Membrane-Covered Embolic Implant for Radio-Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for radio-embolization of the liver, such as coil placement in extra-hepatic arteries, are time-consuming and inefficient, leading to increased radiation exposure and potential reflux of radioactive microspheres to unintended areas, which can cause complications and fail to effectively prevent recurrence and metastasis.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of a membrane-covered wire frame embolic implant to occlude extra-hepatic arteries before or after the delivery of radio-ablative particles, allowing for precise targeting of diseased liver regions while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and preventing retrograde flow of radioactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coil placement is used to occlude extra-hepatic arteries, then protection from radiation reflux is achieved, but procedure time is significantly increased and fluoroscopy exposure is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-deploying the occlusion device in the extra-hepatic artery before microsphere delivery. This ensures the artery is already occluded when microspheres are injected, preventing reflux without requiring time-consuming coil placement and fluoroscopy monitoring during the actual delivery phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the occlusion function from the microsphere delivery process itself. Instead of using coils that require complex deployment and monitoring, a dedicated occlusion device is placed beforehand in the extra-hepatic artery, separating the occlusion step from the microsphere delivery step and enabling faster, more efficient procedure execution.
2Reliability
If coil placement is used to occlude extra-hepatic arteries, then protection from radiation reflux is achieved, but fluoroscopy exposure is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is deployed in advance before microsphere delivery begins, allowing confirmation of proper placement with minimal fluoroscopy. Once positioned, the device provides continuous protection without requiring ongoing fluoroscopy monitoring during the microsphere injection, thereby reducing overall radiation exposure to patient and clinician.
3Loss of time
If incomplete occlusion of extra-hepatic arteries is achieved, then procedure time is reduced, but recanalization and gastrointestinal complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The occlusion device is designed as a temporary, disposable element that provides reliable occlusion during the critical microsphere delivery phase. After serving its protective function, it can be removed or allowed to dissolve, avoiding long-term complications while ensuring complete occlusion when needed most.
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 significantly reduces the time required for occlusion, minimizes radiation exposure, and effectively prevents reflux of radio-ablative particles to non-target areas, thereby enhancing the precision and safety of radio-embolization procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The implant provides immediate occlusion and stoppage of blood flow when deposited in a blood vessel
Implementation Method 2
The beads, or microspheres, contain Yttrium 90 (Y90), which is radioactive and emits ionizing radiation (beta radiation, which penetrates only slightly through body tissue). This radiation kills nearby tissue, including cancer cells and viable liver cells.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of radio-ablation in conjunction with embolic implants used for pre-embolization of branch arteries in radio-ablation of the liver or other diseased tissue.