Bioabsorbable Tissue Plug with Collapsible Occluding Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for occluding hollow anatomical structures, such as fistulae, often fail to provide effective and durable sealing, leading to complications like infection and the need for secondary surgeries to remove devices.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a first portion with an axial member and an occluding member that adjusts to fill the hollow anatomical structure, using bioabsorbable materials and designs that allow for enhanced tissue contact and healing, including a hollow tubular occluding member that collapses to fill the space and a planar anchoring portion to seal tissue, with optional additional features like reinforcement elements and active agents for enhanced healing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug-like device is used to occlude hollow anatomical structures, then occlusion is achieved, but the device may fail to provide effective and durable sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional segments: an occluding member with collapsible structure, an anchoring portion with central aperture, and an axial member. Each segment performs a specific function - the occluding member provides sealing, the anchoring portion provides stability, and the axial member enables deployment control. This segmentation allows the device to achieve reliable sealing without requiring a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The occluding member features a dynamic collapsible structure that can transition between expanded and collapsed states. When deployed, the occluding member collapses to fill the hollow anatomical structure, adapting to the specific geometry of the target site. This dynamic adaptation enhances sealing effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple device structure that can be easily deployed and adjusted.
2Reliability
If the occluding member collapses to fill the hollow anatomical structure, then sealing is improved, but the device may cause tissue damage or infection
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes parameter changes in the bioabsorbable material properties over time. The material gradually degrades and absorbs into the surrounding tissue, transitioning from a foreign body that could cause infection to an integrated part of the healed tissue. This parameter change (from non-absorbable to absorbable) maintains durable sealing while eliminating long-term infection risk and the need for secondary removal surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioabsorbable occluding member provides self-service by gradually degrading and being absorbed by the body's natural processes. The material serves its sealing function during the healing period, then automatically dissolves and integrates into the surrounding tissue without requiring surgical removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for secondary surgeries and reduces infection risk associated with device removal procedures.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the device uses bioabsorbable materials, then healing is promoted, but the device strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies partial action by providing sufficient structural strength only for the duration needed to promote healing. The bioabsorbable materials maintain adequate strength during the critical healing period, then gradually degrade as healing progresses. This partial action approach - maintaining strength only when needed - promotes healing while avoiding the long-term strength requirements that would prevent bioabsorption and require secondary removal surgeries.
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue plugs for occlusion of hollow anatomical structures and methods for their use are provided.