Occlusive catheter design for embolic control and vessel integrity - ON-1109

Project type: Research
Desired discipline(s): Engineering - biomedical, Engineering, Biology, Life Sciences
Company: Sensible Vascular Incorporation
Project Length: 6 months to 1 year
Preferred start date: As soon as possible.
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Hamilton, ON, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: Master'sPhDPostdoctoral fellow
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: Yes

About the company: 

Sensible Vascular is developing a next generation thrombectomy device to evolve stroke care. Our patent-pending technology overcomes critical limitations of current systems by increasing first pass efficacy of clot retrieval, while reducing vessel trauma and embolic complications. The goal: optimize patient outcomes while minimizing risk.

Describe the project.: 

This research project focuses on the design, development, and preclinical evaluation of a novel neurovascular thrombectomy device that uniquely integrates occlusive functionality with a design emphasis on minimizing vessel intima damage. The device is intended to navigate and perform reliably within the highly tortuous cerebral vasculature, including tight-radius bends that pose significant challenges to existing technologies.
During clot retrieval procedures, maintaining consistent vessel wall apposition is essential not only to achieve effective embolic capture and occlusion, but also to prevent trauma to the vessel’s inner lining. Intimal injury can lead to complications such as vasospasm, restenosis, or secondary thromboembolic events. This device aims to address these risks through a combination of atraumatic mechanical design and controlled radial force distribution, enabling safe and effective retrieval while preserving vessel integrity.
The project will include a comprehensive literature review, the development of physiologically relevant in-vitro test models, and quantitative methods to evaluate both occlusion performance and intimal safety. Iterative prototyping and comparative benchmarking against current standards will guide the design evolution. The goal is to advance a device that not only improves thrombus retrieval efficacy, but also enhances procedural safety and long-term vascular outcomes.

Required expertise/skills: 

• Biomedical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (with biomedical focus)
• Knowledge of vascular physiology, particularly cerebral vessel structure and disease
• Experience with literature reviews and scientific writing
• Familiarity with in-vitro test development, fluid dynamics, or vascular models
• Skills in CAD, prototyping, and basic machining or 3D printing (preferred)
• Experience with microscopy or histology (asset but not mandatory)
• Analytical skills for data acquisition and interpretation