Electroactive polymer based artificial sphincters and artificial muscle patches
Provided are artificial muscle patches, which are adapted to be implanted adjacent a patient's heart, and artificial sphincter cuffs, which are adapted to be implanted around a body lumen, such as the urethra, the anal canal, or the lower esophagus. The devices of the present invention comprise: (a) one or more electroactive polymer actuators; and (b) a control unit for electrically controlling the one or more electroactive polymer actuators to expand or contract the devices.
1. An artificial sphincter, comprising:
a cuff that is adapted for placement around a body lumen, said cuff comprising one or more electroactive polymer actuators;
a control unit electrically controlling said one or more electroactive polymer actuators to expand or contract said cuff; and
a sensor configured to provide electronic feedback concerning the degree of contraction of the artificial sphincter.
2. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of said sensors.
3. The artificial sphincter of claim 1 , wherein said sensor is a strain gauge.
4. The artificial sphincter of claim 3 , wherein said strain gauge is a conductive polymer strain gauge.
5. The artificial sphincter of claim 3 , wherein said strain gauge is a piezoelectric strain gauge.
6. An artificial lower esophageal sphincter, comprising:
a cuff that is adapted for placement around the lower esophagus, said cuff comprising one or more electroactive polymer actuators; and
a signal analysis and control unit electrically controlling said one or more electroactive polymer actuators to expand or contract said cuff,
wherein said artificial sphincter comprises a sensor that provides the signal analysis and control unit with information that the signal analysis and control unit uses to make a decision as to whether or not to open the lower esophageal sphincter.
7. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , comprising a plurality of said sensors.
8. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein sensor is configured to sense when food or beverage enters said esophagus.
9. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said one sensor is configured to sense a peristaltic state of the esophagus.
10. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said sensor is a strain gauge that is configured to sense a peristaltic state of the esophagus.
11. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 10 , wherein said strain gauge is a conductive polymer strain gauge.
12. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 10 , wherein said strain gauge is a piezoelectric strain gauge.
13. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said sensor is an electrical sensor that is configured to sense electrical changes associated with peristaltic motion of the esophagus.
14. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said sensor is configured to detect when the stomach is attempting to belch or regurgitate its contents.
15. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said sensor is configured to detect stomach deformation signaling the need to belch or regurgitate.
16. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said sensor is an electrical sensor that is configured to detect electrical changes signaling the need to belch or regurgitate.
17. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , wherein said sensor is configured to sense stomach pH changes signaling the need to regurgitate.
18. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , further comprising an implantable switch that is operable by a patient.
19. The artificial lower esophageal sphincter of claim 6 , further comprising a backup power source that is external to the body and connectable to the artificial sphincter.