Transdermal MR-Conditional Implant Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical implants for treating erectile dysfunction and incontinence face challenges with inefficient power transmission and MRI compatibility due to the use of ferrous materials and internal batteries, leading to discomfort and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A MR-Safe or MR-Conditional apparatus using a nonferrous motor, fluid pump, and valve combination powered transdermally, with a medical provider software application and patient external controller for efficient energy transfer and control, eliminating the need for internal batteries and reducing surgical impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If ferrous materials and internal batteries are used in medical implants, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but MRI compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ferrous materials and internal batteries from the implant, extracting the problematic components that cause MRI incompatibility. The implant becomes a passive device that receives power transdermally, eliminating the conflict between power storage and MRI safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/internal power system (batteries) with a transdermal wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic induction. This substitution allows the implant to function without internal energy sources that would compromise MRI compatibility.
2Use of energy by moving object
If close-coupled magnetic induction is used for transdermal power transmission, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but implant placement comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the power transmission function into two independent components: an external transmitter that the patient controls and an internal passive receiver in the implant. This segmentation allows the implant to be placed in anatomically appropriate locations without requiring the external transmitter to be in direct contact or close proximity at all times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the patient's body tissue as an intermediary medium for power transmission, allowing energy to pass through the skin and tissue to reach the implant. This eliminates the need for direct coupling or implantation in sensitive areas like the scrotum or labia.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual pump and reversing switch are implanted in scrotum or labia, then treatment functionality is improved, but patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pump and reversing switch from sensitive anatomical locations (scrotum or labia) and places them in more comfortable locations. The pump can be implanted in the abdomen or other less sensitive areas, while the reversing switch remains external and controllable by the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pump system with an electrically driven pump controlled by wireless signals. This eliminates the need for manual manipulation of implanted mechanical components in sensitive areas, improving patient comfort while maintaining treatment functionality.
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 efficient, rapid inflation and deflation of medical implants with minimal MRI restrictions, improved comfort, and reduced surgical intervention, while maintaining high reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
external alternating current power is transmitted transdermally by close-coupled magnetic induction typically operating in the band from 100 KHz to 200 KHz and forming an air core electrical transformer with its primary winding external to the patient and its secondary winding internal to the patient
Implementation Method 2
Full-wave Schottky diode bridge rectifiers with electromagnetic interference filters are known to convert the secondary winding's varying alternating current voltage into varying direct current voltage
Implementation Method 3
one or more linear voltage regulators are used to convert the varying direct current voltage to stable direct current voltage to power the electronics and the motor. These linear voltage regulators waste transmitted energy and can generate significant heat in the implant
Data Source
AI summary
A wirelessly powered inflatable medical implant system includes a medical provider software application, a patient external controller and a MR-Conditional, nonferrous pump in reservoir implant. The medical provider software application programs the patient external controller for the patient to transmit wireless power and control signals to circuitry in a pump in reservoir implant. In response, the pump in reservoir implant, containing a fluid reservoir and pump package submerged therein, transfers fluid from the reservoir through tubing, and into one or more inflatable medical implants. Submerging the pump package within the reservoir simplifies surgery in males and pump placement in females and provides pump package heatsinking to limit implant overheating.