Magnetic Sphincter Implant with Absorbable Mesh for Reflux Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical implants and insertion tools for biological lumens, such as the esophagus, lack effective solutions for reinforcing sphincters to prevent reflux and other functional impairments caused by conditions like GERD, where the lower esophageal sphincter fails to maintain proper occlusion and opening states.
Innovation Solution
A surgical implant with an openable occlusion mechanism and a plurality of magnets is deployed using an endoscope, featuring an absorbable and non-absorbable component, an annular flange, and a deployment assembly that includes a flexible shaft, actuating sheath, and bladders to securely attach the implant within the biological lumen, ensuring the sphincter transitions correctly between occluded and opened states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical implant with magnets is used to reinforce the sphincter, then the sphincter function is improved and reflux is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple functional components: an expandable mesh body for structural support, separate magnetic elements for sphincter reinforcement, and a deployment mechanism with bladders for controlled expansion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while enabling modular assembly and deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant components are nested within each other during deployment - the mesh body is positioned within the biological lumen, the magnetic elements are integrated into the mesh structure, and the entire assembly is deployed from within a catheter through sequential bladder expansion. This nested configuration reduces the overall profile during insertion while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
2Reliability
If an expandable mesh structure is used to maintain sphincter occlusion, then the occlusion effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh structure transitions from a compressed low-profile state during insertion to an expanded high-volume state when deployed, allowing it to adapt to the biological lumen dimensions. The magnetic elements also transition between concentrated and distributed configurations to dynamically adjust the occlusion force based on physiological conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh body is constructed from flexible, biocompatible material that can conform to the irregular geometry of the biological lumen while maintaining structural integrity. This flexible membrane structure provides effective occlusion by distributing pressure evenly across the sphincter region without requiring rigid components.
3Reliability
If magnets are used to encourage the sphincter toward the occluded state, then the sphincter control is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic elements are positioned and oriented with specific parameters (strength, polarity, spacing) optimized to generate the desired occlusion force. By carefully controlling these magnetic parameters during manufacturing, the system achieves reliable sphincter control without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized manufacturing processes.
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
The implant effectively prevents reflux by maintaining the sphincter's occluded state while allowing passage of food and gases, reducing tissue damage and improving patient outcomes by enhancing sphincter function and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of magnets are configured to encourage the sphincter toward the occluded state
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical implant is configured to reinforce a sphincter to transition between an occluded state and an opened state. The surgical implant includes an openable occlusion mechanism and a plurality of magnets. The openable occlusion mechanism includes an absorbable component and a non-absorbable component. The plurality of magnets are configured to encourage the sphincter toward the occluded state. An apparatus is operable to deploy the implant. The implant is placed on the distal end of the apparatus. An endoscope along with the implant and the apparatus are inserted in a biological lumen.