Transient Embolic Materials for Controlled Biodegradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current embolization methods for treating hypervascularity caused by chronic inflammation often result in permanent effects, adverse side effects, and unpredictable biodegradation, leading to issues like necrosis, numbness, and pain due to the use of non-biodegradable materials that can persist for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

The development of transient embolic materials that biodegrade within 15 minutes to 48 hours, specifically starch microspheres and other biodegradable particles, which are delivered through a catheter system to target and temporarily block blood flow in hypervascular vessels, reducing the risk of permanent damage and adverse effects by restoring normal vasculature flow without the need for further intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If permanent embolic materials are used for embolization, then long-term occlusion is achieved, but adverse side effects such as necrosis, numbness, and pain occur due to persistent blockage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion durationVSAvoidadverse side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The embolic material transitions from a static permanent blockage to a dynamic temporary blockage that automatically resolves. The material is designed to occlude blood flow initially and then gradually biodegrade over time, transforming the occlusion state from permanent to transient without requiring intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chemical composition and physical properties of the embolic material are specifically designed to change over time through controlled biodegradation. The material's molecular structure breaks down into smaller biocompatible components, changing its occlusive properties from strong and permanent to weak and transient, ultimately restoring blood flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If non-biodegradable materials are used for embolization, then stable and predictable occlusion is achieved, but the materials persist for extended periods causing tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion stabilityVSAvoidmaterial persistence

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The embolic material is designed with controlled biodegradation parameters that allow it to maintain structural integrity and occlusive stability during the initial treatment period, then gradually degrade over a predictable timeframe (days to weeks). This transforms the material from permanently stable to temporarily stable with controlled degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The embolic material functions as a temporary, disposable occlusive agent that performs its blocking function for the required treatment duration and then naturally disappears through biodegradation, eliminating the need for removal or long-term presence in the body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If biodegradable materials with long degradation times are used, then sustained occlusion is achieved, but flow restoration is delayed beyond the needed treatment period

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion durationVSAvoidflow restoration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The biodegradation rate of the embolic material is precisely controlled to match the treatment requirements. The material maintains occlusive properties for the necessary treatment duration (providing sustained occlusion) and then accelerates degradation to restore flow within an appropriate timeframe, optimizing both treatment efficacy and recovery time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach effectively treats hypervascularity by temporarily occluding blood flow, reducing inflammation and pain, while minimizing adverse effects and ensuring biocompatible residues, allowing for predictable and controlled degradation, thus avoiding long-term tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

releasing the embolic material from a distal end of the catheter into a hypervascular vessel, with the embolic material blocking blood flow in the hypervascular vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical occlusion:

Implementation Method 2

The embolic material can be biodegradable within a predetermined period of time

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentUS20240189491A1Embolization with transient materials

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 INCEPT LLC

AI summary

Use of embolic material that is biodegradable provides for embolizing a hypervascular vessel formed in response to chronic inflammation in a musculoskeletal vasculature or a vessel related to production of ghrelin. The embolic material is biodegradable within a predetermined period of time. Medical systems are configured for delivery of embolic material for embolizing the hypervascular vessel or the vessel related to production of ghrelin.