American engineers have developed a new mechanical method for removing blood clots from the body using an innovative device.
Nature npj Viruses noted that the new technique, called milli-spinner thrombectomy, uses a tiny rotating device capable of safely destroying and removing even large, dense blood clots in seconds.
The developers of the technology noted that traditional methods for removing clots—such as suction, retrieval nets, or fragmentation—are limited in effectiveness, failing at a rate of up to 30%, especially for clots rich in fibrin protein fibers. These methods can also cause clots to rupture, leading to recurrent blockages in the blood vessels. However, the milli-spinner works radically differently. It doesn't break up the clot, but rather "compresses" it like cotton, reducing its size by up to 95%.
The device's mechanism of action relies on pressure and shear forces. As it rotates, it pulls the clot toward it, squeezes the red blood cells out of it, and thickens the fibrin network remaining in the clot. The remaining dense debris can then be easily removed using traditional suction techniques.
In a series of laboratory and in vivo experiments, the device successfully removed clots up to 17 mm in length in just 8 to 15 seconds, ensuring full restoration of vascular flow on the first attempt. The technology has proven effective in models simulating pulmonary and cerebral arteries, as well as in experiments conducted on live pigs. No cases of vascular damage or recurrent blockages (emboli) were recorded in any of the experiments.
The device's developers believe it could open new avenues for treating serious conditions such as strokes, heart attacks, and pulmonary embolism. They point out that its most important features are ease of use, compatibility with various types of blood vessels, and reduced risk of complications resulting from clot removal surgeries.
