Implantable Peristaltic Pump Using Phase-Change Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices face challenges in controlled and long-term delivery of medicaments without using non-biocompatible electronic components, which can be costly and unreliable, especially in avoiding hermetic cavities and diffusion-based delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A thermally-driven peristaltic pump system with phase-change material and external energy sources, such as heat, electrical induction, or electromagnetic waves, to control the flow of medicaments through a cannula, eliminating the need for implanted non-biocompatible components and providing precise control over drug release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional electronic components are implanted to control medicament delivery, then automated control is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to hermetic cavity requirements and non-biocompatible materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes electronic components from the implantable device and places them outside the body. The implantable portion contains only passive thermal response materials (phase change materials, shape memory materials) that automatically respond to temperature changes without requiring implanted electronics, hermetic seals, or power sources, thereby eliminating reliability issues associated with implanted electronic components
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the body's own thermal environment as the power source. The phase change materials and shape memory materials automatically respond to temperature changes in the body without requiring external power sources, control circuits, or electronic components. The system self-regulates medicament delivery based on thermal conditions through passive material properties
2Reliability
If hermetic cavities are used to protect electronic components, then device protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for hermetic cavities by removing electronic components from the implantable device. Only passive materials that respond to thermal stimuli are implanted, which do not require protective sealing. This simplifies the device structure and manufacturing while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, biocompatible passive materials (phase change materials, shape memory materials) that can be easily manufactured and implanted without complex hermetic sealing. These materials are inherently biocompatible and do not require protective enclosures, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
3Ease of operation
If diffusion-based delivery systems are used, then passive delivery is achieved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change materials that undergo phase transitions (e.g., solid-liquid, liquid-gas) in response to temperature changes. These phase transitions provide a mechanical action that can precisely control medicament delivery by opening or closing channels, valves, or changing the physical state of the delivery medium, achieving both passive operation and precise control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape memory materials and thermally responsive materials that change their physical dimensions or configuration in response to temperature changes. This thermal expansion or contraction mechanism allows precise control over the opening, closing, or positioning of delivery channels and valves, providing accurate dosing control while remaining passively operated
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 reliable, controlled, and long-term delivery of medicaments with enhanced precision and reduced costs by using passive components and external energy sources to activate phase-change materials within the pump system, avoiding the use of hermetic cavities and diffusion-based delivery.
Implementation Method 1
Each flow controller of the plurality of flow controllers comprises a phase-change material configured to, in response to heat, change from a first phase to a second phase
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat source in thermal communication with the phase-change material. The at least one heat source is configured to receive energy from a device external to the recipient and to transmit heat to the phase-change material
Implementation Method 3
a peristaltic pump configured to be implanted on or within a recipient. The peristaltic pump comprises a cannula configured to repeatedly undergo compression and to be released from compression
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a housing configured to be implanted on or within a recipient, a cannula at least partially within the housing, and a plurality of flow controllers on or within the housing and in mechanical communication with corresponding portions of the cannula. The plurality of flow controllers is configured to control flow of a material through the portions of the cannula. Each flow controller of the plurality of flow controllers includes a phase-change material configured to, in response to heat, change from a first phase to a second phase and at least one heat source in thermal communication with the phase-change material. The at least one heat source is configured to receive energy from a device external to the recipient and to transmit heat to the phase-change material.