Coagulative Polymeric Microfiber Spinning via Coaxial Catheter Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cerebral aneurysm embolization methods using metal coils or liquid embolic materials face challenges such as low filling levels and rebleeding due to high mechanical strength of metal coils and reflux risks with liquid embolic materials, which can lead to incomplete occlusion and rupture.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for continuous spinning of coagulative polymeric microfibers using an outer and inner microcatheter with a double lumen and single lumen configuration, where a coagulative polymeric fluid and saline fluid flow coaxially to generate and discharge microfibers, utilizing ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or polylactide-co-glycolide solutions, with a hydrophilic hydrogel thin film coating to prevent adhesion and ensure continuous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal coils are used for embolization, then mechanical strength is improved, but filling level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters from metal to coagulative polymeric materials, which have lower mechanical strength but better adaptability for filling aneurysms. The polymeric material transitions from liquid to solid state through coagulation, enabling complete filling of the aneurysm sac while maintaining appropriate mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite polymeric materials that combine the benefits of flexibility and coagulation. The material consists of polymeric components that can form a gel-like structure upon coagulation, providing both filling capability and structural integrity without the rigidity of metal coils.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid embolic materials are used, then filling capability is improved, but reflux risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes phase transition of the polymeric material from liquid to solid state through coagulation. This phase change occurs after the material is delivered to the target site, preventing reflux while maintaining the ability to fill the aneurysm completely. The coagulative property ensures the material sets in place and does not flow backward.
Solution Approach 2:
The material is delivered in a liquid state that allows easy flow and complete filling of the aneurysm sac, then coagulates in situ to prevent reflux. This preliminary liquid state followed by in-situ coagulation resolves the contradiction between filling capability and reflux prevention.
3Productivity
If coagulative polymeric fluid is used with coaxial flow, then continuous microfiber production is improved, but adhesion to catheter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a hydrophilic hydrogel thin film as an intermediary layer on the outer microcatheter surface. This hydrogel layer acts as a non-adhesive barrier that prevents the coagulative polymeric material from sticking to the catheter, enabling continuous microfiber production without clogging or adhesion issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic hydrogel thin film coating on the outer microcatheter provides a smooth, non-adhesive surface that allows the polymeric material to flow freely and coagulate into microfibers without adhering to the catheter walls, thus maintaining continuous production capability.
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
This approach allows for high-fidelity embolization of aneurysms with continuous production of polymeric microfibers, preventing rebleeding and stenosis, even in a blood-filled environment, by adjusting flow rates to control microfiber diameter and ensuring complete occlusion without fragment formation.
Implementation Method 1
a coagulative polymeric fluid precipitates within a microcatheter to discharge a coagulative microfiber
Implementation Method 2
with a hydrophilic hydrogel thin film coating to prevent adhesion and ensure continuous production
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for continuous spinning of coagulative polymeric microfibers comprising an outer microcatheter, an inner microcatheter having a smaller diameter than the outer microcatheter and inserted inside the outer microcatheter, a double lumen part in which the outer microcatheter and the inner microcatheter are coaxially superimposed with a radially spaced interstitial space, and a single lumen part formed by the outer microcatheter from an end of the inner microcatheter to an end of the outer microcatheter. A core fluid supplied through an interior of the inner microcatheter comprises a coagulative polymeric fluid, and a sheath fluid supplied through the interstitial space comprises a fluid including saline, wherein the core fluid and the sheath fluid may be configured to flow coaxially in the single lumen part to generate and discharge a coagulative polymeric microfiber.