Implantable Lymph Drainage Pump With Rotor-Actuated Kinking Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lymphedema, such as manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy, are time-consuming and provide only temporary relief, while there is no cure for the condition, which leads to significant pain and recurrent infections due to lymph buildup.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pump system with a rotor and kinking valves, driven by an external controller, to selectively move lymphatic fluid from edematous areas to interstitial spaces, reducing swelling and alleviating symptoms by periodically changing the volume of a fluid chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lymphatic drainage is used, then lymph drainage is facilitated, but it is time-consuming and provides only temporary relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical massaging with an implantable mechanical pump system that automatically drains lymphatic fluid. The pump uses a rotor-driven mechanism with expanding and collapsing chambers to create pressure gradients, substituting the manual mechanical action with an automated implantable device that provides continuous relief without time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable pump system operates autonomously within the patient's body, requiring no external manual intervention. The device self-regulates lymphatic fluid drainage through its internal rotor and valve mechanism, providing continuous automatic relief from lymphedema without requiring the patient to perform time-consuming manual drainage procedures.
2Reliability
If compression therapy is applied, then lymphatic fluid buildup is reduced, but it requires strict patient compliance and restricts activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external compression garments with an implantable pump system that actively moves lymphatic fluid using pressure gradients. The pump's rotor-driven chambers create alternating expansion and collapse cycles that actively propel fluid through the lymphatic system, eliminating the need for passive compression and associated compliance issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device operates independently within the body, automatically regulating fluid drainage without requiring patient compliance. The system continuously functions to reduce fluid buildup, allowing patients to maintain normal activities without restriction, as the device self-manages the therapeutic function internally.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If an implantable pump system is used, then continuous lymph drainage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pump into distinct functional segments: a rotor component, expanding chambers, collapsing chambers, and integrated valves. Each segment performs a specific function in the fluid drainage cycle, allowing the complex continuous drainage task to be broken into manageable mechanical steps that are easier to implement and control within the implantable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The rotor simultaneously drives chamber expansion, triggers valve opening/closing through cam mechanisms, and coordinates the drainage cycle. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall implantable system while maintaining continuous drainage capability.
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 redistributes lymphatic fluid, providing long-term relief from swelling and reducing the risk of infections by continuously managing lymph buildup.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor positioned within the housing and designed to rotate to change a volume of the fluid chamber
Implementation Method 2
a lever in mechanical communication with the rotor and designed to move between an open position and a closed position responsive to rotation of the rotor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a bodily fluid management system for pumping bodily fluid such as lymph. The bodily fluid management system may include an implantable pump with a rotor having a magnetic portion and inlet and outlet tubes that connect to a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber has a volume that can be selectively reduced or increased via the rotor. The rotor is designed to periodically open and close kinking valves at each of the inlet and outlet tube to permit bodily fluid to enter the fluid chamber during an intake cycle and exit the fluid chamber during a discharge cycle. The magnetic portion of the rotor may be caused to rotate by an external controller that is positioned outside of the body and adjacent to the pump. The external controller may have a magnet that magnetically interfaces with the rotor to cause the rotor to rotate.