Foldable Vascular Robotic Structure for Energy-Triggered Agent Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug administration methods, such as injections and infusions, lack focus and precision, leading to complications and reduced effectiveness due to systemic distribution, and are hindered by bio-chemical interactions and clearance before reaching the target destination.
Innovation Solution
A robotic device with a foldable structure, actuated by shape-memory, photo-responsive, electro-responsive, magneto-responsive, or ultrasound-responsive materials, navigates through blood vessels and releases agents locally upon reaching a predefined energy level, ensuring precise and controlled delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If systemic administration of drugs is used, then the drug can be delivered to the target destination, but the drug may lead to complications and reduced effectiveness due to lacking focus
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device segments the drug delivery system into a targeted carrier that can be independently navigated to specific locations within the vascular system, separating the delivery function from the circulatory system's general flow, thereby enabling focused administration without systemic complications
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device acts as an intermediary carrier between the drug source and the target destination, providing controlled transport through the vascular system while preventing direct systemic distribution and associated complications
2Reliability
If systemic administration of drugs is used, then the drug can reach the target destination, but the agent may be cleared from the body before reaching the target destination
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device is pre-loaded with the agent at the target destination location, allowing immediate release upon arrival without waiting for systemic distribution and clearance, thereby eliminating time loss and ensuring timely delivery
3Adaptability or versatility
If systemic administration of drugs is used, then the drug can be distributed throughout the body, but the agent may undergo bio-chemical interactions with inhibitors on its way to the target destination
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic device extracts and isolates the agent from the general circulatory system, providing a protected pathway that prevents contact with bio-chemical inhibitors while maintaining controlled delivery to the target destination
4Measurement precision
If a robotic device with foldable structure is used for local delivery, then precise control over time and location is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable structure enables dynamic adaptation of the robotic device to different vascular environments, allowing the device to change its configuration for precise positioning and controlled agent release while maintaining a compact form factor that reduces overall complexity
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
Enables local, on-demand delivery of medical agents, avoiding systemic complications, reducing bio-chemical interactions, and ensuring precise control over time and location of administration, with self-anchoring capabilities to maintain position and navigate through complex vascular structures.
Implementation Method 1
The foldable structure may be a foldable shape-memory structure, e.g., made from a shape-memory material, like a shape-memory polymer. The foldable shape-memory structure is configured for opening the closed retaining section and releasing the agent upon reaching a shape-memory transition temperature.
Implementation Method 2
The foldable structure may be made from a photo-responsive material. A photo-responsive material is a material with the ability to alter its physical properties, e.g., its shape, in response to external photonic stimuli. For example, the internal energy of the foldable structure is increased using photons.
Implementation Method 3
The foldable structure may be made from an electro-responsive material. An electro-responsive material is a material with the ability to alter its physical properties, e.g., its shape, in response to external electric stimuli. For example, the internal energy of the foldable structure is increased using an electric field and/or current.
Implementation Method 4
The foldable structure may be made from a magneto-responsive material. A magneto-responsive material is a material with the ability to alter its physical properties, e.g., its shape, in response to external magnetic stimuli. For example, the internal energy of the foldable structure is increased using a magnetic field.
Implementation Method 5
The foldable structure may be made from an ultrasound-responsive material. An ultrasound-responsive material is a material with the ability to alter its physical properties, e.g., its shape, in response to external ultrasound stimuli. For example, the internal energy of the foldable structure is increased using ultrasound.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a robotic device with a base structure for insertion into a blood vessel of a vascular system and a foldable structure. The foldable structure comprises a closed retaining section configured for retaining an agent for medical use. The foldable structure further is configured for opening the closed retaining section and releasing the agent upon reaching a predefined internal energy level.