Esophageal Stent With Integrated Light Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating esophageal stenosis either fail to restore a sufficiently wide esophageal caliber and elasticity after removal or cause discomfort and irritation due to the presence of the device.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible body with a tubular sheath and connection elements that allow food to pass between the device and the esophageal wall, while minimizing discomfort and the risk of scar tissue activation, using a stiffening element with ribs and integrated light radiation for photobiostimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a self-expanding stent is used to compress the inner walls of the stenotic esophageal tract, then restenosis is prevented, but the esophagus cannot restore its elasticity and autonomous functioning after removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the central tube from the stent structure, retaining only the radial expansion capability. This extraction allows the stent to provide temporary radial compression to prevent restenosis during the critical healing period, then be removed without interfering with long-term esophageal elasticity and function.
Solution Approach 2:
The stent is deployed temporarily during the critical early healing phase to provide necessary radial support and prevent restenosis. Once the esophageal tissue has sufficiently healed and gained strength, the stent is removed, allowing the esophagus to fully restore its natural elasticity and autonomous functioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is used to force the esophagus to continuous dilating activity, then a wider and more elastic caliber is obtained, but food passage becomes difficult and the patient experiences retrosternal obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the central tube, the patent eliminates the obstruction that previously blocked food passage. The remaining stent structure provides only the necessary radial support to maintain esophageal caliber and promote elasticity, while completely allowing food to pass through the esophageal lumen without retrosternal obstruction.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the device stays inside the patient's esophagus for a long time, then the esophageal wall reconstruction time is extended, but the device causes more discomfort and irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The removal of the central tube reduces the overall device complexity and irritation to the esophageal mucosa. The simplified stent structure provides necessary support for wall reconstruction while minimizing discomfort, allowing for earlier removal once healing is sufficient, thus reducing total device dwell time and associated irritation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a complex stent structure with variable stiffness means is used, then the device provides better control over esophageal dilation, but the device becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the variable stiffness means and central tube, retaining only the essential radial expansion capability. This simplification reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining sufficient control over esophageal dilation during the critical healing period, as the temporary stent does not require adjustable stiffness properties.
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 device reduces the time required for esophageal wall reconstruction, minimizes discomfort, and promotes healing by allowing food to pass easily and reducing irritation, thus facilitating full recovery without causing additional harm to the esophagus.
Implementation Method 1
The device (1) comprises at least one waveguide (11) housed inside said interspace (5) and configured to convey inside it a light radiation (R) emitted by a light source (15) associated with said device (1), wherein said light radiation diffuses into the esophagus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device (1) for the treatment of esophageal stenosis comprises: - at least one body (2) of elongated shape intended to be inserted inside the esophagus of a patient; - at least one tubular sheath (4) mounted around the body (2) to define an interspace (5) between the body (2) and the tubular sheath (4); - at least one stiffening element (8, 9) housed in the interspace (5) and comprising a plurality of ribs (8) extending along the interspace (5); wherein it comprises at least one waveguide (11) housed inside the interspace (5) and configured to drive at least one light radiation (R) inside it, the light radiation diffusing into the esophagus.