Integrated Tube Storage Compartment for Artificial Urinary Sphincter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artificial urinary sphincter systems for treating urinary incontinence require a separate pressure-regulating balloon reservoir, which increases the number of implanted components and complicates the surgical procedure, leading to longer recovery times and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A two-component system comprising a cuff and a pump connected by a single tube with an inflatable storage compartment that replaces the balloon reservoir, allowing the cuff to inflate and deflate to control urine flow without the need for a separate reservoir, thereby simplifying the implantation process and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pressure-regulating balloon reservoir is used in artificial urinary sphincter systems, then the system can effectively regulate pressure and store liquid, but the number of implanted components increases and surgical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reservoir and tube into a single integrated component. The tube is configured with an expandable portion that can store liquid, eliminating the need for a separate balloon reservoir. This merging reduces the number of implanted components from three (cuff, pump, and separate reservoir) to two (cuff and integrated tube-pump assembly), directly resolving the technical contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a separate pressure-regulating balloon reservoir is used, then pressure control is maintained, but surgical procedure complexity increases and recovery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the reservoir function into the tube structure, the surgical procedure requires implanting fewer components and making fewer connections. This reduces surgical time and complexity, directly addressing the contradiction between maintaining pressure control reliability and reducing recovery time.
3Quantity of substance
If a separate pressure-regulating balloon reservoir is used, then the system can store liquid volume, but the number of implanted components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a connection conduit between the pump and cuff and as a liquid storage reservoir through its expandable portion. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain adequate liquid storage volume while reducing the total number of components, resolving the contradiction between quantity of substance and device complexity.
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 system provides a more straightforward and less invasive implantation procedure, reducing recovery time and complications, while maintaining effective control over urine flow to manage urinary incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the exposed exterior wall of the second lumen is configured to expand to provide the second lumen with the inflatable storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating urinary incontinence includes providing a device having a cuff configured to coapt a urethra of a patient in treating diagnosed urinary incontinence, a pump, and a tube attachable between the cuff and the pump. The method includes providing the tube with a first lumen separated from a second lumen by a wall internal to the tube, and providing at least a portion of an exposed exterior wall of the second lumen to expand to provide the second lumen with an inflatable storage compartment.