Variable Inductance Vascular Implants for Wireless IVC Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular monitoring devices, particularly for the inferior vena cava (IVC), face challenges due to their catheter-based nature, inconsistent results, and the difficulty in precise positioning of sensors, which are exacerbated by the IVC's compliance and asymmetric expansion, making reliable wireless monitoring difficult.
Innovation Solution
Implantable devices with expandable and collapsible variable inductance coils that move with the IVC wall, forming a resonant circuit with a capacitance to accurately measure vessel dimensions and fluid status, using anchoring structures to maintain position without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical impedance-based systems with electrodes are used to monitor IVC dimensions, then measurement capability is provided, but precise positioning becomes difficult due to asymmetric expansion and non-symmetric electrode placement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical impedance-based mechanical electrode positioning with a wireless resonant circuit system that uses electromagnetic fields. The resonant frequency of the coil naturally responds to IVC dimensional changes without requiring precise mechanical electrode placement, eliminating the positioning difficulty inherent in traditional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical impedance (requiring electrode placement) to resonant frequency (independent of placement). The resonant frequency of the coil naturally varies with IVC dimensions, providing measurement capability without precise positioning requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid anchoring structures are used to maintain implant position in IVC, then positioning stability is improved, but IVC wall distortion increases due to the compliant nature of the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible resonant coil structure that can adapt to IVC wall movements rather than rigidly resisting them. The coil's flexibility allows it to maintain contact with the compliant vessel wall without causing distortion, while still providing stable positioning through the resonant frequency response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static rigid anchoring to dynamic adaptive positioning. The resonant coil naturally adjusts to IVC dimensional changes through its flexible construction, maintaining measurement accuracy and positioning stability simultaneously without distorting the compliant vessel wall
3Ease of operation
If wireless monitoring systems are deployed in IVC, then patient mobility and comfort are improved, but system complexity increases due to deployment and fixation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-positioning resonant coil that utilizes the IVC's own dimensional changes to provide positioning feedback. The coil's resonant frequency naturally responds to vessel movements, eliminating the need for complex external fixation mechanisms and enabling wireless monitoring with minimal system complexity
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 accurate estimation of fluid status, fluid responsiveness, and heart rate by correlating resonant frequency changes to IVC geometry, providing reliable wireless monitoring for heart failure detection.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance which together with the variable inductance coil forms a variable inductance resonant circuit having a variable characteristic frequency correlated to the diameter or area of the expandable and collapsible variable inductance coil
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless, variable inductance and resonant circuit-based vascular monitoring devices, systems, methodologies, and techniques, including specifically configured anchoring structures for same, are disclosed that can be used to assist healthcare professionals in predicting, preventing, and diagnosing various heart-related and other health conditions.