Rectal Implant with Segmented Arms for Fecal Continence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bodily implants for treating fecal incontinence often fail to provide adequate support due to insufficient distribution of tensioning forces and non-conformity to anatomical structures, leading to incomplete fecal continence and reduced stability.
Innovation Solution
A bodily implant with a support member and arm members that form a loop around the rectum, using a snap or button type coupling system, which is designed to be placed within the body to surround the rectum and secured to body tissues, distributing tension evenly and conforming to the anatomical shape to prevent feces leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sling procedure is used to support the rectum, then fecal incontinence treatment is provided, but the tensioning forces are not sufficiently distributed around the rectum
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is divided into multiple segments or arms that extend around the rectum at different locations. Each arm independently supports and distributes tensioning forces across multiple attachment points, preventing concentration of force at a single location and improving overall rectal support for fecal continence.
2Reliability
If a partial support implant is used, then some rectal support is provided, but the implant does not conform to the anatomy leading to incomplete fecal continence
Solution Approach 1:
The sling is configured with a curved or circumferential shape that follows the natural anatomical contours of the rectum. This curved configuration allows the implant to conform closely to the rectal anatomy, providing comprehensive support around the entire rectum rather than partial support, thereby achieving complete fecal continence.
3Reliability
If a sling with extended arms is used, then the implant can be secured to body tissues, but the stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the sling are designed with different properties: the arms extending to body tissues are designed for secure attachment and anchoring, while the central portion surrounding the rectum is designed for optimal support and conformity. This localized differentiation allows each section to perform its specific function effectively, maintaining both secure fixation and rectal stability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A bodily implant is provided that includes a support member (202) and an arm member (204-1). The support member is configured to be placed within a body of a patient such that the support member surrounds a rectum of the patient. The arm member extends from the support member and is configured to be coupled to a portion of the body of the patient to help retain the support member in place within the body of the patient.