Orthotopic Artificial Bladder Prosthesis with Interference Fit Ureter Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial bladder prostheses require sutures to connect ureters and urethra, which can lead to tissue necrosis and are skill and time-intensive, and are not feasible when tissues are weakened or thinned.
Innovation Solution
An orthotopic artificial bladder prosthesis with a multi-layer silicone membrane and hollow elements that provide an interference fit for ureter connection without the need for sutures or glue, using turbostratic pyrolytic carbon coatings to prevent adhesion and facilitate easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures are used to connect ureters and urethra to the artificial bladder, then the connection is secure, but the risk of tissue necrosis increases and the surgical procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hollow elements as intermediary components between the ureters/urethra and the artificial bladder. These hollow elements have an interference fit design that secures the connection without requiring sutures, thereby eliminating the risk of suture-induced tissue necrosis while maintaining connection security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical suture system with an interference fit mechanical system. The hollow elements are inserted into the ureters/urethra through forced insertion, creating a secure mechanical connection without the need for sutures, thus eliminating the harmful effects of sutures while maintaining connection reliability
2Reliability
If sutures are used to connect ureters and urethra to the artificial bladder, then the connection is secure, but the surgical procedure requires high manual skill and more time
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow elements serve as pre-fabricated intermediary components that simplify the surgical procedure. Instead of performing complex suture techniques, the surgeon simply inserts the hollow elements into the ureters/urethra, reducing the skill requirement and surgical time while maintaining secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow elements are pre-fabricated with the appropriate dimensions and interference fit characteristics before surgery. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex intraoperative suture techniques, reducing surgical complexity and time while ensuring reliable connection
3Reliability
If sutures are used to connect ureters and urethra to the artificial bladder, then the connection is secure, but the procedure is not feasible when tissues are weakened or thinned
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow elements act as intermediary components that distribute mechanical stresses over a larger area of the weakened or thinned tissues. The interference fit design provides radial support that reinforces the weakened tissues without concentrating stresses at suture points, making the procedure feasible for patients with compromised tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from suture-based to interference fit-based, which fundamentally alters how mechanical loads are distributed. The interference fit provides radial compression and support that strengthens weakened tissues, enabling the procedure to be performed on patients with congenital or pathological tissue conditions that would preclude suture-based approaches
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer layer of the membrane is made to prevent fusing with surrounding tissues, then tissue adhesion is reduced, but the complexity of the multi-layer structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different functional properties to different layers of the membrane. The outer layer is specifically designed with non-adhesive properties to prevent fusion with surrounding tissues, while the inner layer is designed to be urine-resistant. This local differentiation of properties achieves the desired functionality while managing the complexity through clear functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a multi-layer composite membrane structure where each layer is made of materials with specific properties. The outer layer uses materials that prevent tissue adhesion, the inner layer uses materials resistant to urine deterioration, and intermediate layers provide structural support. This composite approach achieves multiple functional requirements simultaneously while organizing complexity into distinct functional layers
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 solution allows for secure ureter connection without necrosis risk, reduces surgical complexity, and is easier to produce, improving patient quality of life by eliminating suture-related complications and tissue adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
hollow elements having a widened circular flat base and a tubular portion passing through said holes which has substantially the same inner diameter as the outer diameter of ureters such as to accomplish an interference fit without the necessity to use glues for fixing the ureters inside said tubular portion
Implementation Method 2
the outer layer is suitable to prevent fusing with the surrounding tissues
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~8b
AI summary
An orthotopic artificial bladder prosthesis is disclosed, comprising an enclosure or bag or balloon and hollow elements (200;300) for the forced connection of ureters and urethra to said bladder in the absence of sutures.