Anchor Element with Tabs and Eyelets for Medical Implant Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques for anchoring elongated medical implants, such as catheters in pain management systems, require manual tying of sutures, which is inefficient and lacks consistency in securing the implants to soft tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using an anchor element with tabs and eyelets, combined with a fixation element delivery tool, where the anchor element is positioned around the implant, folded to align eyelets, and a fixation element with tissue anchors and an adjustable suture arrangement is deployed into the tissue to secure the implant in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tying of sutures is used to anchor elongated implants, then the implant can be secured to soft tissue, but the process is inefficient and lacks consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor element is designed to self-position and self-secure through its friction-fit mechanism. The intermediate portion automatically engages the implant body, and the tabs with eyelets are positioned and secured through the delivery tool without requiring manual suture tying, enabling the system to complete the anchoring function autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of tying sutures is replaced with a friction-fit mechanical anchor system. The anchor element uses friction between its intermediate portion and the implant body, combined with tissue anchors engaging soft tissue, to secure the implant without requiring manual suturing operations
2Reliability
If an anchor element with tabs and eyelets is used, then the anchoring function is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor element is divided into distinct functional segments: an intermediate portion for engaging the implant body, and tabs with eyelets for tissue anchoring. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor element serves multiple functions through its design: the intermediate portion provides friction-fit engagement with the implant, the tabs provide tissue anchoring points, and the eyelets serve as delivery targets for the fixation element. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple anchoring mechanisms into a single integrated component
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
This method provides a secure and efficient anchoring of medical implants by frictionally engaging the anchor element with the implant and soft tissue, reducing movement and enhancing the anchoring function, thereby improving the stability of elongated implants in various tissue types.
Implementation Method 1
This method provides a secure and efficient anchoring of medical implants by frictionally engaging the anchor element with the implant and soft tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for securing a medical implant within a patient includes disposing an anchor element around the implant, the anchor element including a pair of tabs each including an eyelet, and a flexible intermediate portion between the tabs, by positioning the implant within the intermediate portion and folding the anchor element such that the tabs contact one another. The anchor element is positioned at a desired implantation position with the tabs proximate soft tissue of the patient. The method further includes inserting a distal tip of a fixation element delivery tool through the eyelets and into the soft tissue, the fixation element including at least one tissue anchor and an adjustable suture arrangement coupled to the tissue anchor. The tissue anchor is deployed from the delivery tool and into the soft tissue of the patient. The delivery tool is withdrawn and the adjustable suture arrangement is tightened.