Biodegradable Chitosan Tissue Marker for MRI Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue markers made of non-biodegradable materials pose challenges such as permanent presence in the body, potential interference with MRI imaging due to magnetic properties, and migration away from the biopsy site, which can complicate follow-up treatments.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable tissue marker comprising a first marker element made of chitosan and a second marker element located inside the first marker element, designed to be visible under ultrasound and other imaging techniques, ensuring precise localization and minimizing migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If non-biodegradable material is used for tissue marker, then the marker remains permanently in the patient's body for long-term tracking, but the marker causes permanent presence in the body and may interfere with MRI imaging due to magnetic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from non-biodegradable to biodegradable, specifically using chitosan which degrades over time. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the marker to be present long enough for tracking purposes while automatically degrading to eliminate permanent presence and MRI interference issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structure with chitosan as the biodegradable base material. This composite approach maintains the marker's visibility and tracking functionality while the biodegradable nature eliminates the harmful magnetic interference problems associated with traditional metal-containing markers.
2Strength
If non-biodegradable material is used for tissue marker, then the marker provides stable structural integrity, but the marker may migrate away from the biopsy site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of chitosan including molecular weight, degree of deacetylation, and crosslinking density to optimize the balance between structural integrity and position stability. These parameter adjustments allow the marker to maintain sufficient strength while reducing migration through optimized mechanical properties.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If biodegradable material is used for tissue marker, then the marker degrades over time reducing permanent presence, but the marker may lose visibility under imaging techniques during degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates imaging agents into the chitosan marker structure in advance, before degradation occurs. This preliminary action ensures that the marker remains visible under ultrasound and other imaging techniques throughout the entire degradation process, resolving the contradiction between biodegradability and detectability.
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 biodegradable tissue marker provides safe, gentle, and effective tissue examination, is easily visible under standard imaging methods, and degrades over a desired period, reducing the risk of migration and interference with medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
the first marker element comprises a hollow body containing chitosan
Implementation Method 2
the second marker element is configured for detection by a second imaging modality different from the first imaging modality
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue marker for insertion into a human or animal body during a surgical procedure is described which comprises a first marker element and at least one second marker element, the first and at least one second marker element contain a biodegradable material. According to the technical solution described the first marker element comprises a hollow body containing chitosan and the second marker element is located inside the hollow body of the first marker element.