Analysis and simulation of the adhesion forces between clot and the artery wall for a novel thrombectomy device applied to the Middle Cerebral Artery

Abstract

A number of Thrombectomy devices using a variety of methods have now been developed to facilitate clot removal. We present research involving one such experimental device recently developed in the UK, called a 'GP' Thrombus Aspiration Device (TAD). This device has the potential to improve the process of extracting thrombosis clots in the cerebral arteries. The development of a simulation model for this device is shown using Bond-Graph formalism applied to modeling and simulating the adhesion forces between the clot and the artery wall. Bond-Graph technique is a visual methodology that adds more transparency to the processes and it has turned out to be remarkably useful as it is a simple, effective method that can be applied to any physical system where there is a power exchange. Such modelling appears to be able to simulate the device under a variety of conditions which may assist in the optimisation of the `GP' TAD device if the novel design features of the device can be effectively incorporated into the model.