Implantable Antenna Assembly for Adjustable Shunt Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implantable shunting systems cannot be adjusted once implanted, limiting the ability to tailor therapy to individual patient needs, and previous solutions with radio transmitters and antenna assemblies face challenges with space and power requirements, increasing system size and complexity, and risk of failure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a communication element that can transmit and receive signals, coupled to various components of the shunting system, allowing for adjustment of the shunt geometry and power transfer, using a dual-frequency configuration to perform different functions simultaneously, such as signal transmission and power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional shunting systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot be adjusted once implanted, limiting therapy personalization
Solution Approach 1:
The shunt lumen geometry is made dynamically adjustable through an actuation element that can change the lumen configuration from a first configuration to a second configuration, allowing the system to adapt therapy delivery after implantation without requiring a completely different system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The communication element serves multiple functions: it receives commands to adjust shunt geometry, provides power to the actuation element, and enables two-way communication between the external device and implanted system, reducing the need for separate specialized components
2Adaptability or versatility
If radio transmitters and antenna assemblies are added for non-invasive communication, then diverse communication options are available, but space and power requirements increase system size and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The communication element is integrated directly into the shunt body structure, merging the communication function with the existing shunt architecture rather than adding separate radio transmitter and antenna assemblies, thereby minimizing additional space requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The communication element performs multiple functions including receiving adjustment commands, providing wireless power transfer to the actuation element, and enabling bidirectional communication, eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each function
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable lumens are implemented, then therapy can be personalized and adjusted over time, but the system complexity increases and risk of failure is elevated
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation element enables reversible switching between a first lumen configuration and a second lumen configuration, allowing flexible therapy adjustment while maintaining system reliability through a simple binary state change mechanism rather than continuous adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a communication element that enables bidirectional communication between the external device and the implanted system, allowing the external device to receive status information from the implanted system and provide appropriate commands, creating a feedback loop that enhances system reliability and troubleshooting capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are added for power transfer and signal transmission, then functional capabilities are enhanced, but the number of components increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The communication element serves as a multi-functional component that simultaneously handles command reception, power transfer via wireless energy transfer, and status data transmission, eliminating the need for separate components for each function and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The communication element is integrated into the shunt body structure, merging multiple functional capabilities into a single integrated component rather than using separate discrete components for power transfer and signal transmission
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
Enables non-invasive adjustment of shunt geometry and power management, reducing system size and complexity while enhancing safety and robustness, allowing for personalized and adaptable therapy.
Implementation Method 1
configured to transmit and/or receive a first set of signals at a first frequency range and configured to transmit and/or receive a second set of signals at a second frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to implantable medical systems that can include a first implantable device, a second implantable device, and a communication assembly that extends between and physically couples the first device and the second device. The first device can include one or more first electronic components, and the second device can include one or more second electronic components. The communication assembly can include (a) one or more first wires that are configured to wirelessly receive data from, and/or wirelessly transmit data to, a third device positioned external to the patient, and (b) one or more second wires that are configured to conductively transfer power between the first electronic components and the second electronic components. In some embodiments, the one or more first wires have a helical configuration, and the one or more second wires have a linear configuration and extend within the one or more first wires.