Radiopaque Ring Marker for Thrombectomy Opening Visualization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thrombectomy devices lack adequate markers to assess the three-dimensional state of the proximal ring structure during interventions, which is crucial for successful thrombus removal, and such markers can impair device functionality.

Innovation Solution

A thrombectomy device with a radiopaque ring marker made of materials like gold, platinum, or tantalum is integrated to indicate the spatial position and extent of the proximal ring structure, allowing visualization during interventions without compromising device functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radiopaque markers are added to indicate the spatial position of the ring structure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassessment of ring structure opening stateVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The radiopaque ring marker is integrated into the proximal ring structure by forming it from the same material or as an integral component, merging the marking function with the structural component rather than adding a separate marker element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximal ring structure serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical function of forming a closed ring for thrombus engagement and simultaneously serves as the radiopaque marker for imaging assessment, eliminating the need for separate marker components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If radiopaque markers are added to indicate the spatial position of the ring structure, then measurement precision is improved, but the device functionality is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassessment of ring structure opening stateVSAvoiddevice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radiopaque properties are inherent to the ring structure material itself, merging the marking function with the structural component rather than adding a separate marker element that could interfere with device performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The proximal ring structure simultaneously provides mechanical engagement functionality and radiopaque imaging capability, with the same material serving both purposes without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If the proximal ring structure is made closed to improve radial force, then the ability to open sufficiently wide at the treatment site is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradial forceVSAvoidopening width at treatment site
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The proximal ring structure is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to deform and open wide at the treatment site despite being closed, enabling adaptation to different vessel diameters while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical properties of the proximal ring structure are optimized to allow significant opening at the treatment site while maintaining closed configuration during delivery, changing the structural parameters between delivery and deployment states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables precise assessment of the ring structure's opening state, ensuring optimal adherence to the vessel wall for effective thrombus detachment and removal, while maintaining device functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a ring marker (12) made of an X-ray-proof material to indicate the spatial location of the ring-shaped structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4277549B1Thrombectomy device
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 PHENOX GMBH
  • EP4277549B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4277549B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a thrombectomy device having a substantially cylindrical structure (1) with a proximal end and a distal end and having a multiplicity of meshes (3, 4) which are composed of struts, with two connection struts (5, 5'), which are arranged on proximal meshes at the proximal end of the cylindrical structure (1) and extend in a proximal direction, and a coupling element (11) which is arranged proximally in relation to the cylindrical structure (1) and to which the connection struts (5, 5') are connected, wherein the coupling element (11) is connected to an insertion wire, wherein struts of the proximal meshes, the connection struts (5, 5') and the coupling element (11) and, optionally, bracing struts (9), arranged between the proximal meshes, form a closed annular structure (6), and the annular structure (6) comprises a ring marker (12) with a radiopaque material for identifying the spatial position of the annular structure (6). The invention makes it possible to visualize the opening behaviour of the thrombectomy device, upon release from a catheter, and also the orientation of the device in the blood vessel.