Intraluminal Nanoparticle Imaging and Therapy System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intraluminal imaging and treatment methods face challenges such as radiation exposure, need for contrast agents, sub-optimal imaging resolution, and difficulty in distinguishing targets from surrounding tissues, which can be harmful to patients and staff, and are complicated by the management of long wires and devices.
Innovation Solution
An intraluminal system using nanoparticles and particle-probe conjugates delivered via a catheter or guidewire, with an imaging device to enhance imaging and a treatment device to activate nanoparticles for therapy, communicating data wirelessly to external devices to minimize radiation and contrast agent use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods (fluoroscopy, contrast agents) are used, then imaging capability is achieved, but radiation exposure and kidney damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
Nanoparticles serve as intermediary agents that accumulate at the target site (plaque) and provide imaging enhancement through their intrinsic properties (acoustic impedance, optical properties) rather than requiring external contrast agents or radiation. The nanoparticles mediate between the imaging device and the target tissue, enabling safe, repeated imaging without the harmful effects of conventional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging (X-ray, fluoroscopy) with alternative imaging modalities such as ultrasound or optical imaging enhanced by nanoparticles. This substitution eliminates ionizing radiation while maintaining or improving imaging capability through nanoparticle-enhanced acoustic or optical signals.
2Reliability
If multiple wires and cables are used for device management, then device functionality is maintained, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (imaging device, treatment device, data transmission, power delivery) are merged into a single integrated intraluminal device or catheter system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate wires and cables for each function, reducing operational complexity while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The intraluminal device is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both imaging device and treatment device, and incorporating wireless data transmission and power delivery capabilities. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate systems and wire management.
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
This approach enables targeted and enhanced imaging and treatment of anatomical irregularities with reduced harm, improving imaging resolution and safety by using nanoparticles that preferentially interact with targets, reducing the need for radiation and contrast agents, and simplifying device management.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device (e.g., ultrasound transducer, optical camera, LIDAR system) configured to image an intraluminal space and to generate nanoparticle-enhanced image data
Implementation Method 2
a treatment device (e.g., heater, ultrasound transducer, or other energy source) configured to apply energy to the surrounding lumen environment to cause nanoparticles within the lumen to increase in motion
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to nanoparticle-based imaging, binding, and/or therapy at a targeted anatomical location within a subject. In particular, certain embodiments relate to intraluminal devices and systems configured to apply nanoparticles to an imaging target and/or treatment target within an anatomical lumen and to communicate imaging and/or treatment data wirelessly to one or more external devices.