Expandable Hernia Prosthesis Assembly for Small-Trocar Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for delivering soft tissue repair prostheses, such as mesh patches, into the body require large incisions or trocars due to the inability to minimize the size of the device in its reduced configuration for insertion.

Innovation Solution

An expandable device configured with strategic attachment components that minimize the maximum dimension when in a reduced configuration, allowing for insertion through smaller incisions or trocars, and a method of assembling the hernia repair device by manipulating it about a first axis into a reduced configuration for insertion, using inflatable devices with reliefs to prevent bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the prosthesis is delivered in a conventional configuration, then the prosthesis can be easily positioned relative to the defect, but the incision or trocar size must be large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice size in reduced configurationVSAvoidease of positioning prosthesis

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be collapsed together into a reduced configuration for delivery, then separated or expanded at the target site to achieve the full functional size for positioning and repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis components are nested within each other or within a delivery catheter in a compact arrangement, allowing the large functional structure to be delivered through a small incision or trocar, then deployed outward to achieve proper positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Length of moving object

If the prosthesis is collapsed into a reduced configuration, then smaller incisions or trocars can be used, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice size in reduced configurationVSAvoidcomplexity of expandable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prosthesis incorporates dynamic expansion mechanisms that allow transition from a compact reduced configuration to a full functional configuration, with movable joints and articulations that enable controlled deployment while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The prosthesis utilizes changes in physical parameters such as inflation pressure, material phase, or structural configuration to enable transition between reduced and functional states, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through controlled parameter changes rather than mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12485000B2Soft tissue repair prosthesis and expandable device

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 CR BARD INC

AI summary

A hernia repair device is provided which may include a soft tissue repair prosthesis and an expandable device configured to be removably connected with the soft tissue repair prosthesis. Attachment components may be used to removably connect the soft tissue repair prosthesis with the expandable device. The hernia repair device may be manipulated into a reduced configuration for insertion into the body. When expanded, the expandable device may be configured to position the soft tissue repair prosthesis adjacent a hernia defect. The expandable device and/or the attachment components may be shaped and/or configured to minimize the maximum dimension of the hernia repair device in its reduced configuration.