Biodegradable Vaginal Plug with Anchor for Prolapse Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pelvic organ prolapse, caused by decreased support due to childbirth, hysterectomy, or aging, requires effective surgical interventions that provide internal support to the prolapsed organs while allowing for tissue growth and natural conformation to prevent further prolapse.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a biodegradable plug, a porous skirt, and an anchor that is inserted into the vagina to promote tissue growth and provide internal support, with the anchor extending to the sacrum for additional support, allowing the vagina to maintain its natural conformation and distribute forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a non-biodegradable support structure is used to provide long-term support to the vagina, then the support durability is improved, but the tissue growth and natural conformation are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the support structure from non-biodegradable to biodegradable material, changing the temporal characteristics of the support. The biodegradable plug provides temporary support during the critical healing period, then degrades to allow long-term tissue growth and natural conformation, resolving the contradiction between immediate support durability and long-term tissue adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable plug acts as an intermediary temporary support structure that mediates between the need for immediate mechanical support and the requirement for long-term tissue growth. It provides structural support during healing, then gradually degrades to be replaced by native tissue, serving as a transient mediator that satisfies both contradictory requirements at different time points
2Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to elevate the vagina, then the support strength is improved, but the natural conformation and force distribution are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shell-like biodegradable plug structure that conforms to the vaginal anatomy. This shell provides structural support strength while maintaining flexibility to adapt to the natural vaginal conformation, avoiding the rigidity problem of traditional rigid support structures and enabling proper force distribution across vaginal tissues
3Adaptability or versatility
If a porous material is used to allow tissue growth, then the tissue integration is improved, but the initial structural support is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a biodegradable plug with controlled porosity that balances initial structural support with tissue ingrowth capability. The porous structure provides mechanical support in the early post-operative period while simultaneously allowing tissue penetration and integration, resolving the contradiction between initial strength and tissue integration by providing both functions concurrently rather than sequentially
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
The system provides resilient and durable support to the vagina by encouraging tissue growth through the skirt, allowing the anchor to support the vagina after the plug biodegrades, effectively addressing pelvic organ prolapse by promoting natural conformation and force distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The plug is made of biodegradable material and is insertable into the vagina
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system for treating pelvic organ prolapse includes a shell and an anchor. The shell is made of biodegradable material that is insertable into a vagina. The shell has a convex exterior apex that is sized to contact an interior apical portion of the vagina. The anchor has a proximal portion that is attachable to the apex of the shell and a distal portion that is provided with a tissue fixation device that is attachable to tissue exterior the vagina such that the anchor and the shell combine to support and elevate the interior apical portion of a vagina.