Self-assembling magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton
First Claim
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1. An implantable device comprising:
- a plurality of magnetic segments; and
an exoskeleton that covers exterior portions of the magnetic segments and couples the plurality of magnetic segments to one another,wherein the exoskeleton comprises a deformable material configured to return to a default shape from one or more deformed shapes, wherein, when in the default shape, the exoskeleton is adapted to position and maintain alignment of the plurality of magnetic segments relative to one another to thereby direct the plurality of magnetic segments to self-assemble into a geometric shape based, at least in part, on magnetic attractive forces between adjacent magnetic segments.
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Abstract
The invention is an implantable magnetic anastomosis device having an exoskeleton that directs self-assembly. The design allows the device to be delivered in a linear configuration using a minimally-invasive technique, such as endoscopy or laparoscopy, whereupon the device self-assembles into, e.g., a polygon. A coupled set of polygons define a circumscribed tissue that can be perforated, or the tissue can be allowed to naturally necrose and perforate. The device can be used to create anastomoses in a variety of tissues, such as tissues found in the gastrointestinal, renal/urinary, and reproductive tracts. New procedures for using anastomoses, e.g., surgical bypass are also disclosed.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An implantable device comprising:
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a plurality of magnetic segments; and an exoskeleton that covers exterior portions of the magnetic segments and couples the plurality of magnetic segments to one another, wherein the exoskeleton comprises a deformable material configured to return to a default shape from one or more deformed shapes, wherein, when in the default shape, the exoskeleton is adapted to position and maintain alignment of the plurality of magnetic segments relative to one another to thereby direct the plurality of magnetic segments to self-assemble into a geometric shape based, at least in part, on magnetic attractive forces between adjacent magnetic segments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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- 12. An implantable device comprising a plurality of individual and separate magnetic segments coupled together with an exterior coupling covering exterior portions of the plurality of magnetic segments, the exterior coupling comprises a deformable material configured to return to a default shape from one or more deformed shapes, wherein, when in the default shape, the exterior coupling is adapted to position and maintain alignment of the plurality of magnetic segments relative to one another to thereby direct the plurality of magnetic segments to self-assemble into a geometric shape based, at least in part, on magnetic attractive forces between adjacent magnetic segments.
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16. An implantable device comprising:
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a plurality of magnetic segments; and an exterior guiding member coupled to at least two magnetic segments and covering exterior portions of the magnetic segments, wherein the exterior guiding member comprises a deformable material configured to return to a default shape from one or more deformed shapes, wherein, when in the default shape, the exterior guiding member is adapted to position and maintain alignment of the plurality of magnetic segments relative to one another to thereby direct the plurality of magnetic segments to reconfigure from a low-profile delivery configuration to a deployed configuration based, at least in part, on magnetic attractive forces between adjacent magnetic segments. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification