Intragastric Device Tracking via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intragastric devices for obesity treatment face challenges such as complex insertion procedures, radiation exposure for location verification, and lack of control over inflation timing, which can lead to premature or delayed inflation and associated health risks.
Innovation Solution
A free-floating or tethered intragastric volume-occupying device that maintains a predetermined volume and internal pressure, using self-inflating or inflatable designs with a polymeric wall that allows controlled diffusion of gases, and incorporates tracking systems like electromagnetic, magnetic, or ultrasonic methods for non-invasive location and characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiography or fluoroscopy is used to verify device location, then device positioning accuracy is improved, but patient radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiography/fluoroscopy (electromagnetic radiation-based systems) with alternative tracking methods such as electromagnetic field generators and sensors, or ultrasonic transducers, to monitor device location without exposing patients to ionizing radiation. This substitution maintains positioning capability while eliminating harmful radiation exposure.
2Productivity
If the balloon is inflated immediately after insertion, then the device occupies stomach volume sooner, but premature inflation in the esophagus may occur causing obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tracking system that monitors device location in real-time during the insertion and inflation process. By detecting the device's position through electromagnetic or ultrasonic fields, the system ensures the balloon is in the stomach before inflation begins, preventing premature expansion in the esophagus while enabling timely inflation once proper positioning is confirmed.
3Ease of operation
If the balloon is deflated too early, then device removal is facilitated, but treatment duration is reduced diminishing therapeutic benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tracking system that provides continuous feedback on device location and inflation status. This feedback mechanism allows clinicians to monitor the device throughout the treatment period and determine the optimal time for deflation and removal based on actual device position and patient response, rather than relying on fixed time schedules, thereby balancing treatment duration with removal feasibility.
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
Minimizes stress on the device to prevent failure, allows for controlled volume adjustment to accommodate stomach size changes, and avoids radiation exposure by using non-invasive tracking methods for precise device location and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic sensor configured to produce an electric current when exposed to the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic field generator
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensor configured to detect a magnetic field produced by a magnetic marker
Implementation Method 3
a polymeric wall that allows controlled diffusion of gases
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, locating, tracking, monitoring, deflating, and retrieving the same are provided.