Bio-dissolvable MRI Contrast Marker for Post-Surgical Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional markers for medical imaging, such as metal beads, remain in the patient's anatomy until surgically removed, posing a need for improved markers that are bio-dissolvable and provide effective contrast during imaging procedures.

Innovation Solution

A bio-dissolvable marker composed of a polymer, such as polifeprosan, impregnated with a contrast agent like Gadolinium, which can be shaped into a wafer form and implanted for imaging purposes, eventually dissolving harmlessly within the body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional metal markers are used for imaging, then effective contrast during imaging procedures is achieved, but the markers remain in the patient's anatomy until surgically removed causing potential toxicity and requiring additional surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging contrast effectivenessVSAvoidtoxicity and need for surgical removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from permanent metal to bio-dissolvable polymer, transforming the marker's lifecycle from permanent to temporary. This allows the marker to fulfill its imaging function then naturally dissolve, eliminating toxicity concerns and the need for surgical removal while maintaining imaging effectiveness during the required period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the disposable principle by using bio-dissolvable materials that serve their purpose temporarily and then naturally decompose in the body. The marker is designed to be short-lived, providing contrast during imaging procedures then automatically eliminating itself through biological processes, avoiding the need for permanent implantation or surgical removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If bio-dissolvable materials are used for markers, then the need for surgical removal is eliminated and toxicity is reduced, but the durability and stability of the marker during imaging may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxicity and surgical removal requirementVSAvoidmarker stability during imaging

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining bio-dissolvable polymer base materials with contrast agents. This composite structure provides both the biodegradability needed to eliminate toxicity and surgical removal requirements, and the imaging contrast effectiveness needed for reliable detection during procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by designing a marker that transitions from a stable state during implantation and imaging to a dissolving state after serving its purpose. The marker's composition is engineered to maintain structural integrity during the required imaging period, then naturally decompose through biological processes, providing temporal control over stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of stationary object

If permanent markers are used, then long-term anatomical marking is achieved, but additional surgical procedures are required for removal and patient recovery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of anatomical markingVSAvoidpatient recovery time and additional surgery

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the marker to automatically eliminate itself through biological dissolution after serving its imaging function. The marker performs the service of anatomical marking and imaging, then self-removes through natural bodily processes without requiring surgical intervention, saving patient time and reducing recovery requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 bio-dissolvable marker effectively provides contrast during imaging procedures and eliminates the need for surgical removal, reducing potential toxicity and improving post-surgical therapy efficacy by allowing for precise anatomical localization without long-term foreign objects.

Implementation Method 1

a contrast agent configured to provide contrast during an imaging procedure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance imaging contrast: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The bio-dissolvable material can include a polymer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBio-dissolution: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS11191853B2Post-surgical imaging marker

Publication Date: 2021.12.07 JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A marker for imaging includes a bio-dissolvable material and a contrast agent configured to provide contrast during an imaging procedure. A method can include forming a marker for imaging from a bio-dissolvable material and impregnating the bio-dissolvable material with a contrast agent. A method can include implanting a bio-dissolvable marker for imaging into a patient.