Hydrogel Fillable Medical Balloons for Controlled Implant Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing injectable materials for medical applications face issues such as asymmetric localized deployment, off-target embolization, and complexity in removal due to delayed reactions or migration, leading to potential complications.
Innovation Solution
Conformable, fillable balloons made of hydrophilic polymer hydrogels with crosslinked chains and a reservoir for injectable materials, using hydrolysable or reversible covalent linkers, allow controlled deployment and removal by cleavage compositions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If injectable materials are used for medical applications, then treatment can be administered, but asymmetric localized deployment and off-target embolization occur due to delayed reaction or migration
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the injectable material into discrete segments contained within individual balloons. Each balloon acts as an independent containment unit that can be deployed at specific locations, preventing the material from migrating to off-target sites while maintaining controlled deployment at the intended location.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon serves as an intermediary container between the injectable material and the target tissue. This intermediary structure confines the material until deployment, preventing premature migration or asymmetric distribution, and allows controlled release at the desired location and time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If injectable materials are used, then treatment can be delivered, but complete removal of material becomes complex due to delayed reaction or migration
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the material into balloon-contained units, removal is simplified to a mechanical process of deflating and removing individual balloons rather than attempting to dissolve or absorb dispersed material throughout the tissue. This segmentation approach reduces removal complexity while maintaining material versatility.
3Ease of operation
If conventional injectable materials are used, then treatment can be administered, but asymmetric localized deployment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the material delivery into discrete, pre-formed balloon units that maintain their shape and symmetry during delivery. This segmentation ensures symmetric deployment at the target site while maintaining ease of injection, as each balloon is a self-contained unit rather than a bulk material that may distribute asymmetrically.
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
Reduces the risk of unconfined deployment, asymmetric distribution, and off-target embolization, enabling complete removal of injected materials when needed, with a wider range of filler materials usable.
Implementation Method 1
a conformable, fillable balloon configured to be implanted in a mammalian body, the conformable, fillable balloon comprising a hydrophilic polymer hydrogel comprising crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains
Implementation Method 2
the crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains are crosslinked by crosslinks that comprise hydrolysable linkers
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the present disclosure provides balloon implantation kits that comprise: (a) a conformable, fillable balloon configured to be implanted in a mammalian body, the conformable, fillable balloon comprising a hydrophilic polymer hydrogel comprising crosslinked hydrophilic polymer chains; and (b) a reservoir containing a filler material that is configured to be introduced into the conformable, fillable balloon.