Thrombus Retrieval Device with Curly Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing intracranial thrombi, such as breaking them into pieces, risk dislodging fragments that can form emboli, and are not suitable for small or tortuous blood vessels due to the need for blocking and suction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A device with a flexible catheter and curly wires that deploy radially from a delivery tube to ensnare and retrieve thrombi intact, reducing the risk of fragmentation and allowing access to smaller vessels without the need for blocking or suction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thrombus is broken into pieces for removal, then removal capability is improved, but risk of emboli formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the thrombus engagement function across multiple curved wires that can independently engage with different portions of the thrombus, allowing the entire thrombus to be retrieved intact rather than requiring fragmentation for removal
Solution Approach 2:
The curved wires act as intermediaries between the delivery tube and the thrombus, enabling engagement and retrieval of the thrombus in its intact form without requiring fragmentation or additional blocking/suction mechanisms
2Reliability
If blocking and suction means are used for thrombus removal, then safety against emboli is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for blocking and suction mechanisms by using curved wires that can engage and retrieve the thrombus intact, thereby simplifying the device structure while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The curved wires perform the dual function of engaging the thrombus and enabling its retrieval, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional blocking or suction components
3Reliability
If blocking and suction means are employed, then thrombus removal safety is improved, but applicability to small vessels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The curved wires provide localized engagement capability that can be adapted to different vessel sizes, with the wires being flexible enough to navigate small tortuous vessels while maintaining the ability to safely engage and retrieve thrombi without requiring blocking/suction mechanisms
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 safe retrieval of thrombi in smaller vessels by minimizing fragmentation and eliminating the need for blocking or suction, thereby reducing the risk of emboli formation and allowing for the removal of occluding bodies in previously inaccessible areas.
Implementation Method 1
one or more curved wires made of an elastic material and having a predetermined shape... movable radially of the delivery tube between a retracted configuration in which it is retained within the delivery tube and a deployed configuration in which it projects from the delivery tube through the side hole
Implementation Method 2
curved wires made of an elastic material and having a predetermined shape
Data Source
AI summary
A thrombus retrieval device has one or more thrombus engaging elements that are movable between a retracted configuration in which they are stowed within the device and a deployed configuration in which they project from the device to snare an adjacent thrombus for removal from a blood vessel.