Hooked Mesh Reinforcement for Surgical Incision Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Incisional hernias are a common and costly complication following surgeries like laparotomy, resulting from insufficient closure strength, particularly affecting patients with obesity, diabetes, or malnutrition, and requiring costly surgical interventions.
Innovation Solution
A biocompatible mesh reinforcement device with integrated hooks and reinforcing materials, applied using sutures to enhance the closure strength of surgical incisions, reducing the likelihood of incisional hernias by providing additional tensile strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard surgical closure is used, then the surgery is simple and quick, but the closure strength is insufficient leading to incisional hernias
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mesh reinforcement device as an intermediary element between the incised tissue edges. This mesh acts as a mediator that distributes tensile forces across the closure site, preventing the concentrated stress that leads to hernia formation. The mesh is positioned within the incision and secured with sutures, creating a reinforced closure structure that maintains tissue integrity without requiring complex surgical procedures.
2Reliability
If mesh reinforcement device is added, then the closure strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mesh reinforcement element and the suture fixation system. The mesh is provided as a separate component that can be independently selected and positioned, while the sutures serve as a separate fixation mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh reinforcement device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides tensile strength to prevent hernia formation, acts as a scaffold for tissue regeneration, and distributes mechanical loads across the incision site. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Strength
If reinforcement materials are used, then the tensile strength is increased, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mesh structures with varying parameters such as mesh size, weave pattern, and material composition to achieve different tensile strength requirements. By changing these physical parameters of the mesh rather than creating entirely different device structures, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple while still providing customized reinforcement levels for different surgical applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcement device comprises a sheet of biocompatible material equipped with a plurality of hooks for reinforcing the closure of a surgical incision, including elongated abdominal incisions. The reinforcement device, when implanted through surgery, reduces the likelihood of and/or prevents incisional hernias. The reinforcement device may be included in a surgical kit.