Artificial Contractile Structure for Urinary Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial contractile structures for treating urinary incontinence are inadequate for female patients due to anatomical differences between male and female urethras, leading to inefficiencies and complications such as erosion and migration of devices, and the need for multiple surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible artificial contractile structure with a resilient core and biocompatible outer sheath, featuring a tension system with anchoring members and a flexible transmission, designed to apply even pressure and form an artificial sphincter, which can be easily positioned and adjusted using laparoscopic surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a contractile structure is designed to extend on both sides of the locking system when wound around the male urethra, then it can provide contraction force, but the portion extending beyond the locking system creates a dead zone with lower resistance to contraction and decreases efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The contractile structure is divided into functional segments: a first contractile portion that extends beyond the locking system and a second contractile portion that surrounds the urethra. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function - the first portion provides anchoring and tension distribution while the second portion provides the primary constriction force, eliminating the dead zone issue.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the contractile structure are designed with different properties - the first contractile portion has different resistance characteristics compared to the second contractile portion. This local differentiation ensures that the portion surrounding the urethra has optimal contraction resistance while the extending portion provides necessary anchoring without creating inefficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pulling distance to contract the structure is increased to accommodate female urethras, then it can achieve the intended pull distance, but the structure length may exceed the actual length needed and complicate the device
Solution Approach 1:
The contractile structure incorporates a dynamic tensioning mechanism with adjustable anchoring members that can be positioned at different locations along the first contractile portion. This allows the structure to adapt to different urethral sizes and shapes - for female urethras, the anchoring members can be positioned to provide adequate pull distance without requiring excessive structure length, while still accommodating the larger anatomical dimensions.
3Reliability
If contraction forces are applied about the full circumference of the female urethra, then it can provide comprehensive support, but it may induce friction and erosion under the urethra where the vagina wall is present
Solution Approach 1:
The contractile structure is designed with non-uniform properties around the urethra - the first contractile portion extending beyond the locking system has different contraction characteristics compared to the second contractile portion surrounding the urethra. This local differentiation allows the structure to provide comprehensive support while reducing friction and erosion risks in vulnerable areas by optimizing the contraction force distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system acts as an intermediary mechanism that controls and distributes the contraction forces. By using the locking system to anchor and tension the contractile structure, the forces are distributed more evenly and controllably, reducing concentrated friction and erosion pressures on the urethra and surrounding tissues.
4Reliability
If slings are used to apply constant pressure to the urethra, then they can replace muscle function and restore continence, but constant pressure leads to erosion or migration through the urethra requiring multiple surgeries
Solution Approach 1:
The contractile structure replaces static slings with a dynamic tensioning system that can adjust and distribute forces more evenly. The adjustable anchoring members and tensioning mechanism allow for optimized force distribution that reduces concentrated pressure points, thereby reducing erosion and migration risks while maintaining continence restoration effectiveness for long-term use.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure segments the contractile function into multiple portions with different characteristics - the first contractile portion providing anchoring and tension distribution, and the second contractile portion providing urethral constriction. This segmentation allows for more even force distribution compared to conventional slings, reducing erosion and migration while maintaining long-term effectiveness.
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 structure provides effective, long-term treatment of urinary incontinence by ensuring even pressure application without dead zones, reducing erosion and migration risks, and simplifying surgical implantation.
Implementation Method 1
the elongated member comprises a resilient core
Implementation Method 2
the resilient core comprises a shape memory alloy
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Artificial contractile structure (1) for a medical device, said artificial contractile structure (3) comprising: - an elongated member (3) adapted to contact a hollow body organ; - a closure (9) adapted to form the artificial contractile structure (1) into a closed loop around said hollow body organ; - a tension system (11) arranged to be connected to a control unit (28), said tension system (1) being adapted to modify an internal diameter of said closed loop in response to a force applied by said control unit (28). According to the invention, said elongated member (3) comprises a resilient core (5) and a biocompatible outer sheath (7). Said tension system (11) furthermore comprises a first tensile element (13) attached to a first point (3c) of said elongated member, and a second tensile element (15) attached to a second point (3d) of said elongated member, each of said tensile elements (15, 17) passing through an adaptor (17) situated between said first point (3c) and said second point (3d).