Minimally Invasive Surgery Gets an Upgrade with Smart Polymers  

Smart polymers are revolutionizing the field of minimally invasive surgery, offering unprecedented properties in biodegradability and biocompatibility. These innovative materials possess unique properties that make them ideal for a wide range of surgical applications, including blood vessel embolization and aneurysm filling. 

Pushable Shape-Shifting Marvels  

One of the most exciting developments in smart polymer technology is the shape memory feature, which allows it to be crimped into a small catheter for use. These polymers can be easily introduced into the body with guidewires and microcatheters through small incisions. When it encounters body fluid, it will start to expand to its original shape. This capability enables surgeons to perform complex procedures with minimal tissue disruption, reducing recovery time and improving patient outcomes.  

Biodegradability and minimal X-ray artefacts 

Compared with other embolization products with metallic components, smart polymers are superior in terms of biodegradability. The micropores in the polymer structure trap the blood platelets to form a stable clot to achieve complete embolization. The structure will be degraded in human body after 2 years, leaving only very minimal metal part including the radiographic marker and anchoring tail inside the body. As physicians would need to take X-ray or CT for continuous assessment of blood vessels in nearby region, low artefacts from embolization materials would enhance the image quality and accuracy of assessment. 

Enhancing Safety 

Metallic embolization products could exert high radial force to vessel walls, which could potentially damage the vessel walls and result in other vascular problems. Softer smart polymers are paving the way for safer and more effective minimally invasive surgery. Their adaptive properties make them ideal to conform to the structure to embolize the vessel. In some cases, physicians may decide to oversize or implant more to ensure complete embolization, low radial force smart polymer would be ideal for this purpose. 

Pioneering Shape Memory Technology  

The Shape Memory Medical (SMM) embolization plug represents a significant advancement in vascular surgery. This innovative device harnesses the unique properties of shape memory polymers, allowing for precise and effective minimally invasive procedures. Vascular surgeons in Hong Kong now have access to this state-of-the-art technology through Getz Healthcare's distribution network.  

Indications 

Shape Memory Medical embolization plug have been used for vessel embolization in arteries and veins, for patients who suffer from aneurysms, pelvic congestion syndrome and varicocele, as well as post-EVAR endoleak management. 

Explore the Future of Surgical Innovation  

For medical professionals seeking to revolutionize their approach to minimally invasive surgery, Getz Healthcare Hong Kong offers a wealth of knowledge and resources. Our team of experts can provide detailed information on the applications and benefits of smart polymer technology in surgical settings. Get in touch with us today to discover how shape memory polymers can enhance your surgical practice and improve patient outcomes.  

Sources: 

• https://www.shapemem.com/ 
• Study Examines Use of Shape-Memory Polymer to Treat Pelvic Venous Disease (mddionline.com) 
• Early Experience on Embolisation of Female Pelvic Venous Disease With a Single Shape Memory Vascular Plug: A Prospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Based Evaluation - European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery (ejves.com) 
• Shape Memory Medical Completes Series C Financing 
• Shape Memory Polymer: A New Solution for AAA Endoleak Management? - Endovascular Today (evtoday.com) 
• Pelvic Health - Shape Memory Medical