Conical Frustum Delivery Device for Minimizing Tissue Trauma During Prosthetic Implant Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for placing prosthetic implants, such as breast implants, often result in unnecessary tissue manipulation and scar tissue formation due to aggressive handling during implant placement, leading to potential complications like capsule growth around the implant.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device shaped as a conical frustum with a lubricious coating and an elongated slit that allows for the secure placement of prosthetic implants with minimal tissue disruption, featuring a sealed proximal end and an open distal end with a flap or inter-lockable fastener elements to guide and support the implant during insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If aggressive handling is used during implant placement, then the implant can be inserted into the surgical pocket, but unnecessary tissue manipulation and scar tissue formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The conical frustum delivery device acts as an intermediary between the surgeon's hands and the implant, providing a controlled interface that guides the implant into the surgical pocket without requiring direct aggressive manipulation of the implant or surrounding tissues. The device's tapered shape and lubricious coating facilitate smooth passage while protecting tissue integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the friction parameter between the implant and surrounding tissues by providing a lubricious coating on its interior surface. This reduces the coefficient of friction, allowing the implant to be delivered with minimal force and tissue disruption, thereby reducing trauma and scar tissue formation.
2Productivity
If traditional implant placement methods are used, then the implant can be delivered, but excessive force and tissue trauma occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricious coating on the interior surface of the conical frustum changes the friction parameter, reducing the coefficient of friction between the device and the implant. This allows for smooth, low-force delivery of the implant into the surgical pocket, maintaining productivity while minimizing tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical frustum shape with its curved tapered surface provides a smooth geometric transition that guides the implant along a controlled path into the surgical pocket. The curved geometry distributes forces evenly and prevents sharp edges or angles that could cause tissue damage during insertion.
3Reliability
If a sealed bag structure is used to hold the implant, then the implant is protected, but friction increases making delivery difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricious coating on the interior surface of the conical frustum changes the friction parameter by reducing the coefficient of friction. This allows the implant to be easily ejected from the sealed bag structure through the distal opening without compromising the protective sealing function during storage and handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The interior surface of the conical frustum is specifically treated with a lubricious coating to create a low-friction zone where the implant contacts the device wall. This localized quality change ensures smooth delivery while the rest of the device maintains its sealed protective structure.
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 device reduces the coefficient of friction within the bag, allowing for easier and less traumatic implant placement, minimizing scar tissue formation and capsule growth, while accommodating various types of prosthetic implants.
Implementation Method 1
The interior of which comprises a lubricious coating and is of suitable dimensions to hold the prosthetic implant. The application of pressure laterally along the length of the frustum ejects the prosthetic implant through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device for assisting in the placement of a prosthetic implant within a surgical pocket of a patient such that placement minimizes tissue stress along and inside the surgical pocket. The surgical device comprises a bag shaped as a conical frustum in which a proximal end of the conical frustum is sealed and a distal end of the conical frustum is open, with an elongated slit extending from the distal end towards the proximal end. An opening formed by the distal opening and the elongated slit is sufficiently large enough to accept the prosthetic implant into the bag. According to one embodiment, an adhesive is affixed along a portion of the elongated slit to seal the elongated slit such that the distal end remains open, thereby allowing for egress of the implant from the bag and placement into the surgical pocket.