Dynamic Cannula for Pelvic Floor Implant Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of the pelvic floor anatomy and the difficulty of suturing deep within the pelvic cavity during surgical procedures, particularly in pelvic floor reconstruction, pose challenges in accurately inserting surgical implants with implant attachment sections due to the need for precise positioning and the risk of entrapment of implant attachment sections.
Innovation Solution
The design of a cannula with an essentially straight shape in its second state ensures consistent orientation for easier insertion and retrieval of implant attachment sections, combined with a handle for improved handling and a catch element that facilitates secure capture of the implant sections, reducing frictional forces and snagging risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved cannula is used to follow the natural anatomy of the pelvic cavity, then the cannula can navigate the complex pelvic floor anatomy more easily, but the orientation of the distal end becomes inconsistent and unpredictable after guide element removal, making it difficult to accurately insert implant attachment sections
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is designed with dynamic shape-changing capability through an elastic end region that can transition between a first shape (when guide element is received) and a second shape (when guide element is removed). This allows the cannula to adapt to the pelvic cavity anatomy during insertion while maintaining a predictable, essentially straight configuration in the second state for accurate implant attachment section insertion.
2Ease of operation
If the cannula maintains a curved shape to match pelvic anatomy, then navigation through tissue is easier, but the distal end orientation varies with insertion angle and experience level, increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula transitions from a curved first shape during insertion (aiding navigation) to an essentially straight second shape during implant attachment section insertion (simplifying procedure). This dynamic shape change eliminates the need for surgeons to account for varying distal end orientations based on insertion angle or experience level.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide element is removed before implant attachment section insertion, which triggers the cannula to assume its second essentially straight shape. This preliminary action ensures the distal end is oriented predictably before the critical step of inserting implant attachment sections, reducing procedural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the cannula is designed to be essentially straight in the second state, then the distal end orientation becomes consistent and predictable, but the cannula may be more difficult to navigate through the curved pelvic cavity anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula's elastic end region enables it to temporarily deform into a curved first shape that matches the pelvic cavity anatomy during navigation, then return to an essentially straight second shape for precise implant attachment section insertion. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between navigability and orientation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula is divided into a proximal portion and an elastic end region, allowing different sections to have different properties. The proximal portion maintains structural integrity while the elastic end region provides the necessary flexibility for navigation, enabling the cannula to navigate curved anatomy while maintaining overall straight configuration when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement for inserting a surgical implant with at least one implant attachment portion (17), comprising: a guide element (1) with a distal tissue-piercing end (2); a cannula (5) with a proximal end (6), a distal end (7), and a channel (8) extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the guide element can be received so as to be able to slide in the channel; and a retrieval device (9) with a catching element (13) at a distal end of the retrieval device, for catching the at least one implant attachment portion of the surgical implant; wherein the cannula, with the guide element received slidably therein, is dimensioned such that it extends through the pelvic cavity of a female patient, from an outer incision (16) through the surrounding tissue into a cavity of the human body, in particuar the vagina of a patient, and the channel of the cannula is designed to permit passage of the retrieval device and of the caught implant attachment portion, wherein the cannula, in a first state in which the guide element is arranged inside the channel of the cannula, adapts to the shape of the guide element, and the cannula, in a second state in which the retrieval device is arranged inside the channel of the cannula, is substantially straight.