Remote Deflation Intragastric Balloon with Integrated Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intragastric balloon systems require surgical intervention for deflation and lack remote control capabilities, making them inconvenient and potentially risky for patients.
Innovation Solution
A remote deflation mechanism for intragastric balloons that includes sensors and a control system allowing a physician to deflate the balloon externally using a remote control, which communicates with a microchip and deflation valve to adjust fluid volume and monitor conditions, enabling safe and non-invasive removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical intervention is used for deflation, then the balloon can be removed, but patient convenience and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention system with a remote control system that uses electromagnetic signals to activate a deflation mechanism. The remote control unit communicates with a microchip in the balloon, which triggers a valve to release fluid, eliminating the need for surgical instruments and providing patient convenience while maintaining reliable removal capability.
2Ease of operation
If remote control capability is added, then patient convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microchip serves multiple functions: it receives remote control signals, processes deflation commands, controls the valve mechanism, and communicates status information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving remote control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchip acts as an intermediary between the remote control unit and the deflation valve. It receives electromagnetic signals from the remote control, processes the commands, and activates the appropriate mechanism, simplifying the overall system architecture by using a single integrated component for multiple functions.
3Loss of information
If sensors are integrated into the balloon, then monitoring capability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (pressure, volume, temperature) into a single integrated sensor assembly that works together with the microchip. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An intragastric balloon having a built-in sensor. The sensor may be used to monitor pressure within the balloon shell, or outside of the shell in the stomach. The sensor may be used after deflation of the intragastric balloon to monitor the pressure through the intestinal tract as the balloon migrates therethrough. An apparatus for remote deflation of the balloon may be utilized to allow a physician to deflate the intragastric balloon without surgery. The pressure sensor may be provided in a valve of the intragastric balloon which separates from the balloon and migrates as a capsule through the intestinal tract to monitor conditions therein.