Adjustable Needle Catch for Secure Pelvic Implant Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices face challenges in securely attaching implants within the pelvic region due to varying anatomical structures and depths of penetration required for fixation, which can complicate the treatment of female pelvic dysfunctions such as prolapse and incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A medical device comprising a needle and a catch mechanism, where the catch has a cavity to receive the needle, is used in conjunction with a delivery tool to securely attach the implant to bodily tissue, allowing for adjustable positioning and secure anchoring within the pelvic region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing implants and fixation methods are used, then pelvic floor support can be provided, but the depth of penetration of attachment tissue varies and makes it difficult to secure implants at various fixation points
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed with a movable inner needle portion that can slide within an outer needle portion, allowing the penetration depth to be adjusted dynamically during the procedure. This dynamic structure enables the surgeon to adapt to varying tissue depths at different fixation points while maintaining secure implant attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is divided into multiple segments including an outer needle portion, an inner needle portion, and a catch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function: the outer needle provides structural support, the inner needle can be independently positioned to achieve desired penetration depth, and the catch secures the implant tissue. This modular design resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible depth adjustment while ensuring reliable attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If varying depths of penetration are achieved to accommodate different anatomical structures, then secure fixation at various locations is possible, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle design employs a nested structure where the inner needle portion is housed within the outer needle portion. This nesting allows the device to achieve variable penetration depths through a compact configuration. The inner needle can extend to different depths while remaining contained within the outer needle when not in use, providing adaptability without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the interaction between the needle and implant tissue. Rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms for depth control, the catch provides a simple engagement point that secures the tissue at whatever depth the needle reaches, mediating between the variable penetration capability and the fixation requirement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle penetration depth is increased to reach deeper anatomical structures, then fixation at distant points is achieved, but the risk of tissue damage or complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic inner needle allows the surgeon to precisely control the penetration depth by sliding the inner needle to the required extent. This dynamic control enables reaching deeper fixation points when necessary while stopping at shallower depths for more superficial structures, thereby adapting to anatomical variations without unnecessarily increasing penetration depth and associated risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle design allows different portions to have different functional properties. The outer needle provides a protective sheath that can be advanced to a desired depth, while the inner needle can then be extended only as far as needed for secure attachment. This local differentiation of function allows precise depth control at the tip while maintaining structural integrity and protection along the shaft, reducing unnecessary tissue exposure and damage risk.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a medical device includes a needle and a catch. The catch has a body portion. The body portion of the catch defines a cavity. The catch is configured to be coupled to the needle such that at least a portion of the needle is disposed within the cavity.