Barbed Surgical Mesh with Removable Biocompatible Film

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Surgical meshes with barbed faces are challenging to implant due to barbs sticking to adjacent tissues, making it difficult to position and reposition the mesh without damaging tissues or the mesh itself.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a surgical mesh with a barbed face, a biocompatible film to cover the barbs, and removable cables to attach the film to the mesh, allowing for safe transportation and positioning of the mesh without damaging tissues or the mesh.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a surgical mesh with barbed face is used to fix directly to biological tissues, then optimal distribution of forces over the whole mesh surface is obtained, but the barbs stick to adjacent tissues during conveyance making it difficult to position and reposition the mesh

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation reliabilityVSAvoidmesh positioning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A smooth biocompatible film is introduced as an intermediary layer between the barbed mesh and adjacent tissues. The film covers the barbs during conveyance and positioning, preventing unwanted adhesion to surrounding tissues while allowing the mesh to be easily manipulated and repositioned. Once positioned, the film is removed to enable the barbs to engage with the target tissue for secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the mesh surface into two functional zones: a barbed face for fixation to target tissue and a smooth film-covered side for protected conveyance. This segmentation allows the mesh to exhibit different surface properties at different times - smooth during handling and barbed during fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If a surgical mesh with barbed face is used for direct fixation, then conventional attaching means are eliminated, but the barbs make the mesh difficult to detach and re-attach for positioning adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixation method simplicityVSAvoidmesh repositioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh system transitions from a static barbed surface to a dynamic configuration where the barbs are temporarily covered by a smooth film during positioning. This dynamic change allows the mesh to be easily moved and repositioned initially, then locked into place once the film is removed and barbs engage with the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If barbs are present on the mesh surface for tissue gripping, then fixation is achieved without tacks or sutures, but the barbs grip to the mesh itself when folded hindering deployment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue gripping capacityVSAvoidmesh folding and deployment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The smooth biocompatible film serves as a protective cushion applied beforehand to the barbed surface. This protective layer prevents the barbs from interlocking with each other during folding and storage, allowing the mesh to be easily folded and deployed without compromising the barbs' tissue-gripping capacity once the film is removed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250169935A1Device for facilitating the implantation of a surgical mesh

Publication Date: 2025.05.29 SOFRADIM PRODUCTION SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (10) for facilitating the implantation of a surgical mesh (1) having at least one barbed face (2), said device comprising:said surgical mesh (1),at least one biocompatible film (11, 11a, 11b) shaped and dimensioned to at least partially cover said barbed face (2),at least one cable (12) arranged to removably attach said film (11, 11a, 11b) to said barbed face (2) of said mesh (1).