Invention of the Guide Catheter Irrigation Monitoring Device for Neuroendovascular Therapy

OBJECTIVE: The thromboembolic events during neuroendovascular therapy (NET) are the major complications of concern that can be occasionally fatal. The thrombotic occlusion of the guide catheter for NET is thought to be the risk of the thromboembolic events. We have developed an idea for inventing the monitoring system of the continuous irrigation through the guide catheter. We herein present a unique invention of the guide catheter irrigation monitoring device. METHODS: We have developed ideas for preventing the thrombotic occlusion of the guide catheter. In order to design a convenient device working in the practical use, we have consulted and shared the ideas with the electrical engineers about putting the invention. RESULTS: The guide catheter irrigation monitoring device (GCIMD) consisted of three parts of optical sensor, main body and electric adapter. In brief, the basic principles of working of the GCIMD are as follows. The optical sensor is attached to the dripping chamber of the line to irrigation solution. The main body had the small light and speaker to make an alarm sounds. The sensor monitors the dripping of flush solution. If the dripping stops more than three seconds, a warning alarm has been activated. So, the operating physicians can concentrate and check the guide catheter irrigation. After the use of the GCIMD, there was no major thromboembolic complication in conjunction with the thrombotic occlusion of the guide catheter in our institute. CONCLUSION: We have developed a brilliant invention of the GCIMD for NET.