Cape-Shielded Implantable-Mesh Introducer for Small Trocars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing implantable surgical meshes are prone to damage and contamination during introduction through trocars due to direct pinching and dragging, and require larger trocars when the mesh size does not match the trocar diameter, leading to increased surgical risks and costs.

Innovation Solution

An implantable-mesh introducer system comprising a cape and a push stick, where the cape surrounds and protects the mesh, transitioning from an expanded to a delivery configuration to minimize damage and contamination, allowing insertion through smaller trocars without mechanical fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the mesh is introduced through direct pinching and dragging by surgical tools, then the mesh can be inserted through the trocar, but the mesh is damaged (cutting, stretching, denting) and contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh insertionVSAvoidmesh integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dedicated mesh introducer as an intermediary device between the surgical tool and the mesh. This introducer includes a protective sheath that envelops the mesh during insertion, and a release mechanism that transfers the mesh to the surgical site without direct contact from grasping tools, thereby preventing mechanical damage and contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible protective sheath made of thin film material that surrounds the mesh during insertion. This flexible shell protects the mesh from direct mechanical contact with rigid surgical tools while allowing the assembly to navigate through the trocar, and the sheath is designed to collapse or detach to release the mesh at the destination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a larger trocar is used to accommodate the mesh, then the mesh can be inserted without size constraints, but the surgical risk increases and cost increases due to larger incision and potential incisional hernia

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh size accommodationVSAvoidsurgical risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested configuration where the mesh is placed inside a collapsible introducer sheath, which is then inserted through a small trocar. The sheath collapses around the mesh during insertion, allowing the mesh to pass through a trocar smaller than the mesh's final deployed size, thereby avoiding the need for large incisions and associated surgical risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of moving object

If the surgical tool external diameter is reduced to fit through smaller trocars, then the trocar size can be minimized, but the tool cannot accommodate larger meshes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool diameterVSAvoidmesh size range

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent solves the size mismatch problem by introducing a dimensional transformation mechanism. The mesh is folded or rolled into a compact configuration that fits within a thin introducer sheath for passage through a small-diameter trocar. Once inside the abdominal cavity, the mesh is deployed from the sheath and expanded to its full functional size, effectively bypassing the diameter constraint during the insertion phase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4613239A1Implantable-mesh introducer including a cape and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SOFRADIM PRODUCTION SAS

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~3B

AI summary

A mesh introducer comprising a push stick extending between a proximal end portion and a distal end portion; a cape extending between a free proximal end portion and a fixed distal end portion, the fixed distal end portion of the cape secured to the distal end portion of the push stick.