Electroceutical Patch Catheter for On-Demand Lumen Defect Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for lumen defects, such as aneurysms and fistulas, rely on invasive surgeries and metallic devices that cause tissue trauma and complications, while current bioadhesives are unsuitable for minimally invasive deployment and on-demand activation.
Innovation Solution
An electroceutical patch system with a biocompatible substrate, anode, and cathode, and an electrochemically initiated bioadhesive, activated by electrical stimulus through retractable wires, for on-demand adhesion to tissue defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic fixation devices (clips, stents, hooks) are used to repair lumen defects, then mechanical strength and structural support are improved, but tissue trauma, erosion, necrosis, and inflammation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metallic mechanical fixation systems with a bioadhesive-based chemical bonding system. The electroceutical patch uses electrochemically initiated bioadhesives that form strong chemical bonds with tissue without mechanical penetration, eliminating tissue trauma while providing adequate structural support for defect repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (metallic clips/hooks) to chemical (bioadhesive bonding). This parameter change allows the system to achieve strong attachment without the harmful mechanical effects of tissue penetration, resolving the contradiction between strength and tissue trauma.
2Strength
If conventional bioadhesives (cyanoacrylate, fibrin-based) are used for tissue repair, then tissue adhesion is improved, but deployment complexity and catheter integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-coating the electroceutical patch with electrochemically initiated bioadhesive before deployment. The bioadhesive remains dormant during delivery and is activated only after the patch is positioned at the defect site through electrical stimulation, simplifying the deployment process while ensuring strong adhesion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary activation mechanism (electrical stimulus) that controls the timing and location of bioadhesive activation. This intermediary allows the adhesive to remain stable during delivery through the catheter and only become active when needed at the target site, reducing deployment complexity.
3Loss of time
If on-demand activation of bioadhesive is implemented, then precision and control of adhesion timing are improved, but system complexity and activation mechanism requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical stimulus as an intermediary to control bioadhesive activation timing. This approach provides precise on-demand activation control without requiring complex mechanical or chemical activation mechanisms, as the electrical stimulus can be easily delivered through the catheter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical activation mechanisms with a simpler electrical stimulation system. The electrochemically initiated bioadhesive responds to electrical signals, allowing for precise timing control with minimal system complexity compared to mechanical or chemical activation approaches.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive catheter-based delivery is used, then surgical trauma and recovery time are reduced, but adhesive delivery capability and activation capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical delivery and activation systems with electrochemical mechanisms. The electrochemically initiated bioadhesive can be delivered through low-profile catheters and activated by electrical stimulus, enabling minimally invasive delivery while maintaining full adhesive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from mechanical or chemical to electrical, which can be easily transmitted through catheter wires. This parameter change enables minimally invasive delivery while preserving the full capability of adhesive delivery and on-demand activation.
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 system allows for minimally invasive, on-site activation and adhesion to tissue defects, reducing trauma and enabling tissue repair and healing.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemically initiated bioadhesive
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive is polymerized upon application of a threshold voltage or current to the adhesive, which renders it adhesive and capable of crosslinking
Implementation Method 3
the electrical current induces electrical resistance heating of the retractable shape-memory metal anode and cathode wires and the wires are straightened
Implementation Method 4
retractable (optionally shape-memory) metal anode and cathode wires
Data Source
AI summary
A system containing an electroceutical patch (ePATCH) in combination with a catheter having retractable electrodes (CATRE) which can be used to treat tissue defects, such for the repair of lumen defects, is described herein. The system was shown to be able to seal lumen defects on both synthetic and wet tissue substrates.