LCE material actuates under a temperature range of 25 °C to 45 °C. This displays the feasibility of the LCE dynamic sling actuating under tolerable temperatures within the body, avoiding thermal damage to the surrounding tissue. Actuation, in response to IR-light, is observed in the LCE-PEDOT: PSS and LCE-carbon black 3D printed samples. Figure 1 shows actuation in response to IR light of a 3D-printed LCE-carbon black sling. Stresses and strains produced by the LCE dynamic sling under simulated physiological environments can exceed 200 kPa and 60%, respectively, both greater than the stress and strain outputs of human skeletal muscle. Using this capacity to perform mechanical work and the ability to control geometry with 3D printing, the force, and deformation applied to the urethra are controlled. Deformation speed and internal temperature changes of the LCE is varied by altering filler content from 0.5 to 5 wt%.
In the end, they concluded that a dynamic sling can be fabricated to fit the specific anatomy of each patient. This device is powered transcutaneously using IR light, which triggers a shape change in the sling material, resulting in a decrease in pressure around the urethra to facilitate voiding. Future work will involve testing device shapes and configurations in a multiparous rabbit model of incontinence.
Presented by: Seelay Tasmim1, Cedric P. Ambulo1, Mario I. Romero-Ortega1, Philippe E. Zimmern2, Taylor H. Ware1
1. The University of Texas at Dallas, Department of Bioengineering, Richardson, Texas
2. The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Urology, Dallas, Texas
Written by: Gina B. Carithers, the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction Winter Meeting, SUFU 2020, February 25 - 29, 2020, Scottsdale, AZ