Intraocular Shunt with Shape Memory Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraocular shunting systems for glaucoma treatment require invasive procedures for adjusting outflow resistance, which can lead to complications such as hypotony and are inconvenient for patients, as they necessitate frequent monitoring and surgical interventions to manage fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
The development of intraocular shunting systems with a drainage element and a flow control assembly that includes a rotational control element and shape memory actuation elements, allowing for non-invasive adjustment of fluid flow post-implantation by changing the resistance through apertures, enabling clinicians to selectively regulate pressure and flow without additional surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive procedures are used to adjust outflow resistance in intraocular shunting systems, then the drainage rate can be controlled, but the risk of complications such as hypotony increases and patient convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive adjustment system with a shape memory alloy-based actuation system. The shape memory alloy elements can be remotely actuated to rotate the control element, changing aperture resistance without requiring invasive surgical procedures. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of repeated surgical interventions while maintaining drainage rate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a shape memory alloy actuator as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the drainage element. This intermediary enables non-invasive adjustment by translating remote actuation signals into rotational movement of the control element, thereby adjusting aperture resistance without direct surgical intervention.
2Reliability
If invasive surgical interventions are performed frequently to manage fluid flow, then the drainage rate can be adjusted, but patient convenience deteriorates and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for repeated surgical interventions with a remotely actuated shape memory alloy system. The shape memory alloy elements can be controlled externally to adjust the control element position, enabling fluid flow management without frequent surgical procedures and significantly improving patient convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory alloy actuation system enables the device to adjust its own drainage characteristics in response to remote actuation signals. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for external surgical intervention, allowing the system to manage fluid flow autonomously and improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If a fixed drainage element is used in intraocular shunting systems, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to changing patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed drainage element into a dynamic system by incorporating a rotatable control element actuated by shape memory alloy. The control element can rotate to different positions, dynamically adjusting aperture resistance and drainage rate according to changing patient needs. This dynamic capability is achieved through the shape memory alloy's ability to change shape in response to thermal or magnetic stimuli.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or configuration of the control element through shape memory alloy actuation. By altering the shape memory alloy's configuration (through temperature or magnetic field changes), the control element rotates to different positions, changing the aperture resistance parameter and thereby adapting the drainage rate to varying patient requirements.
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
This solution allows for precise regulation of fluid flow, reducing the need for invasive procedures, minimizing complications, and providing long-term effectiveness by enabling remote adjustment of drainage rates based on patient needs, thus improving the management of glaucoma without the risks associated with frequent surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one shape memory actuation element that, when actuated, pivots or otherwise rotates the control element relative to the drainage element
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to intraocular shunting systems and methods. In some embodiments, the present technology includes intraocular shunting systems that include a drainage element having an inflow portion configured for placement within an anterior chamber of the eye outside of an optical field of view of the patient and an outflow portion configured for placement at a different location of the eye. The system can also include a flow control assembly having a rotational control element operably coupled to the drainage element. The flow control assembly can further include an actuation structure coupled to the rotational control element and configured to selectively change an orientation of the rotational control element. An amount of fluid through the inflow portion and/or the outflow portion can vary based on the selected orientation of the rotational control element.