Self-Clearing Catheters Using Magnetic Nanoparticles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Central venous catheters have a high failure rate due to cellular occlusions and thrombus formation, leading to costly and risky replacement procedures.

Innovation Solution

Chronically implantable catheters are coated or surface-infused with superparamagnetic nanoparticles, which are energized by an alternating magnetic field to induce localized hyperthermia, reducing or removing cellular occlusions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If central venous catheters are used for intravenous administration, then patients can receive medications and therapies, but cellular occlusions and thrombus formation occur leading to high failure rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter functionalityVSAvoidcellular occlusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies magnetic nanoparticles to the catheter surface that, when exposed to an alternating magnetic field, generate heat through hysteresis loss. This converts the potentially harmful effect of magnetic fields into a beneficial thermal effect that actively prevents cellular occlusion by heating the catheter surface to temperatures that inhibit cell adhesion and promote thrombus dissolution, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining catheter functionality and preventing cellular occlusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the catheter surface dynamically by controlling the application of alternating magnetic fields. By varying the magnetic field parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration), the catheter surface temperature can be adjusted to optimal ranges for preventing cellular occlusion while avoiding tissue damage, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing occlusion and maintaining safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If catheters are replaced due to occlusion, then functionality can be restored, but additional cost, risk, and patient pain are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter functionalityVSAvoidreplacement procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the catheter to self-maintain its functionality by incorporating magnetic nanoparticles that, when activated by an external alternating magnetic field, generate heat to prevent cellular occlusion autonomously. This self-cleaning mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention or replacement procedures, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and avoiding time loss associated with replacements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If blood thinners and antibiotics are administered to prevent occlusion, then catheter functionality is maintained, but additional side effects and treatment complexity arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter functionalityVSAvoidtreatment regimen

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical prevention mechanism (blood thinners and antibiotics) with a physical mechanism (magnetic field-induced hyperthermia). The magnetic nanoparticles on the catheter surface, when exposed to alternating magnetic fields, generate heat that physically prevents cellular occlusion without requiring pharmacological intervention, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing treatment complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 use of magnetic nanoparticles to induce hyperthermia effectively prolongs the lifespan of central venous catheters by reducing occlusions, thereby minimizing the need for device replacement and associated complications.

Implementation Method 1

the nanoparticles may be energized by application of an oscillating magnetic field to induce localizedhyperthermia at the site of the occlusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHyperthermia: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

the localizedhyperthermia reduces and/or removes cellular obstructions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal degradation: Pyrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12303650B2Self-clearing catheters and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 PURDUE RES FOUND

AI summary

A self-cleaning cannula for placement in a patient, including an elongated tube portion having an inner surface and an oppositely disposed outer surface, a first end fluidically connectable to a fluid source outside the patient and a second, oppositely disposed end for fluidically communicating with the patient, and a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles operationally connected to at least a portion of the cannula. The metallic nanoparticles may be energized by an applied oscillating magnetic field to heat the cannula.