Magnetically Actuated Glaucoma Shunts for Titratable Aqueous Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glaucoma treatments require invasive surgical procedures for adjusting fluid flow through shunts, which can be costly, time-consuming, and risky, and may lead to complications such as hypotony.
Innovation Solution
Implantable shunts with individually actuatable flow control elements that allow non-invasive adjustment of fluid flow through ports and channels, using energy-actuated actuators to block or unblock ports, enabling post-implant adjustments without additional surgeries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If invasive surgical procedures are used to adjust fluid flow through shunts, then the ability to control fluid flow is achieved, but the risk of complications and the need for additional surgeries increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/surgical adjustment methods with a magnetic actuation system. Flow control elements are actuated remotely using magnetic fields generated by an external actuator, eliminating the need for invasive surgical procedures to adjust fluid flow through the shunt.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the external operator and the internal flow control elements. The magnetic actuator outside the body interacts with magnetic components inside the shunt to control fluid flow without direct physical contact or surgical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If invasive surgical procedures are used to adjust fluid flow, then flow control is achieved, but the cost and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming surgical procedures with rapid magnetic actuation. Flow control elements can be adjusted in real-time or near-real-time using external magnetic fields, eliminating the need for lengthy surgical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of fluid flow without surgical intervention. The magnetic actuation system allows for flexible, on-demand modification of flow control element positions, enabling clinicians to respond quickly to changing patient conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple flow control elements are used to provide titratable therapy, then the precision of fluid flow regulation increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow control function into multiple independently actuatable elements. Each flow control element can be controlled separately by the magnetic actuator, allowing for precise titration of fluid flow by selectively positioning individual elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single magnetic actuator to control multiple flow control elements, making the actuator a multi-functional device. This universal actuator can position different flow control elements to achieve various flow rates, reducing the need for multiple separate control mechanisms.
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
Provides a titratable glaucoma therapy by allowing clinicians to precisely regulate fluid flow based on patient needs, reducing the risk of complications and minimizing invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator having a body and a flow control element moveable between a first open position by the actuator permitting fluid to flow into the drainage element via the port and a second closed position by the actuator substantially preventing fluid from flowing into the drainage element via the port
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is directed to adjustable shunts for treating glaucoma. In particular, some embodiments provide shunts having a plurality of individually actuatable flow control elements that can control the flow of fluid through associated ports and/or flow lumens. For example, each individually actuatable flow control element can be actuated to block and/or unblock a corresponding port and/or flow lumen. Accordingly, the shunts described herein can be manipulated into a variety of configurations that provide different drainage rates based on whether the ports and/or flow lumens are blocked or unblocked, therefore providing a titratable glaucoma therapy for draining aqueous from the anterior chamber of the eye.