Intra-vaginal Device for Fecal Incontinence via Segmented Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for fecal incontinence in women are ineffective and uncomfortable, with existing devices failing to stably and comfortably occlude the rectum, leading to limited success in controlling stool passage.
Innovation Solution
An intra-vaginal device designed to maintain stability through engagement with internal vaginal anatomy, featuring a stabilizing portion and an occluding portion that extends to partially occlude the rectum, with a flattened stabilizing body and a cushioning portion to minimize tissue stretch and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing intra-vaginal devices are used to occlude the rectum, then stool passage control is achieved, but device stability and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a stabilizing portion with anterior and posterior ends that engages vaginal anatomy, and a separate occluding portion that extends to occlude the rectum. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions between a compressed insertion state and an expanded operational state. During insertion, the occluding portion is compressed within the stabilizing portion; upon deployment, it expands perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to engage the rectum, utilizing dimensional transformation to achieve stable occlusion.
2Reliability
If the occluding portion extends to occlude the rectum, then stool passage is controlled, but tissue stretch and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The occluding portion is constructed from flexible, biocompatible materials that can conform to the rectal anatomy. This flexibility allows the device to achieve effective occlusion while adapting to tissue contours, minimizing stretch and discomfort compared to rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizing portion includes a cushioning portion between its anterior and posterior ends that contacts vaginal tissue. This cushioning element is positioned in advance to distribute pressure and reduce discomfort during device operation, preventing tissue damage before it occurs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the device is designed to engage internal vaginal anatomy for stability, then device stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the occluding portion, engages with vaginal anatomy (pubic bone and cervix) for stabilization, and includes cushioning elements for comfort. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic characteristics through its ability to transition between compressed and expanded states. The stabilizing portion maintains a relatively fixed structure for support, while the occluding portion dynamically adjusts its configuration during insertion and operation, allowing stability without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for intra-vaginal bowel control.