Novel, On Demand, RF-Triggered, Degradable Implants (IVC Filters)
Shoseyov Oded, HUJI, Faculty of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Quality Sciences, Plant Sciences and Genetics
Benny Ofra , HUJI, School of Medicine - IMRIC, School of Pharmacy- Institute for Drug Research
Background
Implant devices are extensively used, but have a few limitations:
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Most implants remain in the body even after they finish their task
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Removal of implants is costly and requires an invasive procedure; only 20-30% are actually removed
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Biodegraded implant have a pre-determined life span which may not correlate with the healing process and the medical need
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FDA safety alert in Feb. 2011: ” Filters should be removed if possible”
Our Innovation
A novel concept in implant design which will be first applied to construct IVC filters - an “on demand” degradable implant which can be rapidly dissolved in vivo in response to external stimuli like an electro-magnetic field and after verifying by imaging that there are no trapped clots in the IVC filter.
Advantages
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Flexibility - custom made fibers with predesigned strength, elasticity, heat capacity, and diameter
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Novelty – a new concept of RF-triggered fiber
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Platform technology - can be used for different implants
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Safety - biocompatible materials, no special regulatory issues are expected, non-invasive removal
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Manufacturing - using existing methods of fabrication: coaxial extrusion and Texturing
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Cost - inexpensive product and fewer procedures
Technology
The researchers aim to address two of the most critical problems in biomedicine: one is the precise device life span and the other is simple and immediate destruction of mal- positioned devices and implants in-vivo with minimal adverse side-effects and maximal clinical benefit to patients.
The new procedure has two steps: filter implantation and develop a non-invasive Radio Frequency (RF) induction.
Once radio frequencies are on, iron oxide nanoparticles produce heat
Once hot, PCL/PLA will melt down for a quick core dissolution
The filter shape disintegrates within seconds
All products are biodegradable and safe.
Opportunity
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IVC Filters are a unique example of a much needed degradable "on demand" Device
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IVC filter is a medical device that is implanted into the Inferior Vena Cava to prevent life-threatening pulmonary emboli
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One filter costs 1000$ + 10,000$ Procedure
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FDA approved retrievable filters in 2003
