Transabdominal Food Extraction Pump for Obesity Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical procedures for obesity, such as stapled gastroplasty and gastric bypass surgery, are invasive, risky, and expensive, with many patients experiencing weight regain and associated health issues.
Innovation Solution
A transabdominal tube is inserted through the abdominal wall into the upper digestive system, allowing food to be ingested and then extracted using a pump, providing a less invasive, reversible, and effective method for weight loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical procedures (stapled gastroplasty, gastric bypass) are used to treat obesity, then weight loss is achieved, but the procedures are invasive, risky, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts food from the upper digestive system using a pump through a passageway, removing the problematic element (food) without invasive surgery. This extraction method achieves weight loss by physically removing calories from the body rather than through restrictive surgery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pump as an intermediary device that facilitates food removal. The pump acts as a mediator between the upper digestive system and the exterior, enabling non-invasive extraction of food through the passageway
2Reliability
If surgical procedures are used to treat obesity, then weight loss is achieved, but the procedures are expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable or removable pump system that can be easily replaced rather than requiring expensive, permanent surgical modifications. The passageway and pump assembly represent a lower-cost, temporary solution compared to lifelong surgical constraints
3Reliability
If surgical procedures are used to treat obesity, then weight loss is achieved, but many patients regain substantial portion of lost weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where food can be continuously extracted from the upper digestive system during meals. This active, ongoing removal mechanism provides more sustained weight loss control compared to static surgical restrictions that allow gradual weight regain
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a passageway is introduced into the upper digestive system for food extraction, then weight loss is achieved with fewer complications, but the procedure requires device insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the weight loss treatment into separate functional components: the passageway insertion (one-time procedure) and the pump operation (repeated daily actions). This segmentation allows the complex pump mechanism to be introduced through a simple, controlled insertion process
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
This approach results in significant weight loss for obese patients with fewer complications and adverse effects compared to surgical methods, allowing for easy reversal and maintenance of weight loss.
Implementation Method 1
the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the passageway
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating obesity. A tube is positioned that passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After the patient has ingested food, the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The present invention is less invasive than current surgical procedures for reducing weight and allows patients to live a normal and active lifestyle without experiencing adverse side effects.