Programmable Shunt Valve Assembly With Magnetic Brake Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetically adjustable shunts for treating hydrocephalus are susceptible to pressure changes from strong magnetic fields, require radiopaque markers for setting verification, and programmers are bulky and require wall connections.
Innovation Solution
A surgically-implantable shunt valve assembly with a magnetically operable motor powered by an external magnetic field, allowing pressure adjustment without physical connections or batteries, resistant to environmental magnetic fields, and featuring a mechanism for non-invasive pressure setting verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a magnetic valve assembly is used for shunt pressure adjustment, then non-invasive pressure adjustment is enabled, but the valve becomes susceptible to pressure changes from strong environmental magnetic fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of environmental magnetic fields into a beneficial feature by implementing a magnetic brake mechanism that is activated by these same fields. The magnetic brake uses the environmental magnetic field to generate braking torque on the rotor, preventing unintended rotation and pressure changes during MRI procedures or exposure to other strong magnetic sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic brake mechanism is designed to preemptively counteract the effects of environmental magnetic fields before they can cause unwanted valve pressure changes. The brake is positioned to engage with the rotor and provide resistive torque that opposes any magnetic field-induced rotation, thereby preventing the harmful effect from occurring.
2Measurement precision
If radiopaque markers are used for pressure setting verification, then the pressure setting can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic indicator as an intermediary element that provides pressure setting verification without requiring radiopaque markers. The magnetic indicator's position can be detected by an external magnetic sensor, allowing non-invasive verification of the pressure setting through magnetic field interactions rather than requiring X-ray detectable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/radiological verification system (radiopaque markers detected by X-ray) with a magnetic detection system. The magnetic indicator and external magnetic sensor provide a non-invasive, real-time method for verifying pressure settings without the complexity of radiopaque materials and imaging equipment.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional programmer is used for pressure adjustment, then pressure settings can be changed, but the programmer is bulky and requires wall connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical programmer with a compact magnetic field generation system. Instead of using large mechanical components and wall connections, the system uses electromagnetic coils that can generate the necessary magnetic fields for rotor actuation and magnetic indicator detection in a portable, handheld device format.
Solution Approach 2:
The external device is designed to perform multiple functions: generating magnetic fields for rotor actuation, detecting the magnetic indicator position for pressure setting verification, and providing user interface controls. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate bulky components into a single portable unit.
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, non-invasive adjustment of shunt valve pressure settings resistant to environmental magnetic interference, eliminating the need for radiopaque markers and bulky programmers.
Implementation Method 1
A surgically-implantable shunt valve assembly with a magnetically operable motor powered by an external magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An externally programmable shunt valve assembly that includes a motor having a rotor that is operable in response to an externally applied magnetic field and configured to increase or decrease the working pressure of the shunt valve assembly. The motor may further include a position sensing mechanism that allows a position of the rotor, and associated pressure setting of the valve, to be determined using an external magnetic sensor. In certain examples the motor further includes a mechanical brake that is magnetically operable between a locked position and an unlocked position and which, in the locked position, prevents rotation of the rotor.