Adjustable Flow Glaucoma Shunts With Non-Invasive Resistance Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glaucoma shunts provide constant resistance to fluid flow, requiring invasive and time-consuming adjustments to manage changing outflow resistance during the healing process, which can lead to complications such as hypotony.
Innovation Solution
Development of adjustable flow glaucoma shunts with inflow control assemblies and actuators that can be adjusted non-invasively to modulate outflow resistance and opening pressure in response to intraocular pressure changes, using materials like nitinol and shape memory polymers to alter aperture sizes and flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional constant resistance shunts are used, then the device structure is simple, but the outflow resistance cannot be adjusted to match changing physiological conditions during healing
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt incorporates an adjustable resistance mechanism that allows the outflow resistance to be dynamically modified after implantation. The resistance element can be adjusted from a first resistance value to a second resistance value to match changing physiological conditions during the healing process, transforming a static device into a dynamic one that adapts to patient needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the resistance parameter of the shunt from a fixed constant to a variable parameter. By providing a mechanism to adjust the resistance value, the system can modify this critical parameter in response to healing progress, allowing optimization of aqueous outflow control as tissue conditions evolve.
2Adaptability or versatility
If invasive adjustments are made to modify shunt resistance, then the outflow resistance can be changed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and carries surgical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces invasive mechanical/surgical adjustment methods with a non-invasive adjustment mechanism. The adjustable resistance element can be modified through minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures, eliminating the need for repeated surgical interventions and significantly reducing adjustment time and associated surgical risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt design incorporates an intermediary adjustment mechanism that allows resistance modification without direct surgical intervention. This intermediary system acts as a mediator between the need for resistance adjustment and the patient's body, enabling changes through less invasive means such as external manipulation or minimally invasive procedures.
3Reliability
If constant resistance is maintained, then the shunt design is straightforward, but complications such as hypotony can occur when outflow resistance becomes too low during healing
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable resistance mechanism provides a feedback capability where the outflow resistance can be monitored and adjusted based on the healing progress and intraocular pressure conditions. This allows the system to respond to changing physiological feedback, preventing complications like hypotony by increasing resistance when pressure drops too low.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt transitions from a static constant resistance design to a dynamic adjustable resistance system. The resistance can be modified in real-time or at intervals based on healing progression, allowing the device to adapt its pressure control characteristics to maintain reliable and safe intraocular pressure levels throughout the healing process.
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
Enables precise and non-invasive control of fluid flow resistance, reducing the risk of complications by adapting to physiological changes within the eye, thereby maintaining optimal pressure levels.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is composed of a shape memory material and is configured to be activated by non-invasive energy
Implementation Method 2
adjustable flow glaucoma shunts with inflow control assemblies and actuators that can be adjusted non-invasively to modulate outflow resistance and opening pressure in response to intraocular pressure changes
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, an adjustable flow shunt can include an outflow drainage tube having a proximal inflow region and a distal outflow region. The proximal inflow region can include aperture(s) defining a fluid inlet area positioned to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The shunt further comprises an inflow control assembly at the proximal inflow region. The inflow control assembly can include a control element configured to slidably engage the proximal inflow region and a spring element. The spring element is configured to be activated by non-invasive energy and, upon activation, slidably move the control element along the proximal inflow region such that (a) the one or more apertures are accessible and have a first fluid flow cross-section or (b) the one or more apertures are at least partially covered by the control element and have a second, different fluid-flow cross-section.