Biodegradable Polymer Embolic Composition for Vascular Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular treatment methods for conditions like aneurysms and tumors face challenges in minimizing risks associated with embolization, as existing products may not effectively occlude vascular malformations without causing adverse effects.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymeric compositions that include a biocompatible polymer with a biodegradable linkage to a visualization agent, soluble in non-physiological solutions but insoluble at physiological conditions, allowing for precise delivery and precipitation at the treatment site, forming a solid mass to occlude vascular defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metallic coils or polymer-metal hybrid coils are used for embolization, then vascular malformations can be treated, but risks associated with embolization are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer undergoes parameter changes by transitioning from a liquid state (soluble in non-physiological solution) to a solid state (insoluble at physiological conditions) upon contact with blood, enabling controlled embolization with reduced risks
Solution Approach 2:
The embolic composition utilizes phase transition of the polymer from soluble liquid state in the delivery catheter to insoluble solid state in the bloodstream, providing reliable occlusion while minimizing embolization risks through controlled state change
2Ease of operation
If a polymer is soluble in physiological conditions, then it can be easily delivered, but it cannot effectively occlude vascular malformations
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer's solubility parameter changes in response to physiological conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength), allowing easy delivery in non-physiological solution and effective occlusion when it becomes insoluble upon contact with blood
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer undergoes phase transition from soluble to insoluble state when exposed to physiological conditions, enabling both easy delivery through the catheter and effective occlusion at the treatment site
3Reliability
If a polymer is insoluble at physiological conditions, then it can occlude vascular defects, but it cannot be delivered through a catheter
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer's solubility is controlled by changing environmental parameters (pH, temperature) - soluble in non-physiological conditions for delivery, insoluble at physiological conditions for occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
A non-physiological solution acts as an intermediary medium to dissolve and transport the polymer through the delivery catheter, which then transitions to an insoluble state upon contact with physiological blood
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a biocompatible polymer with biodegradable linkage is used, then long-term occlusion is provided, but visualization and tracking become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer incorporates a visualization agent that provides radiopacity or other detectable properties, enabling tracking and visualization of the polymer's location and degradation over time while maintaining biocompatibility and long-term occlusion
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 polymeric compositions enable targeted and effective occlusion of vascular malformations by transitioning from a liquid to a solid at physiological conditions, reducing risks and providing long-term occlusion while allowing for visualization and controlled degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the biocompatible polymer precipitates when it reaches the physiological conditions
Implementation Method 2
The biodegradable linkage can be cleaved by hydrolysis and/or enzymatic cleavage
Implementation Method 3
The biodegradable linkage can be cleaved by hydrolysis and/or enzymatic cleavage
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric compositions are described comprising a biocompatible polymer including a biodegradable linkage to a visualization agent and a non-physiological solution; wherein the biocompatible polymer is soluble in the non-physiological solution and insoluble in a physiological solution. Methods of forming the solutions and polymers are disclosed as well as methods of therapeutic use.