Hernia Patch Hoisting Frame and Tether System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hernia repair patches face challenges in being delivered through narrow cannulas due to their larger size, and require complex mechanisms for expanding and securing to the tissue wall post-deployment.

Innovation Solution

A prosthesis with a patch body and a hoisting frame, featuring a self-expanding support member and a tether system, allows for minimally invasive delivery and expansion, with the hoisting frame being releasable post-deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the patch is made large enough to cover the hernia defect, then the repair effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of delivery through narrow cannula increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatch areaVSAvoiddelivery difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patch is divided into multiple struts or arms that can be independently collapsed along with the resilient support member. This segmentation allows the large patch to be broken down into smaller components that can pass through narrow cannula, then reassemble at the deployment site to form the complete repair structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patch is nested within or around the resilient support member in a collapsed configuration, similar to nested dolls. The struts are positioned within the confines of the support member, allowing the entire assembly to be compressed into a small delivery profile while maintaining the capability to expand to full size at the target site.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If a resilient support member is added to enable self-expansion, then the deployment simplicity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient support member undergoes a parameter change in its structural configuration, transitioning from a compressed state during delivery to an expanded state at the deployment site. This elastic deformation allows the support member to self-expand without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while enabling functional transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the hoisting frame is made releasable for easy removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of fixation during deployment may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe removal easeVSAvoidfixation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hoisting frame is designed with pre-configured release mechanisms that are activated only after the patch has been properly deployed and positioned. This preliminary action ensures that the frame maintains strong fixation during the critical deployment phase, then allows for controlled removal once the repair is established, balancing reliability with ease of removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient delivery and secure fixation of the hernia repair patch through narrow incisions, facilitating easy expansion and secure attachment to the tissue wall without requiring additional tools for frame removal.

Implementation Method 1

A self-expanding support member assists in unfurling the patch body from the reduced configuration to an expanded configuration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A pulling force on the free end of the tether in an outward direction away from the patch body is directed by the translation component in the direction of a first pair of spaced apart locations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4197490B1Prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 CR BARD INC
  • EP4197490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4197490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A prosthesis for repairing a hernia defect includes a patch body, a hoisting frame releasably attachable to the patch body, and a tether attached to the hoisting frame and having a free end extendable through the thickness of the patch body and accessible from the side of the patch body opposite to the side where the hoisting frame is releasably attached. The patch body and/or the hoisting frame includes a self-expanding support member. The hoisting frame includes a frame body and a translation component for directing pulling forces on the tether to the frame body.