Magnetic Microsphere Suspension Mixing for Uniform Cancer Therapy Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mixing and delivering radioactive microspheres or other particulates in a carrier fluid are inefficient and inconsistent, leading to undesirable separation and effects.

Innovation Solution

A system for mixing and delivering radioactive microspheres or other particulates in a carrier fluid includes a fluid container with a magnetic rotation member that rotates under the influence of an applied magnetic field, a container sealing member configured to seal off an open end of the interior volume, a magnetic rotation member that includes a central hub, opposed arms that extend outward from the central hub, and end lobes attached to ends of the opposed arms, wherein the end lobes are configured to rotate under the influence of an applied magnetic field.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional mixing methods are used for radioactive microspheres in carrier fluid, then the mixing process is simple, but the mixing efficiency is poor and particulate separation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidsuspension uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical mixing systems with a magnetic field-based mixing system. A magnetic drive shaft with magnets rotates within the fluid container, generating magnetic forces that agitate and mix the radioactive microspheres in the carrier fluid without direct mechanical contact, thereby improving mixing efficiency while maintaining suspension uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes fluid dynamics through controlled inlet and outlet flows to enhance mixing. The carrier fluid is circulated through the container with specific flow rates that work synergistically with the magnetic rotation to prevent particulate separation and maintain homogeneous suspension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If a magnetic rotation member is added to improve mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic drive shaft and magnets are nested within the fluid container in a compact arrangement. The magnetic rotation member is positioned inside the container volume, utilizing the existing container space efficiently. This nested configuration achieves effective mixing without adding significant external complexity to the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If rapid fluid extraction is used to improve delivery speed, then productivity improves, but suspension uniformity deteriorates due to separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidsuspension uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains continuous magnetic agitation of the radioactive microspheres throughout the fluid extraction process. The magnetic rotation member operates continuously during fluid withdrawal, ensuring that microspheres remain suspended and uniformly distributed even as fluid is rapidly extracted, thereby maintaining both delivery speed and suspension uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 system includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid inlet and fluid outlet pass through the container sealing member, a pump that pulls fluid out of the interior volume of the fluid container through the fluid outlet, and a rotation control base with a motor and rotating bar to generate a rotating magnetic field, effectively mixing and delivering the microspheres.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic rotation member that rotates under the influence of an applied magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a pump that pulls fluid out of the interior volume of the fluid container through the fluid outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPumping: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS20260000911A1Cancer therapy delivery system and components thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to cancer therapy delivery systems including components thereof such as therapeutic mixture/suspension generating systems. In an embodiment, a cancer therapy suspension generating system is included having a fluid container defining an interior volume with a container sealing member sealing off an open end of the interior volume. A magnetic rotation member can be disposed within the interior volume and can be configured to rotate under the influence of a magnetic field. The magnetic rotation member can include a central hub, opposed arms that extend outward from the central hub, end lobes attached to ends of the opposed arms, and magnets disposed on or within the end lobes. The system can also include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The system can also include a pump, wherein the pump pulls fluid out of the interior volume of the fluid container through the fluid outlet.