Expandable Locking Mesh for Stable Hernia Defect Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sealing perforations in tissue, such as hernias, are time-consuming and inefficient, with mesh plug techniques often failing to effectively cover the entire area or leading to complications like shrinkage or migration into adjacent organs.
Innovation Solution
An expandable mesh design featuring a first and second coupling element and an intermediate portion that flares out when the first coupling element is retracted relative to the second, secured with a friction fit or ratcheting mechanism, allowing for secure anchoring and expanded coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual suturing techniques are used to secure graft material to surrounding tissue, then the graft material can be effectively secured, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the time-consuming suturing operation by incorporating pre-formed coupling elements with locking features directly onto the mesh. These coupling elements can be mechanically engaged with tissue or other mesh portions without requiring manual threading of sutures through tissue, thereby eliminating the tedious knot-tying process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh incorporates self-securing coupling elements that automatically lock into place through mechanical engagement features such as interlocking protrusions and recesses. This self-service mechanism allows the mesh to secure itself to tissue or adjacent structures without requiring extensive manual intervention, reducing both time and complexity of the procedure.
2Productivity
If a mesh plug is used to fill the perforation, then fewer sutures and less tissue dissection are required, but the mesh plug may shrink, become loose, or migrate into adjacent organs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an expandable mesh structure that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. This dynamic transformation allows the mesh to be delivered through a minimally invasive approach (improving productivity) while expanding to a larger final configuration that provides stable anchoring and prevents migration or loosening (maintaining reliability).
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh is designed with nested coupling elements where coupling features are integrated within the mesh structure itself. These nested coupling elements allow the mesh to interlock with surrounding tissue or adjacent mesh layers, providing mechanical stability and preventing migration while maintaining a compact profile during delivery.
3Area of stationary object
If the intermediate portion of the mesh is allowed to flare out to enlarged width, then comprehensive coverage of the perforation site is achieved, but the coupling elements must be precisely aligned and secured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural qualities to different portions of the mesh: the intermediate portion is designed to flare out and expand radially to provide broad coverage of the perforation site, while the coupling elements at the ends are designed with specific locking features for secure attachment. This local differentiation allows the mesh to achieve comprehensive coverage without requiring complex alignment of the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh is segmented into distinct functional zones: an intermediate expanding portion for coverage and end portions with coupling elements for anchoring. This segmentation allows the intermediate portion to flare out independently to maximize coverage area while the coupling elements remain as separate, pre-formed structures that simplify alignment and attachment procedures.
4Device complexity
If the first and second tubes are designed to be secured together using friction fit, then the structure is simplified, but the securing strength may be insufficient without additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple securing mechanisms into a single integrated coupling element design. The coupling elements incorporate both friction-fit surfaces for initial attachment and positive locking features (such as interlocking protrusions and recesses or ratcheting mechanisms) that work together to provide both simplified structure and sufficient securing strength. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking components while maintaining both simplicity and strength.
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 expandable mesh provides enhanced sealing and anchoring capabilities, reducing the risk of migration and improving the effectiveness of hernia repair by ensuring comprehensive coverage of the perforation site.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second tubes may be dimensioned to be secured together using a friction fit when the first tube is proximally retracted relative to the second tube
Implementation Method 2
Proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element causes the intermediate portion to flare out to an enlarged width
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments provide an expandable mesh comprising a first coupling element, a second coupling element, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first coupling element and the second coupling element. Proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second coupling element causes the intermediate portion to flare out to an enlarged width. In one embodiment, the first coupling element comprises a first tube and the second coupling element comprises a second tube.