Implantable Drug-Device Visualization Ring for Safe Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable drug-delivery devices face challenges during refilling, including risk of device damage and improper drug delivery due to incorrect needle insertion, which can lead to clogging and reduced device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a visualization ring to aid in locating the needle entry port, combined with a needle depth gauge or stop mechanism to limit needle penetration, ensures safe and effective refilling of the drug-delivery device, minimizing damage and improving patient safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the syringe needle is inserted deeper into the device during refilling, then the needle may reach the drug reservoir more effectively, but the device can be damaged or the needle tip can become embedded in the bottom wall causing clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visualization ring with fluorescent or reflective properties that is visible through ocular tissue before needle insertion. This allows the physician to pre-identify the exact location of the needle entry port and plan the insertion path, preventing both insufficient insertion and excessive penetration that could cause device damage or needle clogging
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization ring acts as an intermediary visual marker between the physician's needle and the hidden needle entry port. The ring's fluorescent or reflective material provides an optical signal that mediates the positioning process, enabling accurate needle placement without direct visual access to the entry port itself
2Measurement precision
If the needle entry port is made more visible to aid localization, then refilling accuracy improves, but the risk of inadvertent punctures to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization ring is placed specifically at the needle entry port location and contains the visual enhancement to a localized area. The fluorescent or reflective properties are concentrated in the ring structure surrounding only the entry port, providing enhanced visibility precisely where needed while leaving surrounding tissue markers invisible or minimally visible
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization ring utilizes fluorescent or reflective materials that change their visual properties under specific lighting conditions. The ring may appear faint or invisible under normal lighting but fluoresces or reflects light brightly under UV or specific wavelength illumination, allowing dynamic control of visibility to guide needle insertion while minimizing distraction or risk during other procedures
3Loss of time
If the device is designed for easy refilling, then the refilling time is reduced, but the complexity of the device structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The visualization ring is pre-installed on the device during manufacturing, eliminating the need for complex real-time imaging equipment or complex alignment procedures during refilling. The ring's inherent fluorescent or reflective properties provide immediate visual guidance as soon as appropriate lighting is applied, simplifying the refilling process while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The visualization ring provides self-guidance for needle insertion without requiring external imaging equipment, complex alignment mechanisms, or additional personnel. The ring's optical properties automatically guide the physician's needle to the correct entry port, making the refilling process more efficient while adding only a simple visual marker component to the device structure
Data Source
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AI summary
An implantable drug-delivery device, includes a drug reservoir, a needle entry port, and a visualization ring surrounding the needle entry port. The needle entry port comprises a throat for receiving a refill needle therethrough. The throat opens into a vestibule that is in fluid communication with the drug reservoir. A visualization ring surrounds the needle entry port, the visualization ring being visible through ocular tissue so as to visually indicate a position of the needle entry port.