U.S. patent application number 16/691960 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-26 for phase-change and shape-change materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEW PHASE LTD. The applicant listed for this patent is NEW PHASE LTD. Invention is credited to Refael HOF.
Application Number | 20200093621 16/691960 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43628494 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200093621 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HOF; Refael |
March 26, 2020 |
PHASE-CHANGE AND SHAPE-CHANGE MATERIALS
Abstract
An implant includes a shape-memory material having a
transformation temperature. The implantable element is configured
to be implanted, and to perform a first therapeutic function when
the shape-memory material is in a first shape. An energy applicator
is configured to change the shape-memory material from the first
shape to a second shape by raising a temperature of the
shape-memory material to the transformation temperature by
radiating energy to the implant from outside the body. The implant
is configured to perform a second therapeutic function while the
shape-memory material is in the second shape, the second
therapeutic function being qualitatively different from the first
therapeutic function. Other embodiments are also described.
Inventors: |
HOF; Refael; (Kfar-Yona,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEW PHASE LTD |
Petach Tikvah |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEW PHASE LTD
Petach Tikvah
IL
|
Family ID: |
43628494 |
Appl. No.: |
16/691960 |
Filed: |
November 22, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14579340 |
Dec 22, 2014 |
10492935 |
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16691960 |
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13392037 |
May 10, 2012 |
9572695 |
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PCT/IL2010/000683 |
Aug 22, 2010 |
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14579340 |
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61275068 |
Aug 24, 2009 |
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61275071 |
Aug 24, 2009 |
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61275089 |
Aug 24, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/406 20130101;
A61N 2007/0039 20130101; A61F 2210/0066 20130101; A61F 2250/0001
20130101; A61F 2250/0067 20130101; A61F 7/12 20130101; A61F
2210/008 20130101; A61F 2/91 20130101; A61B 18/04 20130101; A61F
2210/0061 20130101; A61F 2210/0014 20130101; A61F 2/94 20130101;
A61F 2/04 20130101; A61N 1/086 20170801; A61F 2/02 20130101; A61F
2007/0292 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61F 2/94 20060101
A61F002/94; A61F 2/02 20060101 A61F002/02; A61F 7/12 20060101
A61F007/12; A61B 18/04 20060101 A61B018/04; A61F 2/04 20060101
A61F002/04 |
Claims
1-66. (canceled)
67. Apparatus for use with a portion of a body of a subject,
comprising: an implantable element, comprising a shape-memory
material having a transformation temperature, the implantable
element configured to be implanted in the portion, and to perform a
first therapeutic function with respect to the portion when the
shape-memory material is in a first shape, and while the
implantable element is implanted in the portion; and an energy
applicator, configured to be disposed outside the body, and to
change the shape-memory material from the first shape to a second
shape, by raising a temperature of the shape-memory material to the
transformation temperature, by radiating energy to the implantable
element from outside the body, the implantable element being
configured to perform a second therapeutic function with respect to
the portion when the shape-memory material is in the second shape
and while the implantable element is implanted in the portion, the
second therapeutic function being qualitatively different from the
first therapeutic function.
68. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the implantable
element is shaped as a cylindrical stent when the shape-memory
material is in the first shape.
69. The apparatus according to claim 68, wherein the implantable
element is shaped as a venturi tube when the shape-memory material
is in the second shape.
70. A method for use with a portion of a body of a subject,
comprising: implanting an implantable element in the portion such
that the implantable element performs a first therapeutic function
with respect to the portion the implantable element including a
shape-memory material that has a transformation temperature, the
shape-memory material being in a first shape during the performing
of the first therapeutic function; and causing the implantable
element to perform a second therapeutic function with respect to
the portion by changing the shape-memory material from the first
shape to a second shape by raising a temperature of the
shape-memory material to the transformation temperature by
radiating energy to the implantable element from outside the body
while the implantable element is implanted in the portion and when
the shape-memory material is in the second shape, the second
therapeutic function being qualitatively different from the first
therapeutic function.
71. The method according to claim 70, wherein: the first
therapeutic function is opening a blood vessel of the subject, the
implantable element is shaped as a cylindrical stent when the
shape-memory material is in the first shape thereof, and implanting
the implantable element in the portion comprises implanting the
implantable element in the portion such that the implantable
element (i) is shaped as a cylindrical stent, and (ii) opens the
blood vessel.
72. The method according to claim 71, wherein: the second
therapeutic function is increasing blood pressure in a portion of
the blood vessel that is upstream of the implantable element, the
implantable element is shaped as a venturi tube when the
shape-memory material is in the second shape thereof, and causing
the implantable element to perform the second therapeutic function
comprises causing the implantable element to increase the blood
pressure in the portion of the blood vessel by shaping the
implantable element as a venturi tube.
73-80. (canceled)
81. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the implantable
element is configured to be implanted inside a blood vessel of the
subject, and, when the shape-memory material is in the second
shape, is configured to cause a new blood vessel to generate that
circumvents a region of the blood vessel within which the
implantable element is implanted, by causing a controlled narrowing
of a wall of the blood vessel at the region.
82. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the implantable
element is configured to be implanted in a cerebral artery of the
subject, and wherein: while the implantable element is implanted
within the cerebral artery and is in the first shape, the
implantable element is configured to widen the cerebral artery; and
while the implantable element is implanted within the cerebral
artery and is in the second shape, the implantable element is
configured to increase intercellular gaps of a blood brain barrier
of the subject.
83. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the energy
applicator comprises an RF generator that is configured to change
the shape-memory material from the first shape to a second shape by
raising the temperature of the shape-memory material to the
transformation temperature, by radiating RF energy to the
implantable element from outside the body.
84. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the energy
applicator comprises an ultrasound transducer that is configured to
change the shape-memory material from the first shape to a second
shape by raising the temperature of the shape-memory material to
the transformation temperature, by radiating ultrasound energy to
the implantable element from outside the body.
85. The apparatus according to claim 67, wherein the energy
applicator comprises a magnetic field generator that is configured
to change the shape-memory material from the first shape to a
second shape by raising the temperature of the shape-memory
material to the transformation temperature, by radiating magnetic
energy to the implantable element from outside the body.
86. The method according to claim 70, wherein radiating energy to
the implantable element from outside the body comprises radiating
RF energy to the implantable element from outside the body.
87. The method according to claim 70, wherein radiating energy to
the implantable element from outside the body comprises radiating
ultrasound energy to the implantable element from outside the
body.
88. The method according to claim 70, wherein radiating energy to
the implantable element from outside the body comprises radiating
magnetic energy to the implantable element from outside the
body.
89. The method according to claim 70, wherein: implanting the
implantable element in the portion comprises implanting the
implantable element inside a blood vessel of the subject, and
causing the implantable element to perform the second therapeutic
function comprises causing the implantable element to cause a new
blood vessel to generate that circumvents a region of the blood
vessel within which the implantable element is implanted.
90. The method according to claim 70, wherein: implanting the
implantable element in the portion such that the implantable
element performs the first therapeutic function comprises
implanting the implantable element inside a cerebral artery of the
subject such that the implantable element widens the cerebral
artery; and causing the implantable element to perform the second
therapeutic function comprises causing the implantable element to
increase intercellular gaps of a blood brain barrier of the subject
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
14/579,340 to Hof et al., filed on Dec. 22, 2014, which is a
continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/392,037 to Hof et al., filed on
May 10, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,572,695), which is the US
national phase of International Patent Application
PCT/IL2010/000683 to Hof et al., entitled "Phase-change and
shape-change materials," filed Aug. 22, 2010, which claims priority
from:
[0002] U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/275,068, entitled
"Phase change implant," to Hof, filed Aug. 24, 2009;
[0003] U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/275,071, entitled
"Shape and function change of implanted element," to Hof, filed
Aug. 24, 2009;
[0004] U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/275,089, entitled
"Phase change materials for treating cancer," to Hof, filed Aug.
24, 2009.
[0005] All of the above-referenced applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Some applications of the present invention generally relate
to implanted medical apparatus. Specifically, some applications of
the present invention relate to the use of phase-change and
shape-change materials.
BACKGROUND
[0007] Stents are commonly placed inside blood vessels in order to
widen narrowed or occluded blood vessels and, subsequently, to
ensure that the blood vessel remains widened. Heating a stent
subsequent to its implantation has been shown to prevent restenosis
of the blood vessel (i.e., the re-narrowing of a blood vessel after
it has been widened).
[0008] When a solid material is heated until its melting point, the
material undergoes a phase-change to its liquid state. During the
phase-change, the material accumulates a certain amount of heat,
which is called the latent heat of fusion, or the enthalpy change
of fusion. The temperature of the material stays relatively
constant when the phase change occurs. When the process is
reversed, i.e., when the material undergoes a phase-change from
liquid to solid, the accumulated latent heat is released.
[0009] In oncology, the Warburg effect describes the observation
that most cancer cells predominantly produce energy by glycolysis
followed by lactic acid fermentation, rather than by oxidation of
pyruvate like most healthy cells. The Warburg effect results in
cancer cells consuming more than 20 times the quantity of glucose
to produce energy than do healthy cells, ceteris paribus.
[0010] An article on Wikipedia (18 Jan. 2009) entitled
"Fluorodeoxyglucose" states "FDG [Fluorodeoxyglucose] is most
commonly used in the medical imaging modality positron emission
tomography (PET): the fluorine in the FDG molecule is chosen to be
the positron-emitting radioactive isotope fluorine-18, to produce
18F-FDG. After FDG is injected into a patient, a PET scanner can
form images of the distribution of FDG around the body. The images
can be assessed by a nuclear medicine physician or radiologist to
provide diagnoses of various medical conditions . . . FDG, as a
glucose analog, is taken up by high-glucose-using cells such as
brain, kidney, and cancer cells, where phosphorylation prevents the
glucose from being released intact. The 2-oxygen in glucose is
needed for further glycolysis, so that (in common with
2-deoxy-D-glucose) FDG cannot be further metabolized in cells, and
therefore the FDG-6-phosphate formed does not undergo glycolysis
before radioactive decay. As a result, the distribution of 18F-FDG
is a good reflection of the distribution of glucose uptake and
phosphorylation by cells in the body."
[0011] A shape-memory alloy is an alloy, such as nitinol or
copper-aluminum-nickel, that has a first shape when it is below a
given temperature (the "transformation temperature"), and that
changes to assume a second shape when it is heated to the
transformation temperature.
[0012] PCT Publication WO 94/001165 to Gross describes a medication
administering device includes a housing introducible into a body
cavity and of a material insoluble in the body cavity fluids, but
formed with an opening covered by a material which is soluble in
body cavity fluids. A diaphragm divides the interior of the housing
into a medication chamber including the opening, and a control
chamber. An electrolytic cell in the control chamber generates a
gas when electrical current is passed therethrough to deliver
medication from the medication chamber through the opening into the
body cavity at a rate controlled by the electrical current. The
device can be in the form of a pill or capsule to be taken
orally.
[0013] US Patent Application Publication 2006/0241747 to Shaoulian
describes tissue shaping methods and devices. The devices are
described as being adjusted within the body of a patient in a less
invasive or non-invasive manner, such as by applying energy
percutaneously or external to the patient's body. In one example,
the device is positioned within the coronary sinus of the patient
so as to effect changes in at least one dimension of the mitral
valve annulus. The device is described as including a shape memory
material that is responsive to changes in temperature and/or
exposure to a magnetic field. In one example, the shape memory
material is responsive to energy, such as electromagnetic or
acoustic energy, applied from an energy source located outside the
coronary sinus. A material having enhanced absorption
characteristics with respect to the desired heating energy is also
described as being used to facilitate heating and adjustment of the
tissue shaping device.
[0014] US Patent Application Publication 5,545,210 to Hess
describes a permanent tissue supporting device, and a method for
supporting tissue, wherein a stent-like member comprising a
shape-memory alloy is permanently positioned to support the tissue
of a tubular organ of a living body. The shape-memory alloy of the
positioned stent-like member is in the martensitic state and
exhibits a strain on a horizontal plateau of a stress-strain curve
of the shape-memory alloy when permanently positioned in the
tubular organ.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,810 to Brown describes a stent for
reinforcing a vessel wall, the stent being expandable and comprised
of a shape memory alloy which in the normal implanted condition is
in the martensitic phase at body temperature, the stent further
having a larger parent or austenitic shape and diameter when heated
above its transition temperature.
[0016] Galil Medical (Yokneam, Israel) manufactures cryotherapy
systems. The following references may be of interest:
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,711 to Quijano
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,451,044 to Naghavi et al.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,459 to Maynard
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,534 to Ruiz
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,964,744 to Balbierz
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,830,179 to Mikus
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,410 to Wang
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,522 to Flomenblit
[0025] US Patent Application Publication 2002/0183829 to Doscher et
al.
[0026] US Patent Application Publication 2004/0253304 to Gross
[0027] US Patent Application Publication 2004/0180086 to
Ramtoola
[0028] United States Patent Application Publication 2005/0055082 to
Ben Muvhar
[0029] US Patent Application Publication 2005/0288777 to Rhee
[0030] US Patent Application Publication 2006/0074479 to Bailey
[0031] US Patent Application Publication 2006/0241747 to Shaoulian
et al.
[0032] US Patent Application Publication 2008/021537 to Ben
Muvhar
[0033] PCT Publication WO 02/000145 to Diamantopoulos
[0034] PCT Publication WO 03/028522 to Ben Muvhar
[0035] "Pathologic analysis of photothermal and photomechanical
effects of laser-tissue interactions," by Thomsen, Photochem
Photobiol. 1991 June; 53(6):825-35
[0036] "The next generation of cancer treatments may be delivered
by nanoparticles," The Economist, Nov. 6, 2008
[0037] "Lipase-catalysed synthesis of glucose fatty acid esters in
tert-butanol," by Degn et al., Biotechnology Letters 21: 275-280,
1999
[0038] "Optimization of Carbohydrate Fatty Acid Ester Synthesis in
Organic Media by a Lipase from Candida Antarctica," by Degn et al.,
Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Vol. 74, No. 6, Sep. 20, 2001
[0039] "Cancer's Molecular Sweet Tooth and the Warburg Effect," by
Kim et al., Cancer Res 2006; 66: (18). Sep. 15, 2006
[0040] Applied Thermal Engineering, Zalba et al., 23(3), February
2003, pp. 251-283
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0041] For some applications of the invention, an element (e.g., a
stent) is implanted within a subject's body. A phase-change
material is implanted within the subject's body in a vicinity of
the element. The phase-change material absorbs heat from the
element by being heated to its phase-change temperature. Typically,
in response to being heated, the phase-change material absorbs
latent heat of fusion, but not all of the phase-change material
undergoes a change in phase. For some applications, at least a
portion of the phase-change material undergoes a change in phase
(for example, from solid to liquid, or solid to gel).
[0042] For some applications, the element is a stent that is
implanted inside a blood vessel. When the stent is heated to
prevent restenosis of the blood vessel, the phase-change material
prevents the stent, and/or tissue surrounding the stent, from
overheating, by absorbing heat from the stent. For some
applications, the phase-change material absorbs heat from an
implanted element during procedures during which the implanted
element may otherwise overheat. For example, the phase-change
material may absorb heat from a stent that is implanted inside a
subject while the subject undergoes an MRI procedure, or another
procedure during which the stent is exposed to electromagnetic
fields.
[0043] For some applications, a portion of a subject's body is
heated, for example, during a medical procedure. A phase-change
material is placed within the subject's body in a vicinity of the
heated portion. The phase-change material absorbs heat from the
vicinity of the heated portion.
[0044] For some applications, a portion of the subject's body is
cooled, for example, a portion of the subject's body is cryoablated
(e.g., using a cryoablation system manufactured by Galil Medical).
A phase-change material is implanted in tissue surrounding the
portion. The phase-change material releases latent heat energy by
being cooled to its phase change temperature (e.g., the transition
temperature from liquid to solid, or from gel to solid), thereby
preventing damage to the surrounding tissue.
[0045] For some applications of the present invention, a system is
provided for rupturing cancer cells of a subject, the subject
having cancer cells and healthy cells. Clusters of phase-change
molecules are coupled to respective first molecules (e.g.,
respective molecules of glucose). A plurality of the first
molecules are administered to the subject and couple to the cancer
cells to a greater extent than to the healthy cells. Typically, the
first molecule is selected such that, by virtue of the Warburg
effect, the first molecule couples to the cancer cells to a greater
extent than to the healthy cells. For example, respective first
molecules may be glucose molecules, and more than twenty times as
many glucose molecules may become coupled to the cancer cells as
become coupled to the healthy cells.
[0046] While the first molecules are coupled to the cancer cells,
energy is transmitted toward the clusters of phase-change
molecules. In response to the energy striking the clusters of
phase-change molecules, the temperature of the region in which the
phase-change molecules are disposed rises, but does not rise above
the phase-change temperature of the phase-change molecules. This is
because, at the phase-change temperature, the heat that is
transmitted toward the region is absorbed by the phase-change
molecules as latent heat. The heating of the phase-change molecules
typically heats the cancer cells, thereby killing the cancer cells.
In some circumstances, the absorption of the energy by the
phase-change molecules causes the phase-change molecules to
vibrate, thereby rupturing the membranes of the cancer cells. For
some applications, energy is transmitted toward the clusters at the
resonance frequency of the phase-change molecules, in order to
enhance the absorption of energy by the phase-change molecules.
[0047] For some applications of the present invention, an
implantable element is implanted inside a subject's body. The
element includes a shape-memory material having a transformation
temperature. The implantable element performs a first therapeutic
function with respect to a portion of the subject's body when the
shape-memory material is in a first shape. An energy applicator
changes the shape-memory material from the first shape to a second
shape, by raising a temperature of the shape-memory material to the
transformation temperature of the shape-memory material. When the
shape-memory material is in the second shape, the implantable
element performs a second therapeutic function with respect to the
portion, the second therapeutic function being qualitatively
different from the first therapeutic function.
[0048] For some applications, the implantable element comprises a
stent. The stent is implanted into a blood vessel of the subject,
which is typically a narrowed blood vessel. While the stent is in a
first configuration, it opens the blood vessel by supporting the
inner walls of the blood vessel. Subsequently, the stent is heated
and the shape of the stent changes to the shape of a venturi tube.
The venturi-tube shaped stent causes the generation of new blood
vessels in the vicinity of the blood vessel in which the stent is
disposed, as described hereinbelow, and/or in accordance with the
techniques described in PCT Publication WO 03/028522 to Ben Muvhar,
which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0049] There is therefore provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:
[0050] an implantable element configured to be implanted within a
body of a subject; and
[0051] a phase-change material configured:
[0052] to be implanted within the subject's body in a vicinity of
the element, and
[0053] to absorb heat from the element by absorbing latent heat of
fusion resulting from a phase-change of the phase-change material
selected from the group consisting of: wax to liquid, solid to
liquid, solid to gel, and gel to liquid, in response to the element
being heated.
[0054] For some applications, less than all of the phase-change
material is configured to undergo the selected phase change, in
response to the element being heated.
[0055] For some applications, the phase-change material includes
paraffin.
[0056] For some applications, the phase-change material includes an
organic phase-change material.
[0057] For some applications, the implantable element includes a
stent.
[0058] For some applications, the phase-change material is
configured to absorb heat from the element in response to the
element being heated by being exposed to an electromagnetic
field.
[0059] For some applications, the phase-change material has a
phase-change temperature of 4.5 C to 145 C.
[0060] For some applications, the phase-change material has a
phase-change temperature of 45 C to 60 C.
[0061] For some applications, the phase-change material has a
phase-change temperature of 60 C to 80 C.
[0062] For some applications, the phase-change material is
configured to be implanted in a separate implantation step from
implantation of the implantable element.
[0063] For some applications, the phase-change material is
configured not to be attached to the implantable element when the
implantable element and the phase-change material are implanted
within the subject's body.
[0064] For some applications, the phase-change material and the
implantable element are configured to be implanted in a single
implantation step.
[0065] For some applications, the phase-change material includes a
coating that coats the implantable element.
[0066] For some applications, the phase-change material is disposed
within the implantable element.
[0067] For some applications, the implantable element defines a
hollow volume, and the phase-change material is disposed inside the
hollow volume.
[0068] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, a method, including:
[0069] placing a phase-change material within a body of a subject;
and
[0070] causing the phase-change material within the subject's body
to absorb latent heat of fusion resulting from a phase-change of
the phase-change material selected from the group consisting of:
wax to liquid, solid to liquid, solid to gel, and gel to liquid, by
heating the phase-change material.
[0071] For some applications, causing the phase-change material to
absorb the latent heat of fusion includes causing less than all of
the phase-change material to undergo the selected phase change, by
heating the phase-change material.
[0072] For some applications, causing the phase-change material to
absorb the latent heat of fusion includes causing the phase-change
material to absorb heat from a portion of the subject's body in a
vicinity of the phase-change material.
[0073] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:
[0074] a heating device configured to heat a portion of a body of a
subject; and
[0075] a phase-change material configured: [0076] to be placed
within the subject's body in a vicinity of the portion, and [0077]
to absorb heat from the vicinity of the portion by absorbing latent
heat of fusion resulting from a phase-change of the phase-change
material selected from the group consisting of: wax to liquid,
solid to liquid, solid to gel, and gel to liquid, in response to
the portion of the subject's body being heated.
[0078] For some applications, less than all of the phase-change
material is configured to undergo the selected phase change, in
response to the portion being heated.
[0079] For some applications, the phase-change material includes
paraffin.
[0080] For some applications, the phase-change material includes an
organic phase-change material.
[0081] For some applications, the phase-change material includes a
gel configured to be injected into the subject's body in the
vicinity of the portion.
[0082] For some applications, the phase-change material includes a
solid pellet configured to be injected into the subject's body in
the vicinity of the portion.
[0083] For some applications, the phase-change material has a
phase-change temperature of 4.5 C to 145 C.
[0084] For some applications, the phase-change material has a
phase-change temperature of 45 C to 60 C.
[0085] For some applications, the phase-change material has a
phase-change temperature of 60 C to 80 C.
[0086] For some applications, the apparatus further includes an
energy absorbing element configured to be implanted within the
portion and to absorb energy from the heating device.
[0087] For some applications, the energy absorbing element includes
a carbon cylinder having a diameter that is at least 0.9 mm.
[0088] For some applications, the energy absorbing element includes
a biocompatible metal.
[0089] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, apparatus, including:
[0090] an implantable element configured to be implanted within a
body of a subject; and
[0091] a phase-change material configured: [0092] to be implanted
within the subject's body in a vicinity of the element, and [0093]
to release latent heat of fusion resulting from a phase-change of
the phase-change material selected from the group consisting of:
liquid to wax, liquid to solid, gel to solid, and liquid to gel, in
response to the element being cooled.
[0094] There is additionally provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, a method, including:
[0095] placing a phase-change material within a body of a subject;
and
[0096] causing the phase-change material within the subject's body
to release latent heat of fusion resulting from a phase-change of
the phase-change material selected from the group consisting of:
liquid to wax, liquid to solid, gel to solid, and liquid to gel, by
cooling the phase-change material.
[0097] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, apparatus for killing cancer
cells of a subject, the subject having cancer cells and healthy
cells, the apparatus including:
[0098] a plurality of first molecules configured to be coupled to
the cancer cells to a greater extent than to the healthy cells, in
response to being administered to the subject;
[0099] a plurality of clusters of phase-change molecules, each of
the clusters coupled to a respective one of the first molecules;
and
[0100] an energy transmission unit, configured to kill cancer cells
coupled to the first molecules by heating the cancer cells, by
transmitting energy toward the clusters that selectively heats the
clusters.
[0101] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to rupture membranes of the cancer cells by heating the
cancer cells.
[0102] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to heat the clusters to a melting temperature of the
phase-change molecules, and the phase-change molecules are
configured to absorb latent heat of fusion in response to the
clusters being heated.
[0103] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to transmit energy at a resonance frequency of the
phase-change molecules.
[0104] For some applications, the phase-change molecules include
paraffin molecules.
[0105] For some applications, the phase-change molecules include
organic phase-change molecules.
[0106] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to heat the clusters such that less than all of the
phase-change molecules in each of the clusters undergo the selected
phase change, in response to the clusters being heated.
[0107] For some applications, the first molecules include glucose
molecules.
[0108] For some applications, the clusters of phase-change
molecules have a phase-change temperature between 60 and 80 C.
[0109] For some applications, the clusters of phase-change
molecules have a phase-change temperature between 45 and 60 C.
[0110] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to heat the clusters such that a temperature of the
clusters does not rise above a phase-change temperature of the
phase-change molecules, in response to the clusters being
heated.
[0111] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to discontinue the transmission of the energy in
response to an indication of the temperature of the clusters.
[0112] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to sense a temperature of the clusters and to
discontinue the transmission of the energy in response to the
sensed temperature.
[0113] For some applications, the energy transmission unit is
configured to discontinue transmission of the energy in response to
a duration of transmission of the energy.
[0114] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, a method for killing cancer
cells of a subject, the subject having the cancer cells and healthy
cells, the method including:
[0115] administering to the subject a plurality of first molecules,
each of the first molecules having a cluster of phase-change
molecules coupled thereto, the first molecules being configured to
be coupled to the cancer cells to a greater extent than to the
healthy cells; and
[0116] killing the cancer cells by heating the cancer cells, by
transmitting energy toward the clusters that selectively heats the
clusters.
[0117] For some applications, transmitting energy toward the
clusters includes irradiating multiple sites to which the cancer
cells may have metastasized.
[0118] For some applications, the method further includes imaging
the subject while transmitting energy toward the clusters.
[0119] For some applications, imaging the subject includes imaging
the cancer cells using a heat-sensitive imaging protocol.
[0120] There is therefore provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, apparatus for use with a
portion of a body of a subject, including:
[0121] an implantable element, including a shape-memory material
having a transformation temperature, the implantable element
configured to be implanted in the portion, and to perform a first
therapeutic function with respect to the portion when the
shape-memory material is in a first shape, and while the
implantable element is implanted in the portion; and
[0122] an energy applicator, configured to change the shape-memory
material from the first shape to a second shape, by raising a
temperature of the shape-memory material to the transformation
temperature,
[0123] the implantable element being configured to perform a second
therapeutic function with respect to the portion when the
shape-memory material is in the second shape, while the implantable
element is implanted in the portion, the second therapeutic
function being qualitatively different from the first therapeutic
function.
[0124] For some applications, the implantable element is shaped as
a cylindrical stent when the shape-memory material is in the first
shape.
[0125] For some applications, the implantable element is shaped as
a venturi tube when the shape-memory material is in the second
shape.
[0126] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, a method for use with a
portion of a body of a subject, including:
[0127] implanting an implantable element in the portion;
[0128] performing a first therapeutic function with respect to the
portion using the implantable element while the implantable element
is implanted in the portion, the implantable element including a
shape-memory material that has a transformation temperature, the
shape-memory material being in a first shape during the performing
of the first therapeutic function;
[0129] changing the shape-memory material from the first shape to a
second shape by raising a temperature of the shape-memory material
to the transformation temperature; and
[0130] performing a second therapeutic function with respect to the
portion using the implantable element, while the implantable
element is implanted in the portion, and when the shape-memory
material is in the second shape.
[0131] For some applications, performing the first therapeutic
function includes opening a blood vessel of the subject, the
implantable element being shaped as a cylindrical stent when the
shape-memory material is in the first shape thereof.
[0132] For some applications, performing the second therapeutic
function includes increasing blood pressure in a portion of the
blood vessel that is proximal to the implantable element, the
implantable element being shaped as a venturi tube when the
shape-memory material is in the second shape thereof.
[0133] There is additionally provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, a method for use with a
portion of a body of a subject, including:
[0134] implanting an implantable element in the portion;
[0135] performing a first therapeutic function with respect to the
portion using the implantable element, while the implantable
element is implanted in the portion, the implantable element being
in a first mechanical configuration during the performing of the
first therapeutic function;
[0136] changing the implantable element from the first mechanical
configuration to a second mechanical configuration by raising a
temperature of the implantable element; and
[0137] performing a second therapeutic function with respect to the
portion using the implantable element, while the implantable
element is implanted in the portion, and when the implantable
element material is in the second mechanical configuration.
[0138] There is further provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, an implantable pump for
dispensing a drug, including:
[0139] a drug chamber configured to contain a drug; and
[0140] a shape-memory material configured to force at least some of
the drug out of the pump, by expanding, by being heated to a given
temperature.
[0141] For some applications, the shape-change material is
configured to expand by being heated to a temperature of 40-60
C.
[0142] For some applications, the drug includes a chemotherapy
agent, and the drug chamber is configured to contain the
chemotherapy agent.
[0143] There is additionally provided, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention, a method, including:
[0144] implanting a drug pump inside a body of a subject, the pump
including a drug chamber that is configured to contain a drug;
and
[0145] forcing at least a portion of the drug out of the drug
chamber by expanding a shape-memory material that has a
transformation temperature, by heating the shape-memory material to
the transformation temperature for a first given time period.
[0146] For some applications, the method further includes forcing a
further portion of the drug out of the drug chamber by further
expanding the shape-memory material by heating the shape-memory
material to the transformation temperature for a second given time
period.
[0147] For some applications, heating the shape-memory material to
the transformation temperature includes heating the shape-memory
material to a temperature of 40-60 C.
[0148] For some applications, the medication includes a
chemotherapy agent, and forcing the medication out of the drug
chamber includes forcing the chemotherapy agent out of the drug
chamber.
[0149] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken
together with the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0150] FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of a phase-change
material inside a hollow implantable element, in accordance with
some applications of the present invention;
[0151] FIG. 1B is a schematic illustration of a phase-change
material implanted in a vicinity of a portion of a subject's body
that is being heated, in accordance with some applications of the
present invention;
[0152] FIG. 2A is a schematic illustration of a cluster of
phase-change molecules coupled to a glucose molecule, near a cancer
cell, in accordance with some applications of the present
invention;
[0153] FIG. 2B is a schematic illustration of the cluster of
phase-change molecules coupled to the membrane of a cancer cell via
the glucose molecule, in accordance with some applications of the
present invention;
[0154] FIG. 3 is a graph showing experimental results of five
pieces of tissue that were heated in a control experiment;
[0155] FIG. 4 is a graph showing experimental results of four
pieces of tissue that were injected with phase-change materials and
were heated, in accordance with some applications of the present
invention;
[0156] FIG. 5 is a graph showing further experimental results of
four pieces of tissue that were injected with phase-change
materials and were heated, in accordance with some applications of
the present invention.
[0157] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an implantable element
implanted inside a blood vessel of a subject;
[0158] FIG. 7A is a schematic illustration of the implantable
element in a first configuration, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention;
[0159] FIG. 7B is a schematic illustration of the implantable
element in a second configuration, in accordance with some
applications of the present invention; and
[0160] FIGS. 8A-B are schematic illustrations of a portion of a
drug pump having an expansible shape-memory portion, in accordance
with some applications of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0161] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which is a schematic
illustration of a phase-change material 22 inside an implantable
element 20, in accordance with some applications of the present
invention. The phase-change material absorbs heat from the element
by being heated to the phase-change temperature of the phase-change
material and absorbing latent heat energy.
[0162] For some applications, implantable element 20 is a stent,
and phase-change material 22 is disposed inside the stent. For
example, the stent may be shaped as a hollow tube, or may be shaped
in a different shape that allows the stent to contain the
phase-change material therein. Alternatively or additionally, the
phase-change material coats the implantable element. Typically, for
applications in which the phase-change material is inside the
implantable element, and/or coats the implantable element,
phase-change material 22 and implantable element 20 are implanted
within a subject's body in a single implantation step. For some
applications, the phase-change material is not attached to the
implantable element when the phase-change material and the
implantable element are within the subject's body. For example, the
phase-change material may be implanted in tissue that is at a
distance of several millimeters or micrometers from the implantable
element, and the phase-change material may reduce heating of the
tissue when the implantable element is heated. For some
applications, the phase-change material is implanted in a separate
implantation step from the implantation of the implantable
element.
[0163] For some applications, one or more of the phase-change
materials that appear (hereinbelow) in Table 1 and/or in Table 2
are used as phase-change material 22. Typically, a phase-change
material is selected as the phase-change material, on the basis of
the phase-change temperature of the phase-change material. For
example, if it is desired to heat implantable element 20 to a
temperature of 42 C, paraffin having a molecule length of 16 carbon
atoms (C16) may be selected, in accordance with the data in Table 1
(which is extracted from Zalba et al., Applied Thermal Engineering,
23(3), February 2003, pp. 251-283). When the element is heated to
42 C, the selected phase-change material absorbs energy as it
absorbs latent heat of fusion. While the phase-change material
absorbs energy, the heating of the element and/or the surrounding
tissue is inhibited. For some applications, other melting
temperatures and corresponding materials are used.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Melting temperatures of paraffin molecules
Compound Melting temperature (.degree. C.) Heat of fusion ( Kj Kg )
##EQU00001## Paraffin C16-C28 42-44 189 Paraffin C20-C33 48-50 189
Paraffin C22-C45 58-60 189 Paraffin wax 64 173.6 Paraffin C28-C50
66-68 189 Paraffin RT40 43 181 Paraffin RT50 54 195 Paraffin RT65
64 207 Paraffin RT80 79 209 Paraffin RT90 90 197 Paraffin RT110 112
213
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Melting temperature of organic phase-change
materials: Compound Melting Temperature (.degree. C.) Heat of
fusion ( Kj Kg ) ##EQU00002## Paraffin C14 4.5 165 Paraffin C15-C16
8 153 Polyglycol E400 8 99.6 Dimethyl-sulfoxide (DMS) 16.5 85.7
Paraffin C16-C18 20-22 152 Polyglycol E600 22 189 Paraffin C13-C24
22-24 189 1-Dodecanol 26 200 Paraffin C18 28 244 1-Tetradecanol 26
200 Paraffin C16-C28 42-44 189 Paraffin C20-C33 48-50 189 Paraffin
C22-C45 58-60 189 Paraffin Wax 64 173.6 Polyglycol E6000 66 190
Paraffin C28-C30 66-68 189 Biphenyl 71 119.2 Propionamide 79 168.2
Naphthalene 80 147.7 Erythritol 118 339.8 HDPE 100-150 200
Trans-1,4-polybutadiene 145 144 (TPB)
[0164] For some applications, one or more of the following organic
phase-change materials is used for phase-change material 22: crude
oil, paraffin produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process, and an
organic material having saturated, unsaturated, straight, or
branched carbon chain molecules. The phase-change material may
include, for example, trilaurin, trimyristin, tripalmitin,
tristearin, and/or any suitable type of paraffin or paraffin
wax.
[0165] The phase-change temperature (e.g., the melting temperature)
of the phase-change material is typically 4.5 C to 145 C, e.g., 45
C to 60 C, or 60 C to 80 C. For some applications, the phase-change
material has relatively low thermal conductivity, and is arranged
to have a large surface area to overcome the low thermal
conductivity and increase the flow of heat into the phase-change
material.
[0166] For some applications, when coupling phase-change material
22 to implantable element 20, and/or when implanting the
phase-change material, it is assumed that the phase-change material
will undergo thermal expansion, and the coupling and/or
implantation is performed accordingly. For example, if the
phase-change material is disposed inside a hollow volume inside a
stent (as shown in FIG. 1A), 10 percent of the hollow volume may be
left empty to allow for the thermal expansion of the phase-change
material inside the hollow volume. Alternatively, the phase-change
material is disposed inside a hollow volume inside a stent (as
shown in FIG. 1A), and the stent is hermetically sealed, in order
to reduce or prevent expansion of the phase-change material.
[0167] Reference is now made to FIG. 1B, which is a schematic
illustration of phase-change material 22 implanted in a vicinity of
a portion 32 of a subject's body 34 that is being heated by a
heating device 30 (e.g., an ultrasound transducer), in accordance
with some applications of the present invention. For some
applications, the phase-change material is placed within the
subject's body in the vicinity of portion 32. During the heating of
portion 32, the phase-change material absorbs latent heat of fusion
from tissue in the vicinity of the portion by being heated to the
phase-change temperature of the phase-change material. Typically,
one of the phase-change materials that appears in Table 1, or
another phase-change material is selected, based upon the
temperature to which portion 32 is heated.
[0168] For some applications, portion 32 includes cancerous tissue
which is heated by heating device 30 to denature the tissue. The
absorption of heat near other tissue in the vicinity of portion 32
prevents the other tissue from overheating and becoming denatured.
For some applications, the temperature to which portion 32 is
heated depends on the nature of portion 32. For example, denaturing
tissue of the kidney, which has a high level of perfusion, requires
heating the tissue to a higher temperature than would be required
in order to denature tissue of the lungs.
[0169] For some applications, phase-change material 22 is injected
into tissue in the vicinity of portion 32, and/or in the vicinity
of implantable element 20, in the form of pellets and/or gel.
[0170] For some applications, an energy absorbing element 36, such
as carbon or graphite, is inserted into portion 32 to facilitate
the heating of the tissue by efficiently absorbing energy from
heating device 30 and undergoing an elevation in temperature.
[0171] For some applications, implantable element 20 is coupled to
phase-change material 22, as described hereinabove. The implantable
element and the phase-change material are implanted in the vicinity
of portion 32. Heating device 30 heats the implantable element,
and, simultaneously, the phase-change material prevents the
temperature of the implantable element from rising above a given
temperature. For some applications, implanting the implantable
element at a specific implantation site with respect to portion 32
facilitates the directing of the heat toward the portion.
[0172] Reference is now made to FIG. 2A, which is a schematic
illustration of a cancer-treatment substance that includes a sugar
molecule, e.g., a glucose molecule 40, coupled to a cluster 42 of
phase-change molecules, in accordance with some applications of the
present invention. The substance is administered to the subject,
for example, orally, or by injection. The substance is configured
such that cancer cells 44 absorb more of the substance than healthy
cells of the surrounding tissue, due to the preferential uptake of
the glucose molecules by the cancer cells. The preferential uptake
of glucose molecules by cancer cells is based on the Warburg
effect, described hereinabove in the Background, and as described
in "Cancer's Molecular Sweet Tooth and the Warburg Effect," by Kim
et al., Cancer Res 2006; 66: (18). Sep. 15, 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference. (The principle of cancer cells
preferentially uptaking glucose molecules forms the basis of
certain PET-CT imaging protocols, as described in the Wikipedia
article entitled "Fluorodeoxyglucose," which is incorporated herein
by reference.)
[0173] For some applications, techniques that are known in the art
are used for coupling the phase-change molecules to glucose
molecule 40. For example, techniques may be used that are based on
techniques described in the following articles, which are
incorporated herein by reference: (a) "Lipase-catalysed synthesis
of glucose fatty acid esters in tert-butanol," by Degn et al.,
Biotechnology Letters 21: 275-280, 1999, and (b) "Optimization of
Carbohydrate Fatty Acid Ester Synthesis in Organic Media by a
Lipase from Candida Antarctica," by Degn et al., Biotechnology and
Bioengineering, Vol. 74, No. 6, Sep. 20, 2001.
[0174] Reference is now made to FIG. 2B, which is a schematic
illustration of cluster 42 of phase-change molecules coupled to
membrane 46 of cancer cell 44, via glucose molecule 40, in
accordance with some applications of the present invention.
Typically, glucose molecule 40 passes at least partially through
membrane 46 of cancer cell 44, via a glucose channel 48. Further
typically, the cluster of phase-change molecules is unable to pass
through the cell membrane, but since it remains coupled to the
glucose molecule, it becomes coupled to the cell membrane.
(Although, FIG. 2B shows that phase-change molecule 42 is unable to
pass through glucose channel 48 due to the size of cluster 42 of
phase-change molecules, the scope of the present invention includes
using a cluster of phase-change molecules that is unable to pass
through the glucose channel for another reason.)
[0175] While cluster 42 of phase-change molecules is coupled to
membrane 46, energy is directed toward cancer cell 44. For example,
an energy transmission unit 50 irradiates a region of the body in
which cancer cell 44 is located. For some applications, the cancer
cell is heated to the phase-change temperature of the phase-change
molecules. For some applications, the phase-change molecules absorb
heat without all of the molecules changing phase (e.g., from solid
to liquid), the heat being absorbed as latent heat of fusion of the
phase change. Typically, the temperature of the phase-change
molecules and the vicinity of the phase-change molecules remains
substantially constant once the phase-change molecules have been
heated to the phase-change temperature. Further typically, the
energy transmission unit does not heat the cluster to a temperature
that is greater than the phase-change temperature. For some
applications, the energy transmission unit discontinues the
transmission of energy in response to an indication of the
temperature of the clusters. For example, the energy transmission
unit may sense a temperature of the clusters using known
techniques, and discontinue the transmission of the energy in
response to the sensed temperature. Alternatively or additionally,
the energy transmission unit discontinues transmission of the
energy in response to a duration of transmission of the energy,
i.e., the unit ceases to transmit energy after a given time
period.
[0176] Typically, the heating of the phase-change molecules heats
the cancer cell, thereby killing the cancer cell. For some
applications, the cancer cell is irradiated at a frequency that is
the resonance frequency of the phase-change molecule. For some
applications, the heating of cluster 42 causes the cluster to
vibrate. The vibration of cluster 42, while the cluster is coupled
to cell membrane 46, causes the cancer cell membrane to rupture,
thereby killing the cancer cell.
[0177] For some applications, the effect of the heating of the
phase-change molecules on the cancer is in accordance with Table 3,
which appears in an article by Thomsen, entitled "Pathologic
analysis of photothermal and photomechanical effects of
laser-tissue interactions" (Photochem Photobiol. 1991 June;
53(6):825-35), which is incorporated herein by reference:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Histopathological effect of heating on cells
Thermal Temperature damage of onset: Heating mechanism range
(.degree. C.) times Histopathology effect Low-temperature 40-45
Hours Reversible cell injury: damage heat inactivation of
accumulation enzymes; metabolic processes acceleration Low 40+
Hours to Edema and hyperemia minutes 43-45+ Hours Cell death:
deactivation of enzymes Unknown Unknown Cell shrinkage and
hyperchromasia 43+ Minutes Birefringence loss in frozen and thawed
myocardium 45+ Minutes to Thermal denaturization seconds of
structural proteins in fresh tissue Unknown Unknown Cell membrane
rupture 50-90 Minutes to Hyalinization of seconds collagen 54-78
3.6 to 0.4 Birefringence loss in seconds laser irradiated fresh
myocardium 55-95+ Minutes Birefringence changes in collagen Water
100.+-. Seconds Extracellular vacuole dominated formation. Rupture
processes of vacuoles, ''popcorn'' effect 100-200 Seconds to Tissue
ablation by milliseconds explosive fragmentation Over 200 Seconds
to Tissue ablation picoseconds
[0178] Typically, as stated hereinabove, the region of the
subject's body in which cancer cells 44 are located is heated to
the phase-change temperature of the phase-change molecules. For
some applications, phase-change molecules having a phase-change
temperature of 45 C to 60 C, or 60 C to 80 C are used in cluster
42. Further typically, during the heating, the healthy cells do not
absorb as much heat as the phase-change molecules, because the
radiation is selected to be at the resonance frequency of the
phase-change material molecules, which are predominantly in contact
with or very near to cancer cells.
[0179] For some applications, when it is suspected that cancer
tissue has metastasized, the cancer-treatment substance is
administered to the subject. Energy is then directed toward regions
of the subject's body to which the cancer may have metastasized. If
cancer cells are present in the region, the phase-change material
molecules preferentially absorb the energy, and the cancer cells
are killed, while the healthy cells remain generally intact. (Use
of these applications may include killing some healthy cells, along
with killing a large number of cancer cells.) For some
applications, when it is suspected that cancer tissue has
metastasized, the subject's whole body is irradiated with the
energy that is preferentially absorbed by the clusters, subsequent
to administering the substance to the subject. As described
hereinabove, due the coupling of the phase-change molecules to the
cancer cells, the cancer cells are selectively heated and are
killed.
[0180] For some applications, the methods described herein are
applied to the subject while imaging the subject, for example,
using CT and/or MRI imaging protocols. For some applications, the
substance is administered to the subject, and the subject's body
(or a region thereof) is irradiated with the energy that is
preferentially absorbed by the clusters, as described herein. While
the subject's body is irradiated, the subject's body is imaged
using a heat-sensitive imaging protocol (for example, using MRI) to
detect which regions of the subject's body (including cancer cells)
have been heated.
[0181] In accordance with respective applications of the invention,
selection criteria for selecting phase-change molecules for use in
cluster 42 include thermodynamic, kinetic, and chemical properties
of the phase-change molecules. For some applications, the
phase-change molecules are selected to have given thermodynamic
properties, such as a melting temperature in the desired operating
temperature range, a high latent heat of fusion per unit volume,
high specific heat, high density, high thermal conductivity, small
volume changes on phase transformation, small vapor pressure at
operating temperatures, and/or congruent melting. For some
applications, the phase-change molecules are selected to have given
kinetic properties, such as a high nucleation rate, and/or a high
rate of crystal growth. For some applications, the phase-change
molecules are selected to have given chemical properties, such as
chemical stability, reversibility of the phase-change cycle without
degradation of the molecules after a large number of phase-change
cycles, non-corrosiveness, and/or non-toxicity.
[0182] For some applications, organic phase-change material
molecules are used for cluster 42. For example, paraffin and/or
fatty acid molecules may be used in cluster 42. For some
applications, organic molecules are used in cluster 42 because the
organic phase change-molecules freeze without substantial super
cooling, are able to melt congruently, have self-nucleating
properties, do not segregate, are chemically stable, have a high
heat of fusion, and/or for a different reason.
[0183] For some applications, one or more of the following
phase-change molecules are used in cluster 42: Octadecane (CAS
Number 593-45-3), Lauric acid (CAS No: 143-07-7), Myristic acid
(CAS No: 544-63-8), Palmitic acid (CAS No: 57-10-3), Heptadecanoic
acid (CAS No: 506-12-7), Stearic acid (CAS No: 57-11-4), Arachidic
acid (CAS No: 506-30-9), Behenic acid (Cas No: 112-85-6)
Trimethylolethane (CAS No:77-85-0), Stearamine (Octadecylamine)
(Sigma-74750), Cetylamine (Hexadecylamine) (Sigma-445312).
[0184] For some applications, one or more of the phase-change
materials that appear in Table 1, and/or in Table 2 (both which
tables are shown hereinabove), are used as the phase-change
material of cluster 42. Typically, a phase-change material is
selected as the phase-change material, on the basis of the phase
change temperature of the phase-change material. For some
applications, other melting temperatures and corresponding
materials are used.
[0185] For some applications, one or more of the following organic
phase-change materials is used for phase-change material 42: crude
oil, paraffin produced by the Fischer-Tropsch process, and an
organic material having saturated, unsaturated, straight, or
branched carbon chain molecules. The phase-change material may
include, for example, trilaurin, trimyristin, tripalmitin,
tristearin, and/or any suitable type of paraffin or paraffin
wax.
[0186] The melting temperature of the phase-change material is
typically 45 C to 60 C, or 60 C to 80 C. The phase change which the
phase change material undergoes, is typically solid to liquid,
solid to gel, or gel to liquid.
[0187] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which is a graph showing
experimental results of five pieces of tissue that were heated in a
control experiment, conducted in accordance with some applications
of the present invention. Five pieces of tissue, each weighing 13
grams, were cut from either turkey liver, chicken chest, or calf
liver. The pieces of tissue were each mounted on a polystyrene
board, using mounting pins, at a distance of 55 mm from an RF
generator. The RF generator irradiated each piece of tissue for
several time intervals: 30 sec, 50 sec, 80 sec, and 100 sec. The
temperature of each of the pieces of tissue was measured
immediately after the tissue was irradiated, using a k-type
thermocouple. The maximum temperature in the tissue following the
irradiation of the tissue is shown in Table 4, and is plotted on
the graph of FIG. 3. The ambient temperature was 24.2 C-25 C. The
irradiation of the pieces was done in accordance with the following
protocol:
[0188] Piece 1--A 40 mm reflector was mounted on the RF generator
in order to concentrate the RF energy on a specific area, and, in
doing so, reduce damage to peripheral portions of the tissue.
[0189] Piece 2--A 30 mm reflector was mounted on the RF
generator.
[0190] Piece 3--No reflector was mounted on the RF generator.
[0191] Piece 4--No reflector was mounted on the RF generator.
Carbon cylinders, each cylinder having a diameter of 0.9 mm and a
length of 20 mm to 40 mm, were inserted into the tissue at
intervals of 10 mm.
[0192] Piece 5--No reflector was mounted on the RF generator.
Carbon cylinders, each cylinder having a diameter of 2 mm and a
length of 20 mm to 40 mm, were inserted into the tissue at
intervals of 10 mm.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Initial and final temperatures of control
group TIME INITIAL MAXIMUM FINAL INTERVAL TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE
PIECE (s) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) 1 30 24.0 24.8 1 50 24.8 25.4
1 80 25.4 38.4 1 100 23.7 47.5 2 30 19.8 23.1 2 50 23.1 30.4 2 80
28.7 42.2 2 100 35.6 50.3 3 30 25.5 27.4 3 50 28.6 34.6 3 80 32.7
66.3 3 100 55.0 95.8 4 30 23.3 36.3 4 50 35.2 48.9 4 80 47.5 73.2 4
100 71.2 122.3 5 30 23.8 37.9 5 50 37.3 50.3 5 80 48.7 85.8 5 100
73.2 143.4
[0193] As is seen in FIG. 3, use of carbon cylinders in the tissue
accelerates the heating of the tissue, and a 2 mm diameter cylinder
causes faster heating than a 0.9 mm diameter cylinder. It is noted
that experiments were conducted on the control group, in which
smaller carbon cylinders, having diameters of 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, and
0.7 mm were inserted into the tissue and the tissue was heated. The
smaller carbon cylinders were observed to have little effect on the
heating of the tissue, indicating that carbon cylinders that are
smaller than a minimum size (e.g., 0.9 mm in diameter) are not good
RF energy absorbers when placed inside tissue. In addition, use of
a reflector retards heating of the tissue, and a larger reflector
retards the heating more than a smaller reflector.
[0194] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which is a graph showing
experimental results of four pieces of tissue that were injected
with phase-change materials and were heated, in accordance with
some applications of the present invention. Four pieces of tissue,
each weighing 13 grams, were cut from either turkey liver, chicken
chest, or calf liver. The pieces of tissue were each mounted on a
polystyrene board, using mounting pins, at a distance of 55 mm from
an RF generator. A 40 mm reflector was mounted on the RF generator
and the generator irradiated each piece of tissue for several time
intervals: 30 sec, 50, sec, 80 sec, 100 sec, and 180 sec. The
maximum temperature of the tissue following the irradiation of the
tissue was measured using a k-type thermocouple, and the results
shown in Table 5, and are plotted on the graph of FIG. 4. The
ambient temperature was 24.2 C-25 C. The irradiation of the pieces
was done in accordance with the following protocol:
[0195] Piece 1--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
trilaurin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of trilaurin, 0.1 g of
Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200, and 20 g of water.
[0196] Piece 2--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
trimyristin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of trimyristin, 0.1 g
of Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200, and 20 g water.
[0197] Piece 3--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
tripalmitin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of tripalmitin, 0.1 g
of Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200, and 20 g of
water.
[0198] Piece 4--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
tristearin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of tristearin, 0.1 g of
Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200 and 20 g water.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Initial and final temperatures of test group
TIME INITIAL MAXIMUM FINAL INTERVAL TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE PIECE
(s) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) 1 30 24.5 29.2 1 50 28.5 35.4 1 80
34.2 41.8 1 100 40.6 45.7 1 180 44.2 45.7 2 30 24.8 29.7 2 50 29.1
35.2 2 80 33.9 42.7 2 100 41.1 55.2 2 180 54.7 55.2 3 30 25.0 31.1
3 50 29.8 36.9 3 80 35.6 44.3 3 100 43.4 65.4 3 180 63.2 65.4 4 30
28.6 35.9 4 50 34.6 42.1 4 80 40.3 49.9 4 100 49.2 75 4 180 74.1
75
[0199] Use of phase-change materials is seen in FIG. 4 to produce
prolonged periods of stable maximum tissue temperature during
continued application of energy.
[0200] Reference is now made to FIG. 5, which is a graph showing
experimental results of four pieces of tissue that were injected
with phase-change materials and into which carbon cylinders were
inserted, in accordance with some applications of the present
invention. Four pieces of tissue, each weighing 13 grams, were cut
from either turkey liver, chicken chest, or calf liver. Carbon
cylinders, each cylinder having a diameter of 0.9 mm and a length
of 20 mm to 40 mm were inserted into each of the pieces of tissue
at intervals of 10 mm. The pieces of tissue were each mounted on a
polystyrene board, using mounting pins, at a distance of 55 mm from
an RF generator. A 40 mm reflector was mounted on the RF generator.
Each of the pieces of tissue was heated for several time intervals.
The maximum temperature measured within each of the pieces of
tissue following each of these time intervals was measured using a
k-type thermocouple, and is shown in Table 6, and plotted on the
graph of FIG. 5. The ambient temperature was 24.2 C-25 C. The
irradiation of the pieces was done in accordance with the following
protocol:
[0201] Piece 1--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
trilaurin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of trilaurin, 0.1 g of
Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200, and 20 g of water. The
piece was heated for time intervals of 30 sec, 50 sec, and 180
sec.
[0202] Piece 2--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
trimyristin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of trimyristin, 0.1 g
of Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200, and 20 g water. The
piece was heated for time intervals of 30 sec, 50 sec, and 180
sec.
[0203] Piece 3--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
tripalmitin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of tripalmitin, 0.1 g
of Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200, and 20 g of water.
The piece was heated for time intervals of 30 sec, 50 sec, 80 sec,
and 180 sec.
[0204] Piece 4--The piece was injected with 5 cc of a
tristearin-based mixture, comprising 0.8 g of tristearin, 0.1 g of
Tween 80, 0.16 g of lecithin Epikuron 200 and 20 g water. The piece
was heated for time intervals of 30 sec, 50 sec, 80 sec, 100 sec,
and 180 sec.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Initial and final temperatures of test
group, with carbon cylinders TIME INITIAL MAXIMUM FINAL INTERVAL
TEMPERATURE TEMPERATURE PIECE (s) (.degree. C.) (.degree. C.) 1 30
24.5 37.2 1 50 36.1 45.7 1 180 43.2 45.7 2 30 24.5 37.1 2 50 36.1
49.6 2 180 46.3 55.2 3 30 24.8 37.2 3 50 36.8 49.1 3 80 47.1 65.4 3
180 63.9 65.4 4 30 24.1 37.1 4 50 34.8 48.6 4 80 47.7 73.4 4 100
73.2 75.0 4 180 68.1 75.0
[0205] As is seen in FIG. 5, the piece injected with the
trilaurin-based mixture reached its phase-change temperature
quickly, and maintained this temperature throughout the experiment.
The pieces injected with other phase-change materials, while taking
somewhat longer to reach their respective phase-change
temperatures, also maintained their temperatures at their
respective phase-change temperatures throughout the experiment.
[0206] The following points may be observed from the experimental
results illustrated by the graphs of FIGS. 3-5:
[0207] (a) Injection of a phase-change material into tissue can
inhibit the tissue from being heated above a given temperature for
a significant period of time. During this time, the phase-change
material is absorbing heat energy as the latent heat of fusion of
the phase change.
[0208] (b) Inserting carbon cylinders into tissue shortens the
length of time required to heat the tissue to a given temperature,
ceteris paribus, provided that the carbon cylinders have a diameter
that is greater than a minimum diameter, e.g. 0.9 mm. It is noted
that other materials that are good energy absorbers, such as
graphite and metals, may be used to shorten the length of time
required to heat the tissue to a given temperature.
[0209] Therefore, for some applications of the invention, as
described hereinabove, a phase-change material is inserted into a
subject's tissue to facilitate the heating of the tissue to a given
temperature and to inhibit the tissue from being heated above the
given temperature. For some applications, an energy absorbing
element 36 is inserted into a subject's tissue to facilitate the
heating of the tissue, for example, by drawing energy from a
heating device to the tissue, as described hereinabove. Typically,
energy absorbers that are biocompatible and that do not show
artifacts in during imaging (e.g., X ray or MRI imaging) of the
tissue, such as carbon or graphite cylinders, are inserted into the
tissue. For some applications, carbon cylinders, each of the
cylinders having a diameter that is at least 0.9 mm, are inserted
into the tissue. For some applications, an implantable,
biocompatible metal, such as nitinol, stainless steel, cobalt
and/or chromium, is used as an energy absorbing element.
[0210] For some applications, energy is transmitted toward clusters
of phase-change molecules that are coupled to molecules (such as
glucose molecules), which, in turn, are coupled to cancer cells. In
response to the energy striking the clusters of phase-change
molecules, the temperature of the region in which the phase-change
molecules are disposed rises, but does not rise above the
phase-change temperature of the phase-change molecules. This is
because, at the phase-change temperature, the heat that is
transmitted toward the region is absorbed by the phase-change
molecules as latent heat. The heating of the phase-change molecules
typically heats the cancer cells, thereby killing the cancer
cells.
[0211] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which is a schematic
illustration of an implantable element 60 implanted within a
portion of a subject's body, for example, a blood vessel 70 of the
subject. The element includes a shape-memory material having a
transformation temperature. The implantable element performs a
first therapeutic function with respect to the blood vessel when
the shape-memory material is in a first shape. An energy applicator
72 changes the shape-memory material from the first shape to a
second shape, by raising a temperature of the shape-memory material
to the transformation temperature. The second shape is maintained
even after energy applicator 72 no longer applies energy to
implantable element 60, and the temperature of implantable element
70 returns to body temperature. When the shape-memory material is
in the second shape, the implantable element performs a second
therapeutic function with respect to the portion, the second
therapeutic function being qualitatively different from the first
therapeutic function.
[0212] Typically, energy applicator 72 is an energy applicator as
is known in the art, for example, an RF generator, an ultrasound
transducer, and/or a magnetic field generator. Further typically,
element 60 contains a shape-memory material as is known in the art,
for example, nitinol, copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, and/or
copper-aluminum-nickel.
[0213] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-B, which are schematic
illustrations of implantable element 60 in respective first and
second configurations, in accordance with some applications of the
present invention. For some applications, implantable element 60 is
a stent (as shown), which, in a first configuration thereof,
supports a narrowed blood vessel 70, in order to open, and/or widen
the blood vessel, as shown in FIG. 7A. Implantable element 60 is
typically maintained in its first configuration for a prolonged
period (e.g., weeks or months, or a different period of time),
until a desired effect of the stent has been attained.
Subsequently, energy applicator 72 raises the temperature of the
stent to the transformation temperature of the shape change
material of the stent, and the shape of the stent changes to the
shape of a venturi tube, as shown in FIG. 7B, i.e., a central
portion of the stent narrows.
[0214] For some applications, when the stent is in the second
configuration, it causes a controlled narrowing of blood vessel 70,
region 73 of the blood vessel wall collapsing to the outer wall of
the stent. As a result of the narrowing of the blood vessel, blood
flow (indicated by arrow 78) upstream of region 73 is impeded. In
response to sensing impeded blood flow, the body generates a new
blood vessel 80 (not to scale), which circumvents the constriction
of region 73. When the new blood vessel has generated, the blood
flows through the new blood vessel, in the direction of arrow 82.
This general physiological response of the body to an implanted
venturi stent is described in PCT Publication WO 03/028522 to Ben
Muvhar, which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0215] For some applications of the present invention, a stent that
contains a shape-memory material is implanted in an artery of a
subject's brain, for example, a cerebral artery of the subject. In
a first configuration thereof, the stent supports the artery in
order to open, and/or widen the artery. Subsequently, the
temperature of the stent is raised to the transformation
temperature of the shape-memory material of the stent, causing the
stent to expand. The expanded stent is used to facilitate drug
delivery across the subject's blood brain barrier, by increasing
the intercellular gaps of the blood brain barrier.
[0216] In a further application of the present invention, a stent
that contains a shape-memory material is implanted in a subject's
esophagus, in a vicinity of an esophageal tumor. In a first
configuration thereof, the stent supports the esophagus in order to
open the esophagus in the vicinity of the tumor. Typically, the
stent is configured to have a degree of flexibility that is
sufficient to facilitate peristalsis through the esophagus, while
the stent is disposed in the esophagus in the first configuration
thereof. Subsequently, the temperature of the stent is raised to
the transformation temperature of the shape-memory material of the
stent, causing the stent to expand. Typically, the stent is
expanded by a healthcare professional, in response to the tumor
growing to a size such that it interferes with the ingestion of
food by the subject. The expanded stent pushes back the tumor,
thereby widening the esophagus.
[0217] The scope of the present invention includes a shape-memory
material that is implanted in a subject's bone, the bone requiring
elongation, for example, subsequent to surgery on the bone. The
shape-memory material is surgically coupled to the bone.
Subsequently (for example, a day, a week or a month after the
implantation), the temperature of the shape-memory material is
raised, causing the shape-memory material to expand, and,
consequently, causing the bone to lengthen. The shape-memory
material is further expanded by repeatedly heating the shape-memory
material (for example, once every day, every week or every month,
or as required), during the period of the bone elongation.
[0218] Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A-B, which are schematic
illustrations of a portion 90 of a drug pump, in accordance with
some applications of the present invention. Portion 90 includes a
drug chamber 92, a shape-memory material 94, and a separator 96
(e.g., a piston that separates the shape-memory material and the
drug chamber). For some applications, in order to release a given
quantity of a drug 98 from chamber 92, the shape-memory material is
heated to its transformation temperature, for a given time period.
Upon heating the shape-memory material to the transformation
temperature (e.g., a temperature of 40-60 C), the shape-memory
material expands, as it undergoes a shape change, and releases the
given quantity of the drug by advancing separator 96 through a
given distance, as shown in FIG. 8B.
[0219] For some applications, the heating of the shape-memory
material is terminated before the shape-memory material has fully
undergone its shape-change. In a subsequent interaction, in order
to dispense more of the drug, the shape-memory material is again
heated to its transformation temperature, thereby causing the
shape-memory material to further expand, as it continues to undergo
the shape change, thus releasing more of the drug.
[0220] Typically, energy is applied to shape-memory material 94 by
irradiating the shape-memory material, for example, using an RF
generator, an ultrasound transducer, and/or a magnetic field
generator. Further typically, shape-memory material 94 is a
shape-memory material that is known in the art, for example,
nitinol, copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel, and/or
copper-aluminum-nickel. For some applications, the shape-memory
material expands by 5 percent to 25 percent, e.g. 8 percent to 12
percent, in each interaction in which the shape-memory material is
heated.
[0221] For some applications, portion 90 comprises a portion of an
implantable drug pump, the drug pump being as known in the art. For
some applications, portion 90 is used to administer insulin to a
diabetic subject. Alternatively or additionally, the portion is
used to administer a chemotherapy agent to a subject suffering from
cancer.
[0222] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the
various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and
modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would
occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing
description.
* * * * *