Adjustable Tissue Anchor With Helical Ridge For Pelvic Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical implants for pelvic support procedures face challenges in inserting and tensioning implants correctly during implantation, particularly in adjusting the effective length between anchors, which can affect the efficacy of the support provided.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a tissue anchor with a first and second portion, where the second portion is configured to rotate with respect to the first, allowing for adjustable length and tension, facilitated by an insertion tool that engages the anchor to adjust its position within the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing implants are used for pelvic support, then the implant can be placed within the body, but it is difficult to insert and apply correct tension during implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The implant incorporates a adjustable length mechanism that allows the distance between anchors to be modified after implantation. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the implant to be easily inserted in a compact state and then adjusted to the correct tension and length in situ, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The implant allows changing the physical parameter of length between anchors through a adjustment mechanism. This parameter change capability enables the same implant to adapt to different patient anatomies and tension requirements, making insertion easier while maintaining precise tension control through adjustable parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing implants are used for pelvic support, then the implant can be secured with anchors, but it is difficult to adjust the effective length between anchors
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is nested within the implant structure itself, with the second anchor positioned within a cavity of the first anchor. This nesting approach allows the adjustment mechanism to be integrated into the existing implant design, providing length adjustability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
An elongate member acts as an intermediary element between the two anchors, providing the adjustment mechanism. This intermediary component facilitates length adjustment while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by separating the adjustment function from the anchor structures themselves.
3Reliability
If the implant length is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the support efficacy cannot be optimized for different patient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The implant transitions from a fixed length design to a dynamic adjustable length design, allowing the support efficacy to be optimized for different patient conditions. The adjustment mechanism enables customization of the implant length to match individual anatomical variations and clinical requirements, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise placement and adjustment of the implant within the body, improving the support and stability provided to pelvic structures, thereby enhancing the treatment of pelvic floor dysfunctions such as prolapse and incontinence.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion has a helical ridge. The helical ridge is configured to engage the inner surface of the first portion of the tissue anchor to movably couple the second portion of the tissue anchor to the first portion of the tissue anchor.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a medical device includes a tissue anchor has a first portion and a second portion. The tissue anchor is configured to be placed within bodily tissue of a patient. The first portion of the tissue anchor includes an extension member configured to engage the bodily tissue to help retain the tissue anchor within the bodily tissue. The first portion has an inner surface and defines a cavity. The second portion of the tissue anchor has a helical ridge. The helical ridge is configured to engage the inner surface of the first portion of the tissue anchor to movably couple the second portion of the tissue anchor to the first portion of the tissue anchor.