Expandable Implant Fixation Near Body Lumens for Migration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Implantable devices in the body can migrate or rotate post-implantation, leading to ineffective surgery and potential trauma or infection due to the need for reimplantation.

Innovation Solution

The use of expandable elements with ingrowth collars, adhesives, and variable stiffness designs to secure implantable devices near the urethra, combined with tools for easy removal, reduces migration and rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If implantable devices are secured with strong fixation methods, then device stability is improved, but tissue trauma and infection risk increase during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidtissue trauma and infection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an expandable element that can transition between compressed and expanded states. During implantation, the element is expanded to engage with surrounding tissue for stable fixation. For removal, the element is compressed back to its original state, allowing easy extraction with minimal tissue trauma. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between stable fixation and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into separable components including the expandable element, elongate portion, and retention members. The retention members can be independently manipulated to secure or release the device from tissue. This segmentation allows the fixation mechanism to be engaged during implantation and disengaged during removal, reducing tissue trauma while maintaining device stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If fixation mechanisms are made complex to prevent migration and rotation, then device reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fixation functions are merged into the expandable element structure. The radial expansion provides anchoring against migration, while the specific geometric configuration of the expanded element prevents rotation. The retention members work in conjunction with the expandable element to provide both axial and rotational fixation. This merging achieves reliable fixation without adding separate complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device utilizes parameter changes in the expandable element's physical state to achieve fixation. When expanded, the element changes from a compact cylindrical form to a radially enlarged structure with increased surface area and engagement with tissue. This parameter change (volume, shape, rigidity) provides reliable prevention of migration and rotation while maintaining a simple overall device design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250302601A1Method and apparatus for fixation of implantable devices adjacent a body lumen

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 UROMEDICA INC

AI summary

The present application relates to method and apparatus for reducing migration and rotation of implantable devices including an expandable element and an elongate portion.