Bio-erodible GI Sensor Fixation for Natural Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gastrointestinal sensors and stimulators face challenges with invasive placement and removal, limited treatment duration, and the risk of transmural migration, which can lead to complications requiring surgical intervention.
Innovation Solution
Temporary implantable devices with bio-erodible fixation elements that secure the device to the GI tract and promote transmural migration, allowing natural passage through the body after the treatment period, eliminating the need for invasive removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If permanently or long-term implanted stimulators are used to treat gastroparesis and ileus, then the treatment duration is extended, but the device requires invasive removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable, single-use stimulator devices that are implanted temporarily and then discarded after completing their therapeutic function. These devices are designed to be used once and then removed or left to decompose, eliminating the need for complex removal procedures while maintaining extended treatment duration. The stimulator contains all necessary components (battery, circuitry, electrodes) in a compact, self-contained unit that can be safely disposed of after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes biodegradable materials with controlled degradation rates to create stimulators that change their physical and chemical properties over time. The device maintains structural integrity during the treatment period but gradually decomposes afterward, allowing for extended therapeutic action without requiring invasive removal. The degradation parameters are carefully selected to match the required treatment duration.
2Ease of operation
If devices are temporarily implanted in the GI tract, then invasive removal can be avoided, but the treatment duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable, single-use stimulator devices that are implanted temporarily and then discarded after completing their therapeutic function. These devices are designed to be used once and then removed or left to decompose, eliminating the need for complex removal procedures while maintaining extended treatment duration. The stimulator contains all necessary components (battery, circuitry, electrodes) in a compact, self-contained unit that can be safely disposed of after use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes biodegradable materials with controlled degradation rates to create stimulators that change their physical and chemical properties over time. The device maintains structural integrity during the treatment period but gradually decomposes afterward, allowing for extended therapeutic action without requiring invasive removal. The degradation parameters are carefully selected to match the required treatment duration.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If non-resorbable foreign matter is left in contact with the GI tract wall, then the device can remain in place for extended periods, but transmural migration occurs causing complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes biodegradable materials with controlled degradation rates to create stimulators that change their physical and chemical properties over time. The device maintains structural integrity during the treatment period but gradually decomposes afterward, allowing for extended therapeutic action without requiring invasive removal. The degradation parameters are carefully selected to match the required treatment duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable, single-use stimulator devices that are implanted temporarily and then discarded after completing their therapeutic function. These devices are designed to be used once and then removed or left to decompose, eliminating the need for complex removal procedures while maintaining extended treatment duration. The stimulator contains all necessary components (battery, circuitry, electrodes) in a compact, self-contained unit that can be safely disposed of after use.
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
Enables non-invasive removal and extended treatment duration without surgical intervention, reducing complications and hospitalization time by allowing devices to pass naturally through the GI tract after completing their therapeutic or monitoring functions.
Implementation Method 1
The fixation element is erodable, such that after a determined time the fixation element releases the device into the GI tract
Data Source
AI summary
GI tract treatment and monitoring devices configured for temporary implantation in the GI tract and non-invasive removal via natural body processes are disclosed. Methods of implantation, treatment and monitoring with disclosed devices are also disclosed. Devices include bio-active fixation that allows removal from the body by natural processes after a time that may be engineered in the fixation elements. In some embodiments, devices are configured to be implanted on GI tract tissue and transmurally migrate into the GI tract to be passed from the body. In other embodiments, devices are configured for placement within the GI tract via a delivery tube such as an NJ/NG tube. Embodiments include stimulation devices for treating conditions such as ileus and sensors for monitoring GI leaks and/or biological or chemical markers for various GI tract conditions.