Braided Sphincter Reinforcement Device for Tissue Erosion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defective sphincters in the body lead to various disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, fecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence due to compromised muscle tone, resulting in inadequate regulation of bodily passage flow.
Innovation Solution
Sphincter reinforcement devices, including rings, spirals, and arcuate elements made of braided materials, are placed around sphincters to provide inward force and assist in closing the sphincter after passage, with features like expandability and adjustable pressure to match native sphincter characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sphincter reinforcement device is placed around a bodily passage to provide inward force for closing assistance, then sphincter competency is enhanced, but tissue erosion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sphincter reinforcement device employs a flexible braided tubular structure that can conform to the bodily passage while providing gentle, distributed inward force. The flexible construction allows the device to adapt to tissue contours without creating concentrated pressure points that would cause erosion, while still maintaining sufficient closure assistance to enhance sphincter competency.
Solution Approach 2:
The braided tubular structure inherently creates a porous configuration with spaces between the braid elements. This porous design allows for tissue ingrowth and vascularization, which integrates the device with surrounding tissues and reduces the risk of erosion. The porous structure also distributes mechanical forces more evenly across the contact surface, preventing localized tissue damage.
2Force
If a rigid structure is used to provide strong inward force for sphincter closure, then closure assistance is improved, but the ability to allow normal passage expansion is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The braided tubular structure provides dynamic mechanical properties, allowing the device to transition between different states. When compressed during passage expansion, the braid structure can flex and deform to accommodate the change in geometry. When relaxation occurs, the structure returns to its original configuration to provide inward force for closure. This dynamic behavior enables the device to adapt to both expansion and closure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the braided structure can be adjusted by changing parameters such as braid density, filament material, and tubular dimensions. These parameter modifications allow optimization of the balance between providing sufficient inward force for closure and maintaining flexibility to accommodate normal passage expansion. The structure's ability to change its mechanical state in response to physiological conditions is key to resolving this contradiction.
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
These devices effectively enhance sphincter competency by providing necessary closure assistance while minimizing tissue erosion and allowing normal passage expansion, thereby addressing the disorders associated with defective sphincters.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular structure may be resilient. The tubular structure may expand and/or lengthen to allow a sphincter to open and allow material to pass through the sphincter. When expanded or lengthened, the tubular structure may exert an inward force to help the sphincter close
Data Source
AI summary
Sphincter reinforcement devices are described. Sphincter reinforcement devices may be configured to be placed at least partially around a bodily passage at or near a sphincter. In one embodiment, a sphincter reinforcement device may comprise a spiral. The spiral may include a tubular structure. The tubular structure may be hollow. The tubular structure may include a braided material.