Periprostatic Cryoprotective Composition for Nerve Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryotherapy treatments for prostate cancer, such as cryoablation, often result in significant side effects like erectile dysfunction due to injury to the neurovascular bundle, and focal cryotherapy increases the risk of cancer reoccurrence, while existing methods for protecting adjacent tissues lack precision and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A cryoprotective composition comprising biodegradable and non-toxic cryoprotectant agents, such as Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and hydroxyethyl cellulose, is injected into body spaces like the periprostatic area to protect tissues during cryosurgery, maintaining tissue viability and preventing nerve damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cryoablation is used to treat prostate cancer, then cancer treatment efficacy is improved, but nerve damage and erectile dysfunction occur due to exposure of adjacent neurovascular bundle to cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
A cryoprotective composition comprising cryoprotectant agents (such as DMSO, trehalose, propylene glycol) and biodegradable polymers (such as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate) is injected into the periprostatic space to act as an intermediary protective layer between the cryosurgical probes and the neurovascular bundle. This composition prevents direct exposure of nerves to lethal cold temperatures while allowing effective cancer treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryoprotective composition is injected into the periprostatic space before the cryosurgical procedure begins. This preliminary action ensures that the neurovascular bundle is protected in advance before exposure to cold temperatures, preventing nerve damage and erectile dysfunction while maintaining cancer treatment efficacy.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If focal cryotherapy is used to minimize injury to adjacent structures, then quality of life is improved, but the possibility of cancer reoccurrence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryoprotective composition serves as a protective intermediary that allows whole gland cryotherapy to be performed safely. By protecting the neurovascular bundle and other adjacent structures from cold exposure, it enables complete treatment of the prostate gland without the need for focal therapy compromises, thereby preventing cancer reoccurrence while preserving quality of life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active heating is used to counteract tissue freezing, then nerve protection is improved, but precision in temperature control and probe placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical/thermal approach of active heating is replaced with a chemical/biochemical approach using cryoprotective composition. The composition provides passive chemical protection through cryoprotectant agents that prevent ice crystal formation and cellular damage, eliminating the need for complex temperature control systems and heated needles, thereby improving both nerve protection and procedural simplicity.
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 composition effectively reduces nerve damage and potential cancer reoccurrence by preserving tissue integrity during cryosurgery, enhancing the safety and efficacy of cryotherapy treatments.
Implementation Method 1
cryoprotective compositions comprising cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) of low toxicity and sufficient viscosity to remain within body spaces
Implementation Method 2
protecting internal and/or external body tissues or organs of patients or plants from exposure to cold temperatures that may result in damage
Implementation Method 3
sufficient viscosity to remain within body spaces, for example surrounding organs and nerve structures, for sufficient duration
Implementation Method 4
at least one biodegradable and/or bioerodible fluid agent
Data Source
AI summary
A cryoprotective composition configured to be applied during cryotreatment of a patient includes at least one biodegradable and/or bioerodible fluid agent and at least one non-toxic cryoprotectant agent. A therapeutically effective amount of the cryoprotective composition deposited in a body space of the patient in proximity to the cryotreatment remains within at least a portion of the body space for a duration of the cryotreatment. At least a portion of a body tissue proximate to the body space is viable after the cryotreatment. A method of protecting a surgical site during prostate cryosurgery is also provided. The method includes injecting a therapeutically effective amount of the cryoprotective composition into the body space, wherein the body space is a periprostatic space of a patient.