Adjustment Circuit Assembly for Hydrocephalus Shunt Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustable shunt valves for hydrocephalus treatment are difficult to determine and adjust settings, especially incompatibility with MRI procedures, leading to potential harmful setting alterations.
Innovation Solution
An implantable flow control device with a valve and adjustment circuit assembly using a resistive element and electromagnetic fields to alter pressure settings, allowing non-contact reading and adjustment via a handheld tool, avoiding magnetic interference during MRI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic mechanisms are used to adjust valve settings, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to MRI interference causing harmful setting alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes magnetic components from the valve mechanism entirely, extracting the source of MRI interference. The adjustment mechanism is replaced with a non-magnetic system that uses a different physical principle (mechanical or electrical) to avoid the harmful effects of magnetic fields during MRI procedures while maintaining ease of operation through alternative adjustment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism between the user and the valve setting adjustment. Instead of direct magnetic interaction, a non-magnetic intermediary system is used that can be adjusted externally or through a different mechanism that does not involve magnetic fields, thereby protecting the valve settings from MRI-induced alterations.
2Measurement precision
If x-ray imaging is used to determine valve settings, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to x-ray exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the x-ray imaging system with a non-ionizing alternative such as ultrasound or optical imaging. This substitution maintains the ability to precisely determine valve settings and monitor CSF flow while eliminating the harmful effects of repeated x-ray exposure to the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for imaging from ionizing radiation (x-rays) to non-ionizing radiation or other detection methods. This parameter change allows for continuous monitoring of valve settings and CSF flow without accumulating harmful radiation exposure, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing harmful factors.
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 and safe adjustment of pressure settings without x-ray exposure, maintaining desired valve settings during and after MRI procedures.
Implementation Method 1
adjustment circuit assembly using a resistive element and electromagnetic fields to alter pressure settings
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable medical device is disclosed that includes a valve seat and a valve member movable with respect to the valve seat. An adjustment circuit assembly includes a resistive element that is coupled to the valve member and operable to position the valve member relative to the valve seat so as to alter the pressure setting in response to a current applied to the resistive element.