Superparamagnetic Catheter for Temporary MNP Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for targeted delivery of therapeutic compounds rely on permanent implants, which are not feasible for sites without a permanent implant, limiting the applicability of magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) retention and delivery.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic targeting catheter system using a superparamagnetic material that can be temporarily deployed and magnetized to attract and retain MNPs at specific sites within the body, allowing for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents without the need for permanent implants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent implants are used for magnetic nanoparticle targeting, then long term retention of MNP is ensured, but the approach is not feasible for sites without a permanent implant

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMNP retentionVSAvoidapplicability to sites without permanent implant
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic magnetic targeting system using a catheter with superparamagnetic material that can be inserted and removed, replacing the static permanent implant approach. The superparamagnetic material temporarily magnetizes under an applied magnetic field to attract and retain MNP during the treatment period, then the catheter can be withdrawn without leaving permanent implants behind.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in magnetic properties by employing superparamagnetic material that transitions from a non-magnetic state to a magnetized state when exposed to an external magnetic field. This parameter change allows the catheter to effectively target and retain MNP temporarily, solving the contradiction between retention reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If permanent stents are deployed to target MNP, then long term retention is achieved, but device complexity and permanent implant requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMNP retentionVSAvoidpermanent implant requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the permanent implant requirement from the magnetic targeting system by using a removable catheter-based approach. The superparamagnetic catheter provides the necessary magnetic targeting function temporarily without requiring permanent stent deployment, thereby reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for long-term permanent implants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable or removable catheter with superparamagnetic material that serves its purpose during the treatment period and can be withdrawn, replacing the need for expensive permanent stents. This approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective MNP retention during the therapeutic window.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Manufacturing precision

If uniform magnetic field is applied to permanent stent, then MNP targeting is enhanced, but the system cannot be used where permanent implant is not in place

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMNP targeting precisionVSAvoidflexibility in treatment locations
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal magnetic targeting system where the catheter with superparamagnetic material can be applied to various treatment locations regardless of whether a permanent implant is present. The catheter serves multiple functions: it provides the magnetic targeting surface, delivers therapeutic agents, and can be removed after use, making it adaptable to different anatomical sites and patient needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables efficient and flexible delivery of therapeutic agents to various sites, including areas with or without permanent implants, with enhanced retention and minimal washout, facilitating multiple treatment regions and reducing the need for permanent stent placement.

Implementation Method 1

applying a uniform magnetic field to a permanent stent composed of a superparamagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic targeting catheter comprising a superparamagnetic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuperparamagnetism: Superparamagnetism

Implementation Method 3

The MNP may include one or more magnetic field-responsive agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9084877B2Magnetic targeting device, system and method
Publication Date: 2015.07.21 THE CHILDRENS HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA
  • US9084877B2 patent drawing
  • US9084877B2 patent drawing
  • US9084877B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A treatment system includes a magnetic targeting catheter and a plurality of MNP. The MNP may include one or more magnetic field-responsive agents and one or more therapeutic agents. The catheter may include an inner shaft having at least one lumen and a fluid delivery balloon adapted to administer a fluid from the inner shaft into a space surrounding the catheter. An expandable mesh formed of a magnetizable material may surround the fluid delivery balloon. The catheter may further include one or more occlusion balloons for controlling blood flow through a vessel in which the catheter is placed. A method of treating a medical condition may include advancing a magnetic targeting catheter to a site, deploying an expandable mesh connected to the catheter, applying a magnetic field to the mesh and depositing a plurality of MNP or cells loaded with MNP near the mesh.