Helical Cell Collector Structure for In Vivo Capture Without Flow Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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 narrowed blood flow in small vessels.
Innovation Solution
A biomaterial collection device with a functional member having curved portions that form revolutions around its longitudinal axis, configured to fit within a body lumen, equipped with binding elements to capture circulating biomaterials, and optionally featuring a shape memory material that transforms from a linear to a coiled configuration at body temperature for enhanced surface area and atraumatic design.
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 functional member is designed with a helical or spiral configuration instead of a straight cylindrical shape. This curved geometry reduces frictional resistance by distributing contact pressure along the vessel wall while maintaining adequate blood flow channels, thereby reducing thrombosis risk compared to traditional straight catheters
2Measurement precision
If binding elements are added to capture biomaterials, then sensitivity and specificity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Binding elements are localized to specific regions of the functional member rather than uniformly distributed throughout the entire device. This targeted placement captures biomaterials at critical locations while minimizing overall device complexity and maintaining ease of manufacturing
3Area of stationary object
If shape memory material is used for transformation, then surface area increases for better capture, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functional member utilizes shape memory material that undergoes a temperature-induced parameter change from a compressed low-profile state for insertion to an expanded high-surface-area state for biomaterial capture. This phase transition enables increased surface area without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity, as the material self-transforms in response to body temperature
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 biomarkers with improved sensitivity and specificity, reducing the risk of thrombosis by maintaining blood flow and allowing for gentle cell release and analysis, enabling early detection of diseases like cancer.
Implementation Method 1
optionally featuring a shape memory material that transforms from a linear to a coiled configuration at body temperature
Implementation Method 2
The functional member can include binding elements configured to bind circulating biomaterials of interest
Data Source
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.