Bariatric Balloon System with Segmented Chambers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bariatric weight loss methods, such as surgical alterations and free-floating balloons, pose risks like obstruction and are not suitable for all body mass indices, and require invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bariatric balloon system comprising a tube with multiple balloons connected to it, secured to the abdominal wall, where the volume can be adjusted by filling with liquid through a port, allowing for sequential or simultaneous inflation, and can be externally or subcutaneously controlled, reducing the risk of obstruction and providing a less invasive temporary treatment option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical methods are used to remove or reconstruct stomach, then weight loss is achieved, but invasive risk and complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
A free-floating balloon is introduced as an intermediary device within the stomach to reduce volume and induce satiety, avoiding direct surgical alteration of stomach anatomy while achieving weight loss goals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces invasive surgical mechanical alteration of stomach structure with a non-invasive balloon insertion that uses fluid displacement mechanics to achieve volume reduction
2Reliability
If free-floating balloon is used to reduce stomach volume, then weight loss is achieved, but obstruction risk increases due to collapse and sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is segmented into multiple chambers that can be independently inflated or deflated, preventing complete collapse and maintaining structural integrity to avoid intestinal obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon system is made dynamically adjustable through sequential inflation/deflation control, allowing the balloon to maintain optimal volume and position rather than collapsing statically
3Duration of action of moving object
If free-floating balloon is used, then temporary volume reduction is achieved, but adaptability to different BMI populations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is divided into multiple chambers that can be independently controlled, allowing customization of total volume to accommodate different stomach sizes and BMI populations
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon system allows dynamic adjustment of volume through sequential chamber inflation, enabling adaptation to different patient anatomies and treatment stages
4Ease of operation
If port is secured externally for patient control, then ease of operation is improved, but cosmetic appearance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The port access mechanism is nested within subcutaneous tissue layers, with the external port positioned within the fatty tissue layer to maintain cosmetic appearance while preserving patient accessibility
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 system effectively reduces stomach volume, minimizing the risk of obstruction and offering a less invasive, adjustable, and safer alternative for weight loss, suitable for a broader range of patients, including those not willing to undergo significant surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The first balloon and the second balloon are inflatable by inserting fluid into the tube via the port
Data Source
AI summary
A bariatric balloon system for reducing the volume of the stomach, featuring a plurality of balloons each fluidly connected to a tube with a tube port at its end. The system is secured to the abdominal wall. The system can be implanted such that the port is outside the skin or is under the skin. The tube extends through the skin and/or muscle and fat to the stomach wherein the balloons are placed. The balloons can be inflated by introducing fluid such as saline to the tube via the port.