Innovative Milli-Spinner Technique Significantly Boosts Blood Clot Removal Effectiveness

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a groundbreaking thrombectomy technology that dramatically increases the success rate of blood clot removal, especially in critical cases such as strokes and heart attacks. The new method, called the milli-spinner thrombectomy, enhances the effectiveness of clot removal procedures by over 100%, making it possible to clear even the toughest clots on the first attempt in 90% of cases, compared to the approximately 50% success rate of current methods.

Blood clots, often composed of fibrin tangled with red blood cells, can cause life-threatening conditions like ischemic stroke when they block blood flow to the brain. Traditional treatments involve inserting catheters to vacuum or snare the clot, but these techniques can sometimes fail or cause parts of the clot to break off and lodge elsewhere. The milli-spinner offers a novel approach by applying controlled compression and shear forces to densify and shrink the clot without rupturing it.

The device is a long, hollow, rapidly rotating tube fitted with fins and slits that create localized suction near the clot. This mechanism effectively compresses and twists the fibrin network, transforming the clot into a tiny, dense ball that can be easily removed. Laboratory and animal studies demonstrated that the milli-spinner could reduce clot volume by up to 95%, freeing entrapped blood cells and substantially improving removal success.

This innovation stems from Zhao's earlier work on tiny origami robots called millirobots, designed for medical navigation. The spin or suction generated by the milli-spinner was an unintended but fortunate discovery, revealing a powerful way to reshape and diminish clots. The team is working toward developing an untethered, autonomous version that could swim freely through blood vessels to target clots directly.

Beyond blood clots, the milli-spinner shows promise for other medical applications, such as removing kidney stone fragments or capturing targeted material inside the body. The developers aim to obtain clinical approval and plan to conduct human trials soon, with the goal of significantly improving treatment outcomes for patients suffering from clot-related conditions.

This new technology represents a paradigm shift in thrombectomy procedures, offering a safer, more efficient, and more effective method for restoring blood flow, ultimately saving lives and reducing long-term disability risks.