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SUMMARY
One of the largest markets, still under-developed by medical device companies, is the treatment of urinary and fecal incontinence . Furthermore, demographic changes in western countries will lead to a significant increase in the number of incontinence sufferers.
The aim of this project is to develop a prototype artificial anal sphincter so as to improve the treatment of patients with severe FI. The device should replace the destroyed natural muscle function using low-voltage electrically activated polymers (EAPs) controlled by implemented pressure sensors and the patient.
The project consortium is a competent, multidisciplinary team, distributed across Switzerland, active in fields ranging from medicine via microelectronics towards biomaterials science with recent experience in the development of sophisticated urinary sphincters.
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SOLUTIONS
- Designing a unique, artificial, fecal, EAP-based sphincter system which is driven by an integrated microprocessor, powered by an energy harvesting device and an implantable battery, rechargeable by trans-cutaneous energy transfer (TCT). The device can control the fluid flow either intentionally through the patient and / or automatically with pressure gauges.
- Facilitating remote control which will allow a medical practitioner to perform patient-specific adjustments
- Optimising the sphincter’s functionality and ergonomity through applying statistical shape models to its surface architecture and chemistry to prevent infections and facilitate implantation procedures
- Shortening hospitalisation through simplifying treatment and facilitating individual post-op adjustments
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LINK: http://www.nano-tera.ch/projects/341.php#
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