Thermally Actuated Polymer Valve for Intermittent Flow Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), such as balloon tracheal occlusion, have limitations, including the need for invasive procedures and potential complications, and there is a need for a more controlled and efficient method to manage fluid flow in physiological channels.
Innovation Solution
A thermally activatable valve system that can be implanted in a flow passage, using a polymer that changes phase with temperature to occlude or allow flow, remotely controlled using a heater and power source, enabling intermittent occlusion or opening of the valve, suitable for treating CDH and other conditions by controlling fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a balloon tracheal occlusion procedure is used to treat CDH, then occlusion of the flow passage is achieved, but the procedure requires direct visualization and invasive placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical balloon occlusion system with a thermally-responsive polymer valve system. The polymer automatically responds to temperature changes to control flow, eliminating the need for mechanical balloon inflation and direct visualization procedures. The valve can be remotely actuated through the skin using external heating elements, substituting invasive mechanical placement with non-invasive thermal control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermally-responsive polymer as an intermediary substance that mediates between the external heating source and the flow control function. This polymer acts as a thermal-to-mechanical transducer, converting external thermal energy into internal structural changes that control flow passage occlusion without requiring direct mechanical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a polymer that changes phase with temperature is used to control flow, then remote activation is enabled, but the system requires a heater and power source
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heater and power source components into an externally-applied system rather than implanting them within the body. The heating element is positioned outside the skin and delivers thermal energy through the tissue to the polymer valve, combining the actuation and power delivery functions in a single external device that eliminates the need for implanted power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the tissue and skin as thermal intermediaries to transmit energy from the external heater to the polymer valve. This intermediary approach allows thermal energy to be delivered remotely through the body's natural structures without requiring direct access or implantation of heating components.
3Reliability
If the polymer expands at ambient temperature to block flow, then the valve provides automatic occlusion, but heating is required to open the passageway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic thermal action to control valve state transitions. The external heating system applies thermal energy in controlled periods to open the valve when needed, while the polymer naturally returns to its closed state when cooling occurs. This periodic heating approach minimizes energy consumption by only activating the heater during brief intervals required for valve opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of thermally-responsive polymers that naturally transition between expanded (closed) and contracted (open) states based on temperature. The polymer's inherent phase change behavior provides automatic occlusion without energy input, while requiring minimal thermal energy only to reverse the state when opening is needed.
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 provides controlled and intermittent occlusion of fluid flow, potentially improving treatment outcomes for CDH and other conditions by reducing the need for invasive procedures and allowing for remote activation, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may be provided by a tubing or other conduit having therein a polymer that changes phase upon application of heat. The phase-change of the polymer results in the polymer occluding flow through the valve.
Implementation Method 2
A heater is disposed proximate the polymer for heating the polymer; and a power supply provides power to the heater to cause the heater to heat the polymer and open the passageway in the valve tube.
Data Source
AI summary
Valve implant systems positionable within a flow passage, the systems having an inlet, an outlet, and a remotely activatable valve between the inlet and outlet, with the valves being operable to provide intermittent occlusion of the flow path. A remote field is applied to provide thermal or magnetic activation of the valves.