Capsule Emplacement Apparatus for Tissue Biomaterial Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tissue treatment, such as injecting polymers or placing preformed materials within tissues, face challenges like invasive procedures, traumatic risks, and therapeutic effects being lost due to degradation or diffusion before full realization.
Innovation Solution
A capsule emplacement apparatus that introduces a collapsible encapsulation membrane into tissue, which can be expanded with biomaterials and sealed using various techniques, allowing for controlled placement and retention of therapeutic agents within the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preformed materials are injected into tissue, then therapeutic agents can be delivered, but the materials may degrade or diffuse before therapeutic effects are realized
Solution Approach 1:
The therapeutic system is segmented into three distinct components: a containment structure (capsule), a delivery mechanism (introducer device), and the therapeutic agent itself. This segmentation allows the therapeutic material to be protected within the capsule during delivery, preventing premature degradation or diffusion, while enabling controlled release at the target site once the capsule is emplaced in the tissue.
2Reliability
If invasive procedures are used to place materials in tissue, then therapeutic agents can be delivered, but traumatic risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is nested within the introducer device during delivery, with the capsule contained inside the introducer's lumen. This nested configuration allows the entire system to be inserted through a single minimally invasive puncture or small incision. The capsule remains protected within the introducer until it reaches the target tissue site, at which point the capsule is deployed by retracting the introducer, leaving the capsule emplaced in the tissue with minimal trauma.
3Device complexity
If a single device is used for both opening tissue and placing membrane, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer device is designed as a multi-functional universal platform that performs multiple operations: it creates the delivery pathway through tissue, contains and transports the collapsed capsule, deploys the capsule at the target site, and can optionally seal the capsule in place. This universal design integrates what would traditionally require separate devices (puncture tool, delivery catheter, deployment mechanism, and sealing device) into a single integrated system, reducing overall procedural complexity while maintaining full functionality.
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
Enables the controlled placement and retention of biomaterials within tissues, providing sustained therapeutic effects and reducing invasive procedures, while allowing for the selection of mechanical and biological properties to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the encapsulation membrane being controllably expandable upon introduction of the fluid into the interior from a collapsed condition to an expanded condition
Implementation Method 2
The welding device may include an ultrasonic welder, a radio frequency welder, or a thermal welder
Implementation Method 3
The welding device may include an ultrasonic welder, a radio frequency welder, or a thermal welder
Implementation Method 4
The welding device may include an ultrasonic welder, a radio frequency welder, or a thermal welder
Implementation Method 5
The elongated adhesive applicator may include an applicator tube positionable proximate the inlet of the encapsulation membrane for delivering adhesive into the inlet of the encapsulation membrane
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~2E
AI summary
Capsules, emplacement apparatus, and associated methods for establishing a capsule within tissue are described herein. The emplacement apparatus may be catheter-based or implemented in a handheld unit. The emplacement apparatus serves to introduced an encapsulating membrane in a collapsed condition into the tissue, and then to expand the encapsulating membrane within the tissue into a capsule by injection of fill material into the encapsulating membrane. Other than being capable of injection through the emplacement apparatus, the fill material may be selected and formulated to achieve such mechanical and biological properties within the encapsulating membrane after injection as are desired to achieve the therapeutic effect sought for the patient. Mechanically, the fill material within the encapsulating membrane after injection may be a liquid, a semi-solid such as a gel, or a solid such as a cross-linked polymer. The fill material may or may not be sealed within the encapsulating membrane.