Angiogenic Disc Therapy via Localized Growth Factor Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lower back pain associated with degenerative disc disease do not address the underlying cause of ischemia and hypoxia, leading to unpredictable outcomes and increased incidence of disc degeneration in adjacent discs due to altered biomechanical workload distribution.
Innovation Solution
Diagnosing ischemic or hypoxic disc disease through a two-part test and treating it by increasing perfusion using angiogenic factors delivered via a localized delivery system, such as a gel-like structure with extracellular matrix components, or a medical device that generates a continuous release of angiogenic factors, including growth factors and chemotactic agents, to promote neoangiogenesis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for lower back pain are used, then pain relief is attempted, but the underlying cause of ischemia and hypoxia is not addressed, leading to unpredictable outcomes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by diagnosing ischemic or hypoxic disc disease through a two-part test before treatment, identifying patients with reduced blood flow and oxygenation to the disc. This preliminary diagnosis ensures that only appropriate candidates receive angiogenic therapy, making treatment outcomes more predictable by addressing the underlying cause rather than just symptoms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses angiogenic factors as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the blood supply and the degenerative disc. These factors (such as VEGF, FGF, PDGF) mediate the formation of new blood vessels, thereby improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to the disc without directly treating the disc tissue itself
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional treatments are applied, then pain management is attempted, but incidence of disc degeneration in adjacent discs increases due to altered biomechanical workload distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of altered biomechanical workload distribution into a benefit by restoring the original disc function through angiogenesis. By improving blood flow and oxygenation to the affected disc, the disc regains its structural integrity and load-bearing capacity, thereby reducing the abnormal stress on adjacent discs and preventing further degeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the disc to serve itself by stimulating its own blood vessel formation through angiogenic factors. The treated disc becomes self-sufficient in obtaining oxygen and nutrients, eliminating its dependence on compensatory mechanisms that place stress on adjacent discs
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively increases blood flow and oxygenation to degenerative discs, potentially reversing disc degeneration and alleviating pain by stimulating angiogenesis and improving nutrient supply, thereby addressing the underlying cause of the condition.
Implementation Method 1
treating it by increasing perfusion using angiogenic factors delivered via a localized delivery system... to promote neoangiogenesis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to systems and methods for the diagnosis, amelioration, and treatment of ischemic tissues in patients caused by and/or resulting from diminished microvascular blood flow. Patients suffering from ischemic tissue conditions can be categorized into specific subsets that are deemed to have a potential to respond to therapy. In particular, the invention includes various therapies involving stimulation of angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, arteriogenesis and/or neovascularization so as to increase perfusion of various tissues.