Electroactive Polymer PEG Tube for Secure Gastric Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes face challenges in securing the lower stomach pouch following a Roux-En-Y gastric bypass procedure, particularly due to the risk of over-inflation and rupture of the balloon, which can lead to instability and limited access to the bypassed stomach.

Innovation Solution

A PEG tube with an electrically expandable element, such as an electroactive polymer actuator, is used to radially expand and engage the tissue upon delivery of electrical energy, providing a secure anchor within the stomach pouch without the need for excessive balloon inflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the balloon is inflated to a large size to engage the stomach wall without passing through the opening, then the PEG tube can be securely anchored, but the risk of over-inflation leading to rupture or leakage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidballoon rupture risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional inflatable balloon mechanism with an electroactive polymer actuator that uses electrical energy to generate mechanical expansion. This substitution allows for controlled expansion through electrical signals rather than risk-prone mechanical over-inflation, eliminating the rupture hazard while maintaining secure anchoring capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electroactive polymer actuator enables precise control of expansion parameters through electrical energy delivery. By controlling the electrical parameters (voltage, duration), the expansion size can be precisely regulated to achieve adequate anchoring without exceeding safe limits, thus eliminating the binary outcome of either insufficient expansion or dangerous over-inflation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the balloon is over inflated to ensure engagement of the stomach wall, then the PEG tube remains anchored, but excess pressure is created within the stomach

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidstomach pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The electroactive polymer actuator system allows for feedback-controlled expansion. Electrical energy delivery can be monitored and adjusted based on the desired expansion level, enabling the system to achieve adequate anchoring while stopping before excessive pressure is generated, thus maintaining balance between security and comfort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a conventional balloon is used for PEG tube securing, then the device is simple in structure, but the ability to control expansion precisely is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidexpansion control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanically simple but control-limited balloon system with an electroactive polymer actuator that integrates electrical control directly into the expansion mechanism. This provides precise electronic control of expansion while the overall device remains relatively simple, achieving both ease of operation and manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 electrically expandable PEG tube effectively secures the device within the stomach pouch, reducing the risk of rupture and maintaining stable access for fluid delivery and removal, while allowing controlled expansion to engage tissue securely.

Implementation Method 1

an electrically expandable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate member configured to change dimensionally upon delivery of electrical energy thereto

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS7749197B2Electroactive polymer-based percutaneous endoscopy gastrostomy tube and methods of use

Publication Date: 2010.07.06 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and devices for providing percutaneous access to a tissue. In one exemplary embodiment, a PEG tube is provided having an elongate member with a proximal end adapted to be positioned adjacent to a tissue surface, a distal end adapted to be inserted through tissue, and an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends and adapted to allow fluid flow there through. The PEG tube can also include an electrically actuatable element coupled to the distal end of the elongate member and configured to change dimensionally upon delivery of electrical energy thereto. In use, the electrically actuatable element can be adapted to expand to engage tissue and secure the distal end of the PEG tube to the tissue.