Shape memory actuators with welding features, and associated systems and methods

Abstract

The present technology is generally directed to actuation assemblies with coupling features, and associated systems and devices. For example, to assemble an actuation assembly including an actuation body and a cartridge, one or more anchoring elements of the actuation body can be welded or otherwise coupled to the cartridge at the coupling features. The coupling features are configured to serve as points or regions at which the actuation body can be fixed relative to the cartridge, and to facilitate such attachment. The coupling features can also facilitate proper alignment of the actuation body to the cartridge, such as by requiring alignment of pins and apertures. However, because the coupling features are included in the one or more anchoring elements, actuators of the actuation body can remain free to deform or be otherwise actuated to control flow through a shunting system in which the actuation assembly is included.

Description

SHAPE MEMORY ACTUATORS WITH WELDING FEATURES, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 553,422, filed February 14, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology generally relates to implantable medical devices and, in particular, to shunting systems for promoting fluid flow between a first body region and a second body region of a patient.BACKGROUND

[0003] Implantable shunting systems are widely used to treat a variety of patient conditions by shunting fluid from a first body region / cavity to a second body region / cavity. For example, shunting systems have been proposed for treating glaucoma. The flow of fluid through the shunting systems is primarily controlled by the pressure gradient across the shunt and the physical characteristics of the flow path defined through the shunt (e.g., the resistance of the shunt lumen). Conventional, early shunting systems (sometimes referred to as minimally invasive glaucoma shunts or “MIGS ’) have shown clinical benefit; however, there is a need for improved shunting systems and techniques for addressing elevated intraocular pressure and risks associated with glaucoma, as well as other patient conditions. For example, there is a need for shunting systems with actuation assemblies capable of adjusting the therapy provided, including the flow rate / fluid resistance between the two fluidly-connected bodies.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present technology'. Furthermore, components can be shown as transparent in certain views for clarity of illustration only and not to indicate that the component is necessarily transparent. Components may also be shown schematically.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an actuation assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0006] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the actuation assembly of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing an actuation assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] The present technology is generally directed to actuation assemblies having an actuation body, a cartridge, and one or more coupling features that facilitate attachment between the actuation body and the cartridge. As described throughout this Detailed Description, the actuation body can include a first anchoring element, a second anchoring element, and one or more actuators extending between the first and second anchoring elements. To assemble the actuation assembly, the first and / or second anchoring elements can be coupled (e.g., welded) to the cartridge at the one or more coupling features. For example, each coupling feature can include a protrusion or pin (e.g., on the cartridge) and an aperture (e.g., in the first or second anchoring element). The pin-aperture pair can facilitate the attachment by, for instance, providing a greater surface area on which a weld or other connection can be formed.

[0009] In many embodiments described herein, the coupling features are configured to sen e as points or regions at which the actuation body can be fixedly connected to the cartridge. The coupling features can also facilitate proper alignment of the actuation body to the cartridge, such as by requiring alignment of pins and apertures. However, because the coupling features are included in the first and / or second anchoring elements, only the first and / or second anchoring elements are fixed relative to the cartridge and the actuators can remain free to deform or be otherwise actuated to control flow through a shunting system in which the actuation assembly is included.

[0010] The actuation assemblies described herein can be included in shunting systems (e.g., adjustable shunting systems) designed for shunting fluid between a variety of body regions. For example, many of the embodiments described herein can be included in shunting systems designed to be implanted in a patient’s eye to shunt aqueous between the anterior chamber and a target outflow location (e.g., a subconjunctival bleb space), such as to treat glaucoma. Many of the embodiments described herein can also be included in shunting systems designed or adapted to shunt fluid from and / or between other portions of the eye or. more generally, fromand / or between a first body region and a second, different body region of a patient. Indeed, actuation assemblies disclosed herein can be used with various shunting systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US2020 / 0229982 and US2021 / 0251806, and International Patent Application Nos. PCT / US2021 / 049140, PCT / US2022 / 037747, and PCT / US2022 / 037917, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, as well as other shunting systems.

[0011] The terminology' used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the present technology. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. Additionally, the present technology’ can include other embodiments that are wi thin the scope of the claims, but are not described in detail with respect to FIGS. 1-3.

[0012] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment'’ or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0013] As used herein, the use of relative terminology', such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and / or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.

[0014] The headings below are provided by way of convenience only and are not to be used to interpret the scope of the claimed technology.A. Select Embodiment of an Actuation Assembly

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an actuation assembly 100 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of theactuation assembly 100, rotated about 90 degrees relative to the perspective view of FIG. 1. As described further herein, the actuation assembly 100 can be configured for use with a shunting system designed to drain fluid from a first body region to a second body region. In such embodiments, the actuation assembly 100 is configured to be adjustable in response to an input (e.g., laser energy input) to change a fluid resistance through the shunting system, thereby providing a titratable therapy for shunting fluid from a first body region to a second body region, such as shunting aqueous from an anterior chamber of a patient’s eye to a target outflow location (e.g., a bleb). As also described in detail throughout this Detailed Description, the actuation assembly 100 can include certain features that are expected to facilitate the assembly and handling of the actuation assembly 100, such as by improving alignment of the components and / or attachment of the components to one another.

[0016] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the actuation assembly 100 includes a cartridge 110 (which can also be referred to as a frame, housing, or the like) and an actuation body 130. The cartridge 110 can include a generally flat plate or base 111 and one or more frame structures 112 disposed on one side of (e.g., on top of) the plate 111. The frame structures 112 can define an open cavity or recess 118 in which the actuation body 130 can be positioned. In other words, the frame structures 112 can at least partially surround the actuation body 130 when the actuation body 130 is positioned within the cavity 118.

[0017] In some embodiments, the plate 111 and the frame structures 112 are integrally formed (e.g., via molding, machining, additive manufacturing techniques, or the like). In other embodiments, the plate 111 and the frame structures 112 are coupled together (e.g., via glue, welding, chemical bonding, mechanical connections, or other attachment mechanisms). Regardless, the cartridge 110 can be composed of a biocompatible material that has generally stiffer mechanical properties than at least some portions of the actuation body 130 and / or other components of the shunting system in which the actuation assembly 100 is included. For example, the cartridge 110 can be composed of superelastic Nitinol, stainless steel, titanium, a plastic or polymer, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. This is expected to enable the cartridge 110 to resist deformation when the actuation body 130 deforms, as described below. In some embodiments, the cartridge 110 can also be composed of a material configured to absorb or reflect laser energy. For example, the cartridge 110 can be composed of a “non-transparent” material that does not permit energy within an operational wavelength range of laser energy to pass through.

[0018] The actuation body 130 can include a first anchoring element 132, a second anchoring element 134, a first actuator 140a. and a second actuator 140b (referred to collectively as ‘'the actuators 140’’). The first actuator 140a and the second actuator 140b each extends between the first anchoring element 132 and the second anchoring element 134, e.g., such that the first anchoring element 132 and the second anchoring element 134 are arranged on opposite ends of the actuators 140. The actuation body 130, including the first anchoring element 132, the second anchoring element 134. and the actuators 140, can be positioned in the cavity 118 defined by the frame structures 112 of the cartridge 110. In some embodiments, the first anchoring element 132, the second anchoring element 134, and the actuators 140 are integrally formed such that the actuation body 130 comprises a unitary component. Moreover, while FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate the actuation body 130 as having two actuators 140 (a duplex structure), in other embodiments, the actuation body 130 can instead include one, three, four, or more actuators 140.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1. each of the actuators 140 can include a projection or gating element 142 having a distal end portion 148 configured to at least partially control (e.g., gate) flow through the shunting system in which the actuation assembly 100 is included. To do so, the distal end portion 148 can include a sealing element 146, which can be a protrusion or other feature extending from or coupled to the distal end portion 148 that is sized and shaped to selectively interfere with a fluid port or aperture. Each of the actuators 140 can also include a first actuation element 144a and a second actuation element 144b (collectively referred to as “the actuation elements 144”). In some embodiments, the actuation elements 144 (and, in some embodiments, the actuation body 130 in its entirety’) can be composed at least partially of a shape memory material or alloy, such as Nitinol, that can transition at least between a first material phase and a second material phase in response to a temperature change.

[0020] The frame structures 1 12 and the cavity 118 of the cartridge 110 can be sized and shaped based on a corresponding size and shape of the actuation body 130. In some embodiments, the frame structures 112 and cavity’ 118 can be sized and shaped to at least partially deform (e.g., compress or lengthen) one or more portions of the actuation body 130 (e.g., the actuation elements 144) when the actuation body 130 is positioned within the cavity 118. In embodiments in which the actuation body 130 is composed of a shape memory’ material such as Nitinol, this deformation enables subsequent actuation of the actuation body 130 by inducing strain in the actuation elements 144. When one of the actuation elements 144 is subsequently heated above its transition temperature (e.g., via laser energy), it can rotate, pivot, slide, or otherwise move the gating element 142 relative to the cartridge 110. Moving the gatingelement 142 moves the sealing element 146, allowing the actuators 140 to thereby control or affect the flow through the shunting system. Additional details regarding, and examples of, such “bi-directional” shape memory actuators that can be included with the present technology are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 11,166,849 and 11,291,585, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. US 2020 / 0229977, US 2020 / 0229982, US 2021 / 0251806, US 2022 / 0142818, and US 2022 / 0202613. International Patent Application Nos. PCT / US20 / 55144 and PCT / US20 / 55141, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 63 / 486,436, 63 / 497.127, and 63 / 580,878, the disclosures of which are all incorporated by reference herein in their entireties and for all purposes.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the actuation assembly 100 further includes one or more coupling features 120. The coupling features 120 can be configured to serve as discrete attachment (e.g., coupling) regions between the actuation body 130 and the cartridge 110. For example, and as will be described in greater detail below, the coupling features 120 can include features that improve or otherwise facilitate an attachment between the actuation body 130 and the cartridge 110 via welding, soldering, brazing, or the use of adhesives (e.g., by providing a greater surface area than a flat surface portion, by providing a textured surface, etc.). Thus, the actuation body 130 may be indirectly coupled to the cartridge 110 via such attachment materials. The coupling features 120 can also facilitate proper alignment of the actuation body 130 within the cartridge 110, e.g., to ensure the actuators 140 will operated as intended.

[0022] As best shown in FIG. 2, each of the coupling features 120 includes a first coupling element (shown as a protrusion or pin 122) on and / or extending from the cartridge 110 and a second coupling element (shown as an aperture 124) in the actuation body 130. The first coupling element and the second coupling element can have complimentary profiles. For example, the apertures 124 can be sized and shaped to receive a corresponding pin 122. The pins 122 can be integrally formed with the cartridge 110, and can be sized and shaped to fit in a corresponding one of the apertures 124. Without intending to be bound by theory, the pins 122 and the apertures 124 may provide a greater and / or more stable surface area for welding and / or other attachment techniques. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the coupling features 120 can include other designs beyond the illustrated embodiment. For example, in some embodiments the pins 122 can be on the actuation body 130 and the apertures 124 can be included in the cartridge 110. As another example, the coupling features 120 can include a mix of pins 122 and apertures 124 on the actuation body 130 and a mix of corresponding apertures 124 and pins 122 on the cartridge 110. As yet another example, the coupling features 120 can include other complimentarycoupling elements, including a tongue-and-groove design, a key-and-lock design, a snap-fit design in which a part of the actuation body 130 snaps into a part of the cartridge 110, or vice versa. In some embodiments, all of the coupling features 120 of the actuation assembly 100 are of the same type or design. In some embodiments, the actuation assembly 100 includes more than one type or design of coupling features 120.

[0023] The coupling features 120 can be spaced apart from one another on each of the cartridge 110 and the actuation body 130 to facilitate attachment of the actuation body 130 to the cartridge 110 at various distributed points. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, each individual actuator 140 is associated with three corresponding coupling features 120 — a first coupling feature in the first anchoring element 132 and two coupling features in the second anchoring element 134. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment with two actuators 140, there are six coupling features 120, with each actuator 140 being locally coupleable to the cartridge 110 at three points. In other embodiments, there can be fewer or more coupling features 120 per actuator 140.

[0024] Of note, the coupling features 120 are not positioned in or on the actuators 140 themselves (e.g., the coupling features 120 are not located in or on the gating elements 142 or the actuation elements 144). Rather, the coupling features 120 are included in and / or adjacent to the first anchoring element 132 and the second anchoring element 134. In other words, the actuators 140 are indirectly coupled to the cartridge 110 via the first anchoring element 132 and the second anchoring element 134. As a result, the actuation elements 144 and the gating element 142 remain free to deform, move relative to the cartridge 110, and / or otherwise operate (e.g., actuate) as intended. In some embodiments, the flat surface portions of the first anchoring element 132 and the second anchoring element 134 can be welded or otherwise coupled to the cartridge 1 10 in addition to the coupling features 120 being welded or otherwise coupled together.

[0025] In some embodiments, the frame structures 112 can define one or more gaps 114 along a periphery' of the cartridge 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the cartridge 110 includes one gap 114 proximate to the portion of the cavity 118 in which the first anchoring element 132 is positioned, and two gaps 114 proximate to the portion of the cavity 118 in which the second anchoring element 134 is positioned. The gaps 1 14 can provide access paths through which a welding tool, a soldering tool, a brazing tool, an adhesive applicator, or other coupling equipment can access and couple the actuation body 130 to the cartridge 110. Moreover, in theillustrated embodiment, the portions of the actuation body 130 connecting the actuators 140 to the first anchoring element 132 and to the second anchoring element 134 are relatively thin such that the actuators 140 can deform and operate properly notwithstanding the coupling features 120 that fix the positions of certain portions of the actuation body 130. In other words, the actuators 140 remain structurally attached to, but at least partially functionally disconnected from, the coupling features 120.

[0026] In some embodiments, after coupling (e.g., welding) the actuation body 130 to the cartridge 110 at the coupling features 120 (and / or other portions of the first anchoring element 132 and the second anchoring element 134), one or more portions of the actuation body 130 can be removed. For example, referring back to FIG. 1, a portion 133 of the first anchoring element 132 and / or portions 135 of the second anchoring element 134 can be removed via gouging (e.g., arc gouging), cutting (e.g., laser cutting), and / or other techniques. In particular, the portions 133, 135 are located proximate to the gaps 114 such that suitable equipment can access the portions 133, 135 through the gaps 114. While the portions 133, 135 can facilitate the coupling process by, for example, providing better alignment of the actuation body 130 to the cartridge 110, the portions 133, 135 may no longer be necessary after the coupling process since the actuators 140 are fixed in place by the coupling features 120. In addition, removing the portions 133, 135 can improve operation of the two actuators 140 by at least partially disconnecting the two actuators 140. Otherwise, because the actuation body 130 can be a unitary component, in certain embodiments movement or strain in one actuator (e.g., the first actuator 140a) may undesirably affect the other actuator (e.g., the second actuator 140b) through the first anchoring element 132 and / or the second anchoring element 134.

[0027] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the actuation assembly 100 is just one example of an actuation assembly that can include the coupling features 120 in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Indeed, the coupling features 120 described herein can be used with other actuation assemblies that include a shape memory actuator and a plate or cartridge, including with any of those described in the applications incorporated by reference herein.B. Methods of Manufacturing Actuation Assemblies

[0028] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method 300 of manufacturing an actuation assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The method 300 can be used to manufacture the actuation assembly 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, or otheractuation assemblies having an actuator and / or actuation body and a cartridge or plate. Actuation assemblies manufactured via the method 300 can be included in a shunting system to be implanted in a patient’s eye or other body regions.

[0029] Beginning at block 302, the method 300 can include positioning an actuation body (e.g., the actuation body 130; FIGS. 1 and 2) proximate to a cartridge (e g., the cartridge 1 10; FIGS 1 and 2). The cartridge can include one or more first coupling elements (e.g., the pins 122). The actuation body can include a first anchoring element (e.g., the first anchoring element 132; FIGS. 1 and 2), a second anchoring element (e.g., the second anchoring element 134; FIGS 1 and 2) spaced apart from the first anchoring element, and an actuator (e.g., the actuator 140a or 140b; FIGS 1 and 2) extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element. The first anchoring element can have one or more second coupling elements (e.g., the apertures 124) sized and shaped to engage at least some of the first coupling elements. The second anchoring element can have one or more third coupling elements (e.g.. the apertures 124) sized and shaped to engage at least some of the first coupling elements. In some embodiments, the operation at block 302 includes positioning the actuation body within a cavity (e.g., the cavity 118; FIGS. 1 and 2) formed within the cartridge. The act of positioning the actuation body within the cavity can deform one or more portions of the actuation body.

[0030] At block 304, the method 300 can include coupling the actuation body to the cartridge. In some embodiments, coupling the actuation body to the cartridge can comprise welding the second coupling elements and the third coupling elements to the first coupling elements. As previously mentioned, the first, second, and third coupling elements can include a pin-and-aperture arrangement, a tongue-and-groove arrangement, a key-and-lock arrangement, a snap-fit arrangement, or the like.

[0031] In some embodiments, at block 306. the method 300 can include removing one or more portions (e.g., the portions 133. 135; FIG. 1) from at least one of the first anchoring element or the second anchoring element of the actuation body. The removed one or more portions can be originally positioned between the coupling elements.Examples

[0032] The present technology is illustrated, for example, according to various aspects described below as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience. These are provided as examples and do not limit the present technology. It is noted that any of the dependent examplesmay be combined in any combination, and placed into a respective independent example. The other examples can be presented in a similar manner.1. An actuation assembly for use with an adjustable shunting system configured to be implanted within a patient, the actuation assembly comprising: a cartridge having a plurality of first pins and / or a plurality of first apertures; and an actuation body composed at least partially of a shape memory material, wherein the actuation body includes — a first anchoring element having one or more second pins and / or second apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures. a second anchoring element spaced apart from the first anchoring element and having one or more third pins and / or third apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, and an actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element, wherein the actuation body is configured to be coupled to the cartridge by coupling (i) the second pins and / or the second apertures of the first anchoring element to the first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, and (ii) the third pins and / or the third apertures of the second anchoring element to the second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures.2. The actuation assembly of example 1 wherein the actuator is configured to be indirectly coupled to the cartridge via the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.3. The actuation assembly of example 1 or example 2 wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein the actuation body further includes a second actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.4. The actuation assembly of example 3 wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are integrally formed.5. The actuation assembly of example 3 wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are disconnected from one another.6. The actuation assembly of any of examples 1-5 wherein the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator are integrally formed.7. The actuation assembly of any of examples 1-6 wherein each of the second pins and / or second apertures and the third pins and / or the third apertures are coupleable to the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, brazing, and / or adhesives.8. The actuation assembly of any of examples 1-7 wherein the cartridge further includes one or more frame structures that define a cavity shaped and sized to receive the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator.9. The actuation assembly of example 8 wherein: the one or more frame structures further define one or more gaps along a periphery of the cartridge, the gaps are sized to provide coupling equipment access to the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element, and the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element are each configured to be coupled to the cartridge by the coupling equipment.10. An actuation assembly for use with an adjustable shunting system configured to be implanted within a patient, the actuation assembly comprising: a cartridge having a plurality' of first pins and / or a plurality' of first apertures; and an actuation body composed at least partially of a shape memory material, wherein the actuation body includes — a first anchoring element having one or more second pins and / or second apertures coupled to a first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, and / or brazing, a second anchoring element spaced apart from the first anchoring element and having one or more third pins and / or third apertures coupled to a secondsubset of the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, and / or brazing, and an actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.11. The actuation assembly of example 10 wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein the actuation body further includes a second actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.12. The actuation assembly of example 11 wherein the first anchoring element includes (i) a first portion coupled to the first actuator and (ii) a second portion disconnected from the first portion and coupled to the second actuator, and wherein the second anchoring element includes (i) a third portion coupled to the first actuator and (ii) a fourth portion disconnected from the third portion and coupled to the second actuator.13. The actuation assembly of any of examples 10-12 wherein the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator are integrally formed.14. The actuation assembly of any of examples 10-13 wherein the cartridge further includes one or more frame structures that define a cavity shaped and sized to receive the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator.15. A method of manufacturing an actuation assembly for use with an adjustable shunting system configured to be implanted within a patient, the method comprising: positioning an actuation body adjacent to a cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a plurality of first pins and / or a plurality of first apertures, and wherein the actuation body includes — a first anchoring element having one or more second pins and / or second apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, a second anchoring element spaced apart from the first anchoring element and having one or more third pins and / or third apertures sized and shaped toreceive and / or fit in a second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, and an actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element; and coupling the actuation body to the cartridge by coupling (i) the second pins and / or the second apertures of the first anchoring element to the first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures and (ii) the third pins and / or the third apertures of the second anchoring element to the second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures.16. The method of example 15 wherein coupling the actuation body to the cartridge comprises coupling each of the second pins and / or the second apertures and the third pins and / or the third apertures to the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, brazing, and / or adhesives.17. The method of example 15 or example 16 wherein the cartridge further includes one or more frame structures that define (i) a cavity shaped and sized to receive the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator and (ii) one or more gaps along a periphery of the cartridge, and wherein coupling the actuation body to the cartridge comprises inserting coupling equipment through the one or more gaps.18. The method of example 17 wherein the coupling equipment includes at least one of a welding tool, a soldering tool, or a brazing tool.19. The method of any of example 15-18, further comprising removing, after coupling the actuation body to the cartridge, one or more portions of at least one of the first anchoring element or the second anchoring element.20. The method of example 19 wherein the actuator is a first actuator, w herein the actuation body further includes a second actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element, and wherein removing the one or more portions comprises removing the one or more portions such that the at least one of the first anchoring element or thesecond anchoring element is divided into (i) a first portion coupled to the first actuator and (ii) a second portion disconnected from the first portion and coupled to the second actuator.Conclusion

[0033] The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology' are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. While steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments. Reference herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar formulations means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0034] For ease of reference, identical reference numbers are used to identify similar or analogous components or features throughout this disclosure, but the use of the same reference number does not imply that the features should be construed to be identical. Indeed, in many examples described herein, identically numbered features have a plurality of embodiments that are distinct in structure and / or function from each other. Furthermore, the same shading may be used to indicate materials in cross section that can be compositionally similar, but the use of the same shading does not imply that the materials should be construed to be identical unless specifically noted herein.

[0035] Moreover, unless the word "or" is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of "or" in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Additionally, the term "comprising" is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and / or additional types of other features are not precluded. Directional terms, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "back," "vertical," and "horizontal," may be used herein to express and clarify the relationship between various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not denote absolute orientation. Further, while advantagesassociated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An actuation assembly for use with an adjustable shunting system configured to be implanted within a patient, the actuation assembly comprising: a cartridge having a plurality of first pins and / or a plurality of first apertures; and an actuation body composed at least partially of a shape memory material, wherein the actuation body includes — a first anchoring element having one or more second pins and / or second apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, a second anchoring element spaced apart from the first anchoring element and having one or more third pins and / or third apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, and an actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element, wherein the actuation body is configured to be coupled to the cartridge by coupling (i) the second pins and / or the second apertures of the first anchoring element to the first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, and (ii) the third pins and / or the third apertures of the second anchoring element to the second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures.

2. The actuation assembly of claim 1 wherein the actuator is configured to be indirectly coupled to the cartridge via the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.

3. The actuation assembly of claim 1 wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein the actuation body further includes a second actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.

4. The actuation assembly of claim 3 wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are integrally formed.

5. The actuation assembly of claim 3 wherein the first actuator and the second actuator are disconnected from one another.

6. The actuation assembly of claim 1 wherein the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator are integrally formed.

7. The actuation assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the second pins and / or second apertures and the third pins and / or the third apertures are coupleable to the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, brazing, and / or adhesives.

8. The actuation assembly of claim 1 wherein the cartridge further includes one or more frame structures that define a canty shaped and sized to receive the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator.

9. The actuation assembly of claim 8 wherein: the one or more frame structures further define one or more gaps along a periphery of the cartridge, the gaps are sized to provide coupling equipment access to the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element, and the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element are each configured to be coupled to the cartridge by the coupling equipment.

10. An actuation assembly for use with an adjustable shunting system configured to be implanted within a patient, the actuation assembly comprising: a cartridge having a plurality of first pins and / or a plurality of first apertures; and an actuation body composed at least partially of a shape memory' material, wherein the actuation body includes — a first anchoring element having one or more second pins and / or second apertures coupled to a first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, and / or brazing,a second anchoring element spaced apart from the first anchoring element and having one or more third pins and / or third apertures coupled to a second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, and / or brazing, and an actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.

11. The actuation assembly of claim 10 wherein the actuator is a first actuator, and wherein the actuation body further includes a second actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element.

12. The actuation assembly of claim 11 wherein the first anchoring element includes (i) a first portion coupled to the first actuator and (ii) a second portion disconnected from the first portion and coupled to the second actuator, and wherein the second anchoring element includes (i) a third portion coupled to the first actuator and (ii) a fourth portion disconnected from the third portion and coupled to the second actuator.

13. The actuation assembly of claim 10 wherein the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator are integrally formed.

14. The actuation assembly of claim 10 wherein the cartridge further includes one or more frame structures that define a cavi ty shaped and sized to receive the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator.

15. A method of manufacturing an actuation assembly for use with an adjustable shunting system configured to be implanted within a patient, the method comprising: positioning an actuation body adjacent to a cartridge, wherein the cartridge includes a plurality of first pins and / or a plurality of first apertures, and wherein the actuation body includes — a first anchoring element having one or more second pins and / or second apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures,a second anchoring element spaced apart from the first anchoring element and having one or more third pins and / or third apertures sized and shaped to receive and / or fit in a second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures, and an actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element; and coupling the actuation body to the cartridge by coupling (i) the second pins and / or the second apertures of the first anchoring element to the first subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures and (ii) the third pins and / or the third apertures of the second anchoring element to the second subset of the first pins and / or the first apertures.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein coupling the actuation body to the cartridge comprises coupling each of the second pins and / or the second apertures and the third pins and / or the third apertures to the first pins and / or the first apertures via welding, soldering, brazing, and / or adhesives.

17. The method of claim 15 wherein the cartridge further includes one or more frame structures that define (i) a cavity shaped and sized to receive the first anchoring element, the second anchoring element, and the actuator and (ii) one or more gaps along a periphery of the cartridge, and wherein coupling the actuation body to the cartridge comprises inserting coupling equipment through the one or more gaps.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the coupling equipment includes at least one of a welding tool, a soldering tool, or a brazing tool.

19. The method of claim 15, further comprising removing, after coupling the actuation body to the cartridge, one or more portions of at least one of the first anchoring element or the second anchoring element.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein the actuator is a first actuator, wherein the actuation body further includes a second actuator extending between the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element, and wherein removing the one or more portions comprisesremoving the one or more portions such that the at least one of the first anchoring element or the second anchoring element is divided into (i) a first portion coupled to the first actuator and (ii) a second portion disconnected from the first portion and coupled to the second actuator.

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