Adjustable Interatrial Shunts With Preferential Heating Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable medical devices using superelastic and shape memory materials face challenges with high energy requirements for targeted heating and asymmetric actuation times due to poor electrical and thermal conductivity, leading to potential bodily injuries and inefficient energy use.
Innovation Solution
A composite body with a conductive layer having gaps or discontinuities that create variable resistivity, allowing preferential heating of specific regions with reduced energy and faster actuation times by directing energy to portions with higher stored thermo-elastic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If superelastic and shape memory materials are used in implantable devices, then the devices can achieve desired mechanical functions and shape changes, but the energy required for heating increases significantly due to poor electrical and thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines superelastic/shape memory materials with highly conductive materials (such as metals) to create composite structures. This allows the device to maintain the mechanical properties and shape memory effects of the original material while the conductive component provides efficient electrical and thermal conduction, reducing the energy required for heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive component that acts as a bridge between the energy source and the shape memory material. This intermediary material with high electrical and thermal conductivity facilitates efficient energy transfer, reducing energy loss and the total energy required to achieve the desired heating effect.
2Use of energy by moving object
If uniform conductive material is used throughout the implantable device, then electrical conduction is improved, but energy is distributed uniformly causing excessive energy consumption and potential tissue injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies conductive material non-uniformly, with varying concentrations or thicknesses at different locations along the device. Regions with higher conductive material concentration receive more energy, while regions with lower concentration receive less energy. This localized variation in conductivity allows precise control over energy distribution, delivering energy only where needed and preventing excessive heating in non-target areas, thus reducing the risk of tissue injury.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape memory actuators are used for flow control, then device functionality is improved, but actuation time is asymmetric with slow deactivation due to poor thermal conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive intermediary material that facilitates rapid heat transfer from the heating element to the shape memory actuator and subsequently to the surrounding environment. This intermediary component enables faster thermal equilibrium, reducing both actuation and deactivation times, thereby making the actuation profile more symmetric and improving the responsiveness of the flow control function.
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
Reduces the total energy required for shape changes and minimizes actuation time by focusing heating on regions with significant strain, enhancing safety and efficiency in medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
resistive (Joule) heating to generate the shape memory effect
Implementation Method 2
the resistivity of the conductive path is greater at the discontinuity
Implementation Method 3
the shape memory effect is achieved when the entire implant, or portions thereof, are deformed to store thermo-elastic energy that is subsequently released, the deformation being recovered upon the application of heat
Implementation Method 4
a portion of the shape memory material is configured to undergo a shape memory change
Implementation Method 5
improve the conductivity of the superelastic or shape memory material
Implementation Method 6
Deactivation of the actuator typically occurs by free convective heat transfer to the ambient environment
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is generally directed to implantable medical devices and associated methods. For example, a system configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include a body implantable into a patient and configured to undergo a shape change, the body having a conductive path with variable conductivity in portions thereof for selective and/or preferential heating. The body can be coupled with an energy source that can delivery energy to the body and/or conductive path, to promote the shape change in the body.