Embolization of Bile Duct Openings Using Shear-Thinning Gel

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for alternative medical devices and methods for occluding openings formed during medical procedures, particularly in bile duct regions, to prevent leakage and promote healing.

Innovation Solution

A method and system involving the advancement of a needle to form an opening in a bile duct region, followed by an intervention, and then the use of an embolic gel or conformable embolic material, potentially with a stop member, to occlude the opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional occlusion methods are used, then the opening can be closed, but bile leakage prevention and healing promotion are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidhealing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The embolic gel undergoes parameter changes from a liquid state during injection to a solidified state after deployment, transforming its physical properties to achieve both effective occlusion and reliable leakage prevention while promoting healing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The embolic gel is a composite material combining embolic agents with gelatin or other biocompatible polymers, providing both occlusion functionality and biocompatibility to prevent leakage and promote tissue healing simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If an embolic gel is used to close the opening, then leakage is prevented, but the delivery complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion effectivenessVSAvoiddelivery system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery catheter uses flexible materials that allow it to navigate through the drainage tract and conform to the anatomical structures, enabling safe and effective delivery of the embolic gel without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery catheter acts as an intermediary device, transferring the embolic gel from the injection system to the target opening, simplifying the overall delivery process while maintaining occlusion effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The proposed solution effectively closes and seals the drainage tract, preventing bile leakage and facilitating quicker patient recovery compared to traditional methods.

Implementation Method 1

advancing an embolic gel into the opening to close the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation:

Implementation Method 2

the embolic gel includes a shear thinning material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear thinning: Shear Thinning

Data Source

PatentUS20250072881A1Devices and methods for occluding an opening formed into a patient

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Method and systems for closing an opening formed during a medical procedure are disclosed. An example method may include advancing a needle through patient tissue to form an opening into a bile duct region, performing an intervention within the bile duct region, and advancing an embolic gel into the opening to close the opening.