Implantable Occlusion System Atrophy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current occlusive systems, such as artificial urinary sphincters, face complications due to tissue atrophy caused by compression, leading to decreased efficacy and potential lesions or erosions, which are difficult to detect and require invasive procedures for correction.
Innovation Solution
An implantable occlusive system with a detection device that measures compression exerted on the natural conduit, monitors a representative parameter over time, and alerts when atrophy is detected, using sensors and processing units to determine and respond to changes in compression or pressure, thereby preventing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compression is exerted by the occlusive element to prevent leakage, then occlusion efficacy is improved, but tissue atrophy occurs leading to decreased efficacy over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of tissue atrophy by monitoring compression parameters and conduit diameter changes before actual tissue damage or erosion occurs. This early warning allows intervention before the atrophy leads to system failure or serious complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors compression exerted by the occlusive element and conduit diameter, providing feedback on tissue response. When atrophy is detected through parameter changes, the system can alert clinicians to adjust compression levels or intervene before tissue erosion occurs.
2Reliability
If compression pressure is increased to compensate for decreased conduit diameter, then occlusion efficacy is maintained, but risk of lesion or erosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects atrophy early through monitoring compression parameters and conduit diameter before tissue erosion occurs, allowing clinicians to adjust compression levels proactively rather than reactively after damage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous monitoring of compression and conduit dimensions provides feedback that allows dynamic adjustment of compression levels to maintain occlusion efficacy while preventing tissue damage from excessive pressure.
3Measurement precision
If direct measurement of atrophy is implemented, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary approach by measuring compression parameters and conduit diameter changes as proxies for atrophy, rather than directly measuring tissue thickness or composition. This indirect measurement maintains adequate detection accuracy while avoiding the complexity of direct tissue measurement techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex direct measurement systems with simpler mechanical sensors that measure compression forces and dimensional changes, achieving adequate atrophy detection through less invasive and simpler mechanical means.
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 system allows for early detection of atrophy, preventing tissue damage and reducing the need for invasive procedures by alerting practitioners or patients, thus maintaining occlusive system efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor adapted to measure compression exerted by the occlusive element on the natural conduit
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an occlusive system implantable in an animal or human body to occlude a natural conduit (10) of an animal or human body, comprising:an occlusive element (9) designed to surround part of the natural conduit (10) to be occluded,an activation device (2) of said occlusive element (10) for varying the compression exerted by said occlusive element (9) on said conduit (10),a control unit (7) adapted to urge the activation device (2) so as to exert determined compression on the conduit (10), anda detection device of atrophy of said natural conduit (10), comprising:(i) a sensor adapted to measure the compression exerted by the occlusive element (9) on the natural conduit (10), and(ii) a processing unit adapted to:determine a representative parameter of strain to be applied to the activation device (2) to achieve determined compression of the conduit (10) by the occlusive element (9),monitor said parameter over time, anddetect atrophy of the natural conduit (10) when said representative parameter fulfils a predetermined criterion.