Microcatheter Stylet System for Brain Tumor Convection Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current convection enhanced delivery systems for treating brain tumors face challenges with larger diameter catheters, including backflow issues, reduced precision in placement, and rigidity problems with smaller diameter catheters, which affect the distribution and delivery of therapeutic agents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hollow guide tube with an outer diameter of 0.5 to 1.2 mm and a catheter with a diameter of 0.03 to 2.11 mm, along with a stylet and loop configuration, allows for precise placement and minimizes backflow by using a microcatheter that is flexible enough for accurate targeting and secure anchoring within the brain tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger diameter catheters (1 mm or greater) are used for CED delivery, then the structural integrity and ease of insertion are improved, but backflow of therapeutic occurs along the outer catheter walls resulting in loss of therapeutic and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of catheter diameter from conventional large sizes (1 mm or greater) to smaller sizes (0.03 to 2.11 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm). This parameter change reduces backflow because the amount of backflow decreases as a function of catheter diameter to the power of four-fifths, while still maintaining adequate structural integrity through proper material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the stylet from the catheter assembly after insertion is complete. The stylet is used temporarily during insertion to provide rigidity and facilitate precise placement, then it is removed to allow the catheter to flex conform to the delivery site while maintaining its reduced diameter for minimal backflow
2Loss of substance
If smaller diameter catheters are used to decrease backflow, then therapeutic distribution is improved, but the catheters have less rigidity making precise placement difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the catheter dynamically adaptable by using a stylet that can be inserted and removed. During insertion, the stylet provides temporary rigidity for precise placement. After insertion, the stylet is removed allowing the catheter to flex and conform to the delivery site while maintaining its small diameter for minimal backflow
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet acts as an intermediary tool during the insertion process. It provides the necessary rigidity and support for precise catheter placement, then is removed to allow the catheter to function optimally with minimal backflow. The loop on the catheter also serves as an intermediary mechanism to secure the catheter in place after stylet removal
3Area of stationary object
If multiple larger catheters are inserted to improve wide distribution of therapeutic, then coverage is improved, but the procedure becomes cumbersome and precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the diameter parameter to smaller sizes (0.03 to 2.11 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mm) which reduces backflow. This allows multiple catheters to be inserted more easily and with greater precision, improving distribution coverage without increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple separate catheters that can be inserted independently through separate trajectories. Each catheter can be precisely placed using the stylet-assisted insertion method, and together they provide wide distribution of therapeutic while maintaining procedural simplicity through standardized insertion techniques
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 configuration enables effective and precise delivery of therapeutics to brain tumors with reduced backflow and increased rigidity for accurate placement, allowing for targeted and efficient distribution of therapeutic agents, enhancing treatment outcomes while minimizing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
convection enhanced delivery of a therapeutic to a location in a body... in which the tumor and surrounding tissue are deluged with high volumes of therapeutic agent under positive pressure
Implementation Method 2
an infusion pump is used to drive flow at a rate of approximately 3 mL per hour... under positive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for convection enhanced delivery of therapeutic comprises one or more flexible, biocompatible microcatheters that are directed to a target location to deliver a therapeutic agent. The microcatheter is releasably coupled to a guide tube and directed to the desired location. The microcatheters are small and flexible in order to reach the target areas, minimize trauma at the injection site, and minimize reflux of the injectable therapeutic.