Opto-Electromagnetic Catheter Hydrogel Crosslinking for Targeted Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapeutic embolization techniques face limitations in safety and efficacy due to material compaction/migration, disease recurrence, non-target embolization, and toxicity of available embolic agents, as well as challenges in delivering biologically relevant materials for drug deposition and tissue engineering.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system for delivering hydrogel precursors that allows for controlled crosslinking and modification of hydrogel properties, including viscosity, mechanical moduli, and conductivity, using photo-crosslinking and electromagnetic fields, with feedback mechanisms to ensure precise delivery and formation of suitable hydrogels for embolization or drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional embolic agents are used for therapeutic embolization, then embolization can be performed, but material compaction and migration occur reducing safety and efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the embolic material from solid (traditional coils, particles) to injectable liquid hydrogel precursor that transforms into solid gel in situ. This parameter change allows the material to be delivered in a fluid state that resists compaction and migration, then solidifies to provide stable embolization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite hydrogel materials formed by crosslinking multiple components (polymer chains, crosslinkers, initiators) to create a network structure that provides both injectability and stable final form. The composite nature of the hydrogel prevents material compaction while maintaining embolization efficacy
2Reliability
If traditional embolic agents are used, then embolization can be performed, but disease recurrence and non-target embolization occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by delivering the embolic material in a controlled liquid state through catheter navigation to the exact target location before triggering gelation. This ensures precise placement and prevents non-target embolization, while the subsequent gelation locks the material in place to prevent recurrence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical embolic devices (coils, balloons) with a chemically-driven system where hydrogel crosslinking chemistry substitutes for mechanical deployment mechanisms. This chemical approach allows for more precise control and reduced mechanical complications
3Manufacturing precision
If hydrogel precursors are injected and crosslinked, then controlled formation of suitable hydrogels is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single catheter system: delivery of hydrogel precursor, injection control, light delivery for photopolymerization, and potential electromagnetic field application all occur through one integrated device. This reduces overall system complexity despite adding controlled crosslinking capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is designed with multi-functionality to perform embolization, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications through the same basic platform. The universal design reduces the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining precision control
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 precise and controlled formation of hydrogels suitable for embolization or drug delivery, addressing safety and efficacy issues by ensuring targeted and stable material deposition within the body.
Implementation Method 1
a light source capable of emitting incident optical radiation suitable for crosslinking the hydrogel precursor; an optical fiber at least partially residing within the catheter, the optical fiber being configured to deliver the incident optical radiation emitted by the light source within the catheter such that the hydrogel precursor is illuminated by the incident optical radiation and is at least partially crosslinked
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, devices and methods that enable dynamic modification of the physicochemical properties of a hydrogel during its in vivo formation and delivery by a catheter. In some example embodiments, an extended endoluminal hydrogel delivery device is employed for delivering a hydrogel within a given body cavity, such as within the lumen of a blood vessel. In some example embodiments, a hydrogel precursor, as a non-viscous liquid, is injected through an intravascular catheter and crosslinking of the hydrogel precursor is initiated within a distal region of the catheter. The crosslinking process is controlled, by a control means associated with a distal region of the catheter, to control or modify one or more properties of the hydrogel. The properties may be controlled such that a hydrogel is suitable to embolize the specific target or deliver drugs or other materials beneficial to the site.