Photo-sensitive Liquid Embolic Material for Aneurysm Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endovascular treatments for vascular and cardiac anomalies, such as aneurysms, face challenges with solid embolic agents that may not fully occlude complex shapes, lead to recurrence, and require antiplatelet therapy, while liquid embolic agents have issues with controlled solidification and potential migration.
Innovation Solution
A photo-sensitive liquid material is injected and hardened in situ using a light-controlled photopolymerization process, guided by a catheter and optical fibers, with a balloon to control illumination and prevent spillage into the parent artery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid embolic agents are used to occlude aneurysms, then occlusion is achieved, but the material may not fully occlude complex shapes and recurrence may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid embolic material that can be injected through a catheter system, allowing the material to flow and adapt to complex aneurysm shapes. The liquid state enables complete filling of irregular geometries, and the material is designed to solidify in situ to maintain occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolic material undergoes a phase change from liquid to solid upon injection. The material is supplied in a liquid state for easy delivery through catheters, then undergoes polymerization or precipitation to solidify and maintain permanent occlusion of the aneurysm.
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid embolic agents are injected to achieve complete occlusion, then complex shapes are filled, but controlled solidification is difficult and migration may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a balloon catheter as an intermediary device to control the injection and solidification process. The balloon acts as a barrier that prevents premature solidification and migration of the liquid embolic material, allowing controlled delivery into the aneurysm sac.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolic material is prepared with delayed solidification properties, allowing it to be injected and positioned first, then solidify in situ after delivery. This preliminary liquid state enables controlled injection through catheters before the material hardens.
3Reliability
If conventional embolic materials are used, then aneurysm occlusion is achieved, but antiplatelet therapy is required increasing thrombosis risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid embolic material that promotes thrombosis as a beneficial mechanism to occlude the aneurysm. Instead of requiring external antiplatelet therapy, the material itself induces controlled clotting within the aneurysm sac, converting the harmful effect of thrombosis into a therapeutic mechanism for occlusion.
4Ease of operation
If a catheter system is used for endovascular injection, then minimally invasive delivery is achieved, but precise control of illumination and polymerization is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the injection catheter and light delivery system into an integrated device. The optical fiber is positioned within the catheter tip, allowing simultaneous delivery of liquid embolic material and illumination light to the same target location, improving precision control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical control methods with optical illumination to trigger polymerization. Instead of using mechanical means to control solidification, the material is activated by light exposure, allowing precise spatial and temporal control of the polymerization process.
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 method allows for precise and controlled occlusion of aneurysms, minimizing recurrence and thrombosis risks, with the potential for long-term stability and reduced inflammatory reactions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide for providing electromagnetic radiation inside the organic cavity to the photo-activatable substance
Implementation Method 2
a photosensitive liquid material is injected and hardened in situ using a light-controlled photopolymerization process
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~3
Figure 4~6(b)
Figure 7(a)~9(b)
AI summary
The present invention concerns an organic cavity injection device including an injection cannula for injecting a photo-activatable substance inside an organic cavity; at least one element or a plurality of elements configured to control the removal of a resident substance from the organic cavity and simultaneously prevent removal of the non-activated photo-activatable substance from the organic cavity; and an optical waveguide for providing electromagnetic radiation inside the organic cavity to the photo-activatable substance to photoactive the photo- activatable substance inside the organic cavity.