Adjustable Implantable Shunt Using Shape Memory Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable shunt devices have a fixed diameter that fails to account for a patient's changing physiology, leading to a diminishing clinical effect over time and are often available in a single size, making them ineffective for various patients, and clinicians cannot assess the shunt state without invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An implantable shunt system with a bi-directionally adjustable actuation section using a shape memory component, combined with an energy delivery catheter that can mechanically or thermally adjust the shunt's dimensions to match the patient's changing needs, allowing for precise control of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shunts with fixed diameter are used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot adapt to patient's changing physiology leading to diminishing clinical effect
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt device incorporates a shape memory component that can dynamically change its diameter between a first diameter and a second diameter in response to temperature changes. This dynamic capability allows the shunt to adapt to the patient's changing physiology over time, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity by introducing a controllable dynamic element rather than a static structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the shunt's diameter by utilizing a shape memory component that transitions between different diameters based on temperature. This parameter change enables the shunt to provide different levels of fluid flow resistance as needed, allowing adaptation to changing clinical conditions without requiring multiple different devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shunts with single size are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the device cannot effectively treat various patients with different physiological needs
Solution Approach 1:
By incorporating a shape memory component that can change diameter, the shunt can be manufactured as a single device type that adapts to different patients' needs through controlled diameter changes rather than manufacturing multiple fixed-size variants. This resolves the contradiction by making one device design versatile enough to treat various patients.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt device with shape memory capability serves multiple functions by providing different diameter configurations for different patients or different clinical stages. A single device design can universally address various patient needs by adjusting its diameter, eliminating the need for multiple specialized device variants.
3Loss of information
If conventional shunts are used, then the initial implantation procedure is simple, but invasive procedures are required to assess the shunt state
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt incorporates a sensor that provides feedback information about the shunt's state, including its current diameter and flow characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows clinicians to assess the shunt's performance and make informed decisions about adjustments without requiring invasive diagnostic procedures, resolving the contradiction between information availability and procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt device includes self-monitoring capabilities through integrated sensors that automatically track and report the shunt's operational state. This self-service feature eliminates the need for external invasive assessment procedures, as the device provides its own diagnostic information continuously.
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 adjustment of shunt dimensions to optimize fluid flow, addressing the limitations of fixed-diameter shunts and providing non-invasive assessment and adjustment, thereby enhancing clinical efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation section includes a shape memory component and is bi-directionally adjustable in geometry in response to a change in temperature
Implementation Method 2
an energy delivery catheter configured to deliver energy to the actuation section to change the geometry of the actuation section
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology includes systems and methods for invasively adjusting implantable devices for selectively controlling fluid flow between a first body region and a second body region of a patient. For example, in many of the embodiments described herein, a catheter can be used to mechanically and/or electrically engage an implanted medical device. Once the catheter engages the medical device, the catheter can (i) increase a dimension associated with the medical device, such as through mechanical expansion forces, and/or (ii) decrease a dimension associated with the medical device, such as by heating a shape memory component of the medical device above a phase transition temperature.