Self-Supporting Wire-Frame Incising Implant for Prostatic Urethra
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implants for treating prostate enlargement, such as those described in PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2006/040767 A1 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0276081, cause tissue irritation and require additional support structures, leading to inefficiencies and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
An incising implant with elastic closed-shaped wires is deployed in the prostatic urethra, applying radial force to create longitudinal incisions that relieve urethral constriction without additional support elements, using a self-supporting wire frame and biocompatible materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional support structures are added to the implant, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function into the wire structure itself by forming closed loops where the wires support each other through their geometric configuration. The mutual support between adjacent wires eliminates the need for separate support elements, achieving structural stability through integration rather than addition.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire structure is designed to be self-supporting, where each wire contributes to the stability of the entire structure through its geometric arrangement. The closed-loop configuration allows the wires to mutually reinforce each other, creating a self-sustaining framework that requires no external support structures.
2Reliability
If radial pressure is applied continuously to create incisions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage and bleeding increase
Solution Approach 1:
The implant applies radial pressure in a periodic or intermittent manner rather than continuously, allowing tissue to adapt and heal between pressure applications. This periodic action achieves the desired incision effect while minimizing excessive tissue damage and bleeding by providing recovery intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant applies pressure to specific targeted areas (partial action) rather than uniformly across all surrounding tissue. By concentrating pressure on specific zones where incisions are needed while leaving other areas unaffected, the treatment achieves effectiveness in critical regions while minimizing overall tissue damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the implant structure is made more complex to provide support, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation during implantation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The implant structure incorporates dynamic flexibility through its elastic wire construction, allowing it to adapt its shape and configuration during implantation. The wires can bend and flex to navigate the urethral passage while maintaining their structural integrity, enabling easy deployment without requiring complex rigid support structures.
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 effectively creates longitudinal incisions to relieve urethral constriction over time, reducing pressure on the urethra and bladder without causing pain or bleeding, and can be removed without surgical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the closed-shaped wires is elastic, and thereby compressible into a compressed configuration
Implementation Method 2
Even by applying a relative small but continuous pressure on a tissue, one can block the tiny blood vessels within the tissue and induce infarction
Data Source
AI summary
An implant is for the prostatic urethra of a subject, the implant including a first frame being closed-shaped, the first frame includes two longitudinal sections; a second frame being closed-shaped, the second frame includes two longitudinal sections, wherein a mid-portion of one of the longitudinal sections of the first frame is connected in at least one of: directly and indirectly, to a mid-portion of one of the longitudinal sections of the second frame; and a third frame being distinct from the first frame and the second frame, the third frame includes a first arm section joined to the first frame, and a second arm section joined to the second frame, the first arm section and the second arm section extend such to be joined together in an apex portion.