Suction instead of surgery: Michigan video shows new device against pulmonary embolism

In a pulmonary embolism, blood clots block the arteries of the lungs – a life-threatening emergency. The University of Michigan developed a way to remove such clots through the blood vessels: the Hēlo thrombectomy system draws the clot into a catheter, an agitator stretches and breaks it up, and it is then vacuumed out. The technology was originally designed for stroke treatment. The university presented the device on 26 October, and Michigan Engineering published a short video the following day.

According to the manufacturer's announcement of 12 October, the US Food and Drug Administration granted two 510(k) clearances: one for the thrombectomy system and one for "Hēlo Return", which filters aspirated blood and returns it to the patient. The catheter has a 15 French profile, the clot funnel at its tip 24 French. The decision was based on data from the ENGULF clinical study; the manufacturer says its blood-loss figures refer to 40 patients treated with blood return.

The system is commercialised by Endovascular Engineering (E2), a university spin-out founded in 2020. According to the university, it has raised 42 million dollars in Series B and 80 million dollars in Series C financing. The method was developed in the lab of engineering professor Albert Shih together with neurosurgeons. "The FDA clearance of the Hēlo Thrombectomy System marks a transformative advancement for pulmonary embolism patients," says Kelly Sexton, the university's associate vice president for research, innovation partnerships and economic impact. The university and neurosurgeon Aditya Pandey have a financial interest in E2.