Implantable Mesh Introducer With Protective Cape for Trocar Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional surgical graspers damage and contaminate implantable surgical meshes during insertion through trocars due to pinching and dragging, and require trocar replacement for larger meshes, increasing surgical time and risk of incisional hernias.

Innovation Solution

An implantable mesh introducer with a cape and handle system that covers and protects the mesh, allowing it to be introduced without mechanical fixation, featuring a flexible polymeric cape and rigid push stick to minimize damage and contamination, and includes adjustable and removable components for varying mesh sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional surgical graspers are used to introduce the mesh through the trocar, then the mesh can be delivered into the patient, but the mesh is damaged and contaminated due to pinching and dragging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh integrityVSAvoidmesh delivery capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective sheath as an intermediary component between the surgical grasper and the mesh. This sheath covers the mesh during insertion through the trocar, preventing direct contact between the grasper jaws and the mesh, thereby eliminating damage and contamination while still enabling successful mesh delivery into the patient's body

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a larger trocar is used to accommodate the mesh and introducer, then the mesh can be introduced without damage, but the surgical time increases and the risk of incisional hernia increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh delivery safetyVSAvoidsurgical time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the protective sheath is collapsible or compressible, allowing it to be reduced to a compact form factor that fits within a standard 10mm trocar. The sheath can be collapsed around the mesh during insertion and then expanded or opened to release the mesh into the patient's body, enabling safe mesh delivery through a smaller trocar without increasing surgical time or hernia risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If the mesh is uncovered during insertion, then the mesh can be easily delivered, but the mesh is easily contaminated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh delivery easeVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sheath serves as a barrier intermediary that covers the mesh throughout the insertion process. This sheath is made of sterile, biocompatible material that prevents environmental contamination of the mesh while allowing the mesh to be easily delivered through the trocar. The sheath can be manually or automatically opened at the distal end to release the mesh into the patient's body, maintaining protection until the moment of implantation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4613240A1Implantable mesh introducer including a cape and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SOFRADIM PRODUCTION SAS

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2D~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure describes an implantable mesh introducer including at least a cape configured to cover an implantable mesh and a handle, as well as methods and surgical kits associated therewith.