Thrombectomy Filter With Polymer-Metal Cushioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical technologies face challenges in efficiently removing clots from cerebral arteries during acute ischemic strokes, particularly due to the circuitous and small size of these vessels, which complicates device navigation and clot engagement.

Innovation Solution

The development of a filter device comprising a guide structure, an anchor, a slide, and a filter cartridge with polymer fibers and self-extending metal elements, which deploys to form a curved structure radially outward, providing embolic protection and mechanical strength for clot engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a filter device is deployed in cerebral arteries to engage and remove clots, then clot removal efficiency is improved, but the risk of vessel wall damage increases due to the small and circuitous nature of cerebral vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclot removal efficiencyVSAvoidvessel wall damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cartridge is positioned distal to the clot before engagement, creating a protective barrier that cushions the vessel wall during subsequent clot manipulation and removal processes, preventing direct contact between mechanical elements and the delicate cerebral vessel wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cartridge acts as an intermediary element between the clot and the vessel wall, providing mechanical support and protection while enabling effective clot engagement and removal through its positioned structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the filter cartridge is deployed with metal elements extending radially outward to provide mechanical strength, then structural support for clot engagement is improved, but the device profile increases making navigation through small cerebral vessels more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical support for clot engagementVSAvoiddevice radial profile

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The metal elements are designed to be dynamic in nature, extending radially outward only when needed for structural support during clot engagement, while maintaining a compact profile during navigation through cerebral vessels, adapting their configuration to the procedural requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter cartridge is segmented into distinct functional zones: a proximal section for navigation and deployment, and a distal section with radially extending metal elements for clot engagement, allowing each segment to optimize its function independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3344184B1Thrombectomy devices

Publication Date: 2025.04.30 WORLD VASCULAR INC

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AI summary

Components and corresponding systems are described for providing removal of a clot or fragment thereof to address an acute ischemic stroke condition. In particular, a filter design is presented that provides metal elements below a bundle of polymer fibers to provide more mechanical strength while cushioning the vessel wall from direct contact with the metal elements. Designs of stent retrievers are presented with polymer covers or mounted on the exterior of a microcatheter. Corresponding systems are described that can use various combinations of the components, generally in combination with an aspiration catheter. Corresponding procedures are described that can effectively use the various devices and systems.