Expandable Mesh Locking Structure for Tissue Perforation Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sealing perforations in tissue, such as hernias, are time-consuming and inefficient, with mesh plugs often failing to effectively cover the entire area or becoming loose, leading to potential complications like leakage of bodily fluids.
Innovation Solution
An expandable mesh design featuring a first and second coupling element and an intermediate portion, where proximal retraction of the first coupling element relative to the second causes the intermediate portion to flare out, providing a secure friction fit and enhanced coverage, utilizing a system with a tether for controlled deployment and anchoring.
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 from the deployment process by incorporating pre-formed coupling elements with barbs that mechanically anchor to tissue, eliminating the need for manual suturing while maintaining secure attachment reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements with barbs are pre-formed and integrated into the graft material before implantation, allowing immediate mechanical anchoring upon deployment without requiring time-consuming suturing operations during the procedure
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 poke into the bladder or intestines
Solution Approach 1:
The graft material is designed to expand from a compressed delivery state to a deployed state with increased radial and axial dimensions, ensuring consistent coverage without shrinking or becoming loose while maintaining positional stability through coupling elements
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling elements are integrated within or attached to the graft material structure, with barbed portions extending to engage tissue while the main body remains nested within the graft material, preventing migration into adjacent organs
3Area of stationary object
If the intermediate portion is expanded to cover the entire perforation area, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The graft material is divided into distinct functional portions: an intermediate portion for covering the perforation and coupling elements with barbs for tissue anchoring, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall design
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 effectively secures and expands to cover perforations, reducing the risk of leakage and mesh migration, while simplifying the surgical process by minimizing the need for extensive suturing and ensuring a comprehensive seal.
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
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~9
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.