A New Way to Fight Clots—Smaller, Smarter, and Stronger
Stanford University researchers have developed a groundbreaking miniature device—about the size of a grain of rice—that removes dangerous blood clots even when standard treatments fail. Known as the milli-spinner thrombectomy, this new tool removes blockages with greater precision and gentleness, offering new hope for patients suffering from severe strokes.
How It Works: Compact, Then Capture
Traditional clot removal tools either suction out the clot or pull it with a mesh net. But these methods often tear apart the clot’s structural fibers, called fibrin, sending fragments downstream that may cause further harm. The Stanford device changes that approach. Its hollow spinning tube, equipped with tiny fins and slits, generates a powerful suction that compresses and shears the clot. It compacts the fibrin into a tight ball, shrinking the clot’s volume by up to 95%, and then draws it safely into the catheter.
Dramatic Results in Preclinical Testing
In lab tests, the device achieved nearly 90% success in removing clots on the first attempt—compared to about 50% for current tools. It especially outperformed in clearing tough, fibrin-rich clots that standard devices typically can’t handle. In these challenging cases, the milli-spinner cleared clots more than 90% of the time.
Future Potential Beyond the Brain
The researchers see enormous potential in expanding this technology to treat clots in the lungs, heart, kidneys, and other parts of the body. They’ve launched a Stanford-affiliated startup to bring the device into clinical trials and, eventually, into hospitals. If the device proves successful in humans, it could revolutionize how doctors treat life-threatening blockages, offering a faster and safer option for patients when every second counts.
