Thrombectomy Device Composite Wire Radiopacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical thrombectomy devices made of shape memory alloys, such as Nitinol, have poor visibility under fluoroscopic imaging, necessitating the addition of radiopaque components like platinum coils or gold rivets to enhance visibility during diagnostic procedures.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical thrombectomy device is designed with a composite wire structure featuring a radiopaque inner core surrounded by a shape memory alloy outer layer, and radiopaque markers are integrated into the device using annular recesses and channels to improve visibility without increasing the overall profile, along with innovative eyelet and rivet designs for enhanced marker retention and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shape memory alloy (Nitinol) is used for the thrombectomy device, then the device can be compressed for delivery through microcatheters and automatically expands to its original shape, but the device has poor visibility under fluoroscopic imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a composite wire structure combining shape memory alloy (Nitinol) with radiopaque materials. The Nitinol provides the super-elastic and shape memory properties for automatic expansion, while the integrated radiopaque materials (such as platinum, gold, or tantalum) provide enhanced visibility under fluoroscopic imaging. This composite construction allows both functions to coexist without compromising either automatic shape recovery or imaging visibility.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If radiopaque components (platinum coils or gold rivets) are added to improve visibility, then the device becomes visible during diagnostic imaging, but the overall profile and complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque materials are merged with the Nitinol wire structure itself, rather than being added as separate components. The radiopaque materials are integrated into the wire through methods such as co-extrusion, plating, or embedding during the manufacturing process. This merging approach provides the necessary visibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure and profile.
3Length of moving object
If the device profile is minimized for efficient delivery through microcatheters, then the device can be delivered efficiently, but the ability to retain radiopaque markers for visibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque materials are nested within or integrated into the Nitinol wire structure at multiple levels. The composite wire structure allows radiopaque materials to be positioned within the wire cross-section or along its length without increasing the outer diameter. This nested integration maintains a minimal device profile for catheter delivery while ensuring adequate radiopaque marker retention for imaging visibility.
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 device provides improved visibility during diagnostic imaging, ensuring accurate deployment and retrieval of the thrombectomy device while maintaining a low profile for efficient delivery through microcatheters, thereby enhancing procedural efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
Conventional mechanical thrombectomy devices are typically constructed of Nitinol (55 w.% Nickle, balance Titanium) or other super-elastic or shape memory alloy that is deformable/compressible, yet automatically (i.e., without the need for application of any external physical force) returns ('remembers') to its pre-deformed original shape when deployed or heated.
Implementation Method 2
Conventional mechanical thrombectomy devices are typically constructed of Nitinol (55 w.% Nickle, balance Titanium) or other super-elastic or shape memory alloy that is deformable/compressible, yet automatically (i.e., without the need for application of any external physical force) returns ('remembers') to its pre-deformed original shape when deployed or heated.
Implementation Method 3
Conventional mechanical thrombectomy devices often are designed to incorporate additional radiopaque components (e.g., markers) such as platinum coils or gold rivets in order to improve visibility during diagnostic imaging.
Data Source
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AI summary
An expandable mechanical device for use during a thrombectomy medical procedure having enhanced visibility during imaging. Furthermore, the configuration of the eyelet and/or strut optimizes retention of the marker in the eyelet during the medical procedure without increasing overall profile of strut.