Computer-aided vacuum thrombectomy systems and methods for controlled clot aspiration

An aspiration thrombectomy system, comprising:

• an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the aspiration catheter is configured to accommodate fluid, and wherein the distal end is configured to interface with occlusive material in a vasculature of a patient;
• connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter, wherein the connection tubing is configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication between the aspiration catheter and a vacuum source;
• one or more controllable valves, wherein each valve is operable to selectively open and close to control a level of pressure in the aspiration catheter;
• one or more pressure sensors, wherein each pressure sensor is positioned at a downstream position within the aspiration thrombectomy system from the distal end of the aspiration catheter;
• and
• a controller configured to, during operation of the aspiration thrombectomy system for an aspiration thrombectomy procedure:
• detect, via one or more of the pressure sensors, during a period of time corresponding to an open flow state, a first set of downstream pressure levels;
• detect, via one or more of the pressure sensors, during a period of time corresponding to a partially occluded flow state, a second set of downstream pressure levels;
• determine, periodically or continuously during the partially occluded flow state, based at least in part on the first set of downstream pressure levels and the second set of downstream pressure levels, a vascular pressure level associated with one or more positions in the vasculature of the patient;
• and
• operate the aspiration thrombectomy system in a first operating mode of a plurality of operating modes until the partially occluded flow state changes to an open flow state.