Rotatable Gastric Restrictor Channel Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices for constricting the stomach to treat obesity, such as gastric bands and inflatable balloons, have limitations in effectiveness and safety, necessitating a more efficient and less invasive solution.
Innovation Solution
A gastric restrictor assembly comprising rigid longitudinal members and connectors that form a channel around the stomach, allowing adjustable constriction through a rotatable second longitudinal member with a bend, secured by pins and indexing structures for precise adjustment using a positioning tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gastric bands or inflatable balloons are used to constrict the stomach, then the stomach capacity is reduced to treat obesity, but the devices lack adjustability and have safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The second longitudinal member is made rotatable within the connectors, allowing the bend angle to be dynamically adjusted. This enables the channel width to be changed from a fixed state to an adjustable state, resolving the contradiction by providing adaptability while maintaining structural reliability through controlled rotation mechanisms and indexing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components including connectors, longitudinal members with bends, and indexing structures. This segmentation allows the second longitudinal member to be independently rotated and positioned, enabling adjustability while each component maintains its structural integrity and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid structure is used to constrict the stomach, then the device provides stable constriction, but it cannot be adjusted to different constriction levels
Solution Approach 1:
The second longitudinal member is designed to rotate within the connectors, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamically adjustable one. The rotation mechanism is simplified by using the connector bores as rotation axes, avoiding complex joints while enabling adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Indexing structures are pre-formed on the second longitudinal member and connectors, establishing predetermined rotation positions before use. This preliminary preparation simplifies the adjustment process by providing pre-defined stable positions, reducing the complexity of real-time adjustment decisions.
3Ease of operation
If the second longitudinal member is made rotatable for adjustment, then channel width can be customized, but the device requires additional components like positioning tools
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning tool is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate rotation of the second longitudinal member. The tool engages with the member during adjustment and is removed afterward, providing ease of operation without permanently increasing device complexity. The indexing structures serve as intermediaries to guide and limit rotation to predetermined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing structures are pre-formed on the device components, establishing predetermined rotation positions before the positioning tool is used. This preliminary preparation simplifies the adjustment operation by providing clear mechanical guides, reducing the complexity of the adjustment process itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A gastric restrictor assembly is provided which includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, a first connector and a second connector. The first and second connectors support the first and second longitudinal members in spaced relation. The second longitudinal member is rotatably supported between the first and second connectors and includes a bend or offset. The second longitudinal member is rotatable to rotate the offset in relation to the first longitudinal member to selectively vary the width of a channel defined between the first and second longitudinal members. In one embodiment, the second longitudinal member includes engagement structure for engaging a positioning tool and indexing structure for releasably securing the second longitudinal member at fixed positions of rotation in relation to the first longitudinal member.