Modeling of blood clot removal with aspiration Thrombectomy devices

Abstract

Thrombectomy by aspiration is a highly effective method of accomplishing vessel recanalization. This study aims to obtain a mathematical model that allows the prediction of the dynamic response of a thrombus in response to different suction conditions, in order to avoid potential damage or the breakage of the clot during the interventional procedure. Virtual computing models have been created using Bond-Graph data and mass-spring Multi-Degree of Freedom equations. The model allows the use of tensile and torsion loads that could potentially be generated by the suction pressure together with different catheter geometries. The stress generated in the clot depends on its length and on its stiffness. The results obtained with the mathematical model are validated with a Finite Element Method (FEM) model, shows good agreement in terms of stress and elongation values. The results are consistent with previous Bond Graph models which indicated that the forces needed to extract a blood clot from an artery in in-vitro experiments are within the range used experimentally (~40-90 kPa). Qualitative experiments are undertaken with 3D printed scale prototypes and gelatin. The results are consistent with Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulations.

Computational Analysis of Effects of Clot Length on Acute Ischemic Stroke Recanalization under Different Cyclic Aspiration Loading Conditions

“…In this context, several previous numerical studies on aspiration have modeled the arterial wall as rigid [7, 14, 35, 42]. The Romero and Talayero groups have used a simplified, linear elastic model for the artery [38–41, 46, 47]. For the current study, we have used the nonlinear hyperelastic model in [21], which was also used in our previous study, [34].…”

“…In order to better understand the limitations posed by aspiration thrombectomy, and to develop more effective first pass strategies for the retrieval of long clots, it is essential to study the underlying mechanics of the clot and the clot-artery surface interactions during the procedure. In this regard, very few groups have developed numerical models for aspiration thrombectomy [7,12,31,35,[38][39][40][41][42][45][46][47]. However, none of these studies focus on the dependence of aspiration outcomes on clot-length, and do not include any modeling of the clot-artery interface, which is essential for understanding the limitations of the procedure.…”

“…The Romero and Talayero groups focus on the use of Bond Graph based LPMs for studying aspiration [38][39][40]46]. In a recent study, they expanded use of this technique for the calibration of a coupled FEM-CFD approach [41,47]. They used surface tension as the only interfacial force to model the clot-artery surface adhesion, without providing any experimental validation.…”

Computational analysis to predict the effect of pre-bifurcation stenosis on the hemodynamics of the internal and external carotid arteries

“…Thus, evaluation of the blood flow patterns at stenotic and post-stenotic regions of a blood vessel, based on a transient model, is particularly useful, especially when assessing changes to blood rheology. The concepts outlined in this study can clearly be applied to computational modelling focused on the evaluation of the efficacy of medical devices such as stenting and thrombectomy aspiration device [55,56].…”

Computational analysis of effects of clot length on Acute ischemic stroke recanalization under different cyclic aspiration loading conditions

“…[15][16][17][18] In a recent study, they expanded use of this technique for the calibration of a coupled FEM-CFD approach. 19,20 They used surface tension as the only interfacial force to model the clot-artery surface adhesion, without providing any experimental validation.…”