Flexible Stranded Tube Anchoring for Clot Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for removing clots from narrow blood vessels using aspiration devices require large lumens and rigid structures to withstand vacuum forces, making it difficult to reach clots in miniature vessels without causing fragmentation or distal embolization.

Innovation Solution

A flexible stranded tube made of prestressed helically coiled threads is used, which can unwind to anchor and retrieve objects from narrow conduits by expanding radially, preventing fragmentation and allowing for miniaturization of the retrieval system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a large lumen is used to create sufficient aspiration force, then clot removal capability is improved, but the device cannot reach clots in narrow vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaspiration forceVSAvoidconduit diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter transitions from a collapsed low-profile state for navigation to an expanded high-force state for clot engagement. The expandable basket or net structure allows the device to maintain a small delivery profile while achieving a large working profile at the target site, resolving the contradiction between needing large aspiration force and being able to navigate narrow vessels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clot retrieval device is nested within the catheter in a collapsed state, allowing it to pass through narrow vessels. Once positioned at the clot, the device is deployed/expanded to engage and retrieve the clot, effectively nesting the functional element within the delivery system to overcome the size limitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If a rigid material is used to form the tip to withstand vacuum forces, then structural integrity is improved, but the device dimensions become too large for narrow vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevacuum resistanceVSAvoiddevice dimensions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter tip and retrieval structure transition from a flexible collapsed state during navigation to a rigid expanded state during clot engagement. This dynamic transformation allows the device to maintain small dimensions for vessel access while achieving the necessary structural rigidity to withstand vacuum forces when engaged with the clot

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter employs flexible materials that can be collapsed to a thin profile for navigation through narrow vessels, then expanded to provide sufficient structural strength. The flexible construction allows the device to achieve both small delivery dimensions and adequate vacuum resistance through geometric transformation rather than material rigidity alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Length of moving object

If the device is miniaturized to reach narrow vessels, then vessel accessibility is improved, but the ability to anchor and retrieve distal clots is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit diameterVSAvoidanchoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retrieval device is segmented into multiple elements (such as a basket with multiple wires or a net with multiple strands) that can be deployed to engage the clot. This segmentation allows the device to maintain a small overall profile while providing multiple anchoring points that collectively achieve reliable clot capture and retrieval

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a one-dimensional linear profile during navigation to a three-dimensional expanded structure at the target site. This dimensional transformation enables the miniaturized device to achieve sufficient anchoring capability by deploying structures in radial or lateral dimensions that engage the clot from multiple directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 stranded tube effectively anchors and retrieves objects from narrow conduits without causing fragmentation, enabling safe removal of clots from small blood vessels while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible stranded tube formed out of a plurality of prestressed helically coiled threads wound together

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical coiling and unwinding: Helix

Implementation Method 2

which can unwind to anchor and retrieve objects from narrow conduits by expanding radially

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial expansion:

Data Source

PatentUS10561487B2Method system and fastener for anchoring a corpus

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 MAJIPA MED LTD ISRAEL CO REGISTRATION NO 515701555

AI summary

There is described a method, a system, and a device for the anchoring of and into a corpus disposed distally in a conduit by engaging a stranded tube with the corpus and unwinding the wound threads of the stranded tube into unwound threads. Engagement includes the use of handling and manipulation shaft to dispose the stranded tube proximally, distally, or in the interior to the corpus. Unwinding, of the stranded tube is achieved by rotating a tube tool against the stranded tube. Unwinding liberates the helically coiled unwound strands in “corkscrew” rotation into the corpus. Proximal retrieval of a corpus is achieved by proximal retrieval of the stranded tube anchoring the corpus. An unwound stranded tube is operable as a fastener, as an electrical lead, and as a support for a device.