Implantable Sensor Actuation to Prevent Tissue Ingrowth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable sensors face challenges with tissue ingrowth and endothelialization, leading to difficulties in chronic measurement accuracy and potential complications during removal, especially when used for central blood pressure monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Implantable sensors with dynamic stabilization features and actuation elements that periodically change position or configuration to reduce tissue ingrowth and endothelialization, combined with bioabsorbable materials and coatings to minimize adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If implantable sensors are used for chronic measurement, then measurement duration is improved, but tissue ingrowth and endothelialization occur causing measurement accuracy to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is made dynamically movable relative to the implant body through a mechanism including a biasing element and actuator. This allows periodic adjustment of the sensor position to prevent tissue ingrowth and endothelialization, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy over chronic durations without sacrificing long-term implantability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly performs periodic movements or position changes driven by the actuator mechanism. These periodic actions disrupt tissue formation around the sensor, preventing the degradation of measurement accuracy that would otherwise occur during chronic implantation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If implantable sensors are used for chronic measurement, then measurement duration is improved, but sensor removal becomes difficult due to tissue adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is designed as a separable component that can be extracted from the implant body. The movable connection mechanism allows the sensor to be detached and removed independently from the permanent implant, facilitating easy retrieval after chronic measurement without requiring removal of the entire implant system
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic movability of the sensor assembly prevents permanent adhesion to surrounding tissues during the measurement period. This maintains the sensor's extractability and enables straightforward removal after the chronic measurement objective is achieved
3Stability of the object's composition
If sensors are stabilized firmly in position, then measurement stability is improved, but tissue ingrowth increases making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than firm stabilization, the system employs controlled dynamic movement to maintain measurement stability. The actuator-driven position adjustments prevent tissue ingrowth while preserving the ability to remove the sensor, achieving both stability and removability through periodic repositioning rather than fixed anchoring
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to interatrial shunting systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a system for shunting blood between a left atrium and a right atrium of a patient. The system can include a shunting element having a lumen extending therethrough. The lumen is configured to fluidly couple the left atrium and the right atrium when the shunting element is implanted in the patient. The system can also include a sensor configured to be implanted in the patient and operably coupled to the shunting element. An actuation element is coupled to the sensor. The actuation element is configured to be selectively energized and transmit a desired motion to the sensor to reduce the likelihood of tissue ingrowth/overgrowth and adhesion on at least a portion of the sensor.