Injectable Hydrogel for Lung Volume Reduction in Emphysema

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for emphysema, such as lung volume reduction surgery, are costly and associated with significant morbidity and mortality, while hydrogel-based systems face challenges due to viral contamination risks and sourcing issues, necessitating an alternative for effective lung volume reduction therapy.

Innovation Solution

A hydrogel system comprising a polymer with pendent hydroxyl groups, a crosslinker, and a sclerosing agent is introduced, which forms a three-dimensional matrix upon chemical linking, allowing for endoscopic delivery and biocompatibility, with properties that promote lung volume reduction by blocking collateral ventilation and facilitating tissue remodeling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If lung volume reduction surgery is performed, then lung volume is reduced and respiratory function improves, but morbidity and mortality increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelung volumeVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical resection system with a chemical polymerization system. Instead of physically removing lung tissue through surgery, the invention uses injectable hydrogel precursors that polymerize in situ to occupy space and reduce lung volume. This substitution eliminates surgical risks while achieving the same volume reduction effect through chemical means.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hydrogel precursors as an intermediary substance that mediates between the treatment goal (volume reduction) and the safety requirement. These precursors are injected into the lung tissue, polymerize to form a gel matrix, and gradually degrade over time, providing a safe intermediate pathway that avoids direct surgical intervention while achieving the desired therapeutic effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If fibrin-based hydrogel is used for lung volume reduction, then lung volume reduction is achieved, but viral contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelung volumeVSAvoidviral contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs synthetic, non-biological polymer precursors that are inexpensive to produce and do not carry viral contamination risks. These synthetic materials replace biologically-derived fibrin, eliminating the need for complex viral inactivation processes while maintaining the therapeutic function of lung volume reduction through controlled polymerization and degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If conventional medical treatments are used for emphysema, then airway obstruction is addressed, but loss of elastic recoil is not treated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatability of airway obstructionVSAvoideffectiveness for emphysema

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by targeting the specific pathological feature of emphysema (loss of elastic recoil and lung hyperinflation) rather than treating general airway obstruction. The hydrogel system is specifically designed to occupy space within the lung parenchyma, providing localized volume reduction that directly addresses the elastic recoil deficiency characteristic of emphysema, distinguishing it from treatments for other COPD forms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 hydrogel system effectively reduces lung volume, is biocompatible, and minimizes viral contamination risks, offering a safer and more accessible alternative for treating emphysema with improved tissue adhesion and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a three-dimensional matrix of a hydrogel formed by chemically linking polymer chains with pendent hydroxy groups using a boron compound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

blocking collateral ventilation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a sclerosing agent... facilitating tissue remodeling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSclerosis:

Data Source

PatentUS8361484B2Polymer systems for lung volume reduction therapy

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 PULMONX CORP

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a hydrogel comprising a polymer comprising a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups, a crosslinker, and a sclerosing agent. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for reducing lung volume in a patient comprising the steps of advancing into a region of a patient's lung via said patient's trachea a multi-lumen catheter lumen through a bronchoscope; and co-administering, through the multi-lumen catheter, a first mixture comprising a first amount of a polymer containing a plurality of pendent hydroxyl groups; a second mixture comprising a second amount of a crosslinker; and a third mixture comprising a third amount of a sclerosing agent; thereby forming a hydrogel in said region. In certain embodiments, the compositions and methods described herein are intended for use in the treatment of patients with emphysema of the lung.