Thrombectomy Shaft Puller Channel Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombectomy devices face challenges in efficiently removing large and soft clot materials from blood vessels, often requiring multiple attempts and struggling to completely remove clots from vessel walls.
Innovation Solution
The development of hand-held shaft pullers with specific channel configurations and ergonomic designs that allow for secure engagement and controlled withdrawal of thrombectomy system components, facilitating the removal of clots by maintaining a straight configuration and reducing the risk of kinking or bending during the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing thrombectomy devices are used to remove large and soft clot materials, then the clot removal function is provided, but multiple attempts are required and complete removal from vessel walls is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The thrombectomy device is divided into multiple functional segments including an outer shaft, inner shaft, flexible tube, and engagement member. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function - the outer shaft provides structural support, the inner shaft enables controlled movement, the flexible tube adapts to vessel geometry, and the engagement member securely grasps clot material. This modular design improves clot removal efficiency by coordinating these specialized components to work together systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in the physical state and properties of components during operation. The flexible tube transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded working state, allowing it to conform to vessel walls and maintain engagement with soft clot material. The engagement member can change its gripping force and configuration to adapt to different clot consistencies, enabling complete removal in fewer attempts.
2Reliability
If existing thrombectomy devices are used to remove soft clot material, then clot removal is attempted, but the soft material is difficult to grip
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement member is designed with localized features optimized for gripping soft clot material. The distal end of the inner shaft includes specific engagement structures such as teeth, barbs, or a basket configuration that provides high-friction contact points. This localized engagement capability ensures reliable grasping of soft clot material without requiring excessive force, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite construction with the outer shaft made of rigid or semi-rigid material for structural support, the inner shaft made of flexible material for adaptability, and the flexible tube made of compliant material for conforming to vessel walls. This composite approach allows the device to maintain structural integrity while providing gentle, effective engagement with soft clot material through the specially designed engagement member.
3Ease of operation
If thrombectomy devices are manipulated during clot removal, then clot extraction is performed, but kinking or bending of the device may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic elements that allow controlled movement and flexibility during manipulation. The inner shaft can move independently within the outer shaft, and the flexible tube can bend and conform to vessel geometry while maintaining engagement. This dynamic design enables the operator to manipulate the device for clot extraction without causing kinking, as the flexible components absorb and distribute mechanical stresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The device features a nested structure where the inner shaft is positioned within the outer shaft, and the flexible tube can be advanced over or withdrawn from the inner shaft. This nested configuration allows the components to move relative to each other in a controlled manner, maintaining the overall straight configuration of the device while enabling the necessary manipulation for clot removal without kinking.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and methods for using medical devices are disclosed. An example hand-held shaft puller for engaging a medical device shaft includes a handle having a distal end region, a proximal end region and a longitudinal axis. Further, the distal end region includes a first channel extending along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first channel includes an engagement surface configured to engage an engagement member disposed on a shaft extending through the first channel.