Nitric Oxide Eluting Polymer for Neuropathy Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for diabetic neuropathy, diabetic ulcers, and macro-angiopathy are inadequate as they do not effectively address the underlying issues, often leading to pain, poor wound healing, and increased risk of amputation, with existing nitric oxide therapies limited by short half-life and toxicity.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising nitric oxide eluting polymers, such as L-PEI, arranged to contact affected areas, allowing for controlled release of nitric oxide to increase circulation, reduce pain, and promote wound healing, while being easy to use and cost-effective, without causing resistance or irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional medications are used to treat neuropathy pain, then pain relief is achieved, but the treatments do not address the underlying malfunction and may cause resistance or adverse effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nitric oxide as an intermediary substance that addresses the underlying vascular malfunction in neuropathy. Instead of merely blocking pain signals with conventional medications, nitric oxide acts as a mediator that improves blood flow and resolves the root cause of the neuropathy, thereby providing both pain relief and treating the underlying condition simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physiological parameters by introducing nitric oxide, which alters blood flow dynamics and vascular function. This parameter change approach transforms the treatment from symptomatic relief to addressing the fundamental vascular abnormalities that cause neuropathy
2Productivity
If nitric oxide is used to treat neuropathy, then circulation is improved and wound healing is promoted, but the short half-life and toxicity of nitric oxide limit its therapeutic use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs polymer carriers as intermediaries that bind and store nitric oxide, releasing it gradually at the site of injury. This intermediary approach overcomes the short half-life limitation by extending the effective delivery period while controlling the release rate to avoid toxicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-loading polymers with nitric oxide before application. This allows the nitric oxide to be released in a controlled manner over time at the target site, addressing the short half-life issue while maintaining safety through controlled delivery rather than acute high-dose administration
3Productivity
If nitric oxide is released in high concentrations, then therapeutic effects are enhanced, but toxicity and adverse effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the delivery parameters by controlling the release rate and duration of nitric oxide through polymer carrier properties. This allows maintenance of therapeutic concentrations at the target site while avoiding peak toxic levels, as the polymer releases nitric oxide gradually rather than all at once
4Reliability
If controlled release of nitric oxide is achieved, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes disposable polymer carriers that are applied topically and allow controlled nitric oxide release during the healing period. These single-use devices provide controlled release functionality without requiring complex mechanisms, as the polymer itself serves as the delivery system and is discarded after use
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 device provides targeted treatment and prevention of neuropathy and macro-angiopathy by increasing circulation, reducing pain, and enhancing wound healing, while avoiding resistance and adverse effects.
Implementation Method 1
A device is provided that allows for target treatment and/or prevention of neuropathy... The device comprises a nitric oxide (NO) eluting polymer arranged to contact the affected area, such that a therapeutic dose of nitric oxide is eluted from said nitric oxide eluting polymer to said area
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided that allows for target treatment of neuropathy, such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy and ulcers resulting from said neuropathy. The device comprises a nitric oxide (NO) eluting polymer arranged to contact a treatment area, such that a therapeutic dose of nitric oxide is eluted from said nitric oxide eluting polymer to said area. The nitric oxide (NO) eluting polymer is integrated with a carrier material, such that the carrier material, in use, regulates and controls the elution of the therapeutic dosage of nitric oxide (NO). Furthermore, a corresponding manufacturing method for the device is disclosed.