An artificial anal Sphincter based on A novel clamping mechanism: design, analysis, and testing.

Abstract

An artificial anal sphincter is a device to help patients with fecal incontinence rebuild the ability to control the excrement through the anus. In this paper, an artificial anal sphincter based on a novel clamping mechanism (AASNCM) is proposed to improve the safety and reliability. The AASNCM, which is powered by a transcutaneous energy transfer system, consists of a novel clamping mechanism, a receiving coil and a control unit. According to design requirements, the novel clamping mechanism model is established. After that, its kinematics and dynamics have been analyzed. The following results of force test on prototype of AASNCM show that the maximum values of clamping force and expanding force are 15.859 N and 31.029 N, respectively. Comparing the experimental results with theoretical analysis, a good match can be concluded. Finally, in vitro experiments are conducted, and have verified the safety and reliability of the proposed AASNCM.