Glaucoma Shunt Tube Nesting for Stable Flow and Secure Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glaucoma treatment devices are bulky, inflexible, and lack secure anchoring, leading to irritation, chronic inflammation, and increased risk of device erosion, while failing to provide long-term prevention of hypotony.
Innovation Solution
A glaucoma shunt device with a primary and secondary tube system, where the secondary tube is permanently attached to the primary tube, with a smaller diameter and defined flow resistance, allowing for adjustable length to maintain consistent fluid flow and reduce irritation, and includes a shunt body with a reservoir for fluid accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing glaucoma treatment devices are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but the devices are bulky, inflexible, and cause irritation and chronic inflammation due to lack of secure anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments including a shunt body, primary tube, secondary tube, and reservoir that can be independently positioned and secured. The primary tube has a proximal portion and distal portion that can be separately anchored, allowing each segment to be optimally positioned to minimize tissue irritation while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary tube is nested within the primary tube, with the secondary tube's distal portion extending into the reservoir. This nested configuration allows for compact device design while maintaining separate functional zones for drainage and fluid collection, reducing bulk without compromising anchoring security.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing devices are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but device movement causes continued tissue stimulation and increased scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt body and tubes are pre-configured with anchoring features including the neck portion and flared distal portion that facilitate secure attachment to tissue before implantation. The primary tube's distal portion is designed to be positioned and secured in advance, preventing post-implantation movement that would cause tissue irritation and scarring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but they lack adjustability for maintaining consistent fluid flow and preventing hypotony
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic flow resistance characteristics through the secondary tube's smaller diameter and the reservoir's variable volume. The system can adapt fluid flow rates based on pressure differentials, maintaining consistent drainage while preventing hypotony. The primary and secondary tube configuration allows for adjustable flow dynamics without compromising pressure stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes parameter changes in tube diameter (primary tube larger than secondary tube), reservoir volume, and flow resistance to control fluid dynamics. These parameter variations enable adjustable fluid flow while maintaining stable intraocular pressure, providing adaptability without sacrificing reliability.
4Device complexity
If existing devices are used, then fluid drainage is achieved, but the devices are relatively bulky resulting in increased device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary tube is inserted through the primary tube, and the distal portion of the secondary tube extends into the reservoir. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple components into a compact configuration, reducing overall device volume while maintaining the functional complexity needed for effective fluid drainage and pressure regulation.
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 provides secure anchoring, reduces irritation, and maintains consistent fluid flow, effectively preventing hypotony and stabilizing intraocular pressure over time.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary tube defines a flow resistance of the primary and secondary tubes
Data Source
AI summary
A glaucoma shunt device is provided for draining a biological fluid from an eye. The glaucoma shunt device includes a primary tube, a secondary tube, and a shunt body. The primary tube has a primary proximal end, a primary distal end, and a primary conduit extending therebetween. The secondary tube has a secondary proximal end, a secondary distal end, and a secondary conduit extending therebetween. The secondary tube is at least partially inserted through the primary conduit via the primary distal end. The secondary tube defines a flow resistance of the primary and secondary tubes. The shunt body has a reservoir therein and is integrated with the primary tube near the primary distal end such that the primary and secondary conduits are fluidly coupled with the reservoir.