Magnetically Coupled Implantable Pump for Gastric Band Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remotely adjustable gastric band systems face challenges such as tissue heating due to internal electrical power and conflicting design parameters like size, power dissipation, flow rate, and MRI considerations, which are not adequately addressed in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A remotely adjustable gastric band system utilizing a magnetically coupled implantable device with an external controller, where a non-implantable magnet rotates to move a piston within the implantable device, filling or draining the gastric band without internal electric power, thereby minimizing tissue heating and addressing design parameter conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If internal electrical power is used to drive the pump motor, then the pump can be actuated, but tissue heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical motor system with a magnetic coupling system. An external magnetically-driven pump motor transfers rotational motion through the skin to an internal pump mechanism without using internal electrical power sources, thereby eliminating tissue heating while maintaining pump actuation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external controller and the internal pump mechanism. The magnetic coupling allows power and motion transmission through the skin without direct electrical contact, serving as a mediator that avoids the harmful thermal effects of internal electrical heating
2Volume of moving object
If the pump size is reduced to be more implantable, then device compactness is improved, but power dissipation and flow rate control become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for internal electrical power sources and large motors with a magnetically-coupled external motor system. This allows the internal pump component to be miniaturized while the power generation occurs externally, resolving the conflict between small size and power dissipation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the motor function from the internal three-dimensional space to the external domain, separating the power generation function from the pump mechanism. This dimensional separation allows the implanted device to be compact while maintaining adequate power delivery through magnetic coupling
3Power
If piezo elements are used to actuate the pump, then the pump can be driven, but patient tissue heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces piezoelectric actuation with magnetic coupling. Instead of using piezo elements that convert electrical energy to mechanical motion internally (causing heating), the system uses external magnetic fields to drive the pump mechanism, eliminating the source of tissue heating
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 allows for non-invasive adjustment of gastric bands with reduced tissue heating and improved efficiency, as power dissipation is minimized, and the system is more compact and efficient, reducing heating and accommodating MRI considerations.
Implementation Method 1
The external controller includes a magnet that generates a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
A magnetically coupled implantable device with an external controller
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetically coupled, implantable pump system comprises an external controller and an implantable device. A non-implantable magnet in an external controller produces a magnetic field that couples the non-implantable magnet to a magnet in the implantable device. A non-implantable motor moves the non-implantable magnet in a rotational direction. When the non-implantable magnet moves in the rotational direction, a piston coupled to the magnet moves within the implantable device. As the piston moves, an amount of fluid from a reservoir in the implantable device moves out of the reservoir and into an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device may also move fluid out of the inflatable portion of the gastric band.