Therapeutic Scaffold Impedance Sensing for Biodegradation Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shape memory devices for catheterization procedures face challenges in accurately controlling heat application to avoid overheating and ensure precise shape transformation during medical treatments, which can lead to undesirable effects such as blood clotting.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a shape memory catheterization device with a transformation data generator and heating control mechanism, utilizing electrical elements to monitor and control heat application based on feedback from resistive, capacitive, inductive, or strain gage changes, ensuring precise shape transformation and avoiding overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If heat is applied to induce shape transformation in the catheterization device, then the device can transform from delivery shape to functional shape, but overheating may occur causing blood clotting and other harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor temperature, electrical properties (impedance, resistance, capacitance, inductance), or mechanical strain of the shape memory device during heating. This real-time data feeds back to the heating control mechanism to automatically adjust or terminate heat application, ensuring the device transforms shape without exceeding safe temperature thresholds that would cause overheating or blood clotting
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in electrical parameters (impedance, resistance, capacitance, inductance) or mechanical strain as indicators of shape transformation progress. By detecting these parameter changes, the system can determine when the shape transformation is complete and stop heating, preventing overheating while ensuring complete transformation
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating control is used without real-time monitoring, then the system is simpler, but precise control over shape transformation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control where sensors monitor temperature or electrical properties during heating, and the control system adjusts heating power based on this feedback. This ensures precise shape transformation control while managing system complexity through automated closed-loop control rather than manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory device itself provides feedback signals through changes in its electrical properties (impedance, resistance, capacitance, inductance) or mechanical strain as it transforms shape. The system uses these self-generated signals to automatically control the heating process, eliminating the need for external complex monitoring systems
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 system provides precise control over heat application, ensuring safe and effective shape transformation of the catheterization device, reducing the risk of overheating and associated complications during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the shape memory device is heated above a transition temperature of the shape memory device. The heating induces a shape transformation of the shape memory device from the delivery shape to the functional shape
Implementation Method 2
A driver circuit is electrically coupled to drive an impedance of the shape memory device. A detection circuit is electrically coupled to generate heating data based on the impedance of the shape memory device
Data Source
AI summary
A degradation data generator is used with a scaffold for delivery within a patient. The degradation data generator includes a driving circuit electrically coupled to drive an impedance of the scaffold. A detection circuit generates degradation data based on the impedance of the scaffold or other properties such as RF or lightwave transmission, conductance or absorption. The degradation data indicates an amount of biodegradation of the scaffold. A wireless transmitter is coupled to transmit the degradation data to a wireless degradation data receiver, while the scaffold is within the patient.