Stroke is a critical medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is blocked by a clot. This interruption causes rapid brain cell death, and every minute of delay increases the risk of permanent disability or death. Developing fast and effective tools for clot removal is one of the top priorities in modern medicine.
Milli Spinner: A Stanford Innovation
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a tiny device called Milli Spinner, a revolutionary tool for treating strokes. Unlike traditional clot-removal devices, Milli Spinner is designed to handle clots more safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of complications.
Problems with Traditional Devices
Conventional clot-removal tools, such as suction catheters or mechanical grippers, often fragment the clot during extraction. These fragments can block other arteries, reduce treatment effectiveness, and increase the risk of additional complications.
How Milli Spinner Works
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Rotation and Compression: Upon reaching the clot, the device rotates around it and compresses it, making the clot smaller and more cohesive.
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Complete Aspiration: After compression, the clot is fully suctioned, leaving minimal residual fragments in the artery.
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High First-Attempt Success: Early studies show first-attempt success rates rising from approximately 11% with traditional devices to nearly 90%, even in complex cases.
This improvement allows faster artery reopening, reduces brain damage, and increases the chances of full or partial recovery, minimizing stroke-related disability.
Expected Benefits
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Reduced Brain Injury: Faster clot removal restores blood flow quickly, limiting neuronal damage.
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Higher Safety: Less clot fragmentation reduces the risk of secondary artery blockage.
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Effectiveness in Difficult Cases: The device can handle large or stubborn clots safely.
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Future Applications: If successful in humans, Milli Spinner could potentially treat other vascular blockages or cardiac conditions.
Challenges Ahead
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Human Clinical Trials: The device requires rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness.
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Physician Training: Proper use demands specialized skills and hands-on training.
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Cost and Accessibility: Initial costs may be high, so ensuring patient access is essential.
Conclusion
The Milli Spinner represents a major advancement in stroke treatment. By compressing clots before suction, it enables faster and safer removal, reducing brain damage and improving recovery chances. If human trials succeed, it could become a key emergency-room tool worldwide, fundamentally changing acute stroke care.