Microprocessor-assisted solvent transfer system for effective contact dissolution of gallbladder stones.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Devices
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Manual lavage for cholesterol gallstone dissolution using methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and often incomplete.
• Existing methods risk solvent escape into the biliary tract and leave residual stone fragments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a microprocessor-assisted solvent transfer (MST) system for automated, efficient, and complete dissolution of cholesterol gallstones.
• To overcome the limitations of manual MTBE lavage, including procedure duration, solvent handling, and residual stone material.

Main Methods:

• Development of an MST system comprising a three-lumen catheter, dual peristaltic pumps, a pressure transducer, and a microprocessor controller.
• The system simultaneously infuses and aspirates MTBE while monitoring intraluminal gallbladder pressure to prevent overflow.
• In vitro testing to assess system response time and the efficiency of cholesterol gallstone dissolution at various flow rates.

Main Results:

• The MST system demonstrated a 156-fold faster response than natural gallbladder emptying.
• Complete dissolution of cholesterol gallstones was achieved in vitro within 15 minutes at flow rates exceeding 150 mL/min.
• No residual debris was observed at flow rates greater than 150 mL/min, indicating complete stone removal.

Conclusions:

• The microprocessor-assisted solvent transfer (MST) system enables rapid and complete in vitro dissolution of cholesterol gallstones.
• The automated pressure-controlled system enhances safety by preventing solvent overflow into the biliary tract.
• This technology holds promise for improving the efficacy and safety of solvent-based gallstone dissolution therapies.