Active Valve Glaucoma Drainage Device for Power-Efficient IOP Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma treatments lack an effective mechanism to actively control intraocular pressure (IOP) in a power-efficient manner, particularly in patients with open-angle glaucoma, where elevated IOP can lead to irreversible damage and blindness if not managed properly.
Innovation Solution
A glaucoma drainage device equipped with an active valve and a power source, coupled with an intraocular pressure sensor system that includes multiple pressure sensors to monitor and control IOP by adjusting the valve based on pressure differentials, using a controller to direct power to the valve and communicate warnings or adjustments as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active valve is used to control IOP, then IOP control capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The active valve operates periodically rather than continuously, opening only when IOP exceeds a threshold and closing when IOP is within the target range. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining effective IOP control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors IOP using pressure sensors and uses this feedback to control the active valve. The controller opens the valve when IOP is high and closes it when IOP is normal, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes power usage while maintaining reliable IOP management.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed, then patient safety is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors IOP to ensure patient safety, while the active valve and controller operate periodically based on this continuous data. This allows uninterrupted monitoring with reduced power consumption for the active control components.
Solution Approach 2:
While the sensor maintains continuous monitoring, the active valve operates periodically based on threshold comparisons, reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining safety through continuous IOP awareness.
3Reliability
If the valve operates frequently to maintain IOP control, then IOP management is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to open only when IOP exceeds a predetermined threshold and close when IOP returns to the target range, creating periodic rather than continuous operation. This maintains effective IOP management while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback-controlled valve operates based on real-time IOP measurements, opening only when needed to correct high IOP and closing when IOP is within the target range, optimizing the balance between IOP management effectiveness and power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A glaucoma drainage device has an active valve configured to be located between an anterior chamber of an eye and a drainage location, a power source coupled to the active valve, and a controller coupled to the power source. A first pressure sensor is located in fluid communication with the anterior chamber, a second pressure sensor is located in the drainage location, and a third pressure sensor located remotely from the first and second pressure sensors. The controller reads the first, second, and third pressure sensors once during a period of time and adjusts the active valve to control intraocular pressure.