Implantable Valve RFID Tag for Emergency Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing data related to implanted medical devices, such as shunt systems for hydrocephalus treatment, are cumbersome and not always accessible in emergency situations, particularly when the patient is away from their medical records.
Innovation Solution
An implantable valve with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag that stores and communicates data related to the valve, pressure sensor, and patient information, allowing for non-invasive data storage and retrieval using an external reading device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data is stored in a patient's written medical file, then data can be centrally collected, but the data is not always accessible in emergency situations and tracking historical data is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of written medical files with an electronic RFID data storage system. The RFID tag stores patient and device data electronically, which can be wirelessly accessed by external readers, eliminating the need for physical file access and enabling instant data retrieval in emergency situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a portable copy of patient and device data by storing it on an RFID tag implanted with the shunt system. This copy can be independently accessed without relying on central medical records, ensuring data availability even when the patient is away from their medical files.
2Ease of operation
If an RFID tag is implanted with the shunt system, then data accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the RFID tag with the implantable valve system by integrating the tag into the valve housing or positioning it adjacent to the valve. This combination allows the RFID tag to become part of the shunt system, enabling data retrieval without requiring separate implantation procedures or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves multiple functions: storing patient identification data, device configuration information, pressure settings, and historical data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate data storage systems and simplifies the overall implantable system while improving ease of operation.
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
Provides convenient and reliable access to data related to the implantable valve and patient, enabling efficient monitoring and management of cerebrospinal fluid pressure, improving patient care and emergency response.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID tag can include an antenna for communicating stored data to an external reading device
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods useful for storing and retrieving information related to a medical device such as an implantable valve or an implantable sensor are disclosed. An implantable valve can include a valve housing adapted to receive fluid flow therethrough between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. A valve assembly can be disposed within the valve housing and adapted to control a rate of fluid flowing through the valve housing. The implantable valve can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with the valve housing, adapted to store data, and including an antenna for communicating stored data to an external reading device. The RFID tag can store data related to, for example, a patient, a pressure setting of the valve assembly, and/or pressure sensor disposed within the valve. The RFID tag can also store an identifier that identifies the implantable valve, a pressure sensor disposed in the valve housing, a patient associated with the implantable valve, and/or patient clinical history.