Adjustable Glaucoma Shunt With Magnetic Flow Gating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma treatments require frequent and invasive procedures to adjust the outflow resistance of implanted shunts, which can lead to complications such as hypotony and increased costs, as patients need regular monitoring and surgical interventions to manage intraocular pressure.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable flow glaucoma shunts with a flow control assembly that includes an anchoring element, actuation elements, and a gating element, allowing for non-invasive energy-based adjustment of fluid flow through the shunt post-implantation, using shape memory materials to selectively block or unblock the lumen and regulate pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional glaucoma shunts are used, then fluid flow can be managed, but adjustment requires invasive procedures that increase risk and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical adjustment system (requiring surgical intervention) with a magnetic actuation system. The flow control element is adjusted remotely using magnetic fields generated by an external actuator, eliminating the need for invasive procedures to modify shunt resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the external controller and the internal flow control element. The magnetic actuator transfers energy and control signals through tissue without direct contact, enabling non-invasive adjustment of the shunt's flow resistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable flow control is implemented, then treatment can be optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shunt system into distinct functional modules: the passive shunt structure for fluid transport, the magnetic flow control element for resistance adjustment, and the external actuator for control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic flow control mechanism where the flow control element can change its resistance characteristics in response to magnetic actuation. This dynamic capability allows the shunt to adapt to changing patient needs without requiring structural redesign of the entire device.
3Loss of time
If non-invasive adjustment is used, then recovery time is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the flow control element's position or resistance state can be sensed and communicated back to the control system. This feedback loop ensures that remote magnetic actuation achieves the desired flow resistance with precision comparable to surgical adjustment.
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 precise regulation of fluid flow without additional invasive surgeries, reducing the risk of complications and costs by allowing clinicians to adjust the shunt's drainage rate based on individual patient needs, thereby improving the management of glaucoma without the need for frequent surgical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
the actuation element is composed of a shape memory material and is configured to transition the gating element from the first position to and/or toward the second position
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to adjustable flow glaucoma shunts and methods for making and using such devices. In many of the embodiments described herein, the shunts include a generally flat frame. The frame can include an elongated portion having a lumen extending therethrough and a bladder portion defining an interior chamber that is in fluid communication with the lumen. When implanted in a patient's eye, aqueous can drain from the anterior chamber to a target outflow location via the lumen and interior chamber. In some embodiments, the shunts include a flow control assembly positioned within the interior chamber of the bladder portion to control the flow of aqueous through the lumen.