Final Design

Blood Clot Removal Device

Requirements

The tip of device is non-driven, meaning that while the basket rotates, the tip of the device remains stationary
Adjustable speed control drive unit for breaking apart different types of clots
The tip of device has properties that prevent it from being ripped from torsion, while also being flexible enough to traverse sharp bend angles
The basket of device must be capable of fitting within 6 French catheter (1.7mm ID), and have its basket expand up to 8mm OD

Basket and Nondriven Bushing

PDMS Atraumatic Tip

3-Speed Drive Unit

Performance

The team’s designed thrombectomy device was tested in the improved test bed, achieving an average efficacy rate of approximately 80%. To evaluate its durability, the device underwent stress testing, where it was spun at 5000 RPM for one minute while the tip was pinched. The device performed without overheating or structural failure, whereas the market-standard Trerotola device failed in under 15 seconds under the same conditions. Additionally, the interchangeable catheter module allowed the team to test various thrombolytic approaches, further demonstrating the device's versatility. Finally, the drive unit has a 3 speed mode where it has an option to choose between 3000 RPM, 4000 RPM, or 5000 RPM to handle different density of clots.

Key characteristics of the Team's thrombectomy device

Testbed

Requirements

Must be able to give quantifiable results on device success rates (on breaking clots to a length < 2mm)
Must be able to test device performance at different tip bend angle
Must be capable of repeated testing without clot prematurely exiting graft
Thrombectomy device can easily insert and removed from the testbed during trials.

Clot Quantification Feature

Angle Testing Board

Performance

The improved testbed simulates a 4 L/min blood flow rate and introduces a closed-loop system with natural backpressure from the reservoir, ensuring jello remains in the graft during thrombectomy trials. To simulate blood clots, 8 mL of jello was injected into the graft. The thrombectomy device was inserted through the septa, punctured the jello, and then unsheathed.

Once activated, the pump fragmented the clot and directed debris into the reservoir, while baffles prevented clogging in the reservoir valve. An adjustable testing setup allowed for evaluating device performance under worst-case curvatures, with four curvature radii—5mm, 10mm, 15mm, and 20mm—and angles ranging from 0 to 180 degrees in 15-degree increments. Shut-off valves enabled quick reservoir replacements, improving trial efficiency over the previous testbed.

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