Spectroscopic Catheter for Clot Composition Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in effectively managing acute ischemic events due to the complexity of clot composition and vascular architecture, leading to poor revascularization outcomes and increased risk of complications such as subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Innovation Solution

The development of a catheter system equipped with a spectroscopic mechanism for in vivo analysis of clot composition, allowing for real-time classification of clots as red blood cell rich or fibrin rich, and the use of specific reperfusion devices tailored to each clot type for optimal perfusion restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If mechanical thrombectomy is performed without clot composition analysis, then treatment time is reduced, but revascularization outcomes deteriorate due to inability to tailor treatment to specific clot types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment timeVSAvoidrevascularization outcomes

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spectroscopic mechanism performs clot composition analysis before thrombectomy treatment is initiated, allowing clinicians to pre-select the most appropriate thrombectomy device and strategy based on real-time clot characterization (fibrin-rich vs. red blood cell-rich), thereby avoiding trial-and-error approaches and reducing overall treatment time while improving outcomes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback on clot composition during the acute ischemic event, enabling dynamic adjustment of treatment protocols based on actual clot characteristics rather than relying on pre-procedure imaging alone, which improves revascularization success while maintaining efficient treatment timelines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If universal thrombectomy approach is used for all clot types, then device complexity is reduced, but treatment effectiveness deteriorates due to lack of customization for different clot compositions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment protocol complexityVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment approach is customized based on local clot characteristics identified by spectroscopic analysis - fibrin-rich clots receive one treatment modality while red blood cell-rich clots receive another, allowing optimal treatment effectiveness for each specific clot type without requiring complex decision-making frameworks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the treatment parameter (thrombectomy device selection and procedural approach) based on the measured clot composition parameters, transforming a complex customization problem into a straightforward parameter-adjustment process driven by objective spectroscopic data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If standard thrombectomy procedures are used without clot analysis, then procedural simplicity is maintained, but complication risk increases due to inappropriate treatment for fragile vasculature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural simplicityVSAvoidcomplication risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Clot composition analysis is performed before thrombectomy to preliminarily assess the appropriateness of standard procedures versus modified approaches, allowing clinicians to proactively adjust techniques for fragile vasculature or difficult-to-remove clots before complications can occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables preliminary identification of high-risk scenarios (such as fibrin-rich clots that are difficult to remove or signs of vascular fragility), allowing clinicians to take preventive actions to counteract potential complications before they manifest during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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 enables personalized treatment protocols based on real-time clot analysis, improving revascularization outcomes, reducing the risk of complications, and enhancing the efficiency of clot removal.

Implementation Method 1

a catheter system equipped with a spectroscopic mechanism for in vivo analysis of clot composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpectroscopy: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentUS12268476B2Method and apparatus for managing acute ischemic events

Publication Date: 2025.04.08 NEURAVI

AI summary

A method or use for managing one or more acute ischemic events. The method can include determining criteria of a clot; classifying the clot based on the criteria and generating a classification; determining an individualized treatment protocol for the clot based on the classification, the individualized treatment protocol comprising one or more techniques selected from using aspiration, restoring perfusion using a first reperfusion device, and/or restoring perfusion using a second reperfusion device; and treating the clot based on the individualized treatment protocol.