Curved Needle Insertion Member for Implant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for delivering bodily implants, such as those for treating urinary incontinence, face challenges in precision and safety due to easily deflectable needles, which can cause injuries to the bladder, urethra, and bowel, leading to increased complexity and discomfort during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring an insertion member with a curved and straight portion, an adjustment member, and a button mechanism that allows for precise control and temporary fixation within a housing, minimizing deflection and enhancing needle control during implant delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a long curved needle is used for implant delivery, then the needle can reach the target location, but the needle deflects easily and becomes difficult to direct and control
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into multiple segments that can articulate relative to each other. The proximal segment remains relatively stable while the distal segment can be independently directed, allowing the long needle to maintain controllability while reaching deep target locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle incorporates dynamic articulation mechanisms that allow the operator to adjust the angle and position of needle segments during insertion. This dynamic control enables the needle to navigate complex anatomical paths while maintaining directional accuracy and reducing unwanted deflection.
2Length of moving object
If a long curved needle is used for implant delivery, then the needle can reach the target location, but misdirected needles can cause injury to the bladder, urethra and bowel
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly incorporates feedback mechanisms such as tactile indicators or visual markers that provide real-time information to the operator about needle position and orientation. This feedback allows for continuous adjustment to avoid critical structures like the bladder, urethra, and bowel during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device includes preliminary positioning features such as guide rails, alignment markers, or pre-shaped pathways that constrain the needle to follow a safe trajectory before reaching the target. This preliminary guidance reduces the risk of misdirection and injury to surrounding organs.
3Strength
If the insertion member is made more rigid to reduce deflection, then control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle exhibits varying rigidity along its length, with the proximal portion being more rigid for stable handling and the distal portion being more flexible for navigating anatomical curves. This gradient in mechanical properties reduces overall device complexity while maintaining both control and adaptability.
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 improves the precision and safety of implant delivery by reducing the risk of injury to surrounding tissues and minimizing discomfort and recovery time, allowing for more controlled and effective placement of implants.
Implementation Method 1
contact the insertion member so as to deflect and friction fit it within the channel
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device and a method for delivering a bodily implant are disclosed. The medical device includes an insertion member, an adjustment member and a button. The insertion member further includes a tip. The insertion member has a curved portion proximate the tip and a straight portion distally located from the tip. The curved and straight portions are configured to be placed into a channel within a housing of the insertion member. The adjustment member is coupled to the insertion member distally and is configured to be advanced and retracted, thereby advancing and retracting the insertion member with respect to the housing. The button is moveable coupled to the housing of the insertion member.