Biodegradable Polymer Shape Recovery for Vascular Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biodegradable materials for vascular embolization and tissue applications face challenges such as irreversible deformation and insufficient shape recovery, leading to clogging issues during delivery and inadequate physical stability under varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A chemically cross-linked biodegradable material composed of multivalent compounds with specific functional groups and hydroxycarboxylic acid copolymers, which enhances shape recovery and flexibility, allowing for efficient delivery and stable performance in vascular embolization and tissue applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If polymer particles are used for vascular embolization, then hemostasis and tumor treatment effects are achieved, but the particles undergo irreversible deformation and cannot recover their original shape after passing through catheters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the polymer to be -40°C or lower, and adjusting the molecular weight to 10,000-100,000. These parameter modifications enable the polymer particles to exhibit sufficient flexibility at body temperature for catheter passage while maintaining shape recovery capability through the specific Tg range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition principles by designing the polymer with a glass transition temperature of -40°C or lower. This phase transition characteristic allows the material to switch between a rigid state (for shape maintenance) and a flexible state (for catheter passage), enabling reversible deformation and shape recovery after embolization.
2Ease of operation
If polymer particles are delivered through microcatheters, then vascular embolization is achieved, but clogging occurs due to insufficient flexibility or particle aggregation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the polymer by setting the glass transition temperature to -40°C or lower and molecular weight to 10,000-100,000. These changes provide optimal flexibility for catheter delivery while preventing aggregation, allowing smooth passage through microcatheters without clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by combining specific polymer components with controlled molecular weights and glass transition temperatures. This composite approach creates particles with balanced flexibility and structural integrity, enabling reliable delivery through catheters without aggregation or clogging.
3Strength
If conventional biodegradable materials are used, then biodegradation is achieved, but the materials lack sufficient tensile strength and shear strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts the molecular weight parameter to 10,000-100,000 and controls the glass transition temperature to -40°C or lower. These parameter changes enhance the tensile strength and shear strength of the biodegradable material while maintaining appropriate biodegradation characteristics for clinical applications.
4Duration of action of moving object
If polymer particles are used for embolization, then vascular blocking is achieved, but rapid biodegradation cannot be achieved after serving the purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls the molecular weight (10,000-100,000) and glass transition temperature (-40°C or lower) to achieve optimal biodegradation rate. These parameter settings enable the material to maintain structural integrity during the embolization period while facilitating rapid biodegradation after serving its therapeutic purpose.
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 material exhibits improved biodegradability, tensile strength, and shear strength, enabling effective vascular embolization and maintaining stability on expanding tissues, with a high shape recovery rate and resistance to deformation.
Implementation Method 1
the material exhibits improved biodegradability, tensile strength, and shear strength, enabling effective vascular embolization and maintaining stability on expanding tissues, with a high shape recovery rate and resistance to deformation
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to provide a biodegradable material having an improved biodegradability, an enhanced shape recovery rate after deformation of the material and an improved flexibility. The present invention provides a biodegradable material which is a chemically cross-linked product of: a multivalent compound A having 3 or more functional groups X such as hydroxyl group; a multivalent compound B having 3 or more functional groups Y such as carboxyl group; and a compound C having a structure originated from a hydroxycarboxylic acid whose homopolymer formed by homopolymerization has a glass transition point of -40°C or lower.