Wearable Neck Device for Hydrocephalus via Jugular Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for hydrocephalus are invasive and do not effectively address the asymmetrical behavior of the intracranial system, leading to increased resistance and decreased fluid flow, which contributes to the formation of the condition.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that compresses and decompresses the jugular veins at the neck, synchronized with the heart rate, to generate a counter-pulsation that adjusts the natural CSF pulsation and reduces the asymmetry effect of the Starling resistor, thereby treating hydrocephalus non-invasively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive prosthetic systems are used to decrease CSF pulsating pressure, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the invasiveness and complexity of the treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical prosthetic systems with a non-invasive wearable device that uses external mechanical compression and decompression forces applied to the neck region to achieve the same therapeutic effect of modulating CSF pulsation without requiring surgical implantation
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the intracranial system, using compression forces applied externally to the neck to indirectly modulate the Starling resistor effect and CSF pulsation, avoiding direct intervention in the cranial cavity
2Ease of operation
If a balloon is inflated in the jugular veins to restore vein flow, then the Starling resistor is re-opened, but the brain blood flow is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous balloon inflation, the patent employs periodic compression and decompression cycles applied externally to the neck, creating rhythmic modulation of venous flow that restores Starling resistor function without sustained obstruction of blood flow to the brain
Solution Approach 2:
The external compression device applies counteracting forces to the physiological mechanisms causing Starling resistor collapse, using controlled external pressure to balance the internal pressure dynamics without creating the harmful side effects of intravenous balloon inflation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the intracranial system exhibits asymmetrical behavior during systole and diastole, then the natural CSF pulsation occurs, but the resistance increases and fluid flow decreases during diastole
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device applies preliminary compression forces during specific phases of the cardiac cycle to counteract the impending increase in resistance during diastole, preventing the asymmetrical behavior from causing flow reduction rather than merely responding to it after it occurs
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 device provides a non-invasive, effective treatment for hydrocephalus by modifying blood flow and intracranial pulsation, simplifying medical procedures and improving patient outcomes without the need for hospitalization.
Implementation Method 1
Said pushing means is positioned so as to compress and decompress the neck at the jugular veins
Implementation Method 2
generate a counter-pulsation that adjusts the natural CSF pulsation
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (100) wearable at a user's neck, which device (100) comprises: - a main body (10) provided with movable pushing means (11), - a control unit (20) configured to receive as input data associated with the user's heart rate and to generate a corresponding output signal (20'), wherein said output signal (20') determines a pulsating movement of said pushing means (11) according to the heart rate and wherein said pushing means (11) is positioned so as to compress and decompress the neck at the jugular veins.