Dual Offset Arc Needle for Male Incontinence Sling Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices designed for female pelvic anatomy are inadequate for inserting a male incontinence sling into the male pelvic region due to differences in pelvic shape, particularly the narrower subpubic angle and straighter inferior pubic rami, leading to insufficient access and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a dual plane configuration and elongate member comprising multiple portions that allow for two planes of rotation, enabling the device to be inserted around or behind the male pubic bones, facilitating the placement of a sling within the obturator muscles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single-plane needle device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot access the obturator tissues in male pelvis due to running parallel to obturator muscles instead of piercing them
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed with a dual-plane configuration where the first portion and second portion define a first plane, and the second portion and third portion define a second plane that is non-parallel to the first plane. This multi-planar structure enables the needle to pierce the obturator muscles in male anatomy by providing rotational freedom around multiple axes, rather than being constrained to a single plane of rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device designed for female pelvic anatomy is used, then the device configuration is optimized for wider pubic arch, but the device is insufficient for the narrower subpubic angle and straighter inferior pubic rami in male pelvis
Solution Approach 1:
The needle incorporates a flexible elongate member with multiple portions that can rotate around multiple axes. The second portion acts as a pivot point allowing the needle to dynamically adjust its orientation and angle during insertion, enabling adaptation to the narrower subpubic angle and straighter inferior pubic rami characteristic of male pelvic anatomy.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is divided into multiple distinct portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) where each segment can be positioned at specific angles relative to the others. This segmentation allows the device to navigate the complex geometry of male pelvic structures by adjusting the orientation of individual segments rather than requiring a single rigid configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a handle and an elongate member coupled to the handle. The elongate member has a first portion, a second portion and a third portion. The first portion of the elongate member extends from the handle and defines a first longitudinal axis. The second portion of the elongate member extends from the first portion and defines a second longitudinal axis. The first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a first angle and a first plane. The third portion of the elongate member extends from the second portion of the elongate member and defines a third longitudinal axis. The third longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis define a second angle and a second plane. The second plane is non-parallel with the first plane.