Researchers at Stanford University have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of strokes and other clot-related conditions with the development of the milli-spinner thrombectomy technology. This innovative device, described in a paper published in the journal Nature, offers a more effective method for removing blood clots by reducing their size to as little as 5% of their original volume without breaking the fibrin threads that hold them together.
The milli-spinner, designed as a long, hollow, rotating tube with a series of ‘fins and slits,’ works by entering the body through a catheter and applying a combination of force and suction to the clot. This process allows the clot to be compressed and shrunk significantly, which is a departure from current methods that often rely on deforming and rupturing the clot for removal.
According to the researchers, the new technology’s ability to shrink clots without rupture is a critical advancement, as it prevents pieces of the clot from escaping and becoming lodged in hard-to-reach areas. This not only enhances the effectiveness of the treatment but also reduces the risk of further complications.
Senior author Renee Zhao, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford, emphasized that existing technologies lack the capacity to reduce clot size, relying instead on methods that can be less effective and potentially more dangerous. The milli-spinner’s unique mechanism of applying compression and shear forces to the clot offers a more precise and efficient approach, significantly improving the success rate of thrombectomy procedures.
Time is a crucial factor in treating ischemic strokes, which occur when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain. The researchers noted that for every minute during a stroke, an estimated 1.9 million brain neurons and 14 billion synapses are destroyed. With the current technologies, the success rate in removing clots is about 50%, and they fail completely in roughly 15% of cases. The milli-spinner’s potential to more than double the efficacy of existing treatments, particularly for the most challenging clots, represents a major step forward in the field.
While the technology shows promise, the research team is now working towards obtaining clinical approval and initiating trials to bring this innovation to patients. The milli-spinner could also have potential applications beyond stroke treatment, such as in the removal of kidney stone fragments. The researchers are optimistic about the impact this technology could have on improving patient outcomes and advancing medical care.
The development of the milli-spinner thrombectomy technology marks a significant advancement in the treatment of clot-related diseases. By addressing the limitations of current methods, this innovation has the potential to revolutionize stroke care and other medical procedures that involve blood clot removal, offering patients a more effective and safer treatment option.