Expandable Mesh Locking Structure for Stable Hernia Defect Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 expansion to cover perforations.
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 manual suturing operation by incorporating pre-formed coupling elements directly onto the graft material. These coupling elements are prepared in advance during manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming intraoperative suturing while maintaining secure attachment to surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are prepared in advance during the manufacturing process rather than being created during surgery. This preliminary action includes forming the coupling elements and positioning them on the graft material before implantation, thereby reducing operative time while ensuring reliable tissue securing.
2Productivity
If a mesh plug is used to fill the perforation, then fewer sutures and less tissue dissection are needed, but the mesh plug may shrink, become loose, or migrate into adjacent organs
Solution Approach 1:
The graft material is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central perforation-covering region and multiple coupling elements positioned at the periphery. This segmentation allows the central portion to effectively fill the perforation while the distributed coupling elements provide stable anchoring to prevent migration and loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are designed with flexible, compliant characteristics that allow them to adapt to tissue movement and deformation. This dynamic design prevents the graft from becoming loose or migrating while maintaining secure attachment, addressing the rigidity-related failures of traditional mesh plugs.
3Area of stationary object
If the intermediate portion of the mesh is expanded to cover the entire perforation area, then comprehensive sealing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graft material is delivered in a compressed, nested configuration within the delivery catheter. The coupling elements are positioned in overlapping or nested arrangements that allow compact delivery while enabling full expansion to cover the entire perforation area upon deployment, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate portion of the mesh is designed to dynamically expand from a compressed delivery state to a fully deployed coverage state. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve comprehensive perforation coverage while maintaining a simple, compact form during delivery, avoiding permanent structural complexity.
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 a secure, comprehensive seal with reduced migration risk and enhanced anchoring, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of hernia repair and other tissue closure procedures.
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
the first and second tubes are formed from treating the mesh material in a manner that maintains a tubular shape of the first and second tubes. At least one of the first tube or the second tube may be formed by melting or heat-shrinking the mesh material
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.