Self-Collapsing Ostomy Valve Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy devices often require inflation balloons for anchoring, which can lead to deflation or over-inflation issues, and lack user-friendly insertion and removal mechanisms, causing tissue damage and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A self-collapsing ostomy valve with a hollow tubular member and anchoring element, featuring a sealing element and protrusions to prevent leakage, which is reversibly adjustable between expanded and non-expanded configurations for secure retention and easy insertion/removal, and an insertion/removal device with an inflatable balloon for assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If inflation balloons are used for anchoring ostomy devices, then retention security is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to deflation or over-inflation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the balloon component from the anchoring system entirely, replacing it with a self-expanding tubular structure that achieves retention through radial expansion against the stoma wall. This extraction eliminates the reliability issues associated with balloon deflation or over-inflation while maintaining retention security.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular structure changes its radial dimension parameter dynamically - collapsed during insertion and expanded during retention. This parameter change allows the same structure to facilitate easy insertion while providing secure retention, replacing the balloon's inflation mechanism with a self-expanding property.
2Device complexity
If traditional ostomy devices are used without self-collapsing mechanism, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular structure transitions between two dynamic states: collapsed for insertion/removal and expanded for retention. This dynamic behavior enables easy operation during insertion and removal phases while maintaining structural integrity during retention, without adding significant complexity to the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular structure can be collapsed into a compact form that nests within itself or within the delivery device, facilitating easy insertion through the stoma. After deployment, it expands to its functional form, providing retention while maintaining a simple single-component structure throughout the process.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If sealing elements are added to prevent leakage, then leakage prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is merged with the tubular structure itself rather than being a separate component. The tubular wall incorporates sealing properties that prevent leakage when expanded against the stoma, combining the structural and sealing functions into a single integrated element.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides anchoring through radial expansion, creates a seal to prevent leakage, and maintains the lumen for waste passage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing components, maintaining relative structural simplicity.
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 ostomy valve effectively seals the stoma, minimizes tissue trauma during insertion and removal, and prevents leakage, providing a secure and comfortable solution for ostomy management without the risks associated with balloon-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow tubular member can contain high elongation tubing... reversibly adjustable between a radially expanded configuration for retention in a stoma, and a non-radially expanded configuration for insertion into or removal from a stoma
Implementation Method 2
The sealing element can contain silicone or isoprene... configured to allow passage of a tube or catheter through the sealing element, and can effectively seal the valve after the tube or catheter is removed
Implementation Method 3
The anchoring element can be defined by a widening of the hollow tubular member... configured to reduce the likelihood that mucous, waste, or other bodily fluids will leak from a stoma
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and materials related to ostomy devices, and particularly to valves for use with continent ostomies (e.g., ileostomies) are provided herein.