Implanted Valve Toolset for Non-Invasive Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as adjustable shunt valves for hydrocephalus treatment, face challenges in resisting unintentional setting changes due to vibrations, jarring, or unintended magnetic fields, and lack accurate and simplified methods for non-invasive location, orientation, and adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A toolset comprising a positioning tool, an indicator tool, and an adjustment tool is developed to accurately locate and adjust implanted magnetically adjustable devices, using marking guides and sensor arrays to detect the actual valve setting and resist unintended changes, ensuring precise alignment and operation under strong magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If adjustable valves use applied magnetic fields for non-invasive adjustment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional setting changes from vibrations, jarring, or unintended magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism is pre-configured with a specific rotor design featuring arcuate cam surfaces and a ratchet-like engagement system that inherently prevents backward rotation. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that once a setting is achieved through magnetic field application, the valve cannot accidentally revert to a previous setting due to vibrations or unintended magnetic fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam follower acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the rotor and the valve member. It translates the rotor's rotational position into precise valve opening pressure settings while the ratchet mechanism on the cam follower prevents reverse motion, thereby mediating between the magnetic field actuation and the final valve setting to ensure reliability.
2Measurement precision
If MRI machines use strong magnetic fields for imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to potential interference with implanted devices
Solution Approach 1:
The valve's rotor is equipped with magnets that are specifically designed to be responsive to the MRI machine's magnetic field. While the MRI field was originally a potential harmful factor, the invention converts it into a beneficial tool for non-invasive detection and adjustment of the valve setting. The magnets in the rotor allow the MRI field to accurately determine the valve's current setting without causing unintended changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism uses discrete cam surfaces with specific geometric parameters that correspond to different valve opening pressures. By changing the rotor's angular position in discrete increments, each aligning with a specific cam surface, the valve setting is adjusted in predetermined steps. This parameter-based approach ensures that only specific, intended settings can be achieved, preventing continuous or accidental adjustments during MRI exposure.
3Ease of operation
If toolsets use magnetic field detection for locating and adjusting valves, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toolset is designed with multi-functional components. The same tool that applies magnetic fields for adjustment also detects the valve's current setting through magnetic field interaction with the rotor magnets. Additionally, the toolset can locate the implanted valve by detecting the magnetic signature of the rotor. This universal design allows a single tool to perform multiple functions (location, detection, and adjustment), reducing the need for separate specialized devices.
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 toolset enables reliable and precise non-invasive adjustment of implanted valve settings, minimizing unintended changes and improving detection accuracy, even under MRI exposure up to 3.0 Tesla, thus enhancing the stability and effectiveness of hydrocephalus treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor has a rotor magnet that responds to an applied magnetic field by rotating to one of a plurality of angular positions
Implementation Method 2
A magnet is carried by an indicator wheel assembly to detect an actual setting of the implanted valve unit
Data Source
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Figure 1A~4
Figure 5~6A
AI summary
A method and toolset (1060, 1070) capable of remotely moving a rotor of an implanted device in a first arcuate direction and detecting a first limit of travel, moving the rotor in a second, opposite direction and detecting a second limit of travel without altering the current performance setting of the implanted device, comparing the first and second limits of travel with known values for a plurality of selectable performance settings, and indicating the current performance setting of the implanted device.