Pressure-Triggered Pelvic Floor Electrostimulation for Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence are inadequate, and there is a need for a more effective means of prevention and treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electrostimulation device with electrodes for intimate contact with vaginal or rectal mucosa, sensors to detect urinary-related activity, and a processor to induce electrostimulation of the pelvic floor in response to increasing intra-abdominal pressure, optionally with wireless communication and AI for parameter adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current treatment methods (behavioral therapies, pelvic floor exercises, medications, nerve stimulation, surgery) are used, then incontinence can be managed to some extent, but the treatment is inadequate and does not provide sufficient prevention and treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical treatment methods (pelvic floor exercises, surgery) with an electrostimulation device that uses electrical signals to activate pelvic floor muscles. The device includes electrodes that deliver controlled electrical currents through the pelvic floor, enabling non-invasive muscle stimulation and strengthening without requiring complex surgical interventions or manual exercise routines.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostimulation device is designed to be self-regulating through integrated sensors and control circuits. The device automatically detects pelvic floor muscle activity and adjusts stimulation parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for complex manual monitoring and adjustment by the user. The system serves itself by continuously adapting to individual physiological responses.
2Productivity
If an electrostimulation device with sensors and processor is used to detect and respond to intra-abdominal pressure, then real-time pelvic floor stimulation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into a single integrated device unit. The electrostimulation device combines sensors for detecting intra-abdominal pressure, a processor for analyzing sensor data and determining stimulation timing, and electrostimulation electrodes all in one compact unit. This integration enables real-time automated response while reducing the overall complexity compared to separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor intra-abdominal pressure and pelvic floor muscle activity, and the processor uses this information to automatically adjust stimulation timing and intensity. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptation to user needs without requiring complex manual control interfaces.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed to fit various vaginal lengths and widths through adaptable dimensions, then ease of insertion is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates flexible, adaptable dimensions that can dynamically adjust to fit different vaginal anatomies. The device includes expandable or adjustable components that can change their effective size and shape during insertion and use, allowing the same device design to accommodate a wide range of user anatomical variations without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
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 device strengthens the pelvic floor, reduces frequency and urgency of urination, prevents leakage, and treats mild to moderate pelvic prolapse through neuromodulation and muscle contraction.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for detecting urinary related activity... in response to detection of increasing intra-abdominal pressure by the pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
induce electrostimulation of a pelvic floor by the electrode... electrostimulation of the pelvic floor muscles
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for the prevention and/or treatment of fecal and/or urinary incontinence. The device may fit into a vagina. The device may include a pressure sensor and electrodes. The device may include a lateral projection on the device and/or a skin of the device. In response to intra-abdominal pressure the device may apply electrostimulation with the electrodes, for example to a vaginal mucosa.