EN
IT

The invention refers to a bistable actuation system for an artificial magnetic sphincter based on a plurality of magnets. The main application is represented by extra-urethral implants for the resolution of urinary incontinence. The invention allows to control the opening / closing of the sphincter by an external magnet, which is brought near the device for a few seconds.

Patent Status

PENDING

Priority Number

IT102017000136714

Priority Date

28/11/2017

License

ITALY

Market

Biomedical Devices.

Problem

Urinary incontinence treatment, when drug therapy and pelvic re-education are unsuccessful, as well as an alternative to traditional surgical techniques.

Current Technology Limitations

Commercial solutions available are highly invasive or they require the application of the magnet in the perianal area on a continuous basis.

Killer Application

The device represents an artificial sphincter for urinary incontinence. In general, being able to control opening/closing, it can be used as duct for biomedical applications.

Our Technology and Solution

The artificial sphincter (AUS) includes:

  1. A valve unit able to switch from a release configuration, in which the passage of urine through the AUS takes place, to a block configuration, in which the passage of urine through the AUS is prevented;
  2. A fixed stabilizing magnet;
  3. A mobile actuation magnet connected to the valve unit.

When an external magnet is coming closer to the device, the translation of the actuation magnet is activated. This produces the passage from a release configuration to a lock configuration of the valve assembly or the other way around. The stabilization magnet allows the discrimination between the two aforementioned positions.  condotto

Advantages

The main advantage is represented by the restoration of urinary continence allowing the usage also by limited psychomotor people, it is mini-invasive, low cost, and has wireless control.

Roadmap

Patent is granted through an exclusive license for 18 years to Relief S.r.l. A spin-off of Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna. The group is developing the second pilot and CE marking.

Review the Technology
TRL 1
TRL 1
Basic Principles
Basic principles tested
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TRL 2
Formulation
Technology concept formulated
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TRL 3
Proof of concept
Experimental proof of concept
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TRL 4
Laboratory Prototype
Technology validated in lab
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TRL 5
Prototype tested on pilot-scale/large-scale
Technology validated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
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TRL 6
Commercial prototype
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment (industrially relevant environment in the case of key enabling technologies)
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TRL 7
Real world validation
System prototype demonstration in operational/real-world environment
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TRL 8
First complete and commercial product
System complete and qualified
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TRL 9
Full commercial application
Actual system proven in commercial environment (competitive manufacturing in the case of key enabling technologies; or in space)

TRL

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