Cryoprotective Composition for Nerve-Sparing Prostate Cryosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryotherapy treatments for prostate cancer, such as cryoablation, often result in significant nerve damage, particularly to the neurovascular bundle, leading to erectile dysfunction, and focal therapy increases the risk of cancer reoccurrence due to inadequate protection of adjacent tissues.
Innovation Solution
A cryoprotective composition comprising biodegradable and bioerodible fluid agents with non-toxic cryoprotectants is injected into body spaces near the treatment area, maintaining tissue viability and protecting nerves and surrounding structures from freezing damage during cryosurgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryoablation is used to treat prostate cancer, then cancer treatment efficacy is improved, but nerve damage occurs leading to erectile dysfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cryoprotective composition as an intermediary substance between the cryosurgical probe and the neurovascular bundle. This composition contains cryoprotectant agents that prevent ice crystal formation and protect nerve tissues from freezing damage, while allowing the cryosurgical procedure to effectively treat the prostate cancer. The composition acts as a protective barrier that mediates between the therapeutic freezing action and the vulnerable nerve structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different regions: the cryoprotective composition is specifically applied to the neurovascular bundle region that requires protection, while the prostate tissue undergoes cryoablation treatment. This localized application ensures that the neurovascular bundle receives cryoprotection while the prostate cancer tissue receives the full therapeutic effect of freezing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If focal cryotherapy is used to minimize nerve injury, then erectile function is preserved, but cancer reoccurrence risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryoprotective composition serves as a mediator that enables focal cryotherapy to achieve both goals: it protects the neurovascular bundle from freezing damage (preserving erectile function) while allowing adequate freezing of the prostate cancer tissue (preventing reoccurrence). The composition's cryoprotectant agents create a protective zone around the nerves without interfering with the therapeutic freezing of the target tissue.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active heating is used to protect adjacent tissues, then tissue protection is achieved, but temperature control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal approach of active heating with a chemical/biochemical approach using cryoprotectant agents. Instead of actively heating tissues to counteract freezing effects, the composition uses cryoprotectant molecules that chemically prevent ice crystal formation and protect cells from freezing damage. This substitution provides more precise and reliable protection without the complexity of temperature control systems.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If cryoprotective composition with high viscosity is used to remain in body space, then protection duration is extended, but injection and distribution difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryoprotective composition is formulated with dynamic viscosity characteristics that allow it to be injected easily during the procedure (lower viscosity during injection) and then maintain stability in the body space (higher viscosity for prolonged protection). The composition can transition between different viscosity states to satisfy both the injection requirement and the prolonged protection requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition uses a composite formulation combining cryoprotectant agents with carriers or adjuvants that modify its rheological properties. This composite structure allows the composition to exhibit appropriate flow characteristics during injection while maintaining sufficient viscosity in the target space to prevent leakage and ensure prolonged protective action.
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 composition reduces nerve damage and minimizes the risk of cancer reoccurrence by preserving tissue integrity and functionality during cryosurgery, enhancing the safety and efficacy of cryotherapy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A cryoprotective composition comprising biodegradable and bioerodible fluid agents with non-toxic cryoprotectants is injected into body spaces near the treatment area, maintaining tissue viability and protecting nerves and surrounding structures from freezing damage during cryosurgery.
Implementation Method 2
The composition reduces nerve damage and minimizes the risk of cancer reoccurrence by preserving tissue integrity and functionality during cryosurgery
Data Source
AI summary
A cryoprotective composition configured to be applied during cryotreatment of a patient includes at least one biodegradable and/or bioerodible fluid agent and at least one non-toxic cryoprotectant agent. A therapeutically effective amount of the cryoprotective composition deposited in a body space of the patient in proximity to the cryotreatment remains within at least a portion of the body space for a duration of the cryotreatment. At least a portion of a body tissue proximate to the body space is viable after the cryotreatment. A method of protecting a surgical site during prostate cryosurgery is also provided. The method includes injecting a therapeutically effective amount of the cryoprotective composition into the body space, wherein the body space is a periprostatic space of a patient.