Prostatic Urethra Dilation via Radial Retraction Forces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical treatments for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are invasive, painful, and associated with complications such as impotence, incontinence, and bleeding, while non-surgical methods like catheters and ablation techniques may cause discomfort and pain.
Innovation Solution
A urological implant system comprising a distal and proximal retractor with elastic portions and tissue support members, designed to retract or support periurethral tissue by exerting radially directed forces on the prostate lobes, allowing for minimally invasive dilation of the prostatic urethra without the need for surgical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical treatment (open prostatectomy or TURP) is used to treat BPH, then the enlarged prostate tissue is removed to relieve urethral constriction, but the procedure causes pain, trauma, and complications such as impotence, incontinence, and bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces surgical mechanical cutting and removal systems with a mechanical dilation system. The dilating device uses gradual radial expansion forces to reshape the prostate lobes and widen the urethral lumen, eliminating the need for incisions, tissue removal, and associated surgical trauma while achieving the therapeutic goal of relieving urethral constriction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a positioning balloon as an intermediary device. The balloon is first inflated to anchor the catheter and define the treatment zone, then serves as a template around which the dilating device is positioned. This intermediary structure enables precise placement of the dilating elements and ensures controlled expansion forces are applied to the correct anatomical region
2Ease of operation
If urinary catheters with positioning balloons are used for non-surgical treatment, then urine passage is maintained and catheter retention is achieved, but patient discomfort and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the positioning balloon and the dilating device into a single integrated system. The positioning balloon and dilating elements are combined in one device that performs both anchoring and therapeutic dilation functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate invasive catheter placement and reducing overall procedural discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies gradual, controlled dilation forces rather than sudden or excessive expansion. The dilating device incrementally increases radial pressure on the prostate lobes over time, allowing tissue adaptation and reducing pain compared to rapid or forceful expansion methods
3Reliability
If ablation techniques (microwave or laser) are combined with catheters for treating enlarged prostate, then tissue removal is achieved, but pain and discomfort result
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal ablation mechanisms (microwave or laser energy) with a purely mechanical dilation system. Instead of using heat to vaporize or coagulate prostate tissue, the device uses controlled radial expansion forces to physically reshape and compress the enlarged lobes, achieving tissue remolding without thermal injury and associated pain
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of mechanical compression into a beneficial therapeutic outcome. The radial expansion forces that initially compress and reshape the prostate lobes ultimately create permanent structural changes that widen the urethral lumen and improve urine flow, transforming mechanical pressure from a potentially painful stimulus into a therapeutic molding force
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 implant system provides a minimally invasive solution for treating BPH by effectively retracting and supporting periurethral tissue, reducing discomfort and minimizing complications associated with surgical treatments, while allowing for continuous support and dilation of the prostatic urethra.
Implementation Method 1
a distal retractor incorporating a first and a second craniolateral corners; and a proximal retractor incorporating a first and a second caudolateral corners; wherein said distal retractor and proximal retractor are independently actuatable
Data Source
AI summary
A dilating device for the prostatic urethra comprising: Prostatic implant includes independently actuatable distal retractor incorporating and proximal retractor. Retractors may be connected via a spine member. System and method include implant manipulator detachably connected to implant, for manipulating and forcing implant into close proximity, for delivery into subject.