Embolic Composition Solidification Control at Target Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolization methods face challenges in forming embolic materials at targeted sites while preventing formation at non-target locations due to dilution effects from flowing blood and interference from blood and tissue proteins.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial catheter system delivers separate liquids containing a water-soluble polymer with unsaturated hydrocarbon functional groups and an initiator/co-initiator that react to form a radical initiator, allowing controlled polymerization to create embolic materials only at the intended site, with predetermined dilution conditions preventing formation elsewhere.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embolic components are delivered through catheter to target site, then embolization treatment is achieved, but formation of embolic material occurs at non-target locations due to dilution effects from flowing blood
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic composition is divided into two separate liquid components: a first liquid containing a water-soluble polymer with unsaturated hydrocarbon functional groups and a co-initiator, and a second liquid containing an initiator. These are delivered through separate catheter lumens and only mix at the target site, preventing premature formation while ensuring reliable embolization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the concentration parameters of the embolic components in the liquid formulations. The first liquid contains the polymer at a specific concentration that, when mixed with the second liquid containing the initiator, achieves optimal embolization only under controlled dilution conditions at the target site, preventing formation in non-target areas.
2Productivity
If embolic material forms quickly at target site, then treatment efficacy is improved, but formation is delayed or prevented in non-target areas due to dilution
Solution Approach 1:
The water-soluble polymer with unsaturated hydrocarbon functional groups is prepared in advance in the first liquid, and the initiator is prepared in the second liquid. Both are delivered to the target site ready for immediate reaction upon mixing, enabling rapid embolization formation without delay while the separate delivery system prevents premature reaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The water-soluble polymer acts as an intermediary carrier that delivers the unsaturated hydrocarbon functional groups to the target site. It remains stable in the liquid state during delivery but enables rapid polymerization when the initiator is introduced, controlling both speed and location of embolic material formation.
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 effectively forms embolic materials at targeted sites, such as tumors or aneurysms, while avoiding formation in non-target areas, ensuring precise embolization with minimal off-site reactions.
Implementation Method 1
The co-initiator and the initiator react to form a radical initiator which polymerizes the unsaturated moieties of the at least one water soluble polymer to form an embolization material in the target lumen upon mixing
Implementation Method 2
the embolization material is designed so that it does not form in vivo when it is diluted beyond a predetermined amount by blood or other fluids
Data Source
AI summary
An embolization system and methods for controlling solidification of embolic compositions comprising a first and a second embolic component that react with each other in vivo at a target site to form an embolic material, with the embolic components being dilutable in physiological fluids so that they do not form an embolic composition at a site that is not desired.