Foldable Hernia Prosthesis with Resilient Frame for Compact Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hernia repair prostheses face challenges in being compact enough for small incisions and easily deployable in the inguinal region, where anatomical structures are oblique and visibility is limited, leading to potential recurrence due to incomplete coverage of biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
A prosthesis with a biocompatible textile and a resilient frame that can be folded for compact insertion, featuring a convex cranial segment, caudal segment, and folding segment to align and expand, ensuring correct positioning and coverage of anatomical structures without leaving empty spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the prosthesis is made large enough to cover all anatomical structures, then coverage completeness is improved, but ease of insertion through small incisions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can be folded relative to each other. The first segment contains the aperture, the second segment is folded along a first fold line, and the third segment is folded along a second fold line, allowing the large prosthesis to be compacted for insertion through small incisions while maintaining full coverage area when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis segments are nested within each other when folded, with the third segment folded over the second segment, and the second segment folded over the first segment. This nested configuration reduces the overall size for insertion while allowing full expansion to cover all required anatomical structures including the iliac vessels and spermatic cord
2Manufacturing precision
If the prosthesis is made rigid to maintain shape and coverage, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of manipulation during insertion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis transitions from a folded, compact state during insertion to an expanded, rigid state when deployed. The fold lines allow controlled movement and positioning during insertion, while the apertures and overall structure provide rigidity and positional accuracy once in place to ensure proper coverage of anatomical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The prosthesis uses a flexible membrane structure with integrated apertures that can be folded along specific lines for manipulation during insertion, yet maintains its shape and positioning accuracy when deployed. The flexible nature allows easy manipulation through small incisions while the apertured structure provides sufficient rigidity for accurate positioning over the iliac vessels and spermatic cord
3Ease of operation
If the prosthesis is folded compactly for insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but deployment complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prosthesis is pre-configured with fold lines and apertures during manufacturing that guide the deployment process. The first fold line, second fold line, and aperture positions are predetermined to ensure that when the prosthesis is inserted in a folded state and then released, it automatically unfolds into the correct configuration to cover the iliac vessels and spermatic cord, reducing deployment 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 prosthesis can be easily introduced through small incisions and automatically deploys to cover the inguinal region's anatomical structures, reducing recurrence risks by ensuring comprehensive tissue coverage.
Implementation Method 1
said frame being able to adopt an unstressed configuration, in which said textile is deployed, and a stressed configuration, in which said frame is subjected to a transversal force directed towards said longitudinal axis A, and said convex cranial segment, said caudal segment and said folding segment are substantially collected together and aligned on one folding direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a prosthesis (1) for the repair of an inguinal hernia comprising:a textile (2) of elongate shape,a resilient frame (3) connected to said textile,characterized in that said frame comprises a convex cranial segment (3c), a caudal segment (3d), a lateral corner segment (3b) joining together the convex cranial segment and the caudal segment, and a folding segment (5) joining a medial end of said convex cranial segment to a point located on the caudal segment while leaving the region of the medial end of the textile free of any frame,said frame being able to adopt an unstressed configuration, in which said textile is deployed, and a stressed configuration, in which said convex cranial segment, said caudal segment and said folding segment are substantially collected together and aligned on one folding direction, said textile forming thereby at least one fold along said folding direction.