Single-Wire Urethral Implant for Continuous Radial Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urethral implants cause discomfort, pain, and potential infections due to partial or full blockage of the urethra, and existing dilation devices may irritate the bladder or fail to effectively widen the urethra without causing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A urethral implant made of a single wire section forming closed shapes with distal, proximal, and longitudinal sections, which expands to apply continuous radial pressure, causing ischemia and necrosis to widen the urethra and improve fluid flow, while being foldable for insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-shaped implant with elastically coupled rings is used to pinch and dissect tissues, then tissue necrosis is induced to widen the urethra, but the implant structure becomes complex and may cause discomfort or irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant is divided into multiple wire sections (first wire section, second wire section, third wire section) that can be independently configured to form different geometric patterns. Each wire section can be optimized for specific functions such as radial expansion, longitudinal positioning, or tissue engagement, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining necrosis induction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The implant transitions from a two-dimensional flat wire configuration to a three-dimensional expanded geometry when deployed. The wire sections form radial patterns that expand outward to apply pressure on surrounding tissues, creating the necessary necrotic effect without requiring complex multi-component assembly
2Force
If wires extend in different radial directions to apply pressure on surrounding tissues, then radial pressure is effectively distributed, but the distal end of wires positioned within the bladder may irritate the bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic wire ends that extend into the bladder are extracted or removed from the design. Instead, the wire sections are configured to terminate before reaching the bladder, or are folded back to point away from the bladder, thereby eliminating the source of irritation while preserving radial pressure distribution capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having wires extend radially outward into the bladder, the wire directions are inverted or redirected to point away from the bladder. The radial pressure is still applied to the surrounding tissues at the implant site, but the wire orientations are reversed to prevent bladder contact and irritation
3Stability of the object's composition
If a longitudinal central tube is added to support wires and provide structural stability, then implant stability is improved, but device complexity and potential for bladder irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function previously requiring a separate central tube is merged into the wire sections themselves. The wire sections are configured to interlock or cross-strengthen each other, forming a self-supporting structure that provides longitudinal and radial stability without requiring an additional central tube component
Solution Approach 2:
The wire sections are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide radial pressure for tissue necrosis, offer longitudinal structural support through their geometric configuration, and eliminate the need for separate support tubes. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining stability
4Ease of manufacture
If the implant is made from a single wire section forming closed shapes, then manufacturing is simplified and structural integrity is improved, but the implant may be difficult to compress for insertion and expand to effective size
Solution Approach 1:
The single wire section is designed with dynamic geometric features that allow it to transition between compressed and expanded states. The wire forms closed shapes with specific geometric characteristics (such as loops or coils) that can be compressed into a small profile for insertion, then expand to their full geometric form once deployed, providing ease of operation despite structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The closed shapes formed by the single wire section are designed to nest within each other when compressed. The geometric configuration allows inner loops or sections to be contained within outer loops, creating a compact nested structure for easy insertion that automatically expands to the full implant geometry when deployed
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 urethral implant effectively widens the urethra by applying continuous pressure to cause necrosis, improving fluid flow and reducing blockage without causing additional discomfort or bladder irritation.
Implementation Method 1
The urethral implant, forms at least one closed shape by coiling ends of the single wire section on each other... The at least one closed shape exhibits an expanded configuration and is foldable into a compressed configuration
Implementation Method 2
applying continuous pressure on surrounding tissue, thereby applying continuous radial pressure on at least one of a urethral wall and tissue surrounding the urethral wall in the restricted location. The radial pressure being sufficient to cause at least one of, a widening effect, extending a urinal passage, and inducing infarction
Data Source
AI summary
A urethral-implant is configured to be implanted within a restricted location of a urethra. The urethral-implant forms at least one closed-shape by coiling ends of a single wire section on each other. The closed-shape includes a distal section, a proximal section and two lateral sections extending between the proximal section and the distal section. The closed-shape exhibits an expanded configuration and is foldable into a compressed configuration. The urethral-implant further is configured to extend from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration so that the distance between wire sections increases, relative to the distance between wire sections in the compressed configuration. The urethral-implant applies continuous pressure on surrounding tissue thereby applying continuous radial pressure on at least one of a urethral wall and tissue surrounding the urethral wall. The radial pressure is sufficient to cause either a widening effect, extending a urinal passage or inducing infarction.