Implantable Tissue Connector Flexible Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting the end of the human's large bowel to an artificial exit or to the natural intestinal exit has proven difficult and often unreliable, leading to issues like leakage, prohibited blood circulation, and failure due to peristaltic movement.
Innovation Solution
An implantable tissue connector comprising a conduit with a flexible sleeve that can be mounted on the conduit's outer surface, either initially or at the time of implantation, to securely connect tubular living tissue while ensuring minimal disruption to blood circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the conduit is inserted into the tubular part of living tissue to create a connection, then the connection can be established, but blood circulation in the end area of the bowel tissue is prohibited which negatively affects muscle functions and peristaltic movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sleeve made of biocompatible material that wraps around the conduit and the living tissue. This flexible shell structure allows the tissue to maintain its blood circulation while still providing a secure connection. The flexibility of the sleeve ensures that it does not constrict the tissue excessively, thereby maintaining muscle functions and peristaltic movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the conduit and the living tissue. It provides a buffer that protects the tissue from direct compression by the conduit while still enabling the connection. The sleeve can be adjusted to apply minimal necessary pressure to secure the tissue without prohibiting blood circulation.
2Reliability
If the connection is made tight to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but the peristaltic movement of the bowel continuously acts upon the connection causing it to fail over time
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible sleeve is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to move and adapt with the peristaltic movements of the bowel. This dynamic structure maintains sealing effectiveness while accommodating the continuous movement, preventing connection failure over time. The sleeve can expand and contract slightly with each peristaltic wave while maintaining its securing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve's material properties are specifically selected to allow parameter changes in response to peristaltic movement. The sleeve maintains appropriate elasticity and flexibility to accommodate changes in tissue position and movement, ensuring the connection remains secure and sealed without failing due to rigid constraints.
3Reliability
If the flexible sleeve exerts radial pressure upon the tissue to hold the tissue connector in place, then the connection security is improved, but blood circulation in the living tissue may be prohibited
Solution Approach 1:
The radial pressure exerted by the flexible sleeve is carefully controlled and adjusted to minimal necessary levels. The sleeve's material properties and design allow for parameter changes in pressure application, ensuring sufficient connection security while avoiding excessive compression that would prohibit blood circulation. The pressure is distributed evenly around the tissue to maintain circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible sleeve's thin film structure allows it to exert distributed radial pressure without concentrating force in a way that would constrict blood vessels. The flexibility of the material enables it to conform to the tissue while maintaining appropriate pressure levels that secure the connection without prohibiting blood flow.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable tissue connector adapted so as to be connectable to a tubular part of living tissue within a patient's body is provided. The implantable tissue connector comprising a conduit having at least a first and a second end and further having an outer surface, and at least one flexible sleeve adapted to axially extend and closely fit around at least part of said outer surface of the conduit.