Stentriever Microcatheter Control for Variable Loop Clot Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheters lack the ability to control the distal tip effectively and form variable-sized loops, limiting their ability to navigate complex anatomical structures and efficiently remove clots.
Innovation Solution
A combination stentriever and microcatheter system with a microcatheter having varying diameters and a stentriever with an expandable engagement structure, controlled by a hand-operable mechanism, allowing for enhanced control over the distal tip and loop formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a straight lumen path control wire is used in the catheter, then the catheter structure is simple, but the catheter cannot form variable-sized loops or effectively control the distal tip
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is divided into multiple sections with different properties: a distal section that is more flexible and capable of forming loops, and a proximal section that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the distal tip to form variable-sized loops while maintaining overall catheter integrity and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates a dynamic control mechanism where the control wire can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the distal tip. When engaged, it provides rigid control for navigation; when disengaged, it allows the distal section to form loops naturally. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between control precision and loop formation capability.
2Reliability
If the engagement structure is allowed to fully retract within the microcatheter, then the device complexity is reduced, but complete clot extraction cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary engagement phase where the stentriever is deployed to secure the clot, followed by a controlled retraction phase. During retraction, the microcatheter is withdrawn while the stentriever remains engaged with the clot, ensuring complete extraction. This preliminary engagement followed by controlled retraction ensures reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcatheter acts as an intermediary between the operator and the stentriever-clot assembly. It provides a controlled environment for retraction, allowing the stentriever to be pulled back in a controlled manner while maintaining engagement with the clot. This intermediary mechanism ensures complete extraction without requiring direct complex control of the stentriever itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A clot removal system for removing a clot from a body vessel, the clot removal system including: a microcatheter including: a distal segment comprising a first diameter; and a proximal segment comprising a second diameter; a stentriever positionable substantially within a lumen of a distal end of the microcatheter, the stentriever including: an engagement structure configured to expand when distal of the microcatheter in an expanded configuration, and an elongated member proximal of the engagement structure and extending to a proximal end of the microcatheter; and a hand control disposed on the proximal end of the microcatheter for controlling extending and retracting the engagement structure from the microcatheter.