Temporal Thrombin Assay for Thrombus Origin Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current diagnostic methods for ischemic stroke, particularly cryptogenic strokes, fail to accurately identify thrombus origin, leading to inappropriate preventive treatments and increased recurrence rates.

Innovation Solution

A method and kit based on temporal thrombin activity assay to differentiate between cardio-embolic and atherosclerotic thrombi by measuring thrombin levels over time, using a reaction buffer and thrombin substrate to determine thrombus origin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional diagnostic methods (histology, ECG, Holter) are used to identify thrombus origin, then the diagnostic process can be performed with existing equipment, but the accuracy and reliability of thrombus origin identification is insufficient, leading to false categorizations especially in cryptogenic strokes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrombus origin identification accuracyVSAvoidetiology categorization precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/diagnostic systems (histology, ECG, Holter monitoring) with a biochemical assay system that measures thrombin activity temporal patterns. This substitution enables more precise and reliable thrombus origin identification by detecting molecular markers (thrombin activity) rather than relying on indirect clinical signs or mechanical imaging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from traditional diagnostic parameters (ECG rhythms, Holter data, histological appearance) to thrombin activity temporal patterns. By measuring thrombin activity at multiple time points and analyzing the temporal profile, the system achieves superior accuracy in differentiating thrombus origins, particularly for cryptogenic strokes where traditional methods fail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of information

If extensive blood tests, long-term heart rate monitoring, and invasive cardiac imaging are performed to determine etiology, then more comprehensive diagnostic information can be obtained, but the diagnostic process becomes lengthy and complex, delaying treatment optimization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveetiology diagnostic information completenessVSAvoiddiagnostic test duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information needed for etiology determination from the complex diagnostic workup. Instead of performing all possible tests (blood tests, ECG, Holter, cardiac imaging), the invention isolates and measures the critical parameter - thrombin activity temporal pattern - which directly indicates thrombus origin. This extraction approach provides sufficient diagnostic information quickly, without needing the full extensive workup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs a preliminary biochemical assay that can be conducted rapidly on thrombus samples to determine etiology before final treatment decisions are made. By conducting this thrombin activity measurement early in the diagnostic process, the system eliminates the need for lengthy sequential testing and enables faster treatment optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If maintenance or prevention treatments (thrombolytic medications, anticoagulant treatments) are administered to patients, then ischemic event prevention can be achieved, but the ability to accurately identify thrombus origin using traditional methods is not affected, leaving 40% of patients with unclear pathogenesis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrombus origin identification accuracyVSAvoidtreatment customization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional diagnostic approaches with a biochemical thrombin activity assay that works effectively regardless of whether patients are on maintenance or prevention treatments. This biochemical measurement system is not interfered with by therapeutic medications, enabling accurate thrombus origin identification even in treated patients where traditional methods fail to provide etiology categorization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Provides accurate and rapid identification of thrombus origin, enabling tailored treatment regimens that reduce recurrence of ischemic events and minimize life-threatening complications.

Implementation Method 1

measuring thrombin levels over time, using a reaction buffer and thrombin substrate to determine thrombus origin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThrombin activity:

Data Source

PatentUS12522855B2Methods and kits for identifying thrombus origin and optimizing post-ischemic event treatment

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 TEL HASHOMER MEDICAL RES INFRASTRUCTURE & SERVICES LTD

AI summary

Provided herein are method and kits for identifying thrombus origin based on temporal thrombin activity assay, and use thereof for optimizing post-ischemic event treatment, and further preventing recurrence of secondary ischemic events.