Aspiration catheter with an adjustable tip for intracranial circulation

Description:

Project ID: D2021-08

Background:

Acute ischemic stroke is the sudden blockage of adequate blood flow to a section of the brain, usually caused by thrombus or other emboli lodging or forming in one of the blood vessels supplying the brain.  If the blockage is not quickly resolved, the ischemia may lead to permanent neurologic deficit or death.  The intracranial use of aspiration catheters is becoming part of the standard of care for stroke patients, to suction a clot out of a blood vessel and restore intracranial circulation and brain function early on.  Thrombus aspiration therapy is achieved by inserting a small tube called a cather from the leg or arm to reach a desired location in the blood vessel and sucking and removing debris such as thrombus and atheromas released into the blood vessel.  However, the path to the brain is very tortuous, and fragments of clots that break off can go into smaller blood vessels, which is why the first pass with an aspiration catheter is so important.  Therefore, there is a need for a new and improved intracranial catheters.    

Invention Description:

Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a novel aspiration catheter that helps in improved maneuvering and clot aspiration of the intracranial circulation. The novel invention offers effective solution for the intracranial use of aspiration catheters by providing an adjustable tip ensuring improved suction and flexibility, while improving the ability of the tip to be tracked and making the catheter easier to navigate, thereby improving first pass efficiency and alleviating concerns of accidental punctures. The adjustable tip provides a great versatility for the operator using the aspiration catheter, and allows for intracranial vessels to be reached with less difficulty while minimizing the risk of puncturing or injuring other vessels in the process.

Applications:

Acute Stroke Thrombectomy, Surgical Procedure.

Advantages:

  • Novel adjustable tip.
  • Improved aspiration in removing clots.
  • Improved suction and flexibility.
  • More efficient and effective first pass to remove clots and restore brain function.
  • Easy navigation through the tortuous blood vessels.

IP Status: Patent Pending.

Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Stephen Snider
AVP Tech Transfer
The University of Toledo
419 530 6225
Stephen.Snider@utoledo.edu
Inventors:
Mouhammad Jumaa
Syed Zaidi
Julie Shawver
Keywords:
Acute Stroke
Aspiration
Catheter
Clots
Standard of care
Surgery
Thrombectomy