Magnetic Stent Actuation for Biliary Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biliary stents often become occluded due to biofilm and sludge deposition, leading to restricted bile flow and requiring frequent replacement, which is costly and poses medical risks.
Innovation Solution
A plastic tubular stent with magnetically reactive objects that can be moved within the stent lumen using a separate actuation device, such as a magnetized glove, to dislodge and prevent the adherence of cumulative matter, thereby maintaining patency without the need for electricity or expensive equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic tubular stent is implanted to maintain bile duct patency, then the stent provides structural support and maintains open lumen for bile flow, but cumulative matter (biofilm, sludge, bacteria) accumulates on the stent surface over time, leading to occlusion and requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The stent incorporates a movable mass (magnet) that can be actuated to move within the stent lumen. This dynamic element creates mechanical disturbance to prevent cumulative matter from adhering to and accumulating on the stent inner surface, thereby maintaining patency without requiring replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The actuated mass generates mechanical movement and vibration within the stent lumen when manipulated by an external magnetic field. This mechanical action disrupts the formation and accumulation of biofilm and sludge deposits, preventing occlusion and extending the functional duration of the stent
2Reliability
If conventional stents are replaced every three months due to occlusion, then stent patency is restored, but patients face medical risks and financial strain from repeated procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The stent is pre-equipped with a movable mass and actuation mechanism that enables proactive cleaning before occlusion occurs. The mass can be periodically actuated to dislodge and remove cumulative matter, preventing complete blockage and extending the interval between medical interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The stent incorporates a self-cleaning mechanism where a movable mass, when actuated by an external magnet, automatically moves to dislodge and remove cumulative matter from the stent surface. This self-service capability reduces the frequency of professional medical interventions and extends the functional life of the stent
3Ease of manufacture
If a magnetically reactive object is moved within the stent lumen to dislodge cumulative matter, then stent patency is maintained without electricity or expensive equipment, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An external magnet serves as an intermediary device that actuates the magnetically reactive mass within the stent without requiring direct contact or complex integrated actuation systems. This separates the actuation mechanism from the stent structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving the desired cleaning function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical or motorized actuation systems with a simple magnetically reactive mass that can be moved by an external magnet. This substitution eliminates the need for batteries, motors, or electronic controls within the stent, maintaining ease of manufacture while reducing device complexity
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
This solution extends the time before stent replacement is necessary, reduces medical risks, and allows patients to perform the cleaning procedure non-invasively, minimizing healthcare costs and complications.
Implementation Method 1
one or more magnetically reactive objects; wherein the one or more magnetically reactive objects are movably disposed within the lumen; and an actuation device, separate from the plastic tubular stent
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system is provided for preventing the accumulation of cumulative matter from clogging a stent, such as a plastic tubular drainage stent for use in the biliary system. The system includes a stent having one or more magnetically reactive objects moveably disposed therein and an actuation device, such as a glove, having one or more magnets thereon. When the actuation device is waived near the one or more magnetically reactive objects of the stent, it actuates them by manually manipulating the one or more magnetically reactive objects of the stent by attracting or repelling them such that they contact the stent walls dislodging cumulative matter attached thereto. As a result of the system, the stent is able to remain resident within the patient for an extended period of time before becoming clogged and needing to be replaced.