Acoustic Fluid Ejection for Implantable Medical Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable medical devices for fluid delivery, such as drugs, to anatomical structures in the body are limited in their ability to efficiently and accurately administer fluids to specific target regions, often requiring invasive procedures and lacking advanced control mechanisms for fluid distribution and monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An implantable fluid delivery system comprising a port with a reservoir, catheters, and pods that allow for subcutaneous implantation, enabling precise delivery of fluids to target anatomical structures, with integrated electronics for control, communication, and impedance measurement, facilitating efficient and controlled fluid administration and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional implantable ports with reservoirs and catheters are used for fluid delivery, then fluid can be administered to target regions, but the procedure requires invasive needle insertion through skin and septum, increasing patient discomfort and infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle insertion system with an acoustic field-based fluid ejection system. The implantable device uses acoustic waves (ultrasound) to eject fluid droplets through the skin without requiring needle penetration. The acoustic field actsuates the fluid ejection mechanism internally, eliminating the need for invasive mechanical access while maintaining precise fluid delivery capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If implantable ports with septums are used, then fluid can be delivered to target anatomical structures, but the system lacks advanced control mechanisms for precise fluid distribution and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through integrated sensors that monitor fluid delivery parameters, acoustic field characteristics, and physiological responses in real-time. This feedback is processed by control circuitry that adjusts acoustic actuation parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) to optimize fluid ejection precision and maintain desired delivery rates, enabling closed-loop control without excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control of acoustic field parameters to adapt fluid ejection characteristics. The acoustic actuation can be modulated in real-time based on feedback signals, allowing the device to adjust droplet size, ejection frequency, and flow rate dynamically. This enables precise fluid distribution control while maintaining a relatively simple device architecture through software-based adaptability.
3Reliability
If conventional fluid delivery systems are used, then basic fluid administration is achieved, but monitoring capabilities are limited and treatment efficacy cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single implantable device platform. The device combines fluid ejection, acoustic actuation, physiological parameter sensing, wireless communication, and data processing capabilities. This multi-functional integration enables comprehensive monitoring of treatment efficacy through sensors that detect physiological changes, while the same wireless interface supports both control and data transmission, reducing overall device complexity through functional consolidation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise and controlled delivery of fluids to anatomical structures, improving treatment efficacy for conditions like bladder dysfunction and obesity, while reducing invasive procedures and enhancing monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic transducer configured to deliver an acoustic field to a fluid in the reservoir to actuate ejection of the fluid in droplets
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable system for delivering fluids, such as drugs, to one or more anatomical structures in a patient's (i.e., human or animal) body. A number of medical conditions require continual and/or periodic administration of fluids (e.g., drugs) to target regions (e.g., anatomic organs) of the body. Accessibility to those target regions might be limited technically for ex. and not limited to: frequent endoscopic, radiologically guided or surgical approaches. The system delivers the fluid needed in a continual or intermittent fashion to the target region. It controls the amount of fluid delivered to the target region and measures the intended physiologic effect of the fluid delivered.