Implantable Lymph Pump With Magnetic Drive and Kinking Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for lymphedema, such as manual lymphatic drainage and compression therapy, provide only temporary relief and are time-consuming, and there is no cure for the condition, which leads to chronic pain and recurrent infections due to lymph fluid buildup in the body.
Innovation Solution
An implantable pump system connected to catheters that uses a rotor and kinking valves to selectively move lymphatic fluid from an edematous area to an interstitial space, driven by an external controller with a magnetic interface, allowing for controlled fluid redistribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lymphatic drainage via massaging is used to facilitate lymph drainage, then lymph flow is improved temporarily, but it is time consuming and only offers limited and temporary relief
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical massaging with an implantable mechanical pump system that automatically drains lymphatic fluid. The pump uses a rotor-driven mechanism with valves to mechanically move fluid through catheters, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while providing reliable, long-term drainage effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable pump system operates autonomously within the patient's body, requiring no external manual operation. The device self-regulates lymphatic fluid drainage through its integrated pump mechanism and valve system, providing continuous therapeutic effect without requiring patient time investment or external assistance.
2Reliability
If compression therapy is applied to the swollen limb, then lymphatic fluid buildup is reduced, but it requires strict patient compliance, is time consuming and restricts activity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external compression therapy with an internal implantable pump system that actively pumps lymphatic fluid. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for external compression garments that restrict movement, allowing patients to maintain full activity while achieving reliable fluid drainage through the implanted device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the drainage function from external compression therapy and relocates it to an implantable pump system. By taking the active drainage mechanism inside the body, the system eliminates the need for external compression devices that limit patient mobility and require strict compliance with wearing schedules.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If an implantable pump system is used to drain lymphatic fluid, then a more permanent solution is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable pump system employs a nested structure where the rotor is positioned within the housing, valves are integrated into the fluid pathway, and catheters are inserted through the device body. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device footprint and reduces complexity by eliminating the need for separate external components and connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated implantable device: the pump housing contains the rotor mechanism, inlet and outlet valves are integrated into the fluid pathway, and catheter connections are built-in. This merging of components reduces system complexity compared to having separate external pumps, valves, and tubing that would require multiple connection points and external power sources.
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 system effectively reduces lymph fluid buildup, alleviating symptoms of lymphedema and related conditions by providing a more permanent solution compared to existing therapies, with the potential to improve lymphatic flow and manage neurodegenerative disease effects.
Implementation Method 1
an external controller that is exterior to the patient and positioned in proximity to the implantable pump such that a magnetic portion of the external controller magnetically interfaces with a magnetic portion of the implantable pump
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a bodily fluid management system for pumping bodily fluid such as lymph. The bodily fluid management system may include an implantable pump with a rotor having a magnetic portion and inlet and outlet tubes that connect to a fluid chamber. The fluid chamber has a volume that can be selectively reduced or increased via the rotor. The rotor is designed to periodically open and close kinking valves at each of the inlet and outlet tube to permit bodily fluid to enter the fluid chamber during an intake cycle and exit the fluid chamber during a discharge cycle. The magnetic portion of the rotor may be caused to rotate by an external controller that is positioned outside of the body and adjacent to the pump. The external controller may have a magnet that magnetically interfaces with the rotor to cause the rotor to rotate.