrawing the interventional device and the portion of the clot material through a guide catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system can include an attachment/valve member coupled to a proximal portion of the guide catheter, and the method can include unsealing the attachment/valve member to facilitate withdrawing the interventional device through the attachment/valve member without significant retention of clot material within the attachment/valve member. The method can further include resealing and aspirating the guide catheter before advancing another interventional device to the clot material to again engage and remove clot material from the blood vessel.