Glaucoma Tube Implant with Magnetic Bistable Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current glaucoma drainage devices lack an internal mechanism to modulate aqueous flow, leading to unpredictable post-operative complications such as hypotony, with existing external mechanisms being time-consuming, variable, and associated with high failure rates.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a magnetically-operated bistable switch mechanism within the drainage device to reversibly adjust flow through the drainage tube, allowing for predictable control of aqueous flow and reducing the risk of hypotony by compressing or occluding the tube, thereby regulating intraocular pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a drainage device is used to lower intraocular pressure, then glaucoma treatment is achieved, but post-operative hypotony occurs due to excessive drainage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintraocular pressureVSAvoidpost-operative complication risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a bistable switch mechanism that allows the drainage device to transition between two stable states: an open state for drainage and a closed state for flow restriction. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt its flow characteristics post-operatively, preventing hypotony while maintaining the ability to lower intraocular pressure when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing magnetic field strength variations to control the position of a magnetic element within the bistable switch. By changing the magnetic parameter (applying or removing external magnetic field), the device transitions between flow-restricted and flow-permissive states, enabling precise control over drainage parameters to avoid complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If external mechanisms are used to control flow through the drainage tube, then flow regulation is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and associated with high failure rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow controlVSAvoidpost-operative adjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a device that performs flow regulation automatically through its internal bistable switch mechanism. The magnetic element responds autonomously to external magnetic fields without requiring manual intervention, surgical re-entry, or complex external control systems, thereby eliminating time-consuming adjustments and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. Instead of using physical actuators, cables, or manual surgical adjustments, the device uses magnetic fields to actuate the bistable switch, enabling remote, wireless, and time-efficient flow control that eliminates the need for time-consuming mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no internal flow modulation mechanism is present, then the device structure remains simple, but unpredictable hypotony complications occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidflow control predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the drainage device into functionally distinct components: a drainage tube, a bistable switch mechanism, and a magnetic control element. This segmentation allows the addition of flow control functionality through a modular switch mechanism rather than redesigning the entire device, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability through specialized sub-components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic element as an intermediary between the external magnetic field and the bistable switch mechanism. This intermediary translates magnetic field variations into mechanical displacement, enabling reliable flow control without direct mechanical connection or complex internal mechanisms, thus maintaining relative simplicity while achieving predictable flow modulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution provides more predictable control of aqueous flow, reducing the risk of post-operative hypotony and improving the safety and efficacy of glaucoma treatment by maintaining a stable intraocular pressure, thereby preventing vision-threatening complications.

Implementation Method 1

The switch mechanism includes a first stationary magnet, a second stationary magnet spaced apart from the first stationary magnet, and a mobile element having magnetic or ferromagnetic properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11554044B2Glaucoma tube implant with modulated flow

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 OREGON HEALTH & SCI UNIV

AI summary

Disclosed are implantable ocular drainage devices that include a reversible switch mechanism to control flow through the drainage device. The devices include a drainage tube and a reversible, bi-stable switch mechanism that includes first and second stationary magnets spaced apart from one another and a magnetic or ferromagnetic mobile element moveably disposed in a channel in the housing.