Gel-Based Neuromodulation for Localized Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing neuromodulation techniques for pain management, such as nerve blocks and ablation, suffer from short-term efficacy due to nerve regeneration and off-target damage, necessitating high volumes of anesthetic delivery and incomplete ablation, while neuroablative drugs dissipate rapidly and cause pain.
Innovation Solution
In situ forming hydrogels are used to deliver nerve blocking or ablation agents directly to target nerves, incorporating neurolytic agents that reduce neurotransmitter release and ablate nerves without significant pain, combined with ultrasound guidance for precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high volumes of anesthetic are delivered to achieve significant therapeutic benefit, then pain relief is improved, but the risk of off-target damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using ultrasound guidance to precisely target specific nerve locations and employing a gel formulation that provides localized anesthetic delivery. The gel's physical properties allow it to be injected as a localized barrier that releases anesthetic at the target site, concentrating the therapeutic effect where needed while minimizing spread to adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel formulation serves as an intermediary carrier between the anesthetic agent and the target nerve. It facilitates controlled release of the anesthetic at the injection site, acting as a temporary reservoir that maintains therapeutic concentrations locally while preventing rapid dispersion to off-target locations.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If neuroablative drugs are delivered to ablate nerves, then pain relief duration is improved, but the drugs dissipate rapidly and cause pain
Solution Approach 1:
The gel acts as an intermediary delivery system that slows the dissipation of neuroablative drugs by providing a physical matrix that releases agents gradually. This controlled release mechanism maintains therapeutic levels at the target site over extended periods while preventing rapid diffusion that would cause systemic pain and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by formulating drugs in a gel matrix that alters their physical and chemical properties. This changes the release kinetics from rapid dissolution to controlled degradation and diffusion, extending the duration of action and reducing the harmful effects of rapid dissipation.
3Loss of time
If existing neuromodulation techniques are used, then procedure time is reduced, but efficacy is incomplete due to nerve regeneration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple approaches by combining the gel barrier technique with neuroablative drug delivery and ultrasound guidance in a single integrated procedure. This combination allows for precise targeting, controlled drug release, and immediate formation of a protective barrier, achieving complete ablation in one procedure without requiring multiple separate interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel is injected first to create a physical barrier and release mechanism before the neuroablative drugs are administered. This preliminary action ensures that the drugs are held in place and released at the correct location and time, preventing premature dissipation and ensuring complete and reliable nerve ablation.
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 hydrogels provide sustained pain relief by maintaining therapeutic agents at the target site, reducing nerve regeneration and off-target effects, and can be administered under local anesthesia, minimizing procedure time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrogel provides sustained release of the therapeutic agent through diffusion and controlled degradation
Implementation Method 2
Injections can be made under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems are described for gel-based modulation of neural tissue, including prevention of nerve regeneration and neuroma formation. The gel can be delivered to selected target locations within or proximate nerves, including interfascicularly and intrafascicularly. Gel delivery associated with an operative procedure for the treatment of pain and other indications is also disclosed.