Intragastric Device Segmentation for Controlled Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intragastric volume-occupying devices for obesity treatment have limitations, including complex gastric procedures for insertion, lack of control and reproducibility in inflation timing, and discomfort during swallowing and use.
Innovation Solution
A free-floating, intragastric, volume-occupying device that can be swallowed or inserted via catheter, inflated with a preselected gas to a specific volume, and later deflated or removed, using a system with a self-sealing valve and gas-impermeable materials for controlled inflation and tracking, minimizing discomfort and procedural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex gastric procedures are used for insertion, then the device can be implanted, but the procedural complexity and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: an inflatable balloon portion and a separate valve assembly. The balloon can be inserted in a deflated state through simpler procedures, then inflated separately to achieve the desired volume-occupying effect without requiring complex implantation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is prepared in a deflated state before insertion, allowing it to pass through the esophagus and into the stomach more easily. The inflation occurs after proper positioning, eliminating the need for complex real-time implantation procedures
2Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to a large volume, then the satiety effect is improved, but the discomfort during swallowing and insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is inserted in a completely deflated or minimally inflated state, allowing easy swallowing and passage through the esophagus. The full inflation to therapeutic volume occurs only after the balloon is properly positioned in the stomach, maximizing comfort while achieving the desired satiety effect
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon transitions from a static small size during insertion to a dynamic larger size after placement. This dynamic size change allows the device to adapt to different stages of the procedure, being small when needed for comfort and large when needed for therapeutic effect
3Reliability
If the device requires surgical implantation, then secure placement is achieved, but the ease of insertion and removal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A separate valve assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the external environment and the balloon interior. This valve can be accessed through the stomach wall or via endoscopic approach, providing secure control over balloon inflation and deflation without requiring external surgical incisions or complex implantation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is separated from the balloon body, allowing the balloon to be inserted through simple swallowing or minimal procedures, while the valve is placed or accessed separately to provide secure inflation control without complicating the initial insertion process
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and devices for inflating and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.