Elastic Hernia Patch Structure for Suture-Free Muscle Hole Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical techniques for hernia repair, such as open and laparoscopic approaches, involve large incisions, tissue damage, and complications like infection, chronic pain, and mesh dislodgement due to static meshes that do not adapt to dynamic movements, leading to hernia recurrence and uncontrolled scar tissue growth.
Innovation Solution
A flexible apparatus with a shaft member and elastic pushing elements that lock into a muscle hole without fixation means, allowing dynamic movement with the muscle wall and promoting tissue regeneration by creating a scaffold for muscle, nerve, and vessel growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flat mesh is deployed for hernia repair, then the muscle hole is covered and reinforcement is provided, but the mesh cannot adapt to dynamic movements of the abdominal wall and pelvic floor, leading to mesh dislodgement and hernia recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static flat mesh into a dynamic three-dimensional apparatus that can adapt to the movement of abdominal and pelvic walls. The apparatus includes a flexible plate member that can deform and move with the surrounding tissues, eliminating the dislodgement problem associated with rigid conventional meshes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mesh from a flat two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional configuration with specific curvature and flexibility parameters. This allows the apparatus to conform to the dynamic geometry of the abdominal and pelvic walls, providing both stability and adaptability.
2Reliability
If sutures or staples are used to secure the flat mesh, then the mesh is fixed in place, but tissue damage, bleeding, hematoma, infection risk, and chronic pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful fixation elements (sutures and staples) from the hernia repair system. Instead of using invasive fixation methods that cause tissue damage and complications, the invention employs a self-retaining three-dimensional apparatus that locks into place through its geometric configuration and elastic properties, eliminating the need for external fixation tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs self-fixation through its inherent three-dimensional structure and elastic properties. The flexible plate member automatically conforms to and locks within the muscle hole without requiring external sutures or staples, enabling the system to secure itself without causing tissue damage or complications.
3Reliability
If conventional flat mesh is used, then the hernia is reinforced, but the mesh induces foreign body reaction with long lasting inflammatory response and uncontrolled ingrowth of stiff scar tissue that can enfold sensitive nerves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a three-dimensional apparatus with specific geometric features that promote localized tissue regeneration rather than widespread scar tissue formation. The apparatus structure encourages controlled ingrowth of healthy tissue in specific areas while preventing the uncontrolled fibrotic development that causes chronic pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the natural healing response, which previously resulted in harmful stiff scar tissue, into a beneficial process. The three-dimensional apparatus structure guides and controls the healing response to produce healthy tissue ingrowth that reinforces the hernia repair without causing chronic pain or nerve compression.
4Ease of operation
If open hernia repair is performed, then the muscle hole is directly accessible, but large skin incision and broad dissection of tissue layers are required, leading to increased postoperative pain and longer recovery period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by introducing a minimally invasive delivery system that allows the three-dimensional apparatus to be inserted through a small incision and deployed within the muscle hole. This nested approach enables access to the deep muscle layers without requiring broad dissection of multiple tissue layers, thereby reducing postoperative pain and recovery time.
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 apparatus provides a durable, long-lasting hernia repair by minimizing complications, enhancing patient recovery, and promoting healthy tissue growth without dislodgement, reducing pain and scar tissue formation.
Implementation Method 1
Each elastic pushing element is biased to push against lateral edges of the muscle hole at least perpendicularly to the shaft member, so as to keep the apparatus locked in the muscle hole
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for the treatment of a muscle hole (105) is provided. The apparatus (100) comprises: - a flexible plate member (130) having a main surface; - a shaft member (120) inserted across the flexible plate member (130) so as the main surface extends substantially perpendicularly to the shaft member (120) when the apparatus (100) is in an implanted configuration, said main surface covering said muscle hole (105) when the apparatus (100) is in the implanted configuration; - a flexible extremity member (140) coupled to the shaft member (120) and configured to be inserted into said muscle hole (105) when the apparatus (100) is in the implanted configuration, the flexible extremity member (140) comprising a plurality of elastic pushing elements (140(p)) arranged to surround a portion (SP) of the shaft member (120), said portion (SP) of the shaft member (120) having a first portion end (SP(1)) distal to the flexible plate member (130) and a second portion end (SP(2)) proximal to the flexible plate member (130), each elastic pushing element (140(p)) being biased to push against lateral edges of the muscle hole (105) at least perpendicularly to the shaft member (120), so as to keep the apparatus (100) locked in the muscle hole (105), when the apparatus (100) is in the implanted configuration. Each elastic pushing element (140(p)) has a first element end (140(1)) coupled to said first portion end (SP(1)) and a second element end (140(2)) coupled to said second portion end (SP(2)), the elastic pushing element (140(p)) being bent to have a central section thereof between the first element end (140(1)) and the second element end (140(2)) that is spaced apart from the shaft member (120) when the apparatus (100) is in the implanted configuration so as to define an empty space between the elastic pushing element (140(p)) and said portion (SP) of the shaft member (120).