Implantable Intestinal Reservoir Pump for Controlled Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing intestinal disorders, such as constipation or incontinence, often require external collecting devices that are inconvenient and can cause skin irritation, and internal systems face issues with integration and durability due to peristaltic contractions.
Innovation Solution
An implantable intestinal reservoir with a flow control device, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical stimulation pumps, that operates internally to manage intestinal contents without external devices, using pumps that act on the intestinal wall to control flow and are integrated within the patient's body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external collecting devices are used to manage intestinal contents, then the patient can excrete uncontrolled feces, but the patient experiences inconvenience and skin irritation due to adhesive plates and external bags
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic external collecting device and adhesive plate system, replacing it with an implantable reservoir that remains inside the patient's body. The reservoir is emptied through an external catheter that connects to a collection bag only when needed, eliminating the need for continuous skin adhesion and reducing skin irritation while maintaining excretion management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary implantable reservoir that acts as a mediator between the intestinal contents and the external environment. This reservoir can be emptied through a catheter system that temporarily connects to an external collection bag, providing a buffer zone that eliminates direct skin contact with fecal matter while allowing controlled emptying.
2Productivity
If the intestinal reservoir is emptied using an external manually driven suction pump, then the reservoir can be emptied, but the system requires repeated attachment and removal of external devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service emptying by implanting a pump device within the reservoir itself or integrating it with the catheter system. The pump can be manually actuated through the existing catheter access or controlled externally, allowing the patient to empty the reservoir without repeatedly attaching and removing complex external suction pump equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the emptying function directly into the reservoir system by integrating a pump mechanism either within the reservoir or in the catheter line. This combination eliminates the need for separate external suction pump equipment, reducing the complexity of attachment and removal procedures while maintaining effective emptying capability.
3Ease of operation
If an artificial reservoir is implanted within the patient's body, then external collecting devices are no longer needed, but the reservoir may fail over time due to peristaltic contractions of the intestine
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the intestinal tract by creating a distinct, isolated reservoir portion that is separated from the main intestinal peristaltic movements. The reservoir is constructed with reinforced walls or supported by a framework that prevents collapse during peristalsis, while still allowing controlled filling and emptying through valves and catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention provides beforehand cushioning by designing the reservoir with reinforced walls, supportive framework, or flexible but durable material construction that anticipates and resists the forces of peristaltic contractions. This pre-engineered protection ensures the reservoir maintains its integrity and shape despite the dynamic intestinal environment.
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 effectively manages intestinal contents internally, reducing the need for external devices and minimizing skin irritation, while ensuring controlled flow and durability by integrating with the patient's natural intestinal movements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pump adapted to act on said intestinal wall so as to reduce the reservoir's volume in order to empty the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
an electrical stimulation apparatus adapted to electrically stimulate muscle or neural tissue of said intestinal wall so as to cause at least partial contraction of the intestinal wall
Data Source
AI summary
Where an implanted reservoir for intestinal contents is formed from surgically modified intestine that has been cut along a mutual contact line of laterally adjacent sections of a bent portion of intestine and connected so that the resulting upper and lower halves of the intestine form an intestinal wall of the reservoir, the system for emptying such intestinal reservoir comprises an artificial flow control device implantable in the patient's body and adapted to control flow of the intestinal contents from said reservoir, the flow control device comprising at least one pump adapted to act on said intestinal wall so as to reduce the reservoir's volume, thereby emptying the reservoir. The system may further comprise an entry valve upstream of the reservoir and an exit valve downstream from the reservoir. The pump may be an electrical stimulation type pump, a hydraulically acting type pump or/and a mechanically acting type pump.