ABSTRACT
This chapter is inspired by US Patent 6,685,500, Synthetic MuscleBased Diaphragm Pump Apparatuses, as well as the pdf version, Synthetic Muscle-Based Diaphragm Pump Apparatuses.
Implantable, pressure-adjustable diaphragm pump systems are scalable and characterized by a common type of actuating mechanism. The pumps may be inductively and transcutaneously powered via adjacent, mutually inductive electromagnetic coils. Alternatively, the pumps may be effectively “self-powered” using a synthetic muscle attached to a local bending or twisting force. The pumps may be used in a range of applications from mechanical applications to medical applications such as intraocular pressure control for glaucoma patients, bodily fluid drainage control, and drug-delivery systems. Each of these pump systems includes a pumping chamber having an anterior end attached to an implantable influent conduit. In an ocular pressure control device, an influent conduit is inserted into the anterior chamber of the eye. A flexing ionic polymer conductor composite (IPCC) synthetic muscle, which is a type of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) synthetic muscle, functions as the primary actuator. The posterior end of the pumping chamber is connected to an effluent or drainage conduit, which may drain bodily fluids or dispense drugs to an area of the body. A key 112feature of the chapter is the self or secondary power-generation system in the form of a much larger piece of IPCC synthetic muscle, which, in the case of glaucoma prevention systems, may be placed on the globe surface (sclera) of the eye and attached to and secured by the extraocular muscles of the eye.
An alternative external power system includes a biocompatible induction coil with gold wire armature that can be transcutaneously activated, adjusted, and computer interrogated and controlled by a surgeon. The device discussed in the chapter is further equipped with a pair of adjustable variable flow valves placed at the juncture of the inlet and effluent conduits with the pumping chamber. The valves are used to regulate fluid flow through the pumping chamber. A pressure-regulating system including a pressure sensor and a pump-controlling microprocessor may also be used.
