Implantable Body-Driven Shunt Pump for Refractory Ascites
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for refractory ascites, such as peritoneovenous shunting and large volume paracentesis, are ineffective and costly, leading to significant morbidity and economic burden, with limited options for managing fluid accumulation in patients with cirrhosis.
Innovation Solution
An implantable, body-driven shunt pump with a one-way inlet and outlet valve system and an expandable fluid chamber, utilizing pressure changes to facilitate fluid transfer from the peritoneal cavity to the stomach or urinary bladder, allowing for home-based management of ascites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If peritoneovenous shunting is used to manage refractory ascites, then fluid accumulation can be drained continuously, but complication rates increase due to infusion of peritoneal fluid into the vascular space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mechanical pump as an intermediary device between the peritoneal cavity and the destination (stomach or urinary bladder). This pump actively controls fluid transfer, replacing the passive peritoneovenous shunt mechanism. The pump includes a fluid chamber that receives peritoneal fluid, processes it through controlled pumping action, and delivers it to the destination, thereby avoiding direct infusion into the vascular space and reducing complications while maintaining continuous drainage capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If large volume paracentesis is performed to alleviate abdominal discomfort, then fluid accumulation is reduced, but healthcare costs increase due to frequent interventions and albumin administration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous pumping action to drain peritoneal fluid throughout the day, replacing the intermittent large volume paracentesis procedure. The pump operates continuously or periodically to maintain fluid balance, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits and albumin administration. This continuous action prevents the re-accumulation of fluid that occurs between paracentesis procedures, thereby reducing both discomfort and associated healthcare costs
3Volume of stationary object
If implantable shunt pump is designed with expandable fluid chamber, then fluid management capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic, expandable fluid chamber that can change volume in response to fluid intake. The chamber expands when receiving peritoneal fluid and contracts during pumping cycles. This dynamic design allows the device to accommodate varying fluid volumes without requiring a permanently large chamber, thereby managing device size and complexity while maintaining adequate fluid management capacity
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 shunt pump effectively reduces fluid accumulation, alleviates patient discomfort, and decreases healthcare costs by enabling continuous, autonomous fluid management, improving the quality of life for patients with refractory ascites.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable and contractible component in a portion of the pump body that defines the fluid chamber such that the fluid chamber changes volume in response to a change in pressure of fluid in the fluid chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable, body-driven shunt pump includes a pump body defining a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a fluid chamber therebetween; an inlet valve arranged in the fluid inlet, the inlet valve being a one-way valve arranged such that it is operable to allow fluid flow into the fluid chamber and to prevent fluid flow out of the fluid chamber; and an outlet valve arranged in the fluid outlet, the outlet valve being a one-way valve arranged such that it is operable to allow fluid flow out of the fluid chamber and to prevent fluid flow into the fluid chamber. The pump body includes an expandable and contractible component in a portion of the pump body that defines the fluid chamber such that the fluid chamber changes volume in response to a change in pressure of fluid in the fluid chamber.