Magnetic Sphincter Bead Loop for Reflux Control Without Dysphagia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological lumens such as the esophagus can experience compromised functionality due to conditions like GERD, leading to reflux symptoms, as the lower esophageal sphincter fails to maintain a sufficient pressure difference, allowing acidic contents to reflux into the esophagus.
Innovation Solution
An implantable sphincter augmentation device with a bimodal distribution of magnetic field intensity is used, featuring beads with strategically placed magnets to uniformly expand and contract, maintaining a closed state to prevent reflux while allowing food passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lower esophageal sphincter is augmented to prevent reflux, then reflux prevention is improved, but the ability to allow food passage may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic magnetic field modulation to transition between a closed state for reflux prevention and an open state for food passage. The magnetic field intensity is varied over time to control the contraction and relaxation of the sphincter, allowing the system to adapt between opposing functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field is applied in periodic cycles, alternating between high intensity to close the sphincter and low intensity to open it. This periodic modulation enables the sphincter to maintain closure during reflux-prone periods while allowing food passage during eating periods.
2Reliability
If magnetic field intensity is increased to control sphincter closure, then reflux prevention is improved, but dysphagia may occur due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The device dynamically adjusts the magnetic field intensity parameter over time. During closure phase, high intensity is applied; during passage phase, intensity is reduced. This temporal variation in the magnetic field parameter allows effective sphincter control without causing continuous dysphagia.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field intensity is modulated in periodic cycles, providing high intensity only when closure is needed and reducing intensity to allow food passage. This periodic application prevents continuous dysphagia while maintaining reflux prevention capability.
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 device effectively prevents reflux by uniformly controlling the esophageal sphincter's opening and closing, ensuring the magnetic field intensity adjusts to accommodate food passage without causing dysphagia.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable sphincter augmentation device with a bimodal distribution of magnetic field intensity is used, featuring beads with strategically placed magnets
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes at least one link and a plurality of beads. The plurality of beads is joined using the at least one link and is configured to be arranged in an annular arrangement. The annular arrangement is sized and configured to form a loop around an anatomical structure in a patient. Each bead includes a magnet configured to emit a magnetic field and a non-magnetic feature disposed between the adjacent magnets. The magnetic fields of adjacent magnets of adjacent beads of the plurality of beads are configured to proportionately change based on a distance between the adjacent beads. The magnet of each of the beads is configured to magnetically bias the loop toward the contracted configuration. The non-magnetic feature is configured to create a temporary magnetic braking force by temporarily altering the proportionate change of the magnetic fields once the adjacent beads are in a close proximity state.