Aspiration Thrombectomy System with Dynamic Flow State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aspiration thrombectomy systems face challenges with excessive blood loss and inefficient clot removal due to manual control issues, particularly when the catheter tip falls out of contact with the thrombus, leading to premature termination of procedures and suboptimal occlusive material extraction.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum aspiration control system that monitors fluid flow through the aspiration catheter to automatically adjust aspiration modes based on flow state, including unrestricted, restricted, or clogged conditions, using sensors and controllers to optimize clot removal while minimizing blood loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of aspiration thrombectomy is used, then the system is simple to operate, but excessive blood loss occurs when the catheter tip falls out of contact with the thrombus
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors aspiration flow rate and provides feedback to the controller. When the catheter tip is in contact with thrombus, flow rate is restricted; when out of contact, flow rate becomes unrestricted. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust aspiration mode, switching from continuous to intermittent aspiration when unrestricted flow is detected, thereby reducing blood loss while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the catheter tip status (in contact or out of contact with thrombus) by monitoring flow rate characteristics and self-adjusts the aspiration mode without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously switches between continuous and intermittent aspiration modes based on real-time flow conditions, eliminating the need for constant manual monitoring while preventing excessive blood loss.
2Productivity
If continuous aspiration is maintained to maximize clot removal, then productivity is improved, but blood loss increases when the catheter is not in contact with clot
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the aspiration mode based on real-time flow conditions. When the catheter tip is in contact with thrombus (restricted flow), continuous aspiration is maintained to maximize clot removal efficiency. When the catheter tip is out of contact (unrestricted flow), the system automatically switches to intermittent aspiration, reducing blood loss while preserving the ability to quickly resume continuous aspiration when clot contact is reestablished.
3Loss of substance
If automated flow monitoring is implemented, then blood loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring and control with an automated electronic control system. Flow sensors electronically monitor aspiration flow rate and transmit data to a microcontroller, which automatically adjusts the aspiration mode through electronic valve control. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with electronic automation reduces blood loss while the integrated sensor-controller-actuator system manages the added complexity through consolidation and automation.
4Loss of substance
If intermittent aspiration is used to reduce blood loss, then blood loss is minimized, but clot removal efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between continuous and intermittent aspiration modes based on real-time detection of catheter tip status. When thrombus contact is detected (restricted flow), continuous aspiration is applied to maximize clot removal efficiency. When no thrombus contact is detected (unrestricted flow), intermittent aspiration is applied to minimize blood loss. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal clot removal efficiency is maintained when needed while blood loss is minimized when the catheter is not engaged with clot.
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 prolongs procedures, enhances clot ingestion, and optimizes occlusive material removal by dynamically adjusting aspiration techniques, reducing blood loss and improving the efficiency of clot extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensor disposed within the connection tubing and configured to detect flow rate within the connection tubing and to produce a signal representative of the detected flow rate
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source configured to aspirate fluid through the aspiration catheter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An aspiration thrombectomy system for use with a vacuum source (2120) and an aspiration catheter (2140) includes a connection tubing (2110) configured to selectively connect the aspiration catheter to the vacuum source via a controllable vacuum valve (2160). A distal pressures sensor (2170) is configured to detect pressure at the distal end within the connection tubing. An automatic controller (2150) may operate the vacuum valve to generate fluid pressure change in the connection tubing, and detect pressure profiles in the connection tubing correlated with the generated pressure changes via the distal pressure sensor. The automatic controller may determine one or more system states in the aspiration catheter or connection tubing based on the detected pressure profiles, and may operate the vacuum valve based on the determination of system state.