Barbed Surgical Fastener with Indexer Drive for Hernia Mesh Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, secure, and biocompatible fastener for hernia mesh fixation that can be easily deployed in both open and laparoscopic procedures, and a corresponding drive apparatus that is inexpensive, easy to handle, and adaptable for various surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
A barbed fastener with a head portion and anchoring element, combined with a drive apparatus featuring an indexer and driver mechanism for precise ejection, allowing for secure tissue attachment and easy handling by surgeons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used for hernia mesh fixation, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity and difficulty of deployment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into distinct functional segments: a head portion for mesh engagement, a body portion for tissue penetration, and an anchoring element with barbs for secure fixation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall deployment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastener design inverts the traditional approach by having the anchoring element with barbs at the distal end that engages tissue first during deployment, while the head portion remains proximal for mesh attachment. This inversion simplifies the deployment sequence and reduces device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If complex drive apparatus is used for fastener deployment, then precise control is improved, but ease of operation and handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The drive apparatus utilizes the fastener's own structural features (head portion, body portion, anchoring element) to guide its own deployment. The indexer engages with these features to automatically position and eject the fastener, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms and improving ease of operation.
3Reliability
If multiple fastener components are used for secure fixation, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The head portion, body portion, and anchoring element with barbs are combined into a single integrally formed fastener component. This merging simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate assembly steps while maintaining the functional benefits of having distinct segments for different purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener is provided for attaching body tissue to body tissue or another material to body tissue. The fastener includes a head portion, a body portion, and an anchoring element. The anchoring element is on the distal end of the fastener, and has one or more barbs or similar anchoring devices that are configured to prevent removal of the fastener once it is attached to the body tissue. The head is located on the proximal end of the fastener, and anchors the body tissue or other material when the fastener is attached to the body tissue. The disclosure also provides a driver apparatus for inserting the fasteners. The applicator device includes an indexer for sequentially indexing one or more fasteners, and a driver for applying an insertion force to a fastener that is sufficient to insert the fastener and attach it to body tissue. The disclosure also provides a method of using the fastener and applicator device.