Magnetic Stent System Preventing Migration via Repulsion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stent migration remains a significant complication in upper gastrointestinal procedures, limiting the clinical utility of stents due to physiological and natural factors, with existing solutions being either ineffective or associated with increased risks of bleeding, perforation, and other adverse events.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic stent system utilizing repulsive magnetic forces, comprising a stent with magnets configured to form a ring and a separate magnetic ring placed externally, generates a magnetic field that prevents stent migration by creating a net upward force against gravity, minimizing the need for tissue manipulation and reducing complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If larger diameter stents are used to decrease migration rates, then stent stability is improved, but complication rates from hemorrhage, perforation, and fistula formation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestent stabilityVSAvoidcomplication rates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical friction-based fixation (relying on stent diameter and tissue compression) with a magnetic field-based fixation system. Magnets embedded in the stent interact with the gastrointestinal tract wall through magnetic attraction, providing stabilization without requiring larger diameter or excessive mechanical compression, thus avoiding hemorrhage and perforation risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of stent fixation from mechanical compression force to magnetic field interaction. By introducing magnetic materials into the stent structure, the fixation mechanism transitions from purely mechanical to electromagnetic, allowing effective stabilization at standard stent diameters without increasing tissue stress to harmful levels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If uncovered self-expanding metal stents are used to generate friction against GI lumen, then migration rates decrease, but tissue hyperreactivity and ingrowth into the stent increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemigration preventionVSAvoidtissue hyperreactivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical friction mechanism (uncovered stent surfaces rubbing against GI mucosa) with a magnetic field-based fixation system. The magnetic force provides migration prevention without requiring direct mechanical contact or friction, thereby reducing tissue hyperreactivity and inflammatory responses while preventing migration effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If SEMS with protuberances or wire hooks are used to embed into mucosa, then migration rate decreases, but the increased friction increases the risk of inflammation, bleeding, and perforation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemigration rateVSAvoidinflammation, bleeding, and perforation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical embedding structures (protuberances and wire hooks that physically penetrate or anchor into mucosa) with a non-invasive magnetic field-based fixation system. The magnetic force provides equivalent migration prevention without mechanical penetration, eliminating the risks of inflammation, bleeding, and perforation associated with embedded structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary mechanism between the stent and GI tract wall. Instead of direct mechanical contact or embedding, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that transmits stabilization force across a small distance, preventing migration while avoiding direct tissue damage from mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 magnetic stent system effectively prevents stent migration, reducing the need for reinterventions and associated complications such as bleeding and perforation, while maintaining stent stability and patient safety, thus enhancing the clinical utility of stents in diverse medical scenarios.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic stent system utilizing repulsive magnetic forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

generates a magnetic field that prevents stent migration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

creating a net upward force against gravity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20250099276A1Magnetic stent system for prevention of stent migration

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

A stent system and method to prevent stent migration. The stent system includes a magnetic stent comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, a proximal end, and a distal end with three or more magnets disposed thereon and configured to form a ring. The system may further have a magnetic ring comprising three or more magnets configured to form a ring. The magnetic ring is disposed proximally or distally to the magnetic stent, which allows magnetic repulsion to maintain the position of the stent.