Barbed Anchor with One-Way Locking for Ligament Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods for addressing female incontinence often fail to effectively reestablish the ligamentary support for the urethra and vaginal wall, as existing muscular activity is diverted to address vaginal laxity rather than controlling the urethra, leading to inadequate continence.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of anchors with a retaining mechanism to connect filamentary elements between ligament and/or muscle tissue locations, allowing for adjustable tension to provide supplementary support, with anchors having a barbed configuration for secure insertion and a locking mechanism to prevent filament movement in one direction, facilitating tissue growth and optimal tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If filament is fixed to pubic bone or rectus abdominous muscle to address vaginal laxity, then vaginal support is improved, but muscular activity is diverted from urethral control to resolving vaginal laxity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the support function by placing anchors at specific ligamentous locations (recto-vaginal ligaments or arcus tendineus ligaments) rather than using general muscle fixation. This localized segmentation allows the filament to provide targeted ligamentary support for the vagina while preserving the integrity and function of the urethral musculature for continence control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces ligamentous tissue as an intermediary structure between the vagina and the anchoring points. By fixing the filament to the recto-vaginal or arcus tendineus ligaments rather than directly to muscle or bone, the system creates a intermediary support mechanism that restores ligamentary architecture without compromising muscular function.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If filamentary element is made non-biodegradable to provide long-term support, then durability is improved, but tissue growth between locations is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter of the filamentary element from completely non-biodegradable to biodegradable. This parameter change allows the filament to provide temporary structural support during the critical healing period and then naturally degrade, enabling tissue ingrowth and integration without requiring permanent foreign material.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a biodegradable filamentary element that serves its purpose temporarily and then disappears. This approach uses a short-living synthetic material that facilitates initial support and then allows the body's natural healing processes to take over, creating permanent tissue integration without the need for long-term foreign material.
3Strength
If anchor head is inserted into tissue with barbed configuration to ensure retention, then anchoring strength is improved, but insertion complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the traditional anchor design by making the barbed configuration part of the head that engages with tissue during insertion, rather than requiring separate barbs or complex mechanisms. The barbs are integrated into the head structure and deploy automatically upon insertion, simplifying the overall device while maintaining strong anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor head performs self-service by automatically deploying its barbed configuration upon insertion into the tissue. The resiliently flexible prongs self-deploy and self-engage with the tissue matrix without requiring additional manipulation or complex insertion mechanisms, simplifying the surgical procedure while ensuring secure retention.
4Duration of action of moving object
If retaining means allows filament movement through anchor to shorten length, then tension adjustment is improved, but filament stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamic control to the anchor-retaining system, allowing the filamentary element to be tensioned and adjusted during the surgical procedure. The retaining means enables controlled movement of the filament through the anchor to achieve optimal tension, then locks into place to maintain that tension permanently, combining dynamic adjustment with static stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by allowing the filament to be moved through the anchor and tensioned during surgery, then uses the retaining means to lock it in place before the patient leaves the operating room. This preliminary tensioning and locking ensures the filament is optimally positioned and stable before undergoing normal body movements and healing processes.
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 approach effectively reestablishes ligamentary support between the recto-vaginal ligaments, restoring normal tension and enabling proper muscular control of the urethra, thereby improving continence and reducing vaginal laxity-related symptoms.
Implementation Method 1
said prongs being resiliently flexible along their length, said method comprising compressing the ends of the prongs towards each other prior to insertion of the head into the tissue, inserting the head into the tissue and releasing the ends of the prongs once the head is located in the tissue
Implementation Method 2
the retaining means enables movement of the filamentary element through the anchor to enable the length of the filamentary element between the locations to be shortened but to prevent movement of the filamentary element through the anchors to enable the length of the filamentary element between the applications to be increased
Data Source
AI summary
Anchor (115) particularly useful for providing ligamentory support between two spaced locations in the body of a patient includes a base (153), a head (157) having a configuration to facilitate insertion of the head into the tissue and retention of the head in the tissue once inserted. The base is formed with an aperture (161) adapted to receive a length of a filamentary element (127) and permit slidable movement of the filamentary element through the aperture in one direction. Movement of the filamentary element in the opposite direction through the aperture is prevented by a locking element.