Self-Expanding GI Barrier for Endoscopic Nutrient Absorption Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical procedures like Roux-en-Y gastric bypass carry significant health risks and there is a need for a non-invasive endoscopic method to achieve similar metabolic effects for treating weight-related or digestive health issues.

Innovation Solution

A self-expanding stent-based barrier device with a tubular structure and anchoring stent is delivered via a catheter, using peristalsis to position the device within the gastrointestinal tract, mimicking the gastric outlet anatomy and reducing absorption of digestible materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is performed, then weight loss and metabolic effects are achieved, but significant health risks and surgical invasiveness occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehealth safetyVSAvoidsurgical invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical surgical intervention (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery) with an endoscopic delivery system that deploys a barrier device through the GI tract. The barrier device is delivered via catheter through the pylorus into the duodenum, substituting open or laparoscopic surgery with a less invasive endoscopic approach while achieving similar metabolic effects by blocking nutrient absorption in the duodenum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible tubular barrier device that can be delivered compressed within a catheter and then expands to its functional configuration in the duodenum. This flexible structure allows the device to navigate through the GI tract during delivery and then maintain its shape to effectively block the lumen, providing the desired metabolic effect without surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If a barrier device is delivered via catheter through peristalsis, then natural anatomy is maintained, but delivery control and positioning precision are challenged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenatural GI anatomyVSAvoiddevice positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the body's own peristaltic movements to propel the barrier device from the stomach through the pylorus into the duodenum and position it at the desired location. The device is designed to be passively transported by natural GI motility, eliminating the need for active propulsion mechanisms and maintaining compatibility with natural anatomy while achieving precise positioning in the duodenum

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If self-expanding stents are used for anchoring, then device stability is improved, but risk of migration or improper positioning increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-expanding stents with specific local configurations - including flared distal ends and radial expansion capabilities - that provide anchoring stability at the duodenal implantation site. The stents are designed to expand radially to engage the duodenal wall and prevent migration, while the delivery system maintains control during positioning to ensure accurate placement before release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 effectively reduces absorption of nutrients and fats without invasive surgery, promoting weight loss and maintaining natural GI tract anatomy.

Implementation Method 1

The anchoring stent may have a shape-memory in an expanded configuration that substantially mimics a contour of an anatomy of a gastric outlet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The tubular barrier may be semi-permeable. The tubular barrier may be substantially impermeable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeability reduction: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 3

The self-expanding stent and the portion of the tubular barrier may be translated along the body lumen of the patient via peristalsis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Data Source

PatentUS12440359B2Barrier devices, systems, and methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and medical device delivery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for delivering a barrier device within a body lumen of a patient, such as the GI tract. For example, a barrier device may include a distal self-expanding stent. A tubular barrier may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough. The distal stent may be disposed at the distal end of the tubular barrier. An anchoring self-expanding stent may be disposed at the proximal end of the tubular barrier.