Thrombectomy Catheter Roller Compression Clog Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for removing thrombotic material from blood vessels often encounter clogging issues, leading to prolonged procedures and increased risk of catheter kinking, which can reduce performance or render the device inoperable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongate shaft with an aspiration lumen, a roller located on one side of the shaft, a tube backer on the opposite side, and a rotator that rotates the roller to create a pressure pulse, breaking up clogs and allowing continuous aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple aspiration tube type devices are used, then ease of use and rapid deployment are achieved, but the devices become blocked when faced with older, more organized thrombotic material
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic roller compression mechanism that actively compresses the catheter shaft to create pressure pulses, transforming the static aspiration system into an active, adaptive system capable of handling organized thrombotic material without clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The roller compression mechanism generates periodic pressure pulses that intermittently compress and release the catheter shaft, creating cyclical flushing action that prevents clot accumulation and maintains aspiration patency throughout the procedure
2Reliability
If devices are removed and cleared outside the body to address clogs, then clogging is resolved, but procedure time increases and catheter kinking risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs self-clearance by using its own roller compression mechanism to generate pressure pulses that automatically flush and clear clots from the aspiration lumen while still positioned in the patient, eliminating the need for external intervention and procedure interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The roller compression mechanism proactively prevents clot accumulation by continuously generating pressure pulses that maintain fluid flow and prevent thrombus adhesion to the catheter interior surfaces before clogging occurs
3Reliability
If catheter shaft is compressed to create pressure pulse, then clog clearance is improved, but catheter flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is designed with dynamic compression capability through the roller mechanism, allowing temporary, localized stiffening during compression phases while maintaining overall flexibility during non-compression phases, enabling both clog clearance and navigation through vasculature
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 system effectively clears thrombotic clogs without requiring removal and reinsertion of the catheter, allowing uninterrupted aspiration and reducing the risk of catheter kinking.
Implementation Method 1
a rotator, wherein the rotator is configured to rotate the roller causing the roller to roll along and compress the elongate shaft against the tube backer
Implementation Method 2
breaking up a thrombus located in the aspiration lumen as a result of a pressure pulse created by the rotating roller
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments describe systems and methods to aspirate a thrombus. Embodiments include an elongate shaft configured for placement within a blood vessel of a subject and an aspiration lumen extending along the elongate shaft. Additionally, disclosed embodiments include a roller and a tube backer. The roller is located on a first side of the elongate shaft. The tube backer is on a second side of the elongate shaft and the second side of the elongate shaft is opposite of the first side of the elongate shaft. Embodiments also include a rotator. The rotator is configured to rotate the roller causing the roller to roll along the elongate shaft against the tube backer.