Injectable Biopolymer Hydrogel for Rapid Aneurysm Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for intracranial aneurysms, such as using platinum coils or flow diverters, face challenges with long-term recanalization and delayed aneurysm closure, and require antiplatelet therapy that can exacerbate hemorrhaging, necessitating a need for innovative biopolymer compositions that can quickly occlude and promote endothelial tissue growth.
Innovation Solution
A biopolymer composition comprising an injectable hydrogel with a biopolymer, chemical crosslinker, and stabilizer, which forms a cohesive viscoelastic solid that can be pre-mixed, sterilized, and stored for extended periods, allowing for immediate use without phase transition, and promotes aneurysm occlusion and endothelialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platinum coils are used to treat intracranial aneurysms, then the aneurysm can be occluded, but long-term recanalization occurs especially in aneurysms with wide necks and large interior volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite biopolymer materials combining multiple polymers (e.g., chitosan and gelatin) with complementary properties to create a more effective occlusion material that addresses the limitations of single-material platinum coils, particularly for wide-necked aneurysms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the occlusion material by controlling biopolymer concentration, molecular weight, and crosslinking degree to optimize both immediate occlusion effectiveness and long-term stability against recanalization
2Reliability
If flow diverters are deployed to treat intracranial aneurysms, then blood flow is redirected away from the aneurysm, but it takes weeks or months to form aneurysmal thrombus and significantly longer for endothelial coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary thrombogenic action by using biopolymer compositions that immediately promote thrombus formation upon contact with blood, eliminating the waiting period required by flow diverters and providing rapid aneurysm occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent rushes through the thrombosis process by using biopolymer materials with inherent thrombogenic properties that accelerate clot formation from days to hours, bypassing the prolonged thrombus formation period associated with flow diverter devices
3Reliability
If flow diverters are used to treat intracranial aneurysms, then aneurysm occlusion is achieved, but antiplatelet therapy is required which may exacerbate hemorrhaging after initial rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thrombogenic potential into a beneficial immediate occlusion mechanism by using biopolymer materials that deliberately promote controlled thrombus formation within the aneurysm, eliminating the need for antiplatelet therapy that would otherwise be required with flow diverters
4Reliability
If biopolymer compositions are prepared fresh before use, then the material properties are optimized, but the treatment process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary preparation of biopolymer compositions in advance with optimized material properties, then stabilizes them for storage, allowing ready-to-use injection during treatment without requiring complex fresh preparation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical state of biopolymer compositions through controlled crosslinking or phase changes that enable stable storage while maintaining the ability to restore optimal material properties upon injection, simplifying the clinical workflow
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 biopolymer composition provides rapid aneurysm occlusion, reduces recanalization rates, and supports endothelial tissue growth, offering a safer and more reliable treatment option compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a chemical crosslinker forming covalent bonds with the biopolymer
Implementation Method 2
The injectable hydrogel can have an ex vivo storage modulus of at least 100 Pa at 37° C. over a linear viscoelastic region
Implementation Method 3
a stabilizer configured to inhibit ex vivo precipitation of the biopolymer
Data Source
AI summary
Injectable biopolymer compositions and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a biopolymer composition for treating an aneurysm is provided. The biopolymer composition can include an injectable hydrogel including: a biopolymer; a chemical crosslinker forming covalent bonds with the biopolymer; and a stabilizer configured to inhibit ex vivo precipitation of the biopolymer. The injectable hydrogel can have an ex vivo storage modulus of at least 100 Pa at 37° C. over a linear viscoelastic region of the injectable hydrogel. The ex vivo storage modulus can be greater than an ex vivo loss modulus of the injectable hydrogel over the linear viscoelastic region of the injectable hydrogel.