Hernia Patch Center Marking for Faster Laparoscopic Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hernia prostheses, particularly those of large dimensions like 42 cm×32 cm, are difficult to position correctly during laparoscopic surgery due to inadequate visibility and accessibility of marking means, requiring surgeons to maneuver the prosthesis multiple times to identify the correct orientation, face, and center.
Innovation Solution
A hernia prosthesis with a single marking means on one face that indicates the center and longitudinal direction, using a biocompatible material with a confined marking portion visible within the surgical field, such as a biocompatible sheet or coating, to provide immediate orientation cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple distributed marking means are used on the prosthesis, then the surgeon can find orientation information, but the surgeon must move the prosthesis multiple times to locate all markings, increasing surgery time and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple marking functions (center indication, longitudinal direction, lateral direction) into a single integrated marking means located at the center of the prosthesis. This single marking structure contains multiple visual cues that simultaneously provide all necessary orientation information, eliminating the need for the surgeon to move the prosthesis to locate different markings.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking means utilizes dimensional design elements (such as an elongate structure with specific orientation) to encode multiple pieces of information in a single visual field. The marking's shape, orientation, and structural dimensions provide simultaneous cues for center location, longitudinal axis, and lateral axis without requiring spatial distribution of separate markings.
2Area of stationary object
If the prosthesis is large in size (e.g., 42 cm×32 cm), then it can cover the hernia defect adequately, but the marking means becomes difficult to see and access within the limited surgical field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates all critical marking information in a localized region at the center of the prosthesis, making this small area visually distinct and easily accessible within the limited surgical field. The marking means is designed to be compact yet information-dense, providing all necessary orientation cues in a small area that remains visible even when the large prosthesis is deployed.
3Loss of information
If the surgeon needs to move the prosthesis multiple times to locate marking means, then all orientation information can be found, but this causes confusion and reduces surgical efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The marking means is pre-configured in a fixed, predetermined orientation relative to the prosthesis structure before implantation. The center marking and directional indicators are permanently attached in their correct orientations, allowing the surgeon to immediately interpret the markings without needing to manipulate or reposition the prosthesis to find or orient the markings.
Data Source
AI summary
Prosthesis (1) comprising a patch (2) made of biocompatible material, said patch having a generally plane geometric shape that defines two opposite faces, a centre, a length and a width of said patch, characterized in that said patch is provided, on one (2a) of its faces, with a single marking means (3) designed to indicate both the centre (C) of the patch and also the longitudinal direction of said patch.