An artificial sphincter using shape memory alloy actuators

抄録

This paper describes the development of an artificial sphincter using shape memory alloy (SMA). With the artificial sphincter it is expected to enable the active bowel movement of patients with the lack of anal sphincters due to inborn intestinal atresia or medical operations of an artificial anus. The SMA actuator has the function of a sphincter muscle; keeping the artificial anus closed at the body temperature and opening it by heating. Investigations on the thermomechanical properties of the actuator have been carried out. Animal experiments have also been done, and the results showed potentially applicability of the artificial sphincter for implantation in living bodies.