Helical Cell Collector for In Vivo Capture With Lower Thrombosis Risk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for in vitro, in vivo, or ex vivo collection and detection of biological components face challenges such as suboptimal sensitivity and specificity, and existing vascular catheters with cylindrical shapes can increase the risk of thrombosis due to frictional resistance and narrowed blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A biomaterial collection device with a helical functional member that includes binding elements, capable of transforming from a linear to a coiled configuration upon exposure to body temperature, allowing for increased surface area for biomaterial capture while reducing thrombosis risk through a spiral or helical flow that decreases platelet concentration near the vessel wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical shape is used for vascular catheters, then frictional resistance is reduced, but blood flow is narrowed and thrombosis risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a helical curvature to the functional member instead of a straight cylindrical shape. This helical configuration creates a spiral flow pattern in the blood, which reduces platelet concentration near the vessel wall and decreases thrombosis risk while maintaining low frictional resistance through the streamlined curved form.
2Measurement precision
If surface area is increased for biomaterial capture, then sensitivity and specificity are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The helical shape of the functional member naturally increases the surface area available for biomaterial capture compared to a straight wire of the same length. This curvature-based surface area expansion achieves enhanced sensitivity without requiring additional complex components or structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The helical functional member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support as a guidewire, creates therapeutic spiral flow to prevent thrombosis, and offers increased surface area for biomaterial capture. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If binding elements are added to capture biomaterials, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The binding elements are localized specifically to the functional member's surface where they are needed for biomaterial capture. This localized functionalization improves detection capability without requiring binding elements throughout the entire device, thereby managing complexity through targeted rather than universal application.
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 device effectively captures rare cells and biomaterials from body fluids with enhanced sensitivity and specificity, reducing the risk of thrombosis and enabling safer, more efficient detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The functional member can be transformable from a first curved configuration to a second configuration more linear than the first configuration. The functional member can include a shape memory material.
Implementation Method 2
reducing thrombosis risk through a spiral or helical flow that decreases platelet concentration near the vessel wall
Implementation Method 3
The functional member includes binding elements configured to bind circulating biomaterials of interest.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
A biomaterial collection device can include a wire that includes a functional member including a proximal end, a distal end, a first flat surface and a second flat surface opposing the first surface. The functional member can be configured to fit within a body lumen. The functional member can include binding elements configured to bind circulating biomolecules and cells. The functional member can include curved portions that form revolutions around the longitudinal axis of the device.