Cauterizing Conductive Catheter for Percutaneous and/or Vascular Intervention Brad Wood, M.D. Charles Blyth Cristina Fernandez Scott Hittinger Cameron Jones Brian McGee

National Institute of Health NIH “NIH is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation. Its mission is science in pursuit of fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to extend healthy life and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.” (www.nih.gov)

Our Project Catheter material selection, design, and testing for nephrostomies, biliary tubes, and possibly the vascular tree. Conductivity Deliver RF pulse via catheter, not a needle Dielectric Constants Maxwell’s Equations Biocompatibility Maneuverable! Practicality Price Ease of manufacture Use in the OR

Past Attempts Biopsy Environment Only High RF Pulse Cauterize after biopsy Tissue damage RF tip on a metal needle inserted through the catheter. Collagen/Fibrin Plug Pull Biopsy needle, inject compound Impractical Expensive

Biopsy Approach Fig. 2 – Left  no plug Right  with plug1 Fig. 1 – Fibrin Plug Injection1 Fig. 3 – High frequency RF ablation2 Paulson et al. “Use of Fibrin Sealant as a Hemostatic Agent after Liver Biopsy in Swine”. Hepatic Intervention 2000. Pritchard et al. “Radiofrequency Cauterization with Biopsy Introducer Needle”. Journal of Vascular Interventional Radiology 2004.

Specifics Current catheters are Polyparaxylylene (PPX) which cost approximately $13 a piece or more and is not a conductive material. RF pulse upwards of 100 kHz Testing for biopsy procedure uses 200W, 480 kHz RF generator (CCI Cosman coagulator system, Radonics, Burlington, MA) “Radiofrequency cauterization with introducer needle”. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY. 2004. 15:183-187.

Let’s Burn Someone Cauterization of 1mm +/- 0.5mm outside of the catheter – assumes no cooking within the catheter 70˚C – 100˚C – this value is based on the cauterization temperature of tissue and the possible melting temperatures of many biocompatible materials. “Radiofrequency cauterization with introducer needle”. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY. 2004. 15:183-187.

Size Does Matter 5 French (5F) catheters - .038 inch diameter 1-2 mm in diameter Currently using 2.0mm Tru-Cut needles or 1.6mm Jamshidi needles for biopsy procedures. (just a reference size) Current biopsy RF pulse ablation Animal testing with 14 gauge, 10cm coaxial introducer needle.

Our Turn So lets find something with these properties that will make for a useful, practical, RF pulse generating catheter! “Surgical glues and sealants are expected to significantly take over sutures and staples in the next 10 years.” September 24, 1998 – “Marine Polymer Technologies”

Closure Devices/Companies Epotek AngioSeal StarClose – produced by Abbott Vascular Syvek Kumpe Access Catheter – from Cook Urological

Timeline

Current Work Looking into all companies and material properties of promising compounds for catheter manufacturing Conducting Silicone based material Conducting Polyurethane material Focusing in on most important aspects of thermal properties, biocompatibility (toxicity, density, maneuverability), and in contact with Dr. Wood’s colleagues regarding thermal calculations regarding heat loss, and other colleagues regarding current volume loss of urine (nephrostomies) and blood (liver and vasculature).

Future Steps Obtain possible biomaterials for production of catheters. Create prototype TEST IN COW LIVER!!! Approach VU individuals about biomaterials for possible solution. Proof of Concept