Crosslinked Biopolymer Foam for Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for emphysema, such as lung volume reduction surgery, are invasive, costly, and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while conventional medical treatments are ineffective in addressing the underlying tissue damage and loss of lung function.
Innovation Solution
A bronchoscopic lung volume reduction method using a composition comprising a crosslinker, biopolymer, and polymeric additive that forms a gel or foam, which is injected into the lung to block collateral ventilation, promote tissue collapse, and initiate remodeling, thereby reducing lung volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lung volume reduction surgery is performed, then lung volume is reduced and respiratory function improves, but morbidity and mortality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention (LVRS) with a chemical/biological solution. Instead of physically removing lung tissue through surgery, the invention uses a injectable composition containing crosslinkers and biopolymers that chemically modifies lung tissue to achieve volume reduction. This substitution eliminates surgical risks while maintaining the therapeutic effect of lung volume reduction and respiratory function improvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (the injectable composition with crosslinkers and biopolymers) that mediates between the treatment goal and the lung tissue. This intermediary agent performs the volume reduction function without requiring direct mechanical contact or tissue removal, thereby avoiding surgical morbidity and mortality while achieving the desired respiratory function improvement.
2Ease of operation
If conventional medical treatments are used, then treatment is non-invasive, but they are ineffective in addressing underlying tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the treatment approach by using crosslinking chemistry to modify lung tissue properties. Instead of merely managing symptoms with conventional medications, the invention alters the biochemical structure of lung tissue through crosslinker-biopolymer interactions, directly addressing the underlying tissue damage and loss of elastic recoil that conventional treatments cannot effectivey treat.
3Reliability
If surgical intervention is used, then lung volume reduction is achieved, but treatment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex surgical procedures with a simpler injectable chemical composition. The treatment involves administering a solution through a catheter that polymerizes in situ, eliminating the need for complex surgical equipment, operating rooms, and postoperative recovery facilities, thereby reducing treatment complexity and cost while achieving reliable lung volume reduction.
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 method achieves consistent and effective lung volume reduction with minimal toxicity and systemic side effects, improving respiratory function and quality of life without the need for surgical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a crosslinker, a biopolymer that can be polymerized in situ with the crosslinker
Implementation Method 2
forms a gel or foam
Implementation Method 3
forms a gel or foam
Implementation Method 4
a polymeric additive, which accelerates the cross-linking reaction
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect of the present invention relates to bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using solutions of biopolymers that can be polymerized in situ with a crosslinker and a polymeric additive which accelerates the cross-linking reaction. In certain embodiments, the biopolymer solutions can be in the form of a foam or gel. The biopolymer compositions disclosed herein may also be used for indications other than lung volume reduction, such as sealing fistulas or performing emergency tamponade of vessels.