The project aims to develop a self-regulating release mechanism for cardiac medications, held in an alginate hydro-gel. The hydro-gel will be held within a mesh bag lining, attached to the walls of a stent. The mesh lining used to contain the gel will act as a regulation mechanism for the medication. The mesh will be quasi-permeable to blood. In an environment of standard blood flow, only a small amount of blood will pass through the mesh and collect medication. As blood flow increases (as a result of higher heart rate), the mesh will experience higher amounts of blood passing through, eliciting a higher dosage of medication released. This form of medication delivery should increase the efficacy of drugs like beta-blockers.
The implant will be delivered through venous catheterization, and positioned in the right subclavian vein. This vein was selected as it is easily accessed from the radial vein, and feeds directly into the superior venacava (providing a direct route to the right atrium of the heart). The stent section of implant will be permanent, but the medicinal capsule may be removed when depleted or in cases of adverse reaction.
The implant is intended for uses in patients undergoing active clinical monitoring following myocardial infarction (MI). The implant allows patients to have continuous dosage of medication from home rather than needing to stay in the hospital. Typical post MI treatments require IV medication or direct catheters to the heart, both of which have a high risk of infection and limit mobility.
We aim to increase medication efficacy while also enhancing patient experience.
The implant will be delivered through venous catheterization, and positioned in the right subclavian vein. This vein was selected as it is easily accessed from the radial vein, and feeds directly into the superior venacava (providing a direct route to the right atrium of the heart). The stent section of implant will be permanent, but the medicinal capsule may be removed when depleted or in cases of adverse reaction.
The implant is intended for uses in patients undergoing active clinical monitoring following myocardial infarction (MI). The implant allows patients to have continuous dosage of medication from home rather than needing to stay in the hospital. Typical post MI treatments require IV medication or direct catheters to the heart, both of which have a high risk of infection and limit mobility.
We aim to increase medication efficacy while also enhancing patient experience.
