Intraluminal Fastener Structure for Stable GI Wall Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secure fixation of intraluminal devices to the inner surface of organs, such as the gastro-intestinal tract, is challenging due to peristalsis, which complicates the attachment process and increases the risk of infection.
Innovation Solution
An intraluminal fixation system using a flexible shaft with self-expanding portions to distribute contact across a large area of the organ wall, combined with a biasing member to securely attach the device, while allowing for adjustable stress application and minimizing tissue erosion and infection risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional fixation method is used to attach the intraluminal device to the organ wall, then the device can be secured in position, but the risk of infection and tissue erosion increases due to concentrated pressure and peristalsis
Solution Approach 1:
The contact distribution member is constructed from multiple discrete segments or struts arranged in a pattern, rather than a continuous surface. This segmentation distributes the contact pressure across multiple discrete points, reducing concentrated stress on any single area of tissue, thereby minimizing tissue erosion and infection risk while maintaining overall fixation security.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system employs different structural characteristics in different regions: the contact distribution member has an open pattern with varying strut densities to optimize local pressure distribution, while the biasing member provides concentrated elastic force. This local differentiation allows the device to simultaneously achieve secure fixation and minimize harmful concentrated pressures on tissue.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the intraluminal device is firmly fixed to the organ wall, then sustained fixation is achieved, but peristalsis increases the difficulty of maintaining stable attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is constructed from elastic materials that can dynamically deform and recover in response to peristaltic movements. This elasticity allows the fixation system to adapt to organ wall motion, maintaining stable attachment throughout the peristaltic cycle rather than relying on rigid, static fixation that would fail under dynamic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides a continuous elastic counterforce that opposes the separating effects of peristalsis. This active counteracting force compensates for the dynamic forces generated by organ wall contraction and relaxation, maintaining sustained fixation stability despite the challenging peristaltic environment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the contact area with the organ wall is reduced to minimize tissue damage, then infection risk decreases, but the fixation security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The contact distribution member uses an open segmented pattern where multiple discrete struts or elements distribute contact forces across a wide area. This segmentation achieves both goals: the dispersed contact points minimize concentrated tissue damage and infection risk, while the collective effect of multiple contact points across a large area maintains secure fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation system transitions from considering only the two-dimensional contact area to incorporating the third dimension of elastic force application. The biasing member introduces a vertical dimension of elastic pressure that enhances fixation security without requiring increased lateral contact area, thereby maintaining low tissue stress while achieving reliable attachment.
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
Provides secure, removable fixation of intraluminal devices with reduced infection risk and tissue erosion, compatible with adjustable devices and suitable for peristalsis-prone environments like the gastro-intestinal tract.
Implementation Method 1
The first portion of the flexible shaft has elastic properties that allow it to be collapsed to fit within the shaft guide and self-expand to a first memory-induced configuration when deployed from the distal end portion of the shaft guide
Implementation Method 2
self-expand to a first memory-induced configuration
Implementation Method 3
The second portion of the flexible shaft may have elastic properties that allow it to be collapsed to fit within the shaft guide and self-expand to a memory-induced configuration when deployed from the distal end portion of the shaft guide adjacent the intraluminal device
Implementation Method 4
The biasing member may be biased toward the contact distribution member by one of the contact distribution member or the biasing member defining a magnet and the other of the contact distribution member or biasing member being magnetically attracted to the magnet
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fixation of an intraluminal device to an inner surface of a hollow organ, an intraluminal fixation system and intraluminal fastener includes positioning a distal end portion of a shaft guide adjacent the outer surface of the hollow organ. A contact distribution member is formed by feeding at least the distal first portion of a flexible shaft through the shaft guide out the distal end portion of the shaft guide. The first portion of the flexible shaft has elastic properties that allow it to be collapsed to fit within the shaft guide and self-expand to a first memory-induced configuration when deployed from the distal end portion of the shaft guide outside of the hollow organ. A biasing member is biased toward the contact distribution member thereby biasing the intraluminal device toward the hollow organ wall.