Remote Magnetic Flow Regulator for Glaucoma Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glaucoma drainage devices rely solely on pressure differential for fluid flow, which can lead to detrimental hypotony and eventual failure due to scarring at the drainage site, failing to actively regulate intraocular pressure effectively.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled magnetic flow control system that includes a housing with inlet and outlet ports, a fluid flow passageway, and a regulator displaced by a magnetic element, allowing for active adjustment of fluid flow through the device using a separate control device that can be worn externally, such as an eyeglass frame, to manage intraocular pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive pressure differential flow control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow regulation capability and reliability deteriorate due to inability to actively control flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical pressure differential flow control with an active magnetic field-based flow regulation system. The magnetic element responds to external magnetic fields generated by the control device, enabling active control of the regulator's position and thus active flow regulation, overcoming the limitations of passive pressure-driven flow
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic element acts as an intermediary between the external control device and the internal flow regulation mechanism. It transmits control signals from the external control device to the regulator within the flow device, enabling remote active flow control without direct mechanical connection
2Ease of manufacture
If passive drainage device is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ability to prevent hypotony and scarring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flow regulation capability to the previously static passive drainage device. The regulator can be actively adjusted through magnetic field actuation to optimize flow in real-time, enabling the system to adapt to changing ocular conditions and prevent hypotony and scarring that occur with passive devices
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates sensors that monitor ocular pressure and flow conditions, providing feedback to the magnetic field generator. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adjustment of flow regulation to maintain optimal IOP and prevent complications like hypotony and scarring
3Reliability
If active magnetic flow control is implemented, then flow regulation capability is improved, but device complexity and control system requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control electronics and power source from the implanted flow device and places them in an external wearable control device. This separation reduces the complexity of the implanted device while maintaining active flow regulation capability, as only the simple magnetic element and regulator need to be implanted
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 regulates fluid flow and intraocular pressure by actively adjusting the flow through the drainage device, even when pressure differentials are low, preventing hypotony and prolonged scarring issues, thus maintaining desired ocular health.
Implementation Method 1
a control device physically separate from the flow device and configured to be disposed outside the eye, the control device comprising an actuator magnetic field generator configured to act on the magnetic element to adjust the regulator in the flow system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for implantation in an eye of a patient includes a flow device sized for implantation into the eye of the patient. The flow device includes a fluid flow passageway and a flow system. The flow system may include a regulator having a magnetic element, and may be displaceable in the fluid flow passageway to affect flow through the fluid flow passageway. The system may also include a control device physically separate from the flow device and configured to be disposed outside the eye, the control device comprising an actuator magnetic field generator configured to act on the magnetic element to adjust the regulator in the flow system to selectively adjust flow through the flow device in response to changes in intraocular pressure.