Shape Memory Retention Member for Fallopian Tube Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for occluding fallopian tubes in minimally invasive procedures are not effective in providing a reliable and efficient means to block egg passage, lacking a device that can be securely inserted and expanded within the tube to prevent fertilization.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a retention member with a mesh material, designed to change configuration from a low profile for delivery to an expanded form within the fallopian tube, utilizing shape memory materials and engagement hooks to secure the device, with the mesh material blocking egg passage, either filling the space between struts or attached as a strip to prevent fertilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a minimally invasive device is inserted to occlude the fallopian tube, then the procedure becomes less invasive and more suitable for office procedures, but the device must achieve reliable occlusion without extensive surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple struts (typically 3-6) that are distributed around the fallopian tube circumference. Each strut independently engages the tube wall, and multiple engagement points provide redundant securing, ensuring reliable occlusion even if one strut fails to engage properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The struts are designed with differentiated local properties: the proximal portion has engagement features (barbs, hooks, or teeth) for securing to the tube wall, while the distal portion provides mesh support for occlusion. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
2Reliability
If the retention member is designed with an expanded configuration to secure to the fallopian tube wall, then the device achieves stable positioning and reliable occlusion, but the device complexity increases with multiple struts and engagement members
Solution Approach 1:
The struts are arranged in a nested or interlocking configuration where they support each other to form a stable three-dimensional structure. The mesh material is nested within the strut framework, utilizing the structural support of the struts while providing the occlusion function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines different materials with complementary properties: the retention member is made of shape memory material (such as Nitinol) that provides both structural support and secure engagement through its superelastic and shape memory properties, while the mesh is made of biocompatible material (such as Dacron or PTFE) that provides effective occlusion. This composite approach allows each material to perform its optimal function.
3Ease of operation
If shape memory material is used for the retention member to enable transformation from low profile to expanded configuration, then the device achieves self-expanding capability for minimally invasive delivery, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory material is pre-programmed during manufacturing with the desired expanded configuration. The struts are formed with predetermined bends, angles, and engagement feature positions that will automatically assume the correct three-dimensional geometry when the shape memory effect is activated by body temperature, eliminating the need for complex post-deployment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the temperature-dependent parameter change inherent in shape memory materials. During delivery, the material is held in a low-temperature state (or constrained within a delivery catheter) to maintain a compressed profile. Upon deployment in the body, the temperature increase or release of constraints triggers the material to transition to its programmed expanded configuration, achieving self-expansion.
4Reliability
If the mesh material fills the space between struts to block egg passage, then the occlusion effectiveness is maximized, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is constructed as a thin, flexible barrier material that can conform to the irregular geometry of the fallopian tube lumen and the three-dimensional strut configuration. This thin-film approach provides effective occlusion by blocking the egg passage while occupying minimal volume, as the mesh derives its occlusion capability from its continuous barrier property rather than from bulk material volume.
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 occludes the fallopian tubes by securely engaging the tube walls and blocking egg passage, providing a reliable and minimally invasive method for contraception, suitable for office procedures with direct visualization using a hysteroscope.
Implementation Method 1
The retention member has a first lower profile configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the fallopian tube. The retention member is composed of shape memory material.
Implementation Method 2
The tube engagement members may include a plurality of teeth. The retention member has a plurality of struts and the struts terminate in the tube engagement members.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for occluding the fallopian tube including a retention member and a mesh material supported by the retention member. The retention member has a first lower profile configuration for delivery and a second expanded configuration for placement within the fallopian tube. The mesh material is configured to block passage of an egg through the tube. The member has a plurality of tube engagement members to secure the retention member to the fallopian tube.