Background
The Vortex AngioVac works as a minimally invasive system for the en bloc removal of intravascular material such as soft thrombus, or blood clots, from occluded blood vessels. This novel endomechanical device has the potential to reduce the risk of complications associated with major open surgery, internal bleeding and clot fragmentation. The system presents opportunities for wide anatomical application, and has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and to reduce the overall cost of providing treatment.
The Vortex AngioVac system includes the AngioVac Cannula and Circuit. These two disposable devices, when combined with other manufacturers’ filters, pumps, and return cannula, comprise an extracorporeal bypass circuit that facilitates drainage, filtration, and reinfusion of blood for up to six hours. The AngioVac Cannula has a proprietary balloon-actuated, expandable, funnel-shaped distal tip that enhances flow, prevents clogging of the cannula, and facilitates en bloc removal of undesirable intravascular material. Both the AngioVac Cannula and Circuit are FDA-cleared and CE Mark approved.
Sirius contributed to the design of the Vortex AngioVac system and testing required to obtain the FDA clearance.
Development at a glance
CAD models were designed to ensure the suction was large enough to be useful, but also able to be deployed correctly through the minimally invasive catheter system.
The interfaces with other devices were designed to be compatible with the existing pumps and tubing already in use by hospitals.
Tubing circuitry was use to model how the thrombus would be captured, filtered, and removed from the patient and then have the cleaned blood reinfused.
Physicians tried the prototype devices to obtain early feedback to ensure the design path was on track and final product intuitive.