Composite Hydrogel Embolization for Stable Aneurysm Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for intracranial aneurysms, such as using platinum coils or flow diverters, face challenges with long-term recanalization, delayed thrombus formation, and the need for antiplatelet therapy, which can exacerbate hemorrhaging, especially after initial rupture.
Innovation Solution
A non-covalently crosslinked shear-thinning hydrogel composition is used, which transitions from a liquid-like state during delivery to a cohesive solid within the aneurysm, occluding it without the need for mixing or toxic covalent crosslinkers, and is delivered via a system that includes a neck cover to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platinum coils are used to treat intracranial aneurysms, then the aneurysm can be occluded to prevent rupture, but long-term recanalization occurs especially in aneurysms with wide necks and large interior volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite hydrogel formulation combining silicate nanoparticles with synthetic polymers to create a material that sets rapidly upon injection. This composite structure provides both immediate occlusion and long-term stability, preventing the recanalization issues seen with plain platinum coils in wide-necked aneurysms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel composition undergoes a parameter change from liquid to solid state after injection, transforming its physical properties to achieve both easy delivery through catheters and stable, permanent occlusion. This phase transition ensures reliable initial placement followed by durable long-term sealing.
2Reliability
If flow diverters are used to treat intracranial aneurysms, then blood flow is redirected to promote thrombus formation, but it takes weeks or months for the aneurysm neck to be covered with endothelial cells
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel composition performs the occlusion action immediately upon injection, rather than requiring weeks or months for gradual thrombus formation and endothelialization. The material sets rapidly to provide immediate mechanical occlusion, eliminating the delayed protection period inherent with flow diverters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention skips the prolonged intermediate phase of gradual thrombus formation by using a composition that sets rapidly to achieve immediate occlusion. This rushes through the time-consuming endothelialization process by providing instant mechanical barrier rather than relying on biological remodeling over weeks or months.
3Ease of operation
If flow diverters are used to treat intracranial aneurysms, then the aneurysm can be treated without immediate surgery, but antiplatelet therapy is required which may exacerbate hemorrhaging after initial rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel composition converts the potential harm of requiring additional therapeutic interventions into a benefit by eliminating the need for antiplatelet therapy. The material's inherent rapid-setting properties provide occlusion without relying on drug-induced thrombus formation, thereby converting the harmful side effect profile into a safe treatment option suitable for ruptured aneurysms.
4Reliability
If conventional embolic agents are used, then the aneurysm can be occluded, but toxic covalent crosslinkers are required which have harmful side effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the toxic covalent crosslinkers from the embolic agent formulation. The hydrogel composition achieves effective occlusion through non-toxic silicate nanoparticle-polymer interactions that set upon injection without requiring harmful chemical crosslinking agents, thereby removing the source of toxic side effects while maintaining occlusion reliability.
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 hydrogel effectively occludes the aneurysm with reduced injection force, avoids toxic side effects, and enhances treatment reliability by forming a stable thrombus for vascular remodeling without delayed recanalization or hemorrhaging risks.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of silicate nanoparticles, wherein each silicate nanoparticle comprises a cationic portion and an anionic portion, and wherein the silicate nanoparticles are non-covalently crosslinked with each other via electrostatic interactions between the cationic portions and the anionic portions of the silicate nanoparticles
Implementation Method 2
a synthetic polymer comprising an anionic functional group, wherein the synthetic polymer is non-covalently crosslinked with the plurality of silicate nanoparticles via electrostatic interactions between the anionic functional group of the synthetic polymer and the cationic portions of the silicate nanoparticles
Implementation Method 3
A non-covalently crosslinked shear-thinning hydrogel composition is used, which transitions from a liquid-like state during delivery to a cohesive solid within the aneurysm
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods for treating vascular defects are provided. In some embodiments, a hydrogel composition for treating a vascular defect includes a plurality of silicate nanoparticles, where each silicate nanoparticle includes a cationic portion and an anionic portion, and where the silicate nanoparticles are non-covalently crosslinked with each other via electrostatic interactions between the cationic portions and the anionic portions of the silicate nanoparticles; and a synthetic polymer comprising an anionic functional group, where the synthetic polymer is non-covalently crosslinked with the plurality of silicate nanoparticles via electrostatic interactions between the anionic functional group of the synthetic polymer and the cationic portions of the silicate nanoparticles.