Hydrogel Anchoring for Intestinal Expander Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for short bowel syndrome (SBS) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, and existing methods for increasing intestinal absorptive capacity are costly and have limited success in achieving enteral autonomy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a hydrogel composition comprising chemically modified hyaluronic acid and elastin-like protein to anchor an in situ expander, such as a compressed coiled spring, within the intestinal wall, allowing for mechanical distraction and increased absorptive surface area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatments for short bowel syndrome are used, then patient survival is maintained, but morbidity and mortality rates remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydrogel composition as an intermediary substance injected into the intestinal wall to anchor the expander device securely. This hydrogel mediator provides stable fixation without requiring complex surgical anchoring procedures, thereby reducing procedural morbidity while maintaining device reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs serial transverse enteroplasty procedures that progressively change the physical parameters of the intestine by creating and tightening transverse folds over time. This gradual parameter change increases intestinal length and absorptive surface area, improving patient outcomes without high-risk single-stage surgery
2Area of stationary object
If invasive surgical lengthening procedures are performed, then intestinal absorptive capacity is increased, but procedural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the patient's own intestine through serial transverse enteroplasty procedures that leverage the body's natural healing and adaptive processes. The intestine itself performs the lengthening function through controlled folding and tightening, eliminating the need for complex external mechanical devices or tissue grafts
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical procedure is divided into multiple sequential stages with repeated transverse enteroplasty operations. Each stage creates incremental increases in absorptive surface area, allowing for manageable procedural complexity at each step while achieving cumulative therapeutic benefit
3Force
If the expander is placed within the intestinal lumen, then mechanical distraction is achieved, but device displacement occurs without anchoring
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel composition serves as an intermediary anchoring medium injected into the intestinal wall at the expander site. This mediator creates a stable bonding interface between the expander device and the intestinal tissue, preventing device displacement while maintaining the mechanical distraction force needed for intestinal lengthening
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel is injected locally at specific sites around the expander within the intestinal wall, creating localized anchoring points. This local quality enhancement provides targeted stabilization of the device without affecting the overall mechanical distraction function, ensuring both force application and position stability
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
This approach effectively lengthens the intestine, reduces dependence on parenteral nutrition, and enhances absorptive capacity, demonstrating potential for improved clinical outcomes in SBS patients.
Implementation Method 1
Mixing the two modified biopolymers together induces the formation of hydrazone bonds resulting in a hydrogel network
Implementation Method 2
The in situ expander is a compressed coiled spring
Data Source
AI summary
Compositions and methods are provided for the use of hydrogel compositions to anchor a device, or therapeutic entity, to a specific portion of the GI tract. In some embodiments a biodegradable hydrogel is injected into the intestinal wall to narrow the lumen, such that a device can be confined to that specific segment of the intestine for a desired period of time. In some embodiments the device is an in situ expander for distraction enterogenesis of the intestine.