Problem: People who've had surgery on their esophagus sometimes get a temporary stent inserted while it's healing, to keep it open enough so they can eat. Unfortunately, the stent doesn't close completely and may cause gastric reflux and other problems.

Solution: An esophageal stent containing a magnetically operated valve. When you're going to eat, you wear a magnetic necklace that makes the valve open. When you're done you take the necklace off and the valve closes.

I'm kinda surprised this sort of thing doesn't exist.
-- a1, Jan 24 2023

Almost baked? https://www.nejm.or....1056/NEJMoa1205544
[a1, Jan 24 2023]

Maybe you can get a grant to build one. [+]
-- Voice, Jan 24 2023


Related but not exactly the same thing - (link) - that kind of device wouldn't be used for post-op recovery, but may replace some of the surgeries that end up requiring a stent afterwards.
-- a1, Jan 24 2023



random, halfbakery