Implantable Optical Pressure Sensor for Urinary Sphincter Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Urinary incontinence due to improper sphincter function, particularly weakened muscles and nerve disorders, is not effectively addressed by existing technologies, which lack precise monitoring and responsive therapy solutions.
Innovation Solution
An implantable optical pressure sensor using an optical fiber and flexible tube section with a reflective diaphragm is deployed within the bladder neck to monitor urinary sphincter pressure, integrated with a neurostimulation system that adjusts electrical stimulation based on sensed pressure to prevent involuntary urine leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an implantable sensor is deployed to monitor urinary sphincter pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure sensing mechanisms with an optical measurement system. An optical fiber transmits light to a diaphragm and detects reflected light, converting mechanical pressure changes into optical signal variations. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical transducers, electronics, and power sources, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from a complete sensor system. By using passive optical reflection instead of active sensing, the system eliminates electronics, power sources, and complex signal processing circuits. Only the essential optical fiber and diaphragm remain, significantly simplifying the device structure.
2Measurement precision
If a flexible tube section with diaphragm is used to sense pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible tube section with a thin diaphragm that deflects in response to pressure changes. This flexible structure allows the sensor to be implanted within the bladder neck and urethra, conforming to the anatomical curvature while maintaining pressure sensing capability. The flexibility enables the device to adapt to dynamic pressure variations without requiring rigid support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical deflection of the diaphragm is converted into an optical signal through light reflection. Instead of directly measuring mechanical displacement with complex mechanical transducers, the system uses optical fibers to detect changes in reflected light caused by diaphragm deflection, simplifying the overall structure.
3Device complexity
If optical fiber is used to transmit light, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber system is designed to be self-aligning and self-adjusting. The flexible tube section and diaphragm structure naturally guide the optical fiber into proper alignment during implantation. The system compensates for minor positioning variations through the flexibility of the tube and diaphragm, reducing the need for extremely precise manufacturing tolerances while maintaining optical coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses changes in optical parameters (light intensity, reflection characteristics) to detect pressure variations. By monitoring changes in the reflected light signal rather than requiring precise mechanical measurements, the system tolerates manufacturing variations in fiber positioning and coupling while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 provides continuous monitoring and dynamic control of sphincter pressure, enhancing the efficacy of neurostimulation therapy by preventing incontinence and potentially strengthening the sphincter muscle, allowing patients to manage bladder function more effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber transmits light to the diaphragm, which reflects light back into the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
The optical fiber transmits light to the diaphragm, which reflects light back into the optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
The diaphragm deflects under pressure exerted on the flexible tube by the urinary sphincter. As a result, optical properties of the light reflected by the diaphragm change, indicating a change in urinary sphincter pressure
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes an optical fiber pressure sensor to measure sphincter pressure which may be incorporated into a therapeutic sphincter control system. The system senses sphincter pressure and sends the information to a stimulator that is capable of stimulation therapy to control sphincter contractility, thus reducing unwanted urinary incontinence. Measuring sphincter pressure is accomplished through the use of an optical fiber connected to flexible tube section placed through the sphincter, where properties of the emitted light are changed proportional to the pressure on the tube section. The light is returned to a light detector to measure light properties and create an electrical signal representative of the pressure on the tube section. The signal may then be sent by wireless telemetry to an implanted stimulator or external programmer.