Conversion Electron Emitter for Vulnerable Plaque Imaging and Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating vulnerable plaque in coronary arteries are inadequate, as they fail to accurately distinguish between stable and unstable plaques, leading to limited effectiveness in preventing rupture and thrombosis, and existing imaging techniques lack sensitivity and precision in detecting inflammatory conditions within blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
Administration of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES), such as tin-117m, which is bound to substances that preferentially bind to markers of inflammation, allowing for both imaging and therapeutic intervention by inhibiting plaque rupture through localized radiation emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques (angiography, IVUS, CT, MRI) are used to locate and characterize coronary lesions, then the location and basic structure of lesions can be identified, but the exact nature of the plaque (stable vs. unstable) cannot be determined with sufficient precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses radiolabeled compounds as intermediary agents that specifically bind to markers of inflammation (such as activated macrophages, apoptotic cells, or inflammatory cytokines) within the plaque. These intermediaries transfer information about plaque stability from the biological target to the detection system, enabling precise characterization of vulnerable plaque that conventional imaging cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from anatomical structure (visible in conventional imaging) to molecular/biochemical markers of inflammation (detected via radiolabeled compounds). By detecting specific molecular parameters such as inflammation markers, apoptotic cell markers, or cytokine expression, the system can distinguish stable from unstable plaque with high precision.
2Measurement precision
If radio labeled materials are introduced to detect vulnerable plaque through autoradiography, then binding to stable and unstable plaque can be differentiated, but external detection has limited sensitivity and makes it difficult to determine precise locations of affected regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical limitation of external detection with a molecular-specific detection approach. Instead of relying on external detectors with limited sensitivity, the invention uses radiolabeled compounds that specifically bind to molecular markers within the plaque, allowing precise localization and reliable detection through the specificity of molecular binding rather than the sensitivity of external detection equipment.
3Productivity
If conventional intravascular treatments (angioplasty, atherectomy, stenting) are used to treat stenotic lesions, then blood flow can be restored, but these treatments may have limited value in treating vulnerable plaque and might actually induce acute thrombosis at the site of vulnerable plaque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by treating the vulnerable plaque with radiolabeled compounds before any invasive procedure. The radiolabeled compounds stabilize the plaque by targeting inflammatory markers and reducing plaque vulnerability, thereby preventing thrombosis before angioplasty or stenting is performed. This preliminary stabilization reduces the risk that mechanical manipulation during conventional procedures will trigger plaque rupture and thrombosis.
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
Enhances the ability to accurately detect and treat vulnerable plaque by providing precise localization and therapeutic emission, reducing the risk of rupture and thrombosis, while enabling effective imaging of inflammatory conditions within blood vessels.
Implementation Method 1
Administration of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES), such as tin-117m, which is bound to substances that preferentially bind to markers of inflammation, allowing for both imaging and therapeutic intervention by inhibiting plaque rupture through localized radiation emission
Implementation Method 2
For imaging, the CEES will be delivered under conditions which allow it to localize at a region of vulnerable plaque or other inflammatory response, and imaging will be based on external or other detection of emitted gamma radiation
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions, articles, and methods for treating and imaging vulnerable plaque and other inflamed regions in a patient rely on delivery of a conversion electron emitting source (CEES) to a body location. The CEES may be delivered by coupling to a substance which preferentially binds to vulnerable plaque or other inflammatory marker. Alternatively, the CEES can be delivered on a catheter, scaffold, or other device.