Blood Shunt Flow Indicators Using Visible Moving Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shunting devices for blood flow do not adequately indicate when blood flow slows or stops, and there is a need to temporarily control or stop blood flow during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A shunt apparatus with a flow-indication chamber containing moveable objects visible through a transparent wall, and a valve or tube constrictor to regulate blood flow, allowing physicians to monitor flow and control it as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shunt apparatus is used to shunt blood from one vessel to another, then blood flow can be established and controlled, but the flow cessation may go unnoticed without adequate indication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent wall in the flow-indication chamber that allows visual detection of blood flow status. The moveable objects (beads or rotational members) change their position or orientation in response to blood flow, providing visual indication of flow presence or cessation through their visible movement or stationary position against the transparent background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces moveable objects (beads or rotational members) as intermediary elements within the flow-indication chamber. These objects serve as mediators that translate blood flow dynamics into visible movements, allowing indirect observation of flow status without direct electronic sensing or complex monitoring systems.
2Measurement precision
If moveable objects are placed in the flow-indication chamber to indicate flow status, then flow monitoring is enabled, but the chamber requires transparent walls and precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable objects (beads or rotational members) automatically respond to blood flow conditions without requiring external control systems. The beads move or rotate based on flow forces, and the rotational member rotates in response to flow direction, providing self-indicating flow status detection without complex manufacturing or positioning requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-indication chamber is segmented into distinct functional zones with the transparent wall separating the internal flow-indication space from the external environment. This segmentation allows independent optimization of the flow-indication mechanism while maintaining visual accessibility, reducing the need for precise integration of multiple complex components.
3Ease of operation
If a valve or tube constrictor is added to regulate blood flow, then flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve mechanism that can adjust blood flow regulation in real-time during the procedure. The valve allows flexible control of flow rate and can be adjusted as needed, providing operational flexibility without requiring multiple fixed-flow devices or complex multi-component systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve and tube constrictor serve multiple functions: they regulate blood flow rate, enable temporary flow cessation, and can be adjusted during the procedure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for flow control and temporary occlusion, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 real-time monitoring of blood flow and controlled regulation, reducing the risk of unnoticed flow cessation and facilitating temporary flow adjustments during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more moveable objects disposed within the flow-indication chamber and configured to move in response to a flowing of the blood from the entry port to the exit port
Implementation Method 2
At least a portion of a wall of the flow-indication chamber is transparent so as to expose the moveable objects to sight
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (20) for shunting blood (22) includes a flow-indication chamber (24) shaped to define an entry port (26) and an exit port (28), and one or more moveable objects (46) disposed within the flow-indication chamber (24) and configured to move in response to a flowing of the blood (22) from the entry port (26) to the exit port (28). At least a portion of a wall (52) of the flow-indication chamber (24) is transparent so as to expose the moveable objects (46) to sight. Other embodiments are also described.