Devices for controlling magnetic nanoparticles to treat fluid obstructions

Abstract

A system for the physical manipulation of free magnetic rotors in a circulatory system using a remotely placed magnetic field-generating stator is provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the control of magnetic particles in a fluid medium using permanent magnet-based or electromagnetic field-generating stator sources. Such a system can be useful for increasing the diffusion of therapeutic agents in a fluid medium, such as a human circulatory system, which can result in substantial clearance of fluid obstructions, such as vascular occlusions, in a circulatory system resulting in increased blood flow. Examples of vascular occlusions targeted by the system include, but are not limited to, atherosclerotic plaques, including fibrous caps, fatty buildup, coronary occlusions, arterial stenosis, restenosis, vein thrombi, arterial thrombi, cerebral thrombi, embolisms, hemorrhages, other blood clots, and very small vessels.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A therapeutic system for increasing fluid flow in a circulatory system, the magnetic system comprising:
 a magnet having a magnetic field for controlling a magnetic tool in the fluid; and   a controller positioning and rotating the magnetic field with respect to the therapeutic target to rotate an abrasive surface of the magnetic tool and maneuver the rotating abrasive surface to contact and increase fluid flow through or around the therapeutic target.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the therapeutic target is located within a vessel of a patient having a diameter between 1 μm and 10 μm. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the patient is a human. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the magnetic tool is coupled to a stabilizing rod. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the magnetic tool rotates about the stabilizing rod in response to the rotating magnetic field. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the magnetic tool includes an abrasive cap affixed to a magnet which engages and cuts through the therapeutic target. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the controller positions the magnetic tool at a target point on the therapeutic target, and rotates the magnetic tool at a frequency sufficient to cut through the therapeutic target. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet is positioned so that poles of the magnet periodically attract the opposing poles of the magnetic tool during rotation. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the magnetic tool is pushed towards the therapeutic target by a stabilizing rod upon which the magnetic tool rotates. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the magnet is positioned so that the poles of the magnet continuously attract the opposing poles of the magnetic tool during rotation. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the magnetic tool is pulled towards the therapeutic target by an attractive force of the magnet. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the therapeutic target comprises a fluid obstruction. 
     
     
         14 . A therapeutic method for increasing fluid flow in a circulatory system of a pataient, the method comprising:
 causing a controller to position and rotate a magnet having a magnetic field to control movement of magnetic particles within vasculature of the circulatory system such that the magnetic particles contact and increase fluid flow through or around a therapeutic target within the vasculature,   wherein the magnet is positioned external to the patient,   wherein the vasculature comprises a vessel having a diameter of between 1 μm and 10 μm, and   wherein the magnetic particles comprise an abrasive contact surface.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the therapeutic target comprises a fluid obstruction. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the vessel is a vein. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the vessel is an artery. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the vessel is within a brain of the patient. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the therapeutic target is a location that is starved of blood. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the magnetic particles comprise a contrast coating. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the magnetic particles agglomerate to form rods or spheres.