Force-Actuated Gripping Device for Soft Tissue Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implantable prostheses, such as surgical meshes, face challenges in quickly and securely attaching to soft tissue during minimally invasive procedures, particularly in hernia repairs, where they may not fully expand at the implantation site, leading to inadequate fixation and integration.
Innovation Solution
A force-actuated gripping device with a tissue gripping layer featuring slits and movable tabs that expand upon mechanical force application, allowing secure attachment to soft tissue, which can be integrated with surgical meshes for hernia repairs and other soft tissue procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sutures or fasteners are used to secure surgical mesh, then secure attachment to tissue is achieved, but the procedure time increases and minimally invasive benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are pre-formed with slit structures that enable rapid engagement with tissue upon deployment. The elements are prepared in advance to require minimal manipulation during surgery, allowing quick attachment without compromising security.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are designed to self-engage with tissue through their slit structure that naturally opens and grips tissue upon deployment. The elements automatically secure the mesh to tissue without requiring additional fastening actions or complex manipulation by the surgeon.
2Ease of operation
If surgical mesh is implanted through minimally invasive procedures, then patient recovery is improved, but complete expansion and adequate fixation at the implantation site are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical mesh is divided into multiple gripping elements distributed across the mesh surface. Each element independently engages with tissue, providing distributed fixation that ensures adequate attachment even when the mesh is deployed through minimally invasive access and cannot be fully expanded during implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the mesh where fixation is most critical. Each element is designed with local slit structures optimized for tissue engagement, providing enhanced fixation at key attachment points while maintaining overall mesh functionality.
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 force-actuated gripping device enables rapid and secure attachment of prostheses to soft tissue, facilitating complete expansion and integration, thereby ensuring effective fixation and tissue ingrowth, even in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
applying a mechanical force to actuate the tissue gripping element of the tissue gripping layer to grip the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
A prosthesis for securing to soft tissue includes a surgical mesh layer and a tissue gripping layer having a tissue gripping element. The surgical mesh layer is attached to the tissue gripping layer. The tissue gripping element may include a primary opening and one or more slits. Tabs defined between pairs of adjacent slits may be moveable relative to the pre-actuation position of the primary opening and/or relative to the surgical mesh layer.