Hydraulic Implantation Device for Metabolite Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable sensor elements face challenges in reproducible and painless implantation, particularly in non-transparent tissues, where the implantation depth and position significantly affect signal quality, and there is a need for a minimally invasive and painless implantation technique for both insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
An implantation device featuring a cannula with a holding area for the sensor element, a hydraulic container for a biocompatible fluid, and a pressure generation system to hydraulically push the sensor into the tissue, along with a depth stop and spring element for precise control and easy removal, allowing for reproducible and minimally invasive implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor elements are implanted into body tissue to determine analyte concentration, then measurement capability is improved, but implantation discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implantation device segments the sensor element into a modular structure that can be held within a cannula, allowing for precise positioning and controlled insertion into the tissue. The sensor element is divided into functional components that can be separately optimized for measurement capability and tissue compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A cannula serves as an intermediary tool between the external implantation device and the body tissue. The cannula holds the sensor element during insertion, provides a controlled pathway through the tissue, and enables minimal invasive implantation while maintaining sensor positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If implantation depth and position are precisely controlled to ensure signal quality, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is pre-configured with the sensor element before implantation, with the sensor held in a predetermined position within the cannula. The implantation device is pre-assembled with all necessary components, allowing for a single-step insertion process that automatically achieves the desired depth and positioning without complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms for depth and position control are replaced by a simplified system where the cannula length and sensor positioning within the cannula determine the implantation parameters. The design relies on geometric constraints and pre-set configurations rather than active mechanical control systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If minimally invasive implantation technique is used to reduce pain, then patient comfort is improved, but implantation reproducibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula dimensions, including outer diameter, inner diameter, and length, are precisely controlled within specific ranges to optimize the balance between minimal tissue disruption and reliable sensor positioning. The sensor element dimensions and material properties are also parameterized to ensure consistent performance across different implantations while maintaining patient comfort.
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 enables reliable, reproducible, and painless implantation of sensor elements with precise control over implantation depth, suitable for various tissue types, including opaque skin sections, ensuring high signal quality and ease of sensor insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generation device (142) for generating a pressure in the hydraulic container (128), thereby pushing the sensor element (114) from the holding area (124) of the cannula (118) into the body tissue (116)
Implementation Method 2
a spring element (160) which serves as a return spring
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an implantation device for implanting a sensor element for detecting at least one analyte in a bodily fluid or body tissue. The implantation device comprises at least one cannula for piercing a skin surface of a patient. The cannula has at least one holding area for holding the sensor element. The implantation device furthermore has at least one hydraulic container, connected to the cannula, for holding a hydraulic fluid and at least one pressure generation device. The pressure generation device is designed to apply pressure to the hydraulic fluid, wherein the sensor element can be transferred from the cannula into the body tissue using the hydraulic fluid.