Implant Delivery Chute Structure for Small-Incision Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inserting silicone gel breast implants require larger incisions, increasing wound healing complications and are time-consuming due to hand manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device comprising a distal ring, transition tunnel, and proximal chute that allows for the insertion of pre-filled implants by transitioning between opened and closed conditions, preventing the implant from touching the patient's skin and ensuring even force distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hand manipulation is used to insert silicone gel implants, then the implant can be placed, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A delivery device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the surgeon and the implant. The device includes a distal ring, transition tunnel, and proximal chute that work together to guide the implant through a controlled path into the surgical pocket, replacing direct hand manipulation and reducing procedural difficulty while maintaining insertion speed
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device is segmented into distinct functional components: a distal ring for positioning, a transition tunnel for guiding, and a proximal chute for receiving and releasing the implant. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall insertion speed and reducing complexity
2Productivity
If larger incisions are made to insert pre-filled silicone gel implants, then the implant can be delivered, but the risk of wound healing complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device utilizes flexible, collapsible structures including a proximal chute and transition tunnel that can be compressed to fit through small incisions and then expand to deliver the implant. This allows efficient delivery of pre-filled implants through minimally sized incisions, reducing wound healing risks while maintaining delivery effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The implant is nested within the delivery device structure, with the proximal chute containing the implant in a collapsed state for insertion through small incisions. Once positioned, the chute expands to release the implant, achieving efficient delivery through minimal incision size and reducing wound healing complications
3Ease of operation
If the proximal chute remains open to allow implant insertion, then the implant can be placed, but the implant may egress unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal chute is designed as a dynamic structure that transitions between open and closed states. It starts open to facilitate easy implant placement, then closes to secure the implant and prevent unintentional egress. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing ease of insertion followed by reliable retention
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal chute is configured to close automatically after implant insertion as a preliminary action to secure the implant before final positioning. This preliminary closing action prevents unintentional egress while maintaining ease of initial placement, resolving the retention contradiction
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device configured to deliver a medical device into a patient is provided. The delivery device includes a distal ring and a transition tunnel. The transition tunnel is sized to receive a medical device. The transition tunnel is coupled to the distal ring. The delivery device also includes a proximal chute that has an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. The inner perimeter of the proximal chute is coupled to the transition tunnel. The proximal chute is configured to transition between opened and closed conditions. The outer perimeter of the proximal chute in the opened condition is spread radially outward from the transition tunnel and defines an opening for receiving the medical device. The proximal chute in the closed condition is configured to at least partially prevent the medical device from egressing the delivery device.