Implantable Interstitial Fluid Collection and Distribution System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current research lacks effective methods for using interstitial fluid for treating damaged tissue or disease, despite its potential as a biomarker in cancer research and a source of essential nutrients for cells.
Innovation Solution
An implantable, biocompatible system for collecting and distributing autologous interstitial fluid from a collection site to a remote body site using a hollow accumulation chamber, a confined flow passageway, and a liquid transfer pump, which includes a flexible dome to facilitate the dispensing of interstitial fluid to areas in need of nutrients and oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If interstitial fluid is collected and transported to a remote body site, then target cells can receive essential nutrients and oxygen, but the system requires complex implantable components including accumulation chamber, flow passageway, and liquid transfer pump
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transfer pump is positioned within the accumulation chamber, with the pump chamber forming a subset of the accumulation chamber volume. This nested configuration allows the pump to be housed inside the chamber it serves, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to transport interstitial fluid to remote body sites
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulation chamber serves multiple functions: it accumulates interstitial fluid, houses the liquid transfer pump, and provides the structural framework for the entire implantable system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, addressing the device complexity issue while ensuring reliable nutrient delivery
2Productivity
If a liquid transfer pump is used to dispense interstitial fluid, then controlled delivery to remote body site is achieved, but the pump mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid transfer pump is designed to be self-contained within the accumulation chamber, utilizing the chamber's own structure and fluid accumulation to power the pumping action. This self-service approach allows controlled fluid dispensing without requiring external power sources or complex control mechanisms, maintaining productivity while reducing overall device complexity
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 system effectively supplies essential nutrients and oxygen to target cells, demonstrated by successful implantation and operation in animal models, maintaining functionality and nutrient delivery over a 50-day period without complications.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid transfer pump operably associated with the accumulation chamber to dispense interstitial fluid therefrom to the remote body site through the confined flow passageway
Implementation Method 2
A flexible dome is integral with the external or top plate, and can serve as a pump to dispense interstitial fluid from the accumulation chamber
Implementation Method 3
Interstitial fluid receives its components via capillaries by means of diffusion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for redistributing interstitial fluid within a mammal is disclosed. The system comprises an implantable accumulation chamber, a confined flow passageway such as a catheter in communication with the accumulation chamber, and a liquid transfer pump for dispensing accumulated interstitial fluid from the accumulation chamber to a predetermined body site via the confined flow passageway.