Artificial Sphincter Cuff Detection and Automatic Decompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing artificial sphincter systems face challenges during endo-urethral procedures, such as urethral erosion and damage to the cuff and activation device due to excessive compression, especially during urgent surgical interventions where manual decompression is not possible, and there is a risk of incorrect detection of urethral catheterization leading to accidental leaks.
Innovation Solution
A detection system comprising compression and posture sensors that measure and analyze parameters to automatically decompress the occlusive cuff when an endo-urethral device is introduced, minimizing the risk of urethral damage and leaks, and incorporating a stress-reduction element to protect the activation device from excessive mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the occlusive cuff maintains compression on the urethra to prevent urinary leaks, then urinary incontinence is controlled, but urethral erosion and damage occur during endo-urethral procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs preliminary detection of endo-urethral devices before significant damage occurs. Sensors detect the presence of a probe or catheter and trigger automatic decompression in advance, preventing urethral erosion while maintaining reliable incontinence control during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors compression parameters and provides feedback to the control unit. When sensors detect abnormal conditions indicating an endo-urethral procedure, the feedback loop triggers automatic decompression, resolving the contradiction between maintaining compression for reliability and preventing harm during procedures
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual decompression is implemented for urgent surgical interventions, then urethral damage is prevented, but the system complexity increases and may not be reliably activated
Solution Approach 1:
The artificial sphincter system performs self-service through automatic detection and decompression. The embedded sensors and control unit autonomously detect endo-urethral devices and trigger decompression without requiring manual intervention, eliminating the need for complex manual control mechanisms while preventing urethral damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical decompression with an automated electromechanical system. Sensors and electronic control units substitute for manual operations, reducing device complexity while improving reliability of decompression activation during urgent procedures
3Reliability
If compression threshold is set high to maintain sphincter functionality, then incontinence control is improved, but the risk of cuff damage during procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system triggers decompression in advance before excessive compression can damage the cuff. By detecting endo-urethral devices early and reducing compression proactively, the system maintains high compression thresholds for incontinence control while preventing cuff damage through preliminary protective action
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by automatically reducing compression when sensors detect a procedure is underway. This prior protective measure cushions the cuff against excessive stress during endo-urethral procedures while maintaining optimal compression for incontinence control during normal operation
4Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic decompression is implemented during detected procedures, then urethral erosion is prevented, but false detection may cause accidental leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors monitoring compression parameters, probe presence, and procedural indicators. This multi-parameter feedback system distinguishes between genuine procedural conditions requiring decompression and normal variations, preventing false detection while maintaining reliable urethral protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical compression control with an intelligent electromechanical detection and control system. Advanced sensors and algorithms substitute for basic mechanical switches, enabling accurate differentiation between procedural conditions and normal operation to prevent both urethral erosion and false decompression
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 system effectively prevents urethral erosion and damage by ensuring immediate and accurate decompression of the cuff during endo-urethral procedures, reducing the risk of leaks and protecting the activation device from excessive stress, thereby minimizing the need for surgical revisions and maintaining sphincter functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor, in particular compression sensor, adapted to measure a compression parameter of the urethra
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor, in particular posture sensor, adapted to measure a posture parameter of the patient
Implementation Method 3
an occlusive cuff adapted to compress the urethra... with the aim of exerting direct or indirect compression on the urethra to prevent urinary leaks
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a detection system of an endo-urethral device for an artificial urinary sphincter implantable in the body of a patient, said sphincter comprising an occlusive cuff (2) adapted to compress the urethra, the bladder neck or the prostate of said patient, an activation device (5) of said cuff (2) and a control unit (6) adapted to control the activation device.Said system comprises at least one compression sensor (13) of the urethra and a posture sensor (9), and a processing unit (30) configured to determine:(i) if the compression parameter of the urethra exceeds a predetermined threshold during a predetermined period,(ii) if the patient is in a recumbent position.If the conditions (i) and (ii) are fulfilled, the processing unit sends to the activation device (5) an immediate reduction order of the compression exerted by the cuff (2).