Synthetic Urethra Closure Device for Urinary Incontinence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing urinary incontinence treatment devices, such as artificial urinary sphincters, often lead to undesirable tissue erosion of the urethra, reducing their efficacy due to the placement around natural urethra sections.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic urethra with a closure device that includes a pump communicating between a reservoir and a manifold or cuff, allowing for selective closure of the urethra flow diameter to prevent urine leakage, thereby reducing tissue erosion and improving continence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an artificial urinary sphincter is placed around a section of natural urethra, then urinary control is improved, but tissue erosion of the urethra occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the urethral support function by placing the artificial sphincter around a synthetic urethra segment rather than directly around the natural urethra. This isolation protects the natural urethra from erosion while maintaining urinary control through the artificial sphincter mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthetic urethra acts as an intermediary between the artificial sphincter and the natural urethra. It provides a interface that prevents direct contact and potential erosion between the sphincter device and natural tissue, while still allowing the sphincter to function effectively.
2Reliability
If a sling is implanted under the urethra to support the urethra, then urinary leakage is inhibited, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the support function and the closure function into a single integrated synthetic urethra device. Rather than using separate sling and sphincter devices, the synthetic urethra provides both structural support and controlled closure, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the closure device is attachable to the synthetic urethra, then the synthetic urethra can be spliced into the natural urethra, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The synthetic urethra is designed with specific local qualities including a defined flow diameter and attachment features at specific locations. These localized characteristics enable precise splicing into the natural urethra while maintaining proper alignment of the flow path.
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 synthetic urethra with a closure device effectively reduces urethra erosion and enhances urinary control by allowing selective closure of the flow diameter, providing a more durable and compliant alternative to natural urethra support, thus improving the efficacy of incontinence treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The pump is operable to move a liquid from the reservoir to the manifold to displace the wall and substantially close the flow diameter of the synthetic urethra
Implementation Method 2
the inflated cuff is adapted to circumferentially compress and constrict the flow diameter of the synthetic urethra
Data Source
AI summary
An incontinence treatment device and method of treating urinary incontinence in a person includes fabricating an artificial urethra to have a flow diameter formed inside of a circumferential wall and a closure device attached directly to a portion of an outer surface of the circumferential wall of the artificial urethra. The artificial urethra is sized to be spliced to a natural urethra for alignment of the flow diameter of the artificial urethra with a lumen of the natural urethra. A pump is provided for moving liquid out of a reservoir and into the closure device to push the outer surface of the circumferential wall into the flow diameter of the artificial urethra, which operates to close the flow diameter of the artificial urethra.