Deformable Deck Locator Tool for Implantable Valve Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for locating and adjusting cerebrospinal fluid shunt valves face difficulties due to valve protrusions through the skin, particularly in cases of swelling or varying scalp thickness, which can interfere with the operation of locator, indicator, and adjustment tools.
Innovation Solution
A locator tool with an annular base and a deformable, tactilely accessible deck that accommodates valve protrusions, allowing for parallel alignment and preventing interference, combined with an indicator and adjustment tool kit for precise valve setting determination and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the locator tool is placed in closest proximity to the implanted valve, then the location and orientation of the valve can be accurately indicated, but the valve protrusion interferes with the placement and operation of the adjustor and indicator tools
Solution Approach 1:
The locator tool is divided into distinct functional components: a base member for positioning, a deck for support, and a movable material layer for accommodation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively solving the interference problem caused by valve protrusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The material forming the deck is designed to be movable relative to the base member, enabling dynamic adaptation to valve protrusions. This movability allows the tool to maintain parallel alignment with the skin surface while accommodating variations in valve position and skin topology.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the valve protrudes far from the skull, then the valve can be easily located, but the protrusion interferes with the operation of adjustor and indicator tools
Solution Approach 1:
The movable material acts as an intermediary between the rigid base member and the skin surface with valve protrusion. It transmits the positioning function of the base member while adapting to the irregular skin topology, enabling both detection and operation without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool design allows for variation in the distance between the base member and the skin surface through the movable material. This parameter change enables the tool to accommodate different protrusion heights while maintaining functional alignment for both detection and operation.
3Ease of operation
If the locator tool maintains parallel alignment with the skin surface, then complete engagement between the locator and adjustor/indicator tools is enabled, but the valve protrusion creates interference
Solution Approach 1:
The deck is formed with a movable material that functions as a flexible film, allowing it to conform to the skin surface and valve protrusion while maintaining the parallel alignment necessary for tool engagement. This flexibility eliminates interference without sacrificing alignment.
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 consistent and reliable location and adjustment of implanted valves without interference, facilitating effective CSF drainage flow and pressure control by allowing visual and tactile access through a flexible, elastic membrane that deforms around skin protrusions.
Implementation Method 1
The material is movable to accommodate a protrusion of skin. The material is an elastic material which is movable by deforming around a protrusion of skin.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 1E~2
AI summary
Methods and devices are provided that allow a physician to consistently and reliably locate an implantable, magnetically settable valve (valve) and to determine and/or change (adjust) a setting of the valve from a current setting to a target setting without interference from the valve and/or patient's skin. In particular, various locator tools 100 are provided that include a housing 112 having a deck 110 extending thereacross that is formed at least in part of a material 218 which is moveable to accommodate a protrusion of a hydrocephalus valve beneath skin.