Implantable Urinary Continence Device with Integrated Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the placement and adjustment of implantable devices for urinary incontinence, such as fluoroscopy and transrectal ultrasonography, expose patients to radiation and require invasive procedures, and provide limited visualization of balloon positioning and inflation status.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors, including ultrasonic transducers and optical sensors, onto the implantable device and surgical tools to monitor the placement and adjustment of the device, allowing for real-time ultrasonic imaging and post-operative adjustment without the need for radiation-based techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy or transrectal ultrasonography is used to monitor implantable device placement and adjustment, then real-time imaging is achieved, but patients are exposed to radiation or require invasive rectal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based fluoroscopy and invasive transrectal ultrasonography with non-invasive external ultrasound imaging. External ultrasound transducers mounted on a probe or imaging device provide real-time visualization of balloon positioning and inflation status without exposing patients to ionizing radiation or requiring rectal insertion procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external ultrasound imaging as an intermediary method to monitor the implantable device. Instead of using direct imaging methods that involve radiation or invasive procedures, external ultrasound serves as a safe mediator that provides real-time feedback on balloon position and inflation through the abdominal wall
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used for monitoring, then real-time imaging is provided, but radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radiation-based fluoroscopy with non-ionizing external ultrasound imaging. External ultrasound transducers provide real-time visualization of the balloon's position and inflation status through soft tissue without exposing patients to harmful ionizing radiation
3Measurement precision
If transrectal ultrasonography is used for monitoring, then real-time imaging is achieved, but invasive rectal insertion is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive transrectal ultrasonography with non-invasive external ultrasound imaging. External ultrasound transducers mounted on a probe can image the balloon through the abdominal wall, eliminating the need for uncomfortable and invasive rectal procedures while maintaining real-time monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses external ultrasound imaging as an intermediary that allows monitoring through the abdominal wall without direct contact with the rectum. This intermediary approach provides the necessary imaging information while avoiding invasive procedures
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
Enables accurate determination of balloon position and inflation status, ensuring proper placement and adjustment for effective urinary continence without radiation exposure or rectal insertion, improving treatment efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
one or more ultrasonic transducers for producing an ultrasonic image
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical sensors, such as cameras or borescopes
Data Source
AI summary
One or more sensors are incorporated onto one or more of an implantable device and a surgical tool used for placement and/or adjustment of the implantable device. The implantable device includes an adjustable membrane element for controllable coaptation of a body lumen, such as coaptation of a urethra as treatment for urinary incontinence. In various embodiments, the one or more sensors can be configured to detect information indicative of at least one of a shape of the adjustable membrane element, a position of the adjustable membrane element relative to the body lumen, or a shape of the body lumen.