Single-Lumen Catheter with Integrated Light Guide for Ischemic Heart Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating ischemic heart tissue using photo-sensitive substances face challenges such as premature activation of materials, increased risk of thrombosis, and difficulty in ensuring effective delivery and activation within the target tissue, particularly due to the need for multi-component gel systems and separate light sources.
Innovation Solution
A single-lumen catheter system that delivers a photo-polymerizable gel and integrates a light guide to activate the substance after implantation, reducing the risk of premature activation and thrombosis, while ensuring effective delivery and activation within the target tissue using IR light for deeper penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-lumen catheter with integrated light guide is used, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the ability to deliver multiple components separately is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the delivery of photo-sensitive substance and light activation into a single-lumen catheter system. The light guide is integrated within the catheter shaft, allowing both functions to be performed through one device rather than requiring separate catheters for substance delivery and light activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-lumen catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: delivering the photo-sensitive substance through the lumen and simultaneously providing light activation through the integrated light guide. This multi-functional design reduces the number of devices needed while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
2Productivity
If photo-sensitive substances are activated before delivery, then activation efficiency is improved, but premature activation and thrombosis risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is prepared in advance with the light guide integrated and positioned, but the actual light activation is delayed until the photo-sensitive substance has been delivered to the target site. This allows the substance to be delivered in an inactive state first, then activated in situ to prevent premature activation and thrombosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a two-component gelation system where Component A (photo-sensitive substance) and Component B (crosslinking agent) are delivered separately through the same catheter. The gelation is triggered by light activation only after both components are in place, serving as an intermediary mechanism that delays activation until the appropriate moment to reduce thrombosis risk.
3Manufacturing precision
If visible light is used for activation, then activation effectiveness is improved, but penetration depth into tissue is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source from visible light to infrared light. This parameter change allows the light to penetrate deeper into the tissue while still effectively activating the photo-sensitive substance, solving the contradiction between activation effectiveness and penetration depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using visible light (surface-level activation) to infrared light (deeper tissue penetration). This represents a dimensional change in the electromagnetic spectrum being utilized, allowing activation to occur at greater depths within the tissue while maintaining effectiveness.
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 solution allows for efficient, minimally invasive treatment with reduced risk of thrombosis and improved cell retention, mechanical properties of the myocardium, and enhanced delivery of cytokines, enabling effective treatment of ischemic heart tissue with improved safety and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a needle catheter is configured for injecting tissue, e.g., heart tissue, with a photo-sensitive substance, such as a photo-polymerizable gel, and photo-activating the substance after it has been injected into tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery catheter for delivery, then photo-activation of photo sensitive material has a photo-sensitive substance-delivery part and an activation part. The catheter delivers substances such as biomaterials to a target site, followed by illumination of the target using optics located at the distal tip of the catheter which are optically coupled to an extracorporeal light source. The light may be delivered by a single or multi-lumen needle, or a separate light guide passed over the catheter.