A novel artificial anal sphincter system based on transcutaneous energy transmission

For controlling anal incontinence, a new artificial anal sphincter system (AASS) with sensor feedback based on transcutaneous energy transmission is developed. The device mainly comprises an artificial anal sphincter (AAS), a wireless power supply subsystem, and a communication subsystem. The artificial anal sphincter comprises a front cuff and a sensor cuff placed around the rectum, a reservoir sited in abdominal cavity and a micropump controlling inflation and deflation of the front cuff. There are two pressure sensors in the artificial anal sphincter. One can measure the pressure in the front cuff to clamp the rectum, the other in the sensor cuff can measure the pressure of the rectum. Wireless power supply subsystem includes a resonance transmit coil to transmit an alternating magnetic field and a secondary coil to receive the power. Wireless communication subsystem can transmit the pressure information of the artificial anal sphincter to the monitor, or send the control commands to the artificial anal sphincter. A prototype is designed and the basic function of the artificial anal sphincter system has been tested through experiments. The results demonstrate that the artificial anal sphincter system can control anal incontinence effectively.