Thrombectomy Funnel With Arched Wire Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thrombectomy apparatuses face challenges in efficiently removing clots from vessels due to limitations in design, material, and manufacturing methods, necessitating alternative solutions for effective clot removal.
Innovation Solution
The thrombectomy apparatus features a catheter with a distal region and a funnel secured to the distal end, comprising a braided inner and outer layer with a reinforcing structure of arched wires. A tractor extends over the catheter and funnel, inverting to engage and pull the clot into the funnel and lumen for removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional thrombectomy apparatus design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to navigate tortuous vasculature and maintain conical shape under axial compression is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel is constructed using composite materials including a braided member (such as nitinol or stainless steel wires) providing flexibility and shape memory, combined with a reinforcing structure (such as a self-expanding cage or radial support elements) that maintains the conical shape under axial compression. This composite construction allows the device to navigate tortuous vasculature while maintaining its structural integrity and conical configuration during thrombectomy operations.
2Productivity
If the tractor inverts over the distal end of the funnel, then the clot can be engaged and pulled proximally, but the braided member may deform under axial compression
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcing structure is pre-installed within the funnel's braided member to provide structural support before axial compression occurs during the inversion process. This pre-reinforcement prevents the braided member from deforming or collapsing when the tractor inverts over the distal end, ensuring the funnel maintains its conical shape and continues to effectively engage and guide the clot during proximal retrieval.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the funnel is made more rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability improves, but the ability to navigate tortuous vasculature decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel incorporates dynamic properties through the use of shape memory materials (such as nitinol) or phase-change materials that allow the structure to transition between flexible and rigid states. During navigation through tortuous vasculature, the funnel remains flexible and adaptable. Upon deployment at the target site, the material transitions to a rigid state that maintains the conical shape under axial compression, providing both navigability and structural stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A thrombectomy apparatus includes a catheter having a funnel is secured to a distal end and extending distally therefrom. The funnel includes a braided inner layer, a braided outer layer, and a reinforcing structure disposed between the braided inner layer and the braided outer layer, the reinforcing structure including a plurality of arched wires extending between the braided inner layer and the braided outer layer. A tractor is adapted to extend over the outer surface of the catheter and the funnel in an un-inverted configuration and to extend in an inverted configuration through the funnel and into the lumen, the tractor adapted to invert by rolling over the distal end of the funnel when the tractor moves proximally. An elongate member extends through the lumen and is secured to an end of the tractor disposed within the lumen.