Elastic Sling System for Adjustable Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating pelvic floor disorders and urinary incontinence, such as stress urinary incontinence, face challenges in optimally positioning and adjusting the tension of supportive slings during implantation, particularly through small vaginal incisions, and require additional incisions for abdominal or ischiopubic access, which can lead to complications like urine retention or inadequate support over time.
Innovation Solution
A sling assembly with adjustable tensioning features, including elastic members and dilators, is delivered through a single vaginal incision, allowing for precise placement and automatic adjustment without the need for abdominal or ischiopubic incisions, using a delivery device that facilitates the insertion and anchoring of the sling in the periurethral tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sling is implanted through a single vaginal incision, then the procedure is less invasive and has fewer complications, but it becomes challenging to optimally position and adjust the sling tension during implantation
Solution Approach 1:
The sling assembly is divided into separate functional components: a sling body, a delivery device with positioning mechanisms, and a tensioning mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the delivery device can be positioned through the single vaginal incision while the tensioning mechanism is adjusted separately, solving the contradiction between minimal invasiveness and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
A delivery device acts as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the sling. This delivery device includes positioning mechanisms and tensioning features that can be manipulated through the single vaginal incision, providing the surgeon with enhanced control and precision in placing and adjusting the sling tension without requiring additional incisions.
2Ease of operation
If additional abdominal or ischiopubic incisions are made to facilitate sling implantation, then optimal positioning and tension adjustment is easier, but the procedure becomes more invasive with increased risk of complications
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is designed with self-contained positioning and tensioning capabilities that can be operated through the single vaginal incision. The device includes built-in mechanisms for anchoring the sling and adjusting tension without requiring external assistance or additional access points, allowing the procedure to be completed through minimal invasive means while maintaining operational ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sling tension is adjusted after initial implantation, then it can accommodate anatomical changes like weight gain, but it requires additional surgical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The sling system incorporates a dynamic tensioning mechanism that allows for adjustment of sling tension without requiring complete removal or complex surgical intervention. The tensioning mechanism can be modified through a small access point, enabling the system to adapt to anatomical changes such as weight gain while maintaining a relatively simple adjustment procedure.
4Strength
If too much tension is applied to the sling, then adequate support is provided for pelvic floor disorders, but the patient may experience urine retention and pressure build-up in the bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning mechanism allows for precise control and adjustment of the sling tension parameter. By enabling fine-tuning of the tension force, the system can provide adequate pelvic floor support while avoiding excessive tension that would cause urine retention. The adjustable parameter allows optimization of the balance between support strength and physiological function.
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
This approach enables accurate placement of the sling, automatic tension adjustment, and reduces the risk of complications by eliminating the need for additional incisions, thereby improving the efficacy and safety of the procedure while accommodating anatomical changes and patient movement.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first elastic tensioning member, attached to the sling and dilators
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to adjustable length implantable sling assemblies for providing support to anatomical locations. In certain embodiments, the sling includes at least one elastic member to aid in the placement and tensioning of the sling.