Synthetic Thrombus Models for Adjustable Thrombectomy Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombus models for training thrombectomy procedures lack the ability to replicate the diversity of human thrombi, are often animal-based, and do not account for varying compositions and mechanical properties, posing challenges for physician training under real-world conditions.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic thrombus model using agarose or silicone rubber with adjustable properties, reinforced with additives and structures, replicating the behavior of different thrombi types through varying material compositions and manufacturing processes, allowing for realistic simulation of thrombus scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If animal-based thrombus models are used for training, then realistic thrombus behavior can be simulated, but animal welfare concerns arise and animal components must be eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates synthetic copies of animal thrombi using plant-based materials (agarose, guar gum) that replicate the mechanical properties, fragmentation behavior, and visual characteristics of real animal thrombi. These copies are manufactured with controlled compositions to mimic different thrombus types (red, white, mixed) without using animal components, thus eliminating animal welfare harm while maintaining training realism.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If synthetic thrombus models are used, then animal-free training is enabled, but the diversity of human thrombi cannot be replicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by systematically varying the composition ratios of plant-based materials (agarose, guar gum, xanthan gum) and additives (microglass beads, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide) to create synthetic thrombi with different mechanical properties. By adjusting parameters such as material concentration, particle size distribution, and crosslinking density, the model can replicate the diverse range of human thrombi including red, white, and mixed thrombus types with varying hardness, elasticity, and fragmentation characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining multiple plant-based polymers (agarose, guar gum, xanthan gum) with inorganic additives (microglass beads, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide) to create synthetic thrombus models. These composites allow independent control of different properties: the polymer matrix provides structural framework and elasticity, while the inorganic particles control hardness, fragmentation behavior, and visual appearance. This composite approach enables replication of diverse thrombus types without using animal materials.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-material thrombus models are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but varying mechanical properties and thrombus types cannot be simulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the thrombus model into distinct functional components: a polymer matrix phase (agarose, guar gum, xanthan gum) that provides structural framework and elasticity, and dispersed particle phases (microglass beads, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide) that control hardness and fragmentation. Each component can be independently formulated and manufactured, then combined to achieve desired overall properties. This segmented approach allows systematic variation of thrombus types while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual component.
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 standardized, animal-free training environments for thrombectomy, simulating diverse thrombi behaviors and properties, facilitating effective training under varying difficulty levels with adjustable models.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated base body based on an elastically deformable main material with a Shore A hardness in the range of 0 to 10, in particular 0 to 4
Implementation Method 2
The property profile of the base body, at least with regard to hardness and fragmentation, can be varied by providing a material combination of the main material/starting material with at least one addition of an adhesive with a concentration of 5 to 40 wt.%
Implementation Method 3
The property profile of the base body, at least with regard to hardness and fragmentation, can be varied by providing a material combination of the main material/starting material with at least one addition of an adhesive with a concentration of 5 to 40 wt.％ and/or with a reinforcing material
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a synthetic thrombus model (5) for learning the surgical removal of a blood clot from a blood vessel by means of mechanical thrombectomy in a simulation of various stroke scenarios in a training model, the synthetic thrombus model modeling a lifelike shape with realistic haptics of a human blood clot by virtue of the provision of an elongate main body based on an elastically deformable main material having a Shore A hardness in the range of 0 to 10, the property profile of said main material being variable at least with respect to hardness and fragmentation by virtue of the provision of a material combination of the main material with at least one addition of an adhesive with 5 to 40 wt.% and/or with a reinforcing material.