Occlusive Cuff Layout for Large-Duct Implantation and Tissue Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing occlusive cuffs with large dimensions pose challenges during implantation due to bulkiness, increased complexity, and reduced autonomy of implantable systems, particularly when used around anatomical ducts with large circumferences like the bladder neck, risking tissue damage from localized mechanical stresses.

Innovation Solution

Design of an occlusive cuff with an inflatable reservoir covering less than 75% of the band length, featuring a flexible band and a free inner surface for direct anatomical duct contact, reducing bulkiness and localized stresses, while maintaining effective occlusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a cuff of large dimension is used to surround anatomical ducts with large circumference, then the cuff can effectively occlude the duct, but the bulkiness increases making implantation awkward and increasing the risk of tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuff adaptability to large circumference ductsVSAvoidlocalized mechanical stresses on tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is divided into two distinct functional zones: an inflatable reservoir portion and a free inner surface portion. This segmentation allows the reservoir to provide controlled occlusion pressure only where needed, while the free surface provides a cushioning bearing zone that distributes mechanical stress and prevents tissue damage from localized pinching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the cuff are given different functional properties: the reservoir portion is designed to inflate and provide occlusive pressure, while the free inner surface portion is designed to remain flexible and provide a cushioning bearing zone. This local differentiation of quality allows effective occlusion without tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a cuff of large dimension is used, then it can occlude large circumference ducts, but the implantation complexity and bulkiness increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecuff applicability to large circumference ductsVSAvoidimplantation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff is segmented into functional zones rather than being uniformly structured. This allows the device to maintain simple overall geometry while providing differentiated functionality, reducing implantation complexity despite the large circumference application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the inflatable reservoir extends over the entire band length, then occlusion coverage is maximized, but bulkiness and fluid volume requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion effectivenessVSAvoidcuff thickness and fluid volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cuff length is divided into two functional segments: the reservoir portion that inflates for occlusion and the free inner surface portion that remains deflated. This segmentation eliminates the need for fluid-filled material in the entire cuff length, reducing bulkiness and fluid volume requirements while maintaining effective occlusion coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reservoir extends over only a part of the band length rather than the entire length. This partial action is sufficient to provide effective occlusion because the free inner surface portion provides additional cushioning and the reservoir can be inflated to appropriate pressure, eliminating the need for excessive fluid volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Facilitates easy implantation, reduces cuff thickness and fluid volume requirements, enhances system autonomy, and minimizes tissue damage by eliminating pinch zones and localized stresses on the anatomical duct.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable reservoir arranged on an inner face of the band, said inflatable reservoir extending over only a part of the length of the band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12551324B2Occlusive cuff and implantable occlusive system comprising such a cuff

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 UROMEMS

AI summary

The invention relates to an occlusive cuff for selectively occluding an anatomical duct. The occlusive cuff has a band suited to surrounding an anatomical duct, provided with a closing device suited to maintaining the band wound upon itself over a determined length and an inflatable reservoir arranged on an inner face of the band. The cuff is characterised in that the inflatable reservoir extends over only a part of the length of the band, another part of the length defining a free inner surface of the band configured to form a bearing zone for the anatomical duct, such that when the band is maintained wound upon itself by the closing device, the inflatable reservoir is opposite said free inner surface of the band.