A method and device used to improve the operation of a hydrocephalus shunt system based on the use of alpha and beta radioactive isotopes implanted in the critical zones of the shunt that prevents the deposition of organic matter such as blood cells, tissue, or bacteria, thereby clogging and putting the system into malfunction.
This invention was made with NO Government support.
This work was part of research of the mentioned inventors.
The present invention relates to a method and device to prevent clogging of hydrocephalus stent's active parts and extend the good operation duration, preventing malfunctions that are corrected by invasive emergency surgery.
There are various versions of stents used to regulate the pressure inside hydrocephalus liquid in the brain; all of them rely on a pressure sensor and a release valve. Due to the presence of various organic matter in this liquid, after a short period, this matter clogs the pressure sensor or the actuating valve, triggering malfunctions.
The system consists of a radioactive alpha and beta emitter material implanted in the vicinity of sensitive parts at a distance such as to allow radiation to be present in the critical volume of CSF to soften the fluid and prevent organic matter deposition on critical surfaces such as the valve seat and pressure sensor entry. A secondary implant of a non-radioactive material is applied over the radioactive isotope implant, preventing its physical diffusion and leakage into the liquid.
Another layer is deposited having hydrophobic properties, being bio-compatible, and having a high resistance to wear.
The method consists of a set of procedures to acquire the desired implantation depth for each layer to ensure optimum functionality, such as the main radiation path takes place inside the hydrocephalus liquid. It is desired that the interaction between the radiation and liquid will drive radiolysis products in the liquid that react with dissociated water molecule free radicals, creating shorter organic compound with saturated molecular bounds that are unable to have the necessary affinity to clog mechanisms within the shunt.
A shunt allows individuals to lead full lives, but like any other long-term medically implanted device, it can fail. A shunt is said to have failed when any complication of the treatment of hydrocephalus requires surgery.
Symptoms of a shunt malfunction may be obvious, redness over the shunt, headache, sleepiness, vomiting, or visual changes. Symptoms may also be subtle, change in behavior, change in school performance. Typically, shunt malfunction is suspected when one or more of the symptoms of hydrocephalus observed prior to shunting return. When complications do occur, further testing is required and patient may need to undergo a shunt revision, which is an operation to replace the section of the shunt that is no longer working. When shunt malfunction is suspected, it is critical for the user to seek medical assistance immediately.
The most common shunt complications are malfunction and infection are:
a) Shunt Malfunction or Shunt Failure, is a partial or complete blockage (obstruction) of the shunt that causes it to function intermittently or not at all. When a blockage occurs, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) accumulates and can result in symptoms of untreated hydrocephalus. A shunt blockage from blood cells, tissue, or bacteria can occur in any part of the shunt. Both the ventricular catheter (the portion of the tubing placed in the brain) and the distal part of the catheter (the tubing that drains fluid to another part of the body) can become blocked by tissue.
Shunts are very durable, but their components can become disconnected or fractured as a result of wear or as a child grows. Occasionally they dislodge from where they were originally placed. Breakage causes a total or partial interruption in the shunt pathway, which may obstruct fluid flow and add resistance to the system. A disconnection may occur, but the formation of scar tissue around the subcutaneous catheter may still allow fluid to flow. Migration may also alter shunt function, causing catheters to move to locations that may restrict flow. Rarely, a valve will fail because of a mechanical malfunction. With a programmable valve and experiencing symptoms of a shunt malfunction, if it can be determined that the shunt is still capable of flow, your doctor may adjust your setting to avoid an operation. This failure is intended to be addressed by the present invention.
b) Shunt Infection is usually caused by a person's own bacterial organisms and is not acquired from other children or adults who are ill. The most common infection is Staphylococcus Epidermidis, which is normally found on the surface of a person's skin and in the sweat glands and hair follicles deep within the skin. This type of infection is most likely seen one to three months after surgery but can occur up to six months or more after the placement of a shunt. Patients treated with ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunts may develop a more serious infection, which may enter the bloodstream. When a shunt infection occurs, the standard treatment is the surgical removal of all of the shunt hardware. An External Ventricular Drain (EVD) is surgically placed to manage the hydrocephalus while the shunt is removed and the infection is being treated. The patient remains in the hospital while the infection is being treated with antibiotics, approximately 10-14 days. When the infection has cleared, the new shunt is implanted surgically.
There are known for long time that using radioactive stents may result in an extension of period between malfunctions. There is increasing interest in the use of vascular irradiation, from an internally introduced radioactive source to control restenosis after balloon angioplasty.
Developing models both experimental and theoretical, of the kinetics of radiation-induced smooth muscle cell (SMC) inactivation and regrowth, as a first step toward optimizing the design of clinical vascular irradiation. Both animal experiments and early clinical studies appear to show promising results in this regard. We consider various mechanistic interpretations of the experimental and clinical observations that doses of 12-20 Gy appear to be efficacious in preventing restenosis. We develop and investigate simple models, both experimental and theoretical, of the kinetics of radiation-induced smooth muscle cell (SMC) inactivation and regrowth, as a first step toward optimizing the design of clinical vascular irradiation, as dr. D J Brenner, R C Miller, E J Hall shown in their paper: “The radiobiology of intravascular irradiation” published in Int J Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 1996 Nov. 1; 36(4):805-10, who was using in vitro models of human SMCs, to investigate the relative radio sensitivity of SMCs compared with endothelial cells and measure the dose-dependent ability of SMCs to repopulate a denuded region in a confluent layer of cells. They found that doses>20 Gy, which would be required to completely eliminate the SMC population which has the potential to cause restenosis, are too large to be practical because of the unacceptable risk of late complications. However, doses that can be practically given in vascular irradiation (<20 Gy) will certainly delay restenosis by 1-3 years, with larger doses producing longer delays. Whether such doses can avert restenosis permanently is unclear, as permanent prevention at realistic doses depends critically on the assumption that those SMCs which survive irradiation have a significantly limited capacity for proliferation.
In the paper “Low-dose radioactive endovascular stents prevent smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia in rabbits”, published in: Circulation, 1995 Sep. 15; 92(6):1570-5, authors C Hehrlein 1, C Gollan, K Dönges, J Metz, R Riessen, P Fehsenfeld, E von Hodenberg, W Kübler teaches Restenosis induced by smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation and neointimal thickening limits the clinical success of balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. In this study, the long-term effect of endovascular irradiation via low-dose radioactive stents on neointima formation was compared with conventional stent implantation in a rabbit model. Methods and results: Palmaz-Schatz stents were made radioactive in a cyclotron. The stents had a very low activity (maximum, 35 micro-Ci), and thus, manipulation did not require extensive radiation protection. One, 4, 12, and 52 weeks after the implantation of nonradioactive stents and radioactive stents in rabbit iliac arteries, neointimal thickening was analyzed by quantitative histomorphometry. Immunostaining for endothelial cell von Willebrand factor, macrophages, SMC alpha-actin, collagen type I, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was performed to determine radiation-induced changes in the arterial wall. SMC proliferation was quantified by computer-assisted cell counting of PCNA-immunoreactive cells. Neointima formation was markedly suppressed by the implantation of radioactive stents in a dose-dependent fashion at all observed time points. At peak proliferative activity of SMCs 1 week after nonradioactive stent implantation, 30+/−2% of SMCs in the neointima were proliferating, compared with 0.5+/−0.1% of SMCs after implantation of stents with an initial activity of 35 microCi (P<0.001). The neointima covering radioactive stents was characterized by decreased smooth muscle cellularity and increased extracellular matrix formation. Further, we observed a delayed endothelialization depending on the radiation dose. No difference in vascular thrombosis was found after nonradioactive and radioactive stent implantation. The results of this study clearly indicate that low-dose radioactive endovascular stents potently inhibit SMC proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia in rabbits.
In a paper in Circulation, by 1996 Feb. 15; 93(4):641-5. entitled “Pure beta-particle-emitting stents inhibit neointima formation in rabbits” written by C Hehrlein 1, M Stintz, R Kinscherf, K Schlösser, E Huttel, L Friedrich, P Fehsenfeld, W Kübler they teach about experimental evidence exists that neointimal hyperplasia after angioplasty is inhibited by gamma-irradiation of the treated arteries. A beta-particle radiation is absorbed in tissue within a shorter distance away from the source than gamma-radiation and may be more suitable for localized vessel irradiation. This study outlines a method to implant a beta-particle-emitting radioisotope (32P; half-life, 14.3 days) into metallic stents. The effects of these stents on the inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia was compared with conventional stents in a rabbit model. The isotope 32P was produced by irradiation of red amorphous phophorus (31P) with neutrons and was implanted into Palmaz-Schatz stents (7.5 mm in length) after being kept apart from 31P in a mass separator. The radioisotope was tightly fixed to the stents, and the ion implantation process did not alter the surface texture. Stent activity levels of 4 and 13 microCi were chosen for the study. Four and 12 weeks after placement of conventional stents and 32P-implanted stents in rabbit iliac arteries, vascular injury and neointima formation were studied by histomorphometry. Immunostaining for smooth muscle cell (SMC) alpha-actin was performed to determine SMC cellularity in the neointima. SMCs were quantified by computer-assisted counting of alpha-actin immunoreactive cells. Endothelialization of the stents was evaluated by immunostaining for endothelial cell von Willebrand factor. No difference in vessel wall injury was found after placement of conventional and 32P-implanted stents. Neointima formation was potently inhibited by 32P-implanted stents only at an activity level of 13 microCi after 4 and 12 weeks. Neointimal SMC cellularity was reduced in 32P-implanted stents compared with conventional stents. Radioactive stents were endothelialized after 4 weeks, but endothelialization was less dense than in conventional stents. They concluded that neointima formation in rabbits is markedly suppressed by a beta-particle-emitting stent incorporating the radioisotope 32P. In this model, a dose-response relation with this type of radioactive stent was observed, indicating that a threshold radiation dose must be delivered to inhibit neointima formation after stent placement over the long term. The problem with 32P isotope is its 2 weeks halving time being possible of being effectively used for about 3 months, then its radioactivity becomes smaller than 1%, fact that makes clear for us that longer lives radioisotopes have to be used.
In the publication Semin Interv Cardiol from 1997 June; 2(2):109-13 a sintesys entitled “Advantages and limitations of radioactive stents”, was written by C Hehrlein 1, W Kübler from Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany, where they state that the concept of radioactive stents was initiated to prevent restenosis after angioplasty in patients with coronary artery disease. We review the modes of fabrication, dosimetry and the biological effects of radioactive stents. Radioactive stents deliver ionizing radiation continuously at very low-dose rates according to the half-life of the incorporated radioisotopes. The activity levels of radioactive stents are up to 10,000 times lower than activity levels of sources used for catheter-based vascular brachytherapy. Radioactive stents allow uniform dose distribution and precise dosimetry because of the direct source contact with the circumference of the vessel. Animal studies show that these stents can potently inhibit smooth muscle cell proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia. A persistent inhibition of neointimal hyperplasia appears to be dose dependent. Local or systemic side effects related to the irradiation were not observed. A limitation of radioactive stents could be the dose-dependent delay in stent endothelialization which, however, did not cause thrombotic vessel occlusion in animal experiments. Whether a delay in stent endothelialization is associated with an increased rate of occlusive stent thrombosis in humans requires further studies. From here we understand that there is possible to apply this principle at various other devices exposed to body fluids. In the publication J Invasive Cardiol, by 2000 March; 12(3):162-7. Published a paper entitled “The impact of stent design and delivery upon the long-term efficacy of radioisotope stents” where T A Fischell, Director, Heart Institute at Borgess Medical Center, 1521 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, Mich. 49001, USA, and his collaborators, C Hehrlein, R E Fischell, D R Fischell teach about both gamma and beta irradiation delivered via a radioactive catheter-based line source have been shown to have efficacy in reducing restenosis. However, these catheter-based treatments have some limitations, including the safety of handling sources ranging from 30 mCi to 500 mCi.
Alternatively, one could use a stent as the platform for local radiation delivery as a means to prevent restenosis. Experimental studies have demonstrated that stents ion implanted with the b-particle emitter 32P can reduce neointima formation. Clinical evaluation of the radioisotope stent began in the fall of 1996. Dose escalation studies have now been completed in approximately 250 patients with 32P, b-particle emitting stents ranging from 0.5 microCi to 24 microCi. Overall, these feasibility trials have demonstrated a clear, dose-dependent reduction of neointimal hyperplasia within the stent structure, but with an unanticipated finding of a relatively high incidence of restenosis at the stent margins. The purpose of this paper is to review the current status of radioactive stents, with an emphasis on the key elements of stent design and stent delivery that could impact the long-term efficacy of this device. W A Tan 1, C R Jarmolowski, L R Wechsler, M H Wholey from Pittsburgh Vascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania 15232, USA discussed about “New developments in endovascular interventions for extracranial carotid stenosis”, published by Tex Heart Inst J. 2000; 27(3):273-80 where they provide an overview of recent developments in carotid interventional technique and equipment, including new stents and emboli-protection devices. The newer self-expanding stents lessen the problem of external stent compression
associated with balloon expandable stents, but precise deployment and the matching (by length) of stents to lesions remain problematic. Discuss emerging pharmacologic strategies for cerebral protection in stroke. Multiple randomized clinical trials and multicenter registries are under way to compare percutaneous with surgical strategies for the treatment of carotid stenosis. These include the evaluation of emboli protection devices, and, to a lesser degree, intravenous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists. Other clinical trials are aimed towards refining the ability to stratify patients by risk, in order to identify the subsets that would benefit most from these complex and expensive procedures.
The present invention is a method to produce improved shunts for Shunt Malfunction or Shunt Failure and Shunt Infection presented above at item a) and b) and only indirectly affecting items c) and d). The device is a shunt where the technologic important surfaces have been treated and improved, making them immune to clogging and sterilizing the fluid down flow from the shunt.
Adding a WiFi communication inside the shunt to monitor the internal pressure and shunt operation will be another improvement of the device, making it predictable and more reliable. There are more shunt manufacturers, using about same assemblies. Before installing, after passing the quality control the parts are sent to a specialized unit that has an implanter that applies multiple isotopes implantation as an embodiment of a present invention on the specified surfaces of interest. As methodology describes first is implanted an in-depth isotope that prevents the diffusion inside material of alpha emitter isotopes. For beta emitters this is not applied because electrons range is by a factor of 10 larger and micron range diffusion may not affect too much the general electron density in the fluid volume.
After this treatment, the radioactive isotope is implanted at a controlled depth of few microns under the surface. The conditions such isotope have to meet are that the live time or halving-time to be in the year long range, but not longer than 100 years, and to have minimal spontaneous gamma or n emission, emitting a clean radiation, as another embodiment of the present invention.
The following alpha emitter isotopes have to be used:
Beta emitters that may be considered:
In spite Tritium (T) has a reasonable halving time but electron energy is low and it may be used only if substitutes the H atoms in the polymer composition as to be bound and diffusion free.
The inventors consider the developments in shunt radioactive protection and Wi-fi monitoring technology may be successfully used to improve the quality and duration of operation, as well to provide a reliable and safe source of information on brain pressure in various work conditions and environments, and a tool for medical researchers and professionals involved in brain functionality, physiology and pathology.
The invention corrects the following previous deficiencies of the previous devices, as follows:
The best application of the invention is explained in
As can be amply seen from the drawings the procedure includes a device that is made of a micro-processor board for data acquisition, mainly absolute pressure, and differential pressure on the shunt valve, temperature, liquid's electric conductivity, and shunt valve control signal and position, and possible other electric or magnetic signal additionally acquired from the brain, from which based on calibration the liquid flow and brain activity may be calculated. The wi-fi communication system assures data monitoring and in some cases shunt operation reprograming and optimization.
The method to produce a more robust shunt using radioactive isotopes relies on the fact that at interaction between radiation and matter radiolysis process occurs that breaks molecular bonds producing free radicals, that further may recombine producing shorter molecules and recombine, fulfilling open bounds/valences modifying the surface tension and adhesion forces and making cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) more fluid and less likely to deposit and clog the shunt's technological surfaces.
The method has the following steps:
Together the method and device is aimed to assure a long period of good operation of the stent, while each patient monitoring will add to database helping the R&D effort in the brain and neuro-science, s identifying best operation pressures for various brain regimes.
Figure also shows how radiation split molecular bound, 907, of any organic molecule, 906, where beta radiation may be passing without interaction, 908, having a large path than alpha particles, 909, in an organic matter dominated by water molecules, 910, splitting them in shorter radicals.
Private industry would be employed to build the many units required as accessories to form a new product addressing these most critical situations. It was conceived to keep the cost as low as possible, to be largely accessible, and make a drastic improvement in the way the most important part of the sickness cycle is treated. Being equipped with an expert program, it will make a difference, in sickness assistance, predicting the need for emergency care, in the situations when medication and reprograming is inefficient, being possible to connect in real-time with physician, and seek emergency response, or treating a disease in ambulatory conditions.
Thus it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not restricted to the particular preferred embodiments described with reference to the drawings, and that variations may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims and equivalents thereof. The present invention consists in development of a method to implant radioactive isotopes in the critical technologic surfaces of the shunt, to improve its good operation duration, and using Wi-Fi connected local embedded data acquisition (daq) system to have compressive bio-metric and medical evaluation and improve the research data base with new reliable information.
The invention may be also applied in very complex situations, allowing the users to get complex data, as for scientific purposes or to test new prototypes.
The present invention relies on the customization of the data acquisition equipment to serve the most urgent needs, fulfilling the gap between computer simulators and real life, where patient's biometric evaluation in possible simultaneously with the normal operation.
This application claims priority of 63/295,941 from Jan. 2, 2022.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63295941 | Jan 2022 | US |