Intestinal Flow Control Using Gentle Constriction and Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing artificial sphincters for managing intestinal dysfunction, such as anal incontinence and constipation, face issues like fibrosis formation, tissue injury, poor blood circulation, high power consumption, and ineffective electric stimulation, making them impractical or harmful over time.
Innovation Solution
A method involving gentle constriction and intermittent stimulation of intestinal tissue walls to control the flow of intestinal contents, using a combination of constriction and stimulation devices that maintain normal blood circulation and prevent tissue injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If artificial sphincters are used to control intestinal flow, then flow control is achieved, but fibrosis forms around the device over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the constricting element from direct contact with the intestinal tissue by placing it in the lumen rather than around the tissue wall. This extraction of the constriction function from the tissue interface eliminates the fibrotic response while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium (water or gas) as an intermediary between the constricting element and the intestinal tissue. This intermediary allows the constricting element to exert force on the fluid rather than directly on the tissue, preventing fibrosis while maintaining the constriction function.
2Reliability
If constricting elements are applied around intestinal tissue, then flow control is achieved, but tissue injury occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the constricting element from the extrinsic position around the tissue and places it within the lumen. This position change removes the direct mechanical compression on the tissue wall, eliminating tissue injury while preserving flow control through fluid pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluid pressure as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of direct mechanical compression on tissue, the constricting element applies force to the fluid, which then transmits the constriction effect without causing tissue injury.
3Reliability
If continuous stimulation is applied to maintain sphincter function, then flow control is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous electrical stimulation with periodic or intermittent action through fluid pressure cycles. The constricting element can be activated periodically to maintain flow control, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous stimulation while maintaining effective control.
4Reliability
If constricting elements are applied to control intestinal flow, then flow control is achieved, but blood circulation is hampered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the constricting element from the position around the tissue wall and places it within the lumen. This removes the compressive force on the tissue wall, preserving blood circulation while maintaining flow control through fluid pressure mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid pressure as an intermediary that transmits constriction force without direct tissue compression. The fluid medium allows the constricting element to control flow while the tissue wall remains uncompressed, maintaining blood circulation.
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
Effectively manages intestinal flow by reducing tissue injury risks while maintaining desired flow control, allowing for continuous operation without large power requirements or fibrosis, and adapting to patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
gently constricting a portion of the tissue wall of the intestines to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway
Implementation Method 2
stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method for controlling a flow of intestinal contents in the intestinal passageway of a patient's intestines. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the intestinal tissue wall) at least one portion of the intestinal tissue wall to influence the flow in the intestinal passageway, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the intestinal passageway. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the intestinal passageway, or for actively moving the fluid in the intestinal passageway, with a low risk of injuring the intestines.