Systems and methods for removing undesirable material within a circulatory system
Inventors
Swift, Kevin • Cote, Seth • Girard, Mark • Aklog, Lishan • Glennon, Michael
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12318097-B2
Publication Date
2025-06-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to improved systems and methods for removing undesirable material residing in vessels. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for using at least one cannula to remove substantially en bloc, from a site of obstruction or interest, undesirable material without fragmentation and without excessive fluid loss.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to cardiovascular endovascular systems for removing an undesirable material from medium-to-large vessels and heart chambers. The system removes the undesirable material substantially en bloc using a suction cannula having a deployable funnel tip at a distal end. The suction cannula includes a polymer wall, a stepped cannula distal end, and an expandable element coupled to the stepped cannula distal end by a collar, where the expandable element and collar are embedded within the polymer wall or integral with the polymer wall.
The system further includes a pump operatively coupled to the cannula and configured to generate a suction force through the cannula. The pump is also configured to generate a driving force into a reservoir that is operatively coupled to the pump and in fluid communication with the cannula. The suction force is generated independently of or alternatively with the driving force, enabling independent or alternative suction versus driving force operation.
The invention also provides for downstream handling of aspirated material using filtration in a closed-loop circuit, including a primary filter and optionally a second filter. A reservoir and reinfusion element support cleansing and reinfusion of perfusion fluid, with the reinfusion site being spaced from the aspiration site. Additional structural and functional features described include a deployable funnel constructed from strips and membranes, reinforcement arms, a low-friction or hydrophilic lining, stepped or expandable distal ends, and sheaths for deploying or collapsing the funnel.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims (a first system claim and a second system claim) that define a cannula-pump-reservoir suction system for removing an undesirable material, with the pump generating suction independently of or alternatively with a driving force. The main inventive features across the independent claims are centered on the cannula structure with an expandable element coupled to a stepped distal end, and the pump/reservoir arrangement enabling independent or alternative suction and driving force generation.
Expandable-element cannula with embedded collar and stepped distal end
A cannula comprising a polymer wall, a stepped cannula distal end, and an expandable element coupled to the stepped cannula distal end by a collar, the expandable element and the collar being embedded within the polymer wall.
Pump generating suction through cannula and independently of driving force
A pump operatively coupled to the cannula and configured to generate a suction force through the cannula; and configured to generate the suction force independently of or alternatively with the driving force.
Reservoir coupled to pump and in fluid communication with cannula
A reservoir operatively coupled to the pump and in fluid communication with the cannula, wherein the pump is configured to generate a driving force into the reservoir.
Integral expandable-element cannula with stepped distal end
A cannula comprising a cannula lumen, a polymer wall, a stepped cannula distal end, and an expandable element coupled to the stepped cannula distal end by a collar, and the expandable element and collar being integral with the polymer wall.
Pump with intake and exit ports generating suction and driving force
A pump comprising an intake port and an exit port, the pump operatively coupled to the cannula via the intake port and configured to generate a suction force through the cannula; and configured to generate a driving force through the exit port and into the reservoir.
Reservoir in fluid communication via exit port
A reservoir operatively coupled to the pump via the exit port, the reservoir configured to be in fluid communication with the cannula.
Across the two independent claims, the core claim coverage is a suction-based undesirable-material removal system comprising a cannula with a stepped distal end and an expandable element coupled by a collar (embedded or integral with the polymer wall), and a pump coupled to the cannula and a reservoir such that suction is generated independently of or alternatively with the driving force into the reservoir. Dependent claim refinements add filtration, reinfusion elements, and specific auxiliary placement and structural constraints.
Stated Advantages
Enables removal of an undesirable material substantially en bloc from medium-to-large vessels and heart chambers.
Allows suction force to be generated independently of or alternatively with the driving force.
Supports filtration and cleansing of aspirated material using a primary filter and optionally a second filter.
Supports reinfusion of perfusion fluid via a reinfusion element with the reinfusion site spaced from the aspiration site.
Documented Applications
Cardiovascular endovascular removal of undesirable material substantially en bloc from medium-to-large vessels and heart chambers.
Closed-loop removal, filtration/cleansing, and reinfusion of perfusion fluid in a cardiovascular context.
Use of auxiliary devices in the described cardiovascular procedures, including balloon embolectomy catheter and thrombolytic agent delivery catheter [procedural detail omitted for safety].
Interested in licensing this patent?