Body Lumen Flow Valve With Flexible Constriction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices fail to provide controlled, periodic, or intermittent fluid communication and access between body lumens, leading to unidirectional flow that may not meet the needs of various medical conditions requiring controlled drainage or infusion.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an elongate tubular body that expands into proximal and distal retention members, featuring a saddle region with a flexible member or collar that can constrict or expand in response to force, allowing controlled flow or access between body lumens, and optionally includes a reservoir for therapeutic agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an open access path is provided by the medical device, then fluid and debris can flow continuously from the pancreatic pseudocyst into the stomach or duodenum, but the device cannot provide controlled periodic or intermittent drainage required by various medical conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic valve mechanism within the medical device that can transition between open and closed states. The valve is positioned within the tubular body to control fluid flow through the device, enabling it to switch from continuous drainage mode to controlled intermittent drainage mode based on therapeutic requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a valve that can be adjusted to change flow parameters such as opening size, closure timing, and flow rate. This allows the device to adapt its drainage characteristics to match different medical conditions and treatment protocols, providing both continuous and controlled periodic drainage capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible member is configured to constrict the saddle region to control flow, then periodic or intermittent access can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible member (such as a balloon or collapsible tube) disposed around the saddle region that can be inflated or expanded to constrict the lumen and control fluid flow. This flexible mechanism provides effective flow control while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure compared to rigid valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex mechanical valve systems with a simpler flexible constriction mechanism that can be controlled through inflation/deflation or expansion/contraction of the flexible member, reducing mechanical complexity while achieving the same 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
Enables controlled delivery of therapeutic agents and suction of fluids or debris, minimizing patient discomfort by allowing flexible and adjustable flow or access between body lumens, suitable for various medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible member may be disposed around the saddle region and along at least a portion of the length of the saddle region. The flexible member may be configured to constrict at least a portion of the length of the saddle region.
Implementation Method 2
The flexible member and the constricted portion of the length of the saddle region may be configured to move from a first diameter configuration to an expanded second diameter configuration in response to a threshold level of force
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for establishing a controlled flow or access passage between body lumens.