Extra-Urethral Implant for Prostatic Urethra Lumen Enlargement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) are only partially effective and often burdened with significant side effects, such as urethral stent encrustation due to chronic exposure to urine, necessitating the development of new devices and methods to enlarge the prostatic urethra without chronic urine exposure.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a delivery tool and an implant designed to be placed in the peri-urethral space, using a depth guide to deploy the implant and avoid puncturing sensitive areas, with features like sharp surfaces for penetration, energy delivery, and self-expanding capabilities to mechanically displace prostatic tissue and enlarge the urethral lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If urethral stents are used to displace urethral tissue, then the urethral lumen is enlarged, but the stent becomes encrusted due to chronic exposure to urine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the implant from direct contact with urine by placing it in the extra-urethral space rather than within the urethral lumen. The implant is positioned adjacent to the urethra to mechanically displace prostatic tissue without being exposed to urine, thereby eliminating encrustation while maintaining urethral lumen enlargement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a delivery tool with a depth guide to precisely position the implant in the extra-urethral space. This intermediary positioning mechanism ensures the implant achieves its mechanical displacement function while avoiding direct urine contact through precise spatial placement.
2Ease of operation
If a sharp surface is used to penetrate the urethral wall, then the implant can be delivered, but sensitive areas may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through the depth guide that is advanced first to create a controlled pathway and establish precise depth markers before the sharp implant is introduced. This preliminary positioning action ensures the sharp implant penetrates only at the correct depth and angle, avoiding damage to sensitive areas while maintaining delivery effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth guide provides visual feedback through depth markers that indicate the precise position of the implant tip relative to the urethral wall. This feedback mechanism allows the sharp implant to be positioned and deployed at the correct depth, preventing overheating or damage to sensitive tissues while ensuring effective penetration.
3Ease of operation
If the implant is placed externally to the delivery tool, then deployment is simplified, but positioning precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the implant within the delivery tool during delivery, then utilizing the depth guide and locking mechanism to precisely position and secure the implant in the extra-urethral space. This nested approach combines the simplicity of internal delivery with the precision of controlled external positioning, resolving the contradiction between ease of deployment and positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Extra-urethral implants and methods of use are disclosed. Implants can treat disorders or diseases of the prostate by, for example, enlarging the lumen of the prostatic urethra.