Anchoring Device Restoring Anti-Reflux Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical technologies fail to effectively restore the anti-reflux mechanism at the junction of the esophagus and stomach, leading to conditions like GERD due to loose diaphragmatic crura, which allows stomach contents to reflux into the esophagus.
Innovation Solution
An anchoring device comprising a coupling member and two anchoring members, configured to switch between configurations, is used to secure the gastric and esophageal walls, restoring the anti-reflux function by abutting the gastric and esophageal walls to recreate the His angle and prevent reflux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the crus of diaphragm are loose, then the anatomical structure is more flexible and adaptable, but the anti-reflux mechanism fails and GERD occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device acts as an intermediary between the loose diaphragmatic crura and the gastric fundus. It includes a first anchoring member that engages the gastric fundus, a second anchoring member that engages the diaphragmatic crura, and a coupling member that connects them. This intermediary device provides the necessary tension and positioning to restore the anti-reflux mechanism while preserving the natural flexibility of the diaphragmatic crura.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gastric cavity slides into the thoracic cavity to form a hiatus hernia, then the anatomical structure changes to accommodate movement, but the His angle disappears and anti-reflux mechanism is disabled
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device performs preliminary action by pre-establishing the correct spatial relationship between the gastric fundus and diaphragmatic crura before the hiatus hernia can fully develop or recur. The device maintains the His angle formation through continuous tension, preventing the gastric cavity from sliding into the thoracic cavity and disabling the anti-reflux mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring device changes the mechanical parameters of the anatomical structures by applying controlled tension to restore the His angle. It modifies the position and orientation of the gastric fundus relative to the diaphragmatic crura, establishing the correct geometric relationship necessary for anti-reflux function while allowing physiological movement within limits.
3Reliability
If an anchoring device with two anchoring members is used to secure the gastric and esophageal walls, then the anti-reflux function is restored, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is segmented into three functional modules: a first anchoring member for engaging the gastric fundus, a second anchoring member for engaging the diaphragmatic crura, and a coupling member connecting them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular design facilitates delivery through catheter-based systems and enables precise positioning of each anchoring point.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an anchoring device and an anchoring apparatus. The anchoring device includes a coupling member and two anchoring members. The two anchoring members are arranged on the coupling member at intervals in a first direction. A dimension of the anchoring member in a second direction is a first dimension, the second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The anchoring member is configured to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration. When the anchoring member is in the first configuration, a dimension of the anchoring member in a direction perpendicular to the first direction is a second dimension. When the anchoring member is in the second configuration, a dimension of the anchoring member in the second direction is a third dimension, and the third dimension is greater than the second dimension and the first dimension.