n-BCA Embolization Cost Reduction via Microcatheter Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs) using liquid embolic agents like N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) lack comprehensive economic and procedural cost comparisons, leading to variable and often high costs for embolization procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) as a liquid embolic agent delivered via specific microcatheters reduces the costs of preoperative embolization procedures by up to 81% compared to EVOH, achieved through a method that involves detailed cost analysis and microcatheter-specific embolization techniques, demonstrating significant cost savings across various treatment scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If EVOH embolic agent is used for bAVM embolization, then complete bAVM occlusion is achieved, but procedure costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compares different embolic agents (n-BCA vs EVOH) with different physical and chemical properties to achieve bAVM occlusion. By changing the parameter of embolic agent type, the patent demonstrates that n-BCA can achieve similar occlusion efficacy at lower cost, resolving the contradiction between reliability and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If multiple microcatheters are used for delivering embolic agents to multiple pedicles, then complete devascularization is achieved, but device costs and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent evaluates the versatility of different microcatheter types (balloon, detachable-tip, plug-and-push) for delivering embolic agents. By demonstrating that a single microcatheter type can effectively deliver embolic material to multiple pedicles, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining complete devascularization efficacy.
3Ease of manufacture
If n-BCA embolic agent is used instead of EVOH, then procedure costs are reduced, but supply cost savings must be verified through comprehensive analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a comprehensive cost analysis framework that acts as an intermediary to evaluate and compare the total costs of different embolization approaches. This systematic analysis method fills the information gap by providing verified cost comparison data between n-BCA and EVOH procedures, enabling informed decision-making.
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 n-BCA embolization method achieves substantial cost reductions, with total procedure costs being approximately 30% to 81% lower than EVOH-based methods, depending on the microcatheter type and number of pedicles embolized, thereby optimizing economic outcomes for bAVM treatment.
Implementation Method 1
N-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA)...reduce the flow to and size of the bAVM through occlusion of the vessels that supply and make up the tangled vessels of the bAVM
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and kits for treating unruptured brain arteriovenous malformations in a human patient with reduced procedure time by embolizing by delivering a first embolic agent comprising N-butyl cyanoacrylate (“n-BCA”) within at least one blood vessel adjacent a vascular tangle in a first group of human patients and achieving a reduced embolization procedure time compared to a second group of human patients treated by delivering a second embolic agent. Methods, systems, and kits for reducing costs of embolization by at least approximately 18% are described.