Thoracic Duct Lymphatic Drainage Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current therapies for volume overload in heart failure and pulmonary edema primarily rely on systemic pharmaceutical diuresis or direct vascular drainage, which are inadequate in reducing interstitial fluid imbalance and often lead to high readmission rates and complications such as renal failure, highlighting the need for a therapy that effectively manages and drains the lymphatic system.
Innovation Solution
A device and method enabling repeated fluid communication between an internal body vessel and an extracorporeal reservoir, using a cannula to access and drain lymphatic fluid from the thoracic duct, which can be secured with stabilizing members and equipped with sensors and valves to control fluid flow, allowing for minimally invasive and safe drainage of lymphatic fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If systemic pharmaceutical diuresis or direct vascular drainage is used, then fluid removal is achieved, but interstitial fluid imbalance is inadequately reduced and complications such as renal failure occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drainage function from the vascular system and places it directly in the lymphatic system by implanting a device in the thoracic duct. This allows direct removal of interstitial fluid through lymphatic drainage rather than relying on systemic diuresis or vascular drainage, thereby improving fluid removal effectiveness while avoiding renal complications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an implanted drainage device as an intermediary between the lymphatic system and external collection. This mediator enables controlled, continuous drainage of lymphatic fluid without requiring repeated invasive procedures or relying on compromised renal function, resolving the contradiction between effective fluid removal and renal safety
2Quantity of substance
If open surgery and acute cannulation of the thoracic duct are used, then lymphatic fluid drainage is achieved, but the procedure is highly invasive with significant surgical risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by implanting the drainage device during an initial procedure, which then provides continuous drainage functionality without requiring repeated acute cannulation or open surgery. The implanted device remains in place to manage lymphatic fluid continuously, reducing subsequent surgical interventions and associated risks
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted device provides self-service by automatically draining lymphatic fluid through its positioned catheter in the thoracic duct without requiring repeated surgical intervention. The device maintains continuous functionality once implanted, eliminating the need for repeated invasive procedures and reducing overall surgical risk
3Quantity of substance
If the drainage device is placed in the thoracic duct, then lymphatic fluid can be drained, but the device must remain stable and secure in position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drainage device into distinct functional components: an implanted portion with stabilization elements (such as anchors or fixation mechanisms) that secure the device in the thoracic duct, and a drainage catheter portion that extends to collect and remove lymphatic fluid. This segmentation allows the stabilization function to be optimized separately from the drainage function, ensuring both secure positioning and effective fluid removal
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for draining excess lymph fluid are disclosed. The device can be fixed to the blood vessel adjacent to the thoracic duct. The device can have a port for withdrawing lymph fluid exiting the thoracic duct. The device can have a cannula and/or subcutaneous port to draw the lymph fluid away from the thoracic duct and reduce hemostatic pressure in the lymphatic system.