Nature: New Compression-Based Device Removes Blood Clots in 90% of Cases

American scientists from Stanford University have developed a device called the “milli-spinner,” which could dramatically improve the treatment of strokes and other conditions associated with blood clots. The study was published in the journal *Nature*.

The device addresses a major limitation of current thrombectomy procedures — the low success rate of clot removal on the first attempt. While conventional methods are successful in only about 50% of cases, the milli-spinner achieves a 90% success rate, including with the most difficult clots.

The principle behind the device involves a combination of compression and shearing forces. Delivered through a catheter, the milli-spinner spins at high speed, creating localized suction. This allows it to compress the fibrin strands of the clot down to just 5% of their original volume — without causing the clot to fragment.

“Current technologies simply tear the clot apart, which can lead to new blockages,” explained René Zhao, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and lead author of the study. “Our approach is different — we compress the clot while preserving its structural integrity.”

The device demonstrated exceptional results in animal testing, especially with dense, fibrin-rich clots that are typically resistant to current treatments. Researchers note that this technology could be used not only for ischemic strokes, but also for heart attacks, pulmonary embolisms, and other clot-related conditions.

Beyond thrombosis treatment, the researchers are also exploring other potential applications for the milli-spinner, including the removal of kidney stone fragments.