Magnetic Particle Stir Bars for Vascular Occlusion Lysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating fluid obstructions in the circulatory system, such as vascular occlusions, are inefficient and often result in incomplete removal of blockages, with thrombolytic drugs like tPA leaving behind residues that can cause further blockages and increased bleeding risks, and mechanical means are limited and risky.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the delivery of magnetic nanoparticles through a catheter to a location near the obstruction, where a rotating magnetic field causes them to agglomerate into stir bars that can travel and deliver therapeutic agents, even in areas with little or no fluid flow, facilitating the lysis of clots and obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thrombolytic drugs are used to treat vascular occlusions, then clot lysis is achieved, but drug residues remain causing further blockages and increased bleeding risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful residues left by thrombolytic drugs using a thrombectomy device with aspiration capability. The device mechanically extracts clot material and drug residues from the vascular occlusion site, preventing residues from causing further blockages and bleeding risks while maintaining effective clot lysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance - magnetic particles - that facilitate the delivery and positioning of thrombolytic agents at the occlusion site. These particles act as carriers that concentrate the therapeutic agent at the target location, improving lysis efficiency while allowing for better control and reduction of harmful residues.
2Productivity
If mechanical thrombectomy devices are used, then clot removal is achieved, but the procedures are limited and carry significant risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical thrombectomy with magnetic field-based particle manipulation. Magnetic particles are used to facilitate drug delivery and enhance clot lysis, reducing the reliance on purely mechanical removal methods and their associated risks. The magnetic field provides a non-contact mechanism to enhance therapeutic effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges mechanical thrombectomy capabilities with magnetic particle-based therapeutic enhancement. The device combines aspiration mechanism with magnetic particle carriers that deliver thrombolytic agents, creating a hybrid approach that improves both clot removal and lysis efficiency while reducing procedural risks.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If contrast media are used for imaging, then the therapeutic target can be visualized, but adverse effects occur and the amount needed is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic particles as intermediary carriers that can be visualized through imaging modalities. These particles serve as tracers that allow detection and measurement of the therapeutic target site without requiring excessive contrast media, reducing adverse effects while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging parameter by using magnetic properties of particles rather than traditional contrast media. This allows visualization of the occlusion site and particle distribution through magnetic resonance or other magnetic imaging modalities, reducing the amount of contrast media needed and minimizing adverse effects.
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 effective and safe treatment of clots and obstructions by ensuring therapeutic agents reach the target site, reducing the risk of bleeding and improving clot lysis efficiency, while minimizing the use of contrast media and avoiding adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
applying a rotating magnetic field so as to cause the magnetic particles (e.g., nanoparticles) to agglomerate into stir bars and to travel in a rotating motion
Implementation Method 2
cause the magnetic particles (e.g., nanoparticles) to agglomerate into stir bars
Implementation Method 3
facilitate lysis of, any fragments (e.g., clot fragments, emboli) that break off from the therapeutic target
Data Source
AI summary
Controlled delivery of magnetic particles (e.g., nanoparticles) in combination with therapeutic, diagnostic and/or theranostic agents is described. The magnetic particles may be delivered through a catheter to a location adjacent a therapeutic and/or diagnostic target or region.