Universal Electronic Toolset for Programmable Implantable Valves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Medical personnel face challenges in using electronic toolsets for adjusting multiple generations of programmable implantable bodily fluid drainage valves, as each generation often requires a specific toolset, and it can be unclear which generation of valve is implanted, leading to inefficiencies and the need for multiple toolsets to be stored and correctly matched.

Innovation Solution

A universal electronic toolset that can automatically switch between different generations of programmable implantable valves with or without orientation functionality, using a magnetic field detection sensor array to determine the presence of a fixed reference magnet and adjust valve settings accordingly, either electronically or manually.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a specific electronic toolset is used for each generation of programmable implantable valve, then the valve setting can be accurately adjusted, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase due to needing multiple toolset versions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve setting adjustment accuracyVSAvoidtoolset version management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic toolset is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple generations of programmable implantable valves. The system includes a sensor array that can detect different valve types and automatically adapt its operation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized toolset versions while maintaining accurate valve setting adjustment across all valve generations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple versions of electronic toolset are stored for different valve generations, then compatibility with specific valve types is ensured, but the loss of time for identifying and selecting the correct toolset increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoolset-valve compatibilityVSAvoidtoolset selection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic toolset automatically identifies the specific generation and type of implanted valve using its sensor array, and self-adjusts its operation mode accordingly. This eliminates the need for clinicians to manually identify and select the appropriate toolset version, as the system performs compatibility detection and configuration automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The toolset pre-configures itself by detecting valve characteristics before adjustment operations begin. The sensor array scans for valve-specific features and pre-loads the appropriate communication protocol and adjustment parameters, so that when the clinician initiates valve adjustment, the correct settings are already in place

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual identification of valve generation is required, then the correct toolset can be selected, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional steps and potential for error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect toolset selectionVSAvoidtoolset usage simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical process of identifying valve generation through physical examination or record review is replaced with an automated electronic detection system. The sensor array electronically scans for valve-specific magnetic or radio frequency signatures, automatically determining valve generation and type without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while dramatically improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 and accurate adjustment of valve settings across various valve generations without additional clinician input, reducing the need for multiple toolsets and minimizing errors in identifying the correct toolset for the implanted valve.

Implementation Method 1

using a magnetic field detection sensor array to determine the presence of a fixed reference magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10888692B2Electronic toolset for use with multiple generations of implantable programmable valves with or without orientation functionality based on a fixed reference magnet

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 INTEGRA LIFESCI SWITZERLAND SARL

AI summary

A method for using a universal electronic toolset for indicating and adjusting of an implantable programmable bodily fluid drainage valve regardless of whether the valve includes a fixed reference magnet used to determine an angle of orientation of the implantable programmable bodily fluid drainage valve or not. A magnetic field detection sensor array in an indicator tool of the electronic toolset determines whether the fixed reference magnet is present in the implantable programmable bodily fluid drainage valve. If the presence of the fixed reference magnet is detected then the center and direction of flow of the adjustable valve unit is ascertained via electronic feedback from the electronic toolset; otherwise, the center and direction flow is ascertained via exclusively by manual physical palpation of the valve.