Collapsible Hernia Prosthesis Delivery System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hernia repair methods using prosthetic meshes face challenges due to additional stiffness introduced by support members or washers, which compromise the mesh's ability to conform to the abdominal wall and increase the risk of hernia recurrence, and difficulties in accessing and fixing the peripheral edge of the mesh during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A biologically compatible prosthesis with a flexible design, comprising two layers with a pocket for access and a delivery device with a collapsible support piece and handle, allowing the mesh to conform to the abdominal wall without additional support members, facilitating easier fixation and reducing foreign body material implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a resilient support member is attached to the prosthesis layers to urge the patch into planar configuration, then the prosthesis maintains flat orientation against the abdominal wall, but the additional stiffness interferes with the prosthetic's ability to conform to the contours of the patient's abdominal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented into two phases: temporary support during implantation using the delivery device, and no permanent support after implantation. The resilient support member is temporarily attached during delivery to maintain planar configuration, then removed after implantation to restore conformability, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar configuration is preliminarily maintained during the implantation process using the resilient support member and delivery device, ensuring proper positioning. After implantation, the support is removed to allow the prosthesis to adapt to the abdominal wall contours, addressing both stability during surgery and adaptability during healing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a resilient support member is permanently implanted with the prosthesis to maintain planar orientation, then the prosthesis remains flat against the abdominal wall, but it introduces additional foreign body material that adds rigidity and compromises the flexibility and physiological function of the abdominal wall
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient support member is extracted from the permanent implant structure. It is used temporarily during delivery to maintain planar orientation, then removed after implantation. This eliminates the foreign body response and excessive rigidity while preserving the necessary planar configuration during the critical implantation phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient support member is discarded after serving its temporary purpose during implantation. It is recovered (removed) from the implant site after the prosthesis is securely positioned, eliminating the harmful foreign body material while having fulfilled its stabilizing function during surgery.
3Strength
If the prosthesis is designed with enclosed layers and permanent support members, then structural integrity is maintained, but it becomes more difficult to ensure the prosthesis is in planar configuration and completely covers the muscle wall defect
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from static and permanent to dynamic and temporary. The resilient support member is temporarily activated during delivery to aid positioning, then deactivated (removed) after implantation. This dynamic approach improves ease of positioning during surgery while maintaining structural integrity through the prosthesis design itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device acts as an intermediary tool that temporarily provides the planar configuration support during implantation. It mediates between the need for structural integrity and ease of positioning by providing temporary assistance only when needed, without becoming part of the permanent implant.
4Stability of the object's composition
If additional support members or washers are implanted with the prosthesis, then the prosthesis maintains its shape and position, but the additional foreign body material elicits a foreign body response that results in a stiffer and weaker muscle repair around the prosthesis
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are extracted from the permanent implant composition. They are used temporarily during delivery to maintain prosthesis shape and position, then removed to eliminate the foreign body response that would otherwise weaken the muscle repair. The prosthesis itself maintains its shape through its inherent design without requiring permanent foreign support structures.
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 solution enables better integration of the mesh with the abdominal wall, reducing the risk of hernia recurrence and improving surgical accessibility, while minimizing foreign body material and forces required for device removal.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient support member disposed on a patch, the resilient support member being constructed and arranged to urge the patch into a planar configuration
Implementation Method 2
a collapsible support piece and handle, allowing the mesh to conform to the abdominal wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A delivery device and implantable prosthesis for repairing a soft tissue defect such as an abdominal wall hernia. The delivery device includes a support body (4) that is nested between a first and second layer of the prosthesis. The support body includes a zone of weakness (3) to facilitate collapse of the nested delivery device and prosthesis. A handle extends from the support body. The support body is provided with a spine (12).