Side-Opening Microcatheters for Targeted Embolization in Small Vessels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolization techniques face challenges such as non-target embolization, where embolic material disperses to healthy tissues, and difficulty in accessing small and tortuous blood vessels, leading to complications like gastric ulcers and ischemia.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with proximal outlets having side openings smaller than the particles, a suspension concentrating mechanism, and a flow restraining mechanism to deliver concentrated embolization material to target sites while minimizing non-target embolization and improving access to small vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microcatheter is advanced into smaller and tortuous vessels to get close to the tumor, then the localization precision is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple sections with different flexibility characteristics. The proximal section has higher flexibility to navigate tortuous vessels, while the distal section maintains sufficient rigidity to deliver embolic material effectively. This segmentation allows the catheter to adapt to complex vessel geometry without compromising delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter employs a dynamic flexibility design where different segments exhibit varying degrees of flexibility. The proximal portion is more flexible to conform to tortuous vessel paths, while the distal portion remains stiffer for effective embolic material deployment. This dynamic structural characteristic enables the catheter to navigate complex anatomy while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Reliability
If embolization material is delivered to target tumor vessels, then the treatment efficacy is improved, but non-target embolization occurs causing harmful effects to healthy tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a distal obstruction element positioned near the target tumor vessels that creates localized flow resistance. This obstruction concentrates the embolic material delivery at the intended target site while preventing reflux and non-target embolization in healthy tissues. The local flow modification ensures selective embolization of the tumor-fed vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow control mechanism acts as an intermediary between the embolic material reservoir and the target vessels. This intermediary component regulates the release and direction of embolic material, ensuring it reaches only the intended tumor vessels while preventing unintended distribution to healthy tissues through reflux or arterial-portal shunts.
3Ease of operation
If a larger diameter sheath is used to replace the diagnostic catheter, then the ease of operation is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcatheter is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a delivery catheter and to maintain adequate lumen for embolic material passage. By integrating sufficient lumen diameter and appropriate flexibility within a single microcatheter design, it eliminates the need for sheath replacement while maintaining operational effectiveness for both navigation and embolization.
4Productivity
If the inner lumen of the diagnostic catheter is very small, then the productivity is improved by saving time, but the device complexity increases to deliver the microcatheter
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is segmented into a delivery catheter and a microcatheter that passes through it. The microcatheter is designed with sufficient lumen diameter relative to its outer diameter to allow effective embolic material delivery. This segmentation enables the use of a small delivery catheter (maintaining productivity) while the microcatheter itself has adequate internal dimensions for embolization (managing device complexity).
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 catheter effectively delivers concentrated embolization material to target sites, reducing non-target embolization and enhancing access to small vessels, thereby minimizing tissue damage and improving treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
each side opening is shaped or/and sized to allow passage therethrough of the suspension fluid without the particles and to block passage therethrough of the particles
Implementation Method 2
modifying flow characteristics (momentum) of the suspension during delivery
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~4
Figure 5A~6
AI summary
Microcatheters and methods for modifying and delivering suspended particles to target bodily parts (e.g., of the cardiovascular system). Embolization microcatheters and uses thereof in performing local embolization procedures, involving modifying flow characteristics (momentum) of suspensions during delivery. Applicable for delivering embolization material in a small blood vessel towards a target bodily part, and for performing local embolizations in small blood vessels feeding (possibly, cancerous) target bodily parts, thereby forming emboli therein, while preventing or minimizing non-target embolization. Exemplary catheter includes: tubular wall with proximal and distal wall ends, and lumen extending therebetween, opened and configured to allow passage of suspension to distal outlet; distal outlet is shaped or/and sized to allow passage of both suspension fluid and particles; proximal outlet is configured to allow passage of suspension fluid without particles and to block passage of particles, during delivery of suspension.