Patent 11969333

Derivative works

Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.

Active provider: Google · gemini-2.5-pro

Derivative works

Defensive disclosure: derivative variations of each claim designed to render future incremental improvements obvious or non-novel.

✓ Generated

Defensive Disclosure: Systems and Methods for Rapid Aspiration of Obstructive Material

This document describes a series of inventions and improvements that build upon the art of embolism treatment systems, specifically those utilizing a pre-charged vacuum source for rapid aspiration. These disclosures are intended to enter the public domain to serve as prior art for future patent applications.

Derivative Set 1: Based on System Architecture (Claim 1)

1. Material & Component Substitution

Derivative 1.1: Cryo-Toughened, Lubricious Polymer Catheter System

  • Enabling Description: The aspiration catheter (102) and connecting tubing (120) are constructed from a cryogenically treated Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) composite, reinforced with braided carbon nanotubes. This provides exceptional column strength and torqueability while minimizing wall thickness, thereby maximizing the internal lumen diameter for a given French size. The inner surface of the lumen is coated with a covalently bonded hydrophilic polymer, which, when activated by saline flush, creates a low-friction surface to reduce the adhesion of thrombotic material during aspiration. The collection canister (Canister) is molded from a transparent, impact-resistant polycarbonate with an integrated, self-sealing port for sample extraction. The vacuum source (140) is a disposable, single-use cartridge containing a chemical reactant that, upon activation (e.g., by crushing an internal ampoule), generates a rapid, predictable vacuum without mechanical action.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    graph TD;
    subgraph Patient Vasculature
        Clot[Thrombus/Embolus];
    end

    subgraph Aspiration System
        A[Cryo-PEEK Catheter 102] -- Covalently Bonded Hydrophilic Lumen --> Clot;
        A -- Proximal End --> B(Y-Connector 2590);
        B -- Aspiration Path --> C(Carbon-Nanotube Reinforced Tubing 120);
        C --> D[Polycarbonate Canister];
        D -- Vacuum Port --> E(Chemical Vacuum Cartridge 140);
    end

    style A fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;
    style C fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;
    style E fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px;

Derivative 1.2: Solenoid-Actuated, High-Speed Valve Integration

  • Enabling Description: The discrete, manually-operated stopcock (126) is replaced by a high-speed, normally-closed solenoid valve. The valve is electronically controlled by a handle-mounted trigger. Upon actuation, the trigger sends a signal to a capacitor discharge unit, which provides an instantaneous, high-current pulse to the solenoid, causing the valve to open in under 50 milliseconds. This removes operator-induced variability in valve opening speed, ensuring a maximally rapid pressure equalization and a more consistent "water hammer" effect for dislodging adherent clots. The valve body is constructed from Ultem (polyetherimide) to reduce weight and ensure biocompatibility, with a large-bore, unobstructed flow path when open.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    sequenceDiagram
    participant User
    participant Trigger
    participant CapacitorDischargeUnit
    participant SolenoidValve

    User->>Trigger: Depresses Trigger
    Trigger->>CapacitorDischargeUnit: Send Electronic Signal
    activate CapacitorDischargeUnit
    CapacitorDischargeUnit->>SolenoidValve: Release High-Current Pulse
    deactivate CapacitorDischargeUnit
    activate SolenoidValve
    SolenoidValve->>SolenoidValve: Open (t < 50ms)
    Note right of SolenoidValve: Stored Vacuum is applied to Catheter
    deactivate SolenoidValve

2. Operational Parameter Expansion

Derivative 2.1: Micro-Scale Neurovascular Aspiration System

  • Enabling Description: The system is miniaturized for intracranial thrombectomy. The aspiration catheter (102) is a 3-4 French microcatheter with a flexible, variable-stiffness Pebax shaft. The connecting tubing (120) is a high-pressure, low-compliance microbore tubing with an internal diameter of 0.070 inches and a length of 72 inches to allow for remote operation. The vacuum source (140) is a 10 mL or 20 mL locking syringe, precisely calibrated to generate negative pressures between -15 and -25 inHg, suitable for delicate cerebral vasculature. The collection canister is replaced by an in-line micro-filter cassette with a 150-micron mesh, allowing for immediate capture and visual inspection of the aspirated embolus while preserving blood volume.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    graph LR
    subgraph Neurovascular System
        A[3F Microcatheter] --> B{Clot in MCA};
        A -- Luer Lock --> C[Low-Compliance Microbore Tubing];
        C --> D[In-line Micro-Filter Cassette];
        D --> E[10mL Locking Syringe];
    end
    style E fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#f00,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

Derivative 2.2: Industrial-Scale Pipeline Clearing Apparatus

  • Enabling Description: The principle is scaled for clearing biomass or sludge blockages in industrial pipelines. The "catheter" is a semi-rigid, 2-inch diameter hose of several meters in length, reinforced with a steel wire helix. It is connected via a 4-inch diameter, 10-foot long, non-collapsible suction hose (the "tubing subsystem") to a 50-gallon steel collection "canister." The vacuum source is a 5 horsepower industrial vacuum pump that pre-charges the 50-gallon canister to -29 inHg. The fluid control device (126) is a pneumatically actuated 4-inch gate valve that can be opened in under 0.5 seconds, delivering a massive, instantaneous volumetric flow rate to dislodge and aspirate the pipeline obstruction.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    graph TD
    A[Industrial Vacuum Pump] -->|Charges| B(50-Gallon Canister);
    B -- 4" Gate Valve --> C(4" Non-Collapsible Hose);
    C --> D(2" Steel-Reinforced Hose);
    D --> E[Pipeline Obstruction];

    subgraph Control
        F(Pneumatic Actuator) -- Opens --> G{4" Gate Valve};
    end

3. Cross-Domain Application

Derivative 3.1: Aerospace - Micrometeoroid Debris Capture

  • Enabling Description: For use in extra-vehicular activity (EVA), this system captures small, free-floating debris or micrometeoroid fragments from a damaged spacecraft surface without making direct contact. A wide-aperture, bell-shaped nozzle (the "catheter") is connected via a flexible, reinforced hose to a small, rigid collection canister. A hand-held, piston-driven vacuum generator is charged by the astronaut. When positioned near the target debris, a quick-release valve is triggered, creating a rapid ingestion of the debris into the canister for later analysis on the ground. The entire system is constructed from space-grade, low-outgassing materials like Kapton, Teflon, and 6061-T6 aluminum.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    graph TD
    subgraph EVA Tool
        A[Astronaut Hand-Pump] -- Charges Vacuum --> B(Aluminum Canister);
        B -- Quick-Release Valve --> C(Flexible Kapton Hose);
        C --> D(Bell-Shaped Nozzle);
    end
    subgraph Space Environment
        E(Micrometeoroid Fragment);
    end
    D -- Aspiration Force --> E;

Derivative 3.2: AgTech - Automated Seed Singulation & Planting

  • Enabling Description: The system is integrated into an automated planting robot for precision agriculture. A manifold distributes vacuum from a central, pre-charged reservoir to an array of planting nozzles. Each nozzle is a "catheter" orifice. A high-speed solenoid valve at each nozzle opens for a programmed duration (e.g., 100 milliseconds), applying the stored vacuum to pick up a single seed from a hopper. The nozzle then moves over the target soil location, the vacuum is released, and a puff of positive pressure ejects the seed precisely into the furrow. The rapid, pulsed vacuum ensures only one seed is picked up at a time (singulation).

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    stateDiagram-v2
    state "Vacuum Reservoir (Charged)" as Charged
    state "Seed Pickup" as Pickup
    state "Seed Transport" as Transport
    state "Seed Release" as Release

    [*] --> Charged
    Charged --> Pickup : Solenoid Valve Opens (100ms)
    Pickup --> Transport : Robotic Arm Moves
    Transport --> Release : Solenoid Valve Closes
    Release --> Charged : Arm Returns to Hopper

Derivative 3.3: Consumer Electronics - High-Efficiency Heatsink Cleaning

  • Enabling Description: A device for cleaning dust and debris from delicate electronic components like CPU heatsinks and fans without using compressed air, which can cause moisture or static discharge damage. The device comprises a small, 100-250 mL canister connected to a nozzle via a short, wide-bore tube. A spring-loaded plunger within the canister is manually retracted and locked, creating a vacuum. When a button is pressed, the plunger is released, rapidly creating suction at the nozzle, which is directed at the heatsink fins. The high-velocity airflow dislodges and captures dust particles in a HEPA-filtered compartment within the canister. This provides a powerful, self-contained, and reusable cleaning tool.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    graph TD
    subgraph Cleaning Device
        A(Spring-Loaded Plunger) -- Retracted/Locked --> B(Creates Vacuum);
        B{Canister Volume};
        C(Release Button) -- Unlocks --> A;
        A -- Piston Action --> B;
        B -- Suction --> D(HEPA Filter);
        D --> E(Nozzle);
    end
    E -- Airflow --> F[Dust on Heatsink];

4. Integration with Emerging Tech

Derivative 4.1: AI-Optimized Aspiration Control

  • Enabling Description: The system incorporates a piezoelectric pressure transducer at the distal tip of the catheter (102) and a flow sensor within the tubing subsystem (120). Data from these sensors is fed in real-time to an AI control module. The AI analyzes the pressure signature and flow rate to differentiate between free-flowing blood, soft clot, and organized, adherent thrombus. Based on this analysis, it modulates the aspiration by controlling a proportional solenoid valve, adjusting the vacuum level and duration in a closed-loop system. The system can learn from previous procedures to recommend an optimal initial vacuum charge volume for a given case based on pre-operative imaging (e.g., CT angiography) data.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    graph TD
    subgraph System
        CatheterTip[Catheter Tip w/ Pressure Sensor] --> BloodVessel;
        FlowSensor[Flow Sensor in Tubing] --> AI_Module;
        CatheterTip -- Pressure Data --> AI_Module;
        AI_Module -- Control Signal --> ProportionalValve[Proportional Solenoid Valve];
        ProportionalValve -- Regulates Flow --> VacuumSource;
        VacuumSource --> FlowSensor;
    end
    subgraph AI
        AI_Module[AI Control Unit] -->|Recommends| UserInterface;
        AI_Module --Analyzes--> Clot_Signature[Clot Signature Database];
    end

Derivative 4.2: IoT-Enabled Consumable Tracking and Procedure Logging

  • Enabling Description: Each disposable component of the system (catheter, tubing, canister) is embedded with a low-cost NFC/RFID tag. Before the procedure, a reader on the main console authenticates each component, verifying it is a genuine, sterile, and unexpired part. During the procedure, the console, connected to the hospital's IoT network via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, logs key events: catheter insertion time, vacuum activation events (time-stamped), and aspirated volume (measured by a sensor in the canister). This data is transmitted to a secure cloud-based platform for inventory management, device performance analysis, and automatic addition to the patient's electronic health record (EHR).

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    sequenceDiagram
    participant Nurse
    participant Console
    participant Catheter(NFC)
    participant Canister(NFC)
    participant Cloud_Backend

    Nurse->>Console: Scans Catheter
    Console->>Catheter(NFC): Read Tag
    Catheter(NFC)-->>Console: Send UID, Mfg Date, Expiry
    Console->>Cloud_Backend: Verify(Catheter_Data)
    Cloud_Backend-->>Console: Authenticated
    Nurse->>Console: Scans Canister
    Console->>Canister(NFC): Read Tag
    Canister(NFC)-->>Console: Send UID, Volume
    Console->>Cloud_Backend: Verify(Canister_Data)
    Cloud_Backend-->>Console: Authenticated
    loop Procedure
        Console->>Cloud_Backend: Log Event (e.g., Vacuum Applied, Volume)
    end

Derivative 4.3: Blockchain for Device Provenance and Sterile Chain-of-Custody

  • Enabling Description: The supply chain for the aspiration system is tracked on a private blockchain. Each component's unique serial number is recorded as an asset on the ledger at the point of manufacture. Every subsequent step—sterilization, packaging, shipping to distributor, delivery to hospital—is recorded as a transaction, cryptographically signed by the responsible party. Before use, the clinician scans a QR code on the package, which queries the blockchain to provide an immutable and verifiable history of the device, ensuring it has not been tampered with, is not counterfeit, and has maintained its sterile chain-of-custody. This provides absolute provenance and enhances patient safety.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

     graph TD
    A[Manufacturer: Create Asset] --> B{Block 1: Genesis};
    B --> C[Sterilizer: Update Status];
    C --> D{Block 2: Sterilized};
    D --> E[Distributor: Transfer Custody];
    E --> F{Block 3: In-Transit};
    F --> G[Hospital: Receive Asset];
    G --> H{Block 4: Inventory};
    H --> I[Clinician: Scan QR Code];
    I --> J[Query Blockchain];
    J --> K[Display Full Provenance];

    subgraph Blockchain_Ledger
        B; D; F; H;
    end

5. The "Inverse" or Failure Mode

Derivative 5.1: Biphasic Aspiration with Safe-Pressure Limiting

  • Enabling Description: The system is designed to prevent vessel trauma from excessive negative pressure. The canister (Canister) incorporates two chambers: a primary vacuum chamber and a smaller, secondary priming chamber. The system also includes a mechanical negative pressure relief valve set to -20 inHg. In operation, a small vacuum is first applied to the secondary chamber, creating a low-flow "priming" suction to gently engage the clot. Following this, the main valve to the primary vacuum chamber is opened, applying the full, high-flow aspiration force. If at any point the negative pressure at the catheter tip exceeds the safety threshold (e.g., due to total occlusion against the vessel wall), the relief valve opens, bleeding in ambient air to instantly reduce the vacuum and prevent invagination or damage to the vessel intima.

  • Mermaid.js Diagram:

    stateDiagram-v2
    state "Standby" as S
    state "Priming" as P: Low-Flow Aspiration
    state "Full Aspiration" as F: High-Flow Aspiration
    state "Pressure Fault" as E: Vacuum > -20 inHg

    [*] --> S
    S --> P : User initiates Priming Phase
    P --> F : User initiates Full Aspiration
    F --> [*] : Clot Removed
    P --> E : Vessel Occlusion
    F --> E : Vessel Occlusion
    E --> S : Relief Valve Vents Vacuum

Combination Prior Art Scenarios

  1. Combination with DICOM Standard: The AI-Optimized Aspiration Control system (Derivative 4.1) is integrated with a hospital's Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Before the procedure, the system's control unit retrieves the patient's CT Angiogram (CTA) or MR Angiogram (MRA) images in the DICOM format. It uses image segmentation algorithms to analyze the clot's size, morphology, and estimated age (based on Hounsfield units). This analysis is used to pre-set the recommended vacuum charge volume and flow profile, which is then presented to the physician for approval. During the procedure, the live fluoroscopy feed (also in DICOM format) is used for real-time catheter tip position tracking relative to the clot model.

  2. Combination with MQTT Protocol: The IoT-Enabled System (Derivative 4.2) uses the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol, a lightweight pub/sub messaging standard ideal for constrained devices and low-bandwidth networks. The pressure and flow sensors in the catheter system act as MQTT clients, publishing their data to a topic (e.g., hospital/OR3/case_A4B7/pressure). The main console and a remote monitoring station subscribe to this topic to receive real-time data with minimal latency. This open standard allows for easy integration with any existing hospital IoT infrastructure or data analytics platforms that support MQTT.

  3. Combination with WebRTC for Remote Assistance: The system's main console includes a high-definition camera focused on the procedural field (the operator's hands, the catheter hub, and the canister). Using the WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) open standard, the console can establish a direct, peer-to-peer, low-latency video and audio stream to an expert physician or a manufacturer's technical support specialist in a remote location. This specialist can view the procedure in real-time, see the aspirated material in the canister, and provide guidance without needing proprietary software, using only a standard web browser. The console also transmits telemetry data (from IoT sensors, Derivative 4.2) as a data channel within the same WebRTC session.

Generated 5/14/2026, 12:49:10 PM