Magnetic Stomach Volume Reduction via Non-Surgical Implant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for reducing stomach size to treat obesity are invasive and carry significant risks, necessitating the development of less invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
Implanting at least two magnetically interacting objects within the stomach, which can move relative to each other to reduce stomach volume by magnetically attracting or repelling the stomach walls, thereby reducing food intake and treating obesity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If traditional surgical methods are used to reduce stomach size, then stomach volume is effectively reduced, but the procedure becomes highly invasive with significant risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical cutting and stapling systems with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are implanted in the stomach wall to create magnetic forces that reduce stomach volume without requiring incisions, sutures, or mechanical trauma to the stomach tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnets as intermediary objects that mediate the volume reduction process. These magnets are implanted in the stomach wall and interact magnetically to create the desired volume reduction effect, serving as a non-invasive intermediary between the treatment goal and the stomach tissue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If magnetic objects are implanted to reduce stomach volume, then procedural invasiveness is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the stomach wall into multiple implantation sites and places multiple magnets at different locations. Each magnet operates independently but contributes to the overall volume reduction effect, allowing for segmented treatment of different stomach regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnets that can move relative to one another in response to magnetic interaction forces. This dynamic configuration allows the magnetic objects to self-adjust their positions to optimize the volume reduction effect while simplifying the implantation procedure.
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 method effectively reduces stomach volume, decreases the desire to eat, and offers a less invasive and reversible treatment for obesity, minimizing procedural invasiveness and risks associated with traditional surgery.
Implementation Method 1
The two magnetic objects are implanted in the stomach at respective locations that can move relative to one another in response to magnetic interaction (force) between the magnetic objects
Data Source
AI summary
The effective volume of a patient's stomach cavity can be reduced by implanting at least two magnetic devices in the stomach at different locations on the stomach wall. The magnets cooperate with one another magnetically to change the effective volume of the stomach. For example, the magnets may magnetically attract one another to pull in portions of opposite side walls of the stomach. The magnetic devices may be implanted non-surgically (e.g., via one or more catheters introduced into the stomach cavity via the patient's mouth and esophagus). The magnets may be removable to reverse the treatment. Removal may be non-surgical.