Flexible Biocompatible Device with Micro-anchors for Digestive Tissue Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for treating obesity and related comorbidities face challenges in anchoring within the digestive tract due to peristalsis, leading to migration and intestinal obstruction, and existing solutions often come with complications and temporary weight loss results.
Innovation Solution
A flexible biocompatible device with micro-anchors that distribute force over a large area to securely attach to the mucosa, allowing for effective isolation of tissue from food, made from materials like silicone or polyurethane, and featuring a design that accommodates natural digestive movements without restriction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchoring devices are used in the digestive tract, then they can provide initial fixation, but they cause migration and intestinal obstruction due to peristalsis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible biocompatible membrane or film that can conform to the digestive tract wall and accommodate peristalsis movements. This flexible structure distributes mechanical stress across a larger area, preventing the device from migrating or causing obstruction while maintaining reliable anchoring through distributed micro-anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is divided into multiple discrete micro-anchors distributed across the device surface rather than using a single large anchor. This segmentation allows each micro-anchor to handle small localized forces while the collective distribution prevents migration and obstruction caused by concentrated stress points.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If surgical procedures are performed to restrict stomach size or bypass intestine, then lasting weight loss is achieved, but permanent modification of GI tract and surgical complications occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biocompatible membrane as an intermediary layer between the digestive tract wall and the anchoring system. This membrane provides a stable attachment surface for weight loss therapy without requiring permanent surgical modification of the GI tract, reducing complications while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameters of the digestive tract by introducing a flexible membrane that modifies the local geometry and surface area without permanent surgical alteration. This allows for adjustable and reversible parameter changes compared to irreversible surgical procedures.
3Reliability
If force is concentrated at anchor attachment points, then secure fixation is achieved, but tissue damage and migration occur due to peristalsis
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring force is segmented into multiple micro-anchors distributed across the device surface, with each micro-anchor bearing a fraction of the total load. This segmentation prevents concentrated stress at single attachment points, reducing tissue damage while maintaining overall fixation security through the collective action of distributed anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible biocompatible membrane distributes the anchoring forces across a larger surface area, preventing concentrated stress at individual attachment points. This flexible structure accommodates peristalsis movements while maintaining secure fixation and minimizing tissue damage through force distribution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for isolating tissue in the digestive tract including a biocompatible portion having a surface sized to cover the tissue to be isolated and also includes a plurality of micro-anchors attached to the biocompatible portion and extending from the surface, the micro-anchors sized to penetrate the mucosa of the tissue. A method for isolating tissue in the digestive tract in which an isolation element is delivered to a desired location in the digestive system; the isolation element having fixed thereto a plurality of micro-anchors. The method also includes attaching the isolation element to tissue at the desired location by causing the micro-anchors to penetrate the mucosa of the tissue.