Thrombus Retrieval Attachment Element Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for retrieving thrombi from vessels are often large, complex, and difficult to operate, leading to increased risk of tissue injury, longer treatment times, and higher patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a distal attachment element that attaches to the proximal face of the thrombus, allowing for easy retrieval by exerting a pulling force. The device can include multiple attachment elements, biological, chemical, or mechanical mechanisms, and a suction mechanism for attachment and debris removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If known devices are made large to effectively retrieve thrombus, then retrieval capability is improved, but the risk of unwanted interaction with tissue and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a delivery catheter and a retrieval device. The retrieval device includes multiple attachment elements (such as hooks or grippers) that can independently engage with the thrombus, allowing the system to access thrombus in various locations without requiring a large overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a single large structure to a multi-component system where the retrieval device can be delivered through a catheter. This dimensional separation allows the attachment elements to reach into vessel branches and access thrombus from multiple angles, improving retrieval capability while keeping individual components small enough to navigate vessels safely.
2Reliability
If known devices are made large to ensure thrombus engagement, then retrieval reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval device is segmented into multiple independent attachment elements that can be individually controlled. This segmentation allows the surgeon to selectively engage attachment elements with the thrombus, making the device easier to operate while maintaining reliable engagement through the coordinated action of multiple elements.
3Reliability
If known devices use complicated mechanisms for thrombus removal, then retrieval safety is improved, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses multiple attachment elements that can simultaneously engage with the thrombus, allowing for parallel action rather than sequential manipulation. This segmented approach enables safer retrieval through distributed mechanical engagement while reducing treatment time by avoiding the need for complex multi-step manipulation procedures.
4Reliability
If known devices are made large to provide sufficient attachment surface, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity and tissue interaction risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large attachment surface, the device employs multiple smaller attachment elements distributed across the retrieval device. Each element provides a localized attachment point, and collectively they offer sufficient attachment area while keeping individual elements simple in structure and easy to navigate through vessels.
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 device enables safe, efficient, and versatile treatment of vessels by reducing mechanical stress on the thrombus during retrieval, minimizing tissue interaction, and shortening treatment time, thereby reducing patient discomfort and risk.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment element may comprise structure for mechanical interaction such as forks
Implementation Method 2
The thrombogenic element may comprise thrombin, calcium chloride, and/or collagen. The thrombogenic element may be a dried coagulant layer.
Implementation Method 3
a suction mechanism for attachment and debris removal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a medical device (1) for retrieving a thrombus (2) from a vessel (3). The medical device (1) comprises an attachment element (4) arranged at a distal end (5) of the medical device (1). The attachment element (4) is adapted to attach to a proximal face (6) of the thrombus such that the thrombus (2) is retrievable by exerting a pulling force on the attachment element (4).