Catheter Microbubble Device for Targeted Drug Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating cardiovascular disease, particularly in-stent restenosis, lack effective non-invasive techniques for delivering drugs and genes to targeted vascular sites while providing real-time imaging for accurate delivery.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system incorporating a microbubble device with a pressure fitting arrangement and ultrasonic energy for targeted drug and gene delivery, utilizing microbubbles with specific ligands to adhere to molecular markers like VCAM-1, allowing for real-time imaging and controlled release of rapamycin to prevent smooth muscle cell proliferation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drug delivery methods are used for treating in-stent restenosis, then drug delivery is simple, but targeting precision and real-time imaging capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The microbubble device is nested within the catheter system, with the microbubble generator housed inside the catheter body. This allows the complex functionality of microbubble generation and drug delivery to be integrated within a relatively simple catheter structure, achieving precise targeting without excessive external complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs multiple functions: it delivers microbubbles, provides real-time ultrasound imaging, and enables drug delivery. By combining these functions into a single integrated system, the patent achieves precise targeting and real-time monitoring while maintaining reasonable device complexity through functional integration
2Manufacturing precision
If microbubbles are used for targeted drug delivery, then drug delivery precision is improved, but the complexity of the delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microbubble generation, drug loading, and delivery mechanisms into a single integrated microbubble device within the catheter. This merging of functions achieves precise drug delivery to targeted vascular sites while containing the system complexity within a manageable single-device structure
Solution Approach 2:
Microbubbles serve as intermediary carriers that facilitate precise drug delivery. The microbubbles are generated within the catheter, loaded with therapeutic agents, and delivered to the target site where they can be activated to release the drug. This intermediary approach enables precise delivery without requiring direct injection methods
3Measurement precision
If real-time imaging is implemented for monitoring drug delivery, then targeting accuracy is improved, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system integrates real-time ultrasound imaging capability alongside microbubble delivery and drug administration functions. This multi-functional integration allows the system to perform imaging, delivery, and monitoring all through a single device platform, achieving high targeting accuracy while managing system complexity through functional consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The real-time imaging capability provides feedback on the position and delivery status of microbubbles and drugs. This feedback mechanism allows operators to monitor the delivery process and adjust parameters to optimize targeting accuracy, creating a closed-loop system that improves precision while the imaging itself is integrated into the delivery device
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 effective delivery of therapeutic agents directly to vascular sites, reducing smooth muscle cell proliferation and preventing restenosis, while providing high-resolution imaging for accurate targeting and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer adapted for: imaging the treatment site, and rupturing the microbubbles
Implementation Method 2
utilizing microbubbles with specific ligands to adhere to molecular markers like VCAM-1
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system including an elongate tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a lumen extending through at least a portion of a length of the elongate tubular member. The distal end portion of the elongate member is dimensioned and adapted to advance to or in proximity to a treatment site of a subject. A microbubble device is in fluid communication with the lumen. The microbubble device includes at least one input port for receiving a flow of material into the device and an output port configured to output microbubbles from the microbubble device. A second tubular member is in fluid communication with one of the at least one input ports. A pressure fitting arrangement is adapted to maintain a seal between the second tubular member and the input port.