Inflatable Bladder Urethral Occlusion Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable devices for urinary incontinence often face challenges with difficult implantation, unreliable anatomical fixation, and imperfect tensioning, leading to suboptimal results.
Innovation Solution
An anatomical augmentation device featuring an inflatable bladder, a support system with adjustable anchors, and a pump that allows selective inflation and deflation to occlude and open the urethra, enabling patient-controlled continence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sling devices are used for urinary incontinence treatment, then the device can provide support to the urethra, but the implantation becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: an inflatable bladder positioned sub-urethral and a pump system. This segmentation allows for simplified implantation where the bladder can be positioned quickly without complex anchoring, while the pump provides the active support mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from static traditional slings to a dynamic inflatable system. The bladder can be inflated or deflated as needed, allowing the urethra to be occluded when required while maintaining natural movement and positioning during normal activities.
2Reliability
If traditional sling devices are used for urinary incontinence treatment, then the device can provide support to the urethra, but the anatomical fixation becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed to be patient-operated through simple manual activation. The patient can inflate the bladder themselves without requiring surgical intervention or complex mechanical systems, making the device easy to operate while maintaining reliable anatomical fixation.
3Reliability
If traditional sling devices are used for urinary incontinence treatment, then the device can provide support to the urethra, but the tensioning becomes imperfect leading to suboptimal results
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder system provides controllable tensioning through fluid injection. The pump system allows precise control of the bladder inflation level, enabling optimal tensioning to be achieved and maintained without complex mechanical tensioning mechanisms.
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
The device provides efficient and reliable support to the urethra, reducing urine leakage and erosion, while allowing for quick and minimally invasive implantation and adjustable positioning for optimal results.
Implementation Method 1
The device includes an inflatable bladder, a support coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a pump coupleable with the inflatable bladder. The pump is configured to selectively inflate the inflatable bladder to occlude the tubular member of the human body.
Implementation Method 2
The support includes a first connection line and a second connection line that are each attachable to soft tissue to position the inflatable bladder relative to the tubular member of the human body.
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomical augmentation device configured to augment a tubular member of a human body includes an inflatable bladder, a support coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a pump coupleable with the inflatable bladder. The support includes a first connection line and a second connection line that are each attachable to soft tissue to position the inflatable bladder relative to the tubular member of the human body. The device is a body-implantable device and the pump is configured to selectively inflate the inflatable bladder to occlude the tubular member of the human body.