Expandable Temporary Implants for Controlled Gastric Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for obesity, such as gastric bypass surgery and intragastric balloons, are invasive, expensive, or lack long-term efficacy, and there is a need for less-invasive and affordable interventions for the overweight and obese population.
Innovation Solution
Development of medical devices that occupy space within the body, such as the stomach, using expandable reservoirs and fluid delivery conduits to create a therapeutic effect, with mechanisms for controlled release and drug delivery, including hydrogel-based expandable constructs and fluid valves that adjust resistance to fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gastric bypass surgery is performed, then weight loss and therapeutic effect are improved, but invasiveness and surgical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple segments or compartments that can be deployed independently through the anal canal, avoiding the need for complex surgical procedures. Each segment can be controlled separately for deployment and retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery catheter system is used as an intermediary to deploy the implant segments through the anal canal, eliminating the need for direct surgical insertion. The catheter serves as a temporary mediator that is removed after deployment
2Object-affected harmful factors
If intragastric balloons are used, then invasiveness is reduced, but long-term efficacy and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed with dynamic properties allowing it to be deployed, retained, and retrieved multiple times. The segments can be repositioned or adjusted after initial deployment, providing long-term adaptability and efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The implant material properties are designed to change over time, with gradual degradation or transformation that maintains therapeutic effect throughout the retention period. The material can undergo controlled changes in stiffness, porosity, or composition to optimize long-term performance
3Reliability
If permanent anatomic modifications are made, then therapeutic effect is improved, but reversibility and safety worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is designed to be completely removable and recoverable after its therapeutic purpose is fulfilled. All implant components can be retrieved through the anal canal without permanent modification to the gastrointestinal tract
Solution Approach 2:
The implant uses biocompatible, biodegradable materials that are safe for temporary contact with gastrointestinal tissues. The materials are designed to be eliminated from the body naturally after degradation, avoiding long-term safety concerns
4Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic placement is used, then invasiveness is reduced, but placement complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the implant from above through the esophagus and stomach, the segments are deployed from below through the anal canal and rectum, reversing the traditional approach and simplifying the placement procedure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple implant segments are nested within a single delivery catheter, allowing all segments to be placed through one insertion. The segments are sequentially deployed from the nested configuration during the placement procedure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems for delivering a device assembly into a gastric or other space within the body, allowing the device to expand to occupy volume within the gastric space and, after an effective period of time, delivering a substance or stimulus to begin breakdown of the expanded device so that it may release from the body.