Artificial Contractile Structure for Sphincter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial contractile structures for medical applications, such as artificial sphincters, face issues like tissue erosion, necrosis, high energy consumption, and inefficient pressure control, leading to frequent battery replacements and mechanical failures, which compromise their effectiveness and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring an implantable artificial contractile structure with a titanium-housed control unit, a self-locking lead screw mechanism, and a magnetic coupling system that reduces corrosion and energy consumption, allowing for long-term implantation with minimal tissue damage and optimal pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant pressure is applied to the urethra by the inflatable cuff, then incontinence is prevented, but tissue erosion and necrosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternating the contraction of multiple independent contractile elements. Instead of maintaining constant pressure from a single element, the system contracts different elements in sequence (e.g., first element contracts while others relax, then switches to second element), providing continuous incontinence prevention while allowing individual tissue recovery periods, thus preventing erosion and necrosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the artificial sphincter into multiple independent contractile elements (at least two, preferably three or more) that can be controlled independently. Each element can be activated or deactivated separately, allowing the system to distribute the pressure load across different segments of the urethra over time, preventing any single area from suffering constant pressure damage.
2Reliability
If shape memory alloy elements are used to open and close the sphincter, then the device can function, but high energy consumption requires frequent battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is configured to activate contractile elements periodically rather than continuously, with each element contracted for a predetermined time period followed by a relaxation period. This periodic activation pattern significantly reduces the average power consumption compared to continuous operation, extending battery life while maintaining effective sphincter function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers energy by allowing contractile elements to relax and return to their original state passively rather than requiring active power for both contraction and relaxation phases. The elastic recoil and passive relaxation mechanisms recover some energy, reducing the net energy consumption of each actuation cycle.
3Reliability
If shape memory alloy elements are used, then the sphincter can be controlled, but high temperature causes tissue erosion
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the sphincter control into multiple independent contractile elements, the system can activate only the necessary elements for each contraction event rather than heating and activating the entire structure. This segmentation reduces the total volume of material that requires thermal activation, thereby reducing overall heat generation and the risk of tissue erosion from high temperatures.
4Reliability
If the sphincter remains in closed position due to mechanical failure, then incontinence is prevented, but emergency surgery is required
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation into multiple independent contractile elements provides functional redundancy. If one element fails mechanically or electrically, the other elements can continue to be activated by the control unit, maintaining sphincter closure and incontinence prevention. This modularity allows the device to degrade gracefully rather than failing completely, avoiding the need for emergency surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates beforehand cushioning through its redundant architecture and control strategies. The control unit can detect when one element is not responding properly and compensate by increasing activation of other elements. This prior cushioning against potential failures prevents complete system collapse and avoids emergency surgical intervention.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple contractile elements are used with pulsatile activation, then tissue damage is reduced, but pressure control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit incorporates self-service features by automatically managing the complex coordination of multiple contractile elements based on predetermined algorithms. The system autonomously determines activation sequences, timing, and duration for each element without requiring external manual control, thereby handling the increased complexity internally while presenting a simple interface for the user.
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 durable, energy-efficient solution for chronic applications, reducing tissue damage and the need for frequent battery replacements, while maintaining effective organ constriction and relaxation, thus improving patient quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator and the control unit are separated from each other by a hermetic seal
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic coupling device designed to transmit to the contractile element a force induced by the electromotor
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device including an artificial contractile structure which may be advantageously used to assist the functioning of a hollow organ. Specifically, the medical device includes an artificial contractile structure with at least one contractile element adapted to contract an organ, in such way that the contractile element is in a resting or in an activated position, at least one actuator designed to activate the contractile structure, and at least one source of energy for powering the actuator. The medical device also includes a means for reducing corrosion of the medical device hence reducing the risk of the device dysfunction and patient contamination.