Glaucoma Drainage Device With Electrolysis Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current glaucoma drainage devices face challenges in effectively managing intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and preventing fibrosis in the drainage system, leading to potential optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Innovation Solution

A glaucoma drainage device with a drainage tube, an active valve, and check valves, powered by a flexible membrane chamber that undergoes electrolysis to control fluid flow, along with pressure sensors to monitor and regulate IOP and bleb pressure, ensuring proper dispersion and clearance of aqueous humor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a passive drainage tube is used, then the device is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot effectively manage IOP fluctuations and prevent fibrosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in managing IOP fluctuations and preventing fibrosisVSAvoidcomplexity of drainage device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control by replacing static passive drainage with an active pump system that can adjust its operation based on real-time pressure sensor feedback. The pump's pumping rate is dynamically regulated to match IOP fluctuations, transforming the system from passive to actively adaptive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor IOP and provide feedback to the pump control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the pump to automatically adjust drainage rate in response to changing pressure conditions, ensuring effective IOP management while preventing fibrosis through controlled drainage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If an active pump system is implemented, then IOP control is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIOP control effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing ease of drainage device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical pump mechanisms with an electrolysis-based fluid pumping system. Instead of using moving mechanical parts, the system uses electrochemical reactions to generate gas bubbles that propel fluid through the drainage tube, significantly simplifying manufacturing while maintaining active pumping capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter of the pump from mechanical motion to electrochemical reaction. By using electrolysis of water to produce gas pressure, the system achieves fluid pumping through a different physical mechanism that is easier to manufacture and has fewer moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are integrated, then functionality is improved, but the device size and implantation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatility of drainage deviceVSAvoidsize of drainage device

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated assembly: the drainage tube, pump chamber, pressure sensors, and electrolysis electrodes are combined into one cohesive device. This integration maintains versatile functionality while minimizing overall device volume for easier implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the pump chamber is positioned within the drainage tube assembly, and electrodes are embedded within the pump chamber walls. This nested arrangement allows multiple components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 device effectively manages IOP fluctuations, prevents fibrosis, and maintains optimal bleb morphology, reducing the risk of optic nerve damage and vision loss by actively regulating fluid flow and pressure.

Implementation Method 1

the pump comprising a driver and a flexible membrane enclosing a chamber; wherein a volume of the chamber is changed to pump fluid from the anterior chamber to the drainage location

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentEP2614802B1Glaucoma drainage device located on a substrate

Publication Date: 2016.01.06 ALCON RESEARCH LTD

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Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6B

AI summary

There is provided a glaucoma drainage device including a drainage tube with a first end configured to be located in an anterior chamber of an eye and a second end configured to be located in a drainage location and an active valve (270) in communication with the drainage tube. The active valve comprising a driver (2010) and a flexible membrane (2015) enclosing a chamber (2017); and a check valve (250) located between the active valve (270) and the second end of the main drainage tube. A volume of the chamber (2017) is changed to at least partially occlude the drainage tube.