Adjustable Glaucoma Shunt Flow Control for Stable Intraocular Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glaucoma shunts provide constant resistance to flow, which can lead to invasive and costly procedures to adjust outflow resistance over time, risking hypotony and other complications.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable flow glaucoma shunts equipped with a flow control mechanism and actuator, allowing for non-invasive adjustment of outflow resistance in response to changes in intraocular pressure and aqueous production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If constant resistance shunts are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to changing intraocular pressure and aqueous production is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt incorporates an adjustable flow control mechanism that transforms the static, constant resistance design into a dynamic system capable of adjusting outflow resistance in response to changing intraocular pressure and aqueous production rates, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the ability to change the resistance parameter of the shunt through an actuation mechanism that can modify the flow control element's position or configuration, allowing the same device to operate at different resistance levels rather than being fixed at a single parameter value
2Adaptability or versatility
If outflow resistance is adjusted over time, then adaptability improves, but invasive procedures and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for mechanical, invasive surgical procedures to adjust shunt resistance with a non-invasive or minimally invasive actuation mechanism that can modify the flow control element through external stimulation or a simplified internal mechanism, thereby maintaining adaptability while eliminating the harmful effects of repeated invasive interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The shunt design incorporates features that allow it to self-regulate or be easily adjusted without requiring complex surgical intervention, enabling the device to adapt to changing conditions through simpler, safer means that reduce the risk of complications such as hypotony
3Measurement precision
If adjustable flow control mechanism is added, then adaptability and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt is divided into distinct functional modules including the flow control element, actuation mechanism, and structural components, allowing the precise flow control functionality to be isolated and optimized independently while maintaining overall device manageability and reducing the perceived complexity through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable flow glaucoma shunts are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a variable flow shunt for treatment of glaucoma in a human patient includes an elongated outflow tube having (a) a proximal inflow portion configured for placement within an anterior chamber in a region outside of an optical field of view of an eye of the patient, and (b) a distal outflow portion at a different location of the eye. The variable flow shunt further includes a flow control mechanism positioned along the outflow tube between the inflow portion and the outflow portion. The flow control mechanism comprises one or more control elements transformable between an open position that allows fluid to flow through the outflow tube and resistance positions that partially obstruct or attenuate fluid flow through the outflow tube. During operation, the control element(s) are movable between positions in response to non-invasive energy.