Radiopaque Hydrogel Embolization for Rapid Hemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid embolics used for hemostasis in anticoagulated patients are associated with risks such as catheter entrapment, recanalization, leakage, and angiotoxicity, and there is a need for a safer and more effective method to achieve rapid and visualized embolization of blood vessels.
Innovation Solution
A hydrogel composition comprising gelatin, silicate nanoplatelets, and tantalum particles is used for embolization, which can be delivered through clinical catheters and visualized using multiple imaging platforms, allowing for rapid and safe hemostasis of blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid embolics are used for embolization, then embolization can be achieved, but risks of catheter entrapment, recanalization, leakage, angiotoxicity, and necrosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite material consisting of gelatin as the base polymer, silicate nanoplatelets as reinforcing fillers, and tantalum particles as radiopaque contrast agents. This composite structure provides mechanical strength to prevent catheter entrapment, controlled degradation to prevent recanalization, and enhanced imaging visibility while maintaining biocompatibility to reduce angiotoxicity and necrosis risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the embolic material by controlling the molecular weight, concentration, and crosslinking degree of gelatin, as well as the size and distribution of silicate nanoplatelets and tantalum particles. These parameter changes optimize the material's viscosity, gelation temperature, and mechanical properties to achieve reliable embolization while minimizing harmful effects.
2Measurement precision
If radiopaque contrast agents are added to visualize embolization, then imaging visibility is improved, but material complexity and potential toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the embolic function and imaging function into a single integrated material system. The gelatin-silicate-tantalum composite simultaneously provides embolization capability and radiopaque contrast, eliminating the need for separate contrast injection procedures and reducing overall procedural complexity despite the multi-component formulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent distributes tantalum particles locally within the gelatin matrix at optimized concentrations (typically 5-20% w/w) to provide sufficient radiopacity for imaging while minimizing material complexity and potential toxicity. The silicate nanoplatelets are also locally distributed to reinforce the structure without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If shear-thinning properties are enhanced for easy injection, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic material system where the gelatin-silicate composite exhibits shear-thinning behavior during injection (reducing viscosity under shear stress) but maintains structural stability after injection when shear stress is removed. This dynamic response allows easy injection through catheters while preserving embolization efficacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the gelatin-silicate composite with optimized rheological properties before injection. The material is prepared with specific gelatin concentration (5-20% w/v), silicate nanoplatelet content (1-10% w/w), and crosslinking conditions to ensure it flows easily during injection but stabilizes immediately upon contact with physiological conditions in the target vessel.
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 hydrogel composition efficiently achieves embolization of arteries like the renal and iliac arteries, providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective treatment of hemorrhage and other vascular conditions while being visible during and after delivery, with minimal risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
A shear-thinning biomaterial in the form of a nanocomposite hydrogel containing gelatin and silicate nanoplatelets
Implementation Method 2
liquid embolics undergo a transition to form a solid based on physicochemical mechanisms, including polymerization, precipitation and cross-linking through ionic, covalent, or thermal processes
Implementation Method 3
radiopaque contrast agent comprises tantalum particles... can be visualized in vivo using multiple imaging platforms
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to methods and materials for embolization of one or more blood vessels (e.g., one or more arteries). For example, hydrogel compositions for embolization of one or more blood vessels (e.g., one or more arteries) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.