Magnetic Gastric Constriction Device for Reversible Obesity Treatment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current gastric constriction devices for treating obesity face issues such as increased risk of leakage, acute gastric dilatation, wound infection, stoma narrowing, and difficulties with reversibility, leading to complications like incisional hernia and prolonged hospital stays.

Innovation Solution

A gastric constriction device comprising a biocompatible film or sheet that constricts the stomach volume by extending over its wall, with adjustable fixation arrangements and potentially bio-absorbable materials, designed to restrict expansion in one region while facilitating expansion in another, and optionally incorporating a gastric nerve stimulator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If surgical stapling and transection of the stomach are used to create a gastric pouch, then food intake is restricted and weight loss is achieved, but the risk of leakage, acute gastric dilatation, and wound infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight loss effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of leakage and infection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical surgical stapling and transection with a magnetic constriction system. Magnets applied externally to the stomach create a constricting force that restricts gastric volume without cutting or stapling tissue, thereby eliminating the risks of leakage and wound infection associated with surgical anastomosis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of gastric restriction from permanent surgical alteration to adjustable magnetic force application. The constriction force can be modified by changing magnet strength or configuration, allowing weight loss effectiveness while controlling harmful factors through parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the stomach is constricted to restrict food intake, then satiety is promoted and weight loss occurs, but the risk of stoma narrowing and erosion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesatiety promotionVSAvoidrisk of stoma narrowing and erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical constriction devices that physically contact and potentially erode stomach tissue with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic force constricts the stomach remotely without direct contact, promoting satiety through volume restriction while eliminating erosion and stoma narrowing risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic field as an intermediary between the external application and the stomach. This intermediary transmits the constricting force without requiring direct contact between the device and gastric tissue, thereby preventing erosion and narrowing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If permanent gastric constriction devices are implanted, then long-term weight loss is achieved, but reversibility becomes difficult and removal requires additional surgery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term weight lossVSAvoidreversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the gastric constriction system from static and permanent to dynamic and reversible. Magnets can be applied, adjusted, or removed at any time, allowing the constriction force to be dynamically controlled. This enables long-term weight loss management while maintaining full reversibility without additional surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables easy recovery of the constriction effect by simply removing the magnets. The magnetic components can be discarded or stored, and the stomach returns to its normal state without requiring surgical removal, thus achieving reversibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Reliability

If extensive surgical procedures are performed to bypass the digestive tract, then food intake is restricted and weight loss is achieved, but hospital stay is prolonged and recovery time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight loss effectivenessVSAvoidhospital stay and recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces extensive surgical procedures with a non-invasive magnetic application system. Magnets can be applied externally without requiring hospital admission or surgical recovery, achieving weight loss effectiveness while minimizing time loss to near zero

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows preliminary application of magnets before any surgical intervention, or as an alternative to surgery entirely. This preliminary or alternative approach achieves weight loss without the time loss associated with extensive surgical procedures and their recovery periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS7758493B2Gastric constriction device

Publication Date: 2010.07.20 PROXY BIOMEDICAL LTD

AI summary

A gastric constriction device (160) comprises a sheet (131) extending over part of the wall of the stomach (24). Five bands (151) extend around the stomach (24) to fix the sheet (131) in position relative to the stomach (24). The lower two bands (151) extend from the first side (152) of the sheet (131) around the stomach (24) only partially towards the second side (153). These lower two bands (151) are not fixed to the second side (153). This arrangement results in an unconstricted portion of the stomach (161). In this manner, the device (160) restricts expansion of the majority of the stomach wall while facilitating expansion of this unconstricted portion (161). The unconstricted portion (161) is therefore free to expand or bulge outwardly upon ingestion. This expansion may trigger the feeling of satiation due to the presence of the vagal nerves in this portion (161) of the stomach (24).