Inflatable Contour-Balloon Hernia Mesh Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hernia repair procedures involve complex and time-consuming processes for deploying meshes within the abdominal cavity, often requiring multiple punctures and leading to potential infections, with existing solutions failing to ensure complete and smooth deployment without wrinkles or full anchoring.

Innovation Solution

An inflatable contour-balloon device and method that attaches to a mesh or patch, allowing for inflation and deployment within the abdominal cavity through a single small-bore opening, ensuring proper positioning and anchoring, using biocompatible materials and adjustable shapes for hernia repair.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wide mesh is inserted via a relatively small aperture using laparoscopic technique, then the mesh can be positioned in the abdominal cavity, but the procedure requires more than one aperture and multiple punctures of the abdominal wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh positioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of punctures required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be inserted separately through a single small-bore opening and then assembled or deployed to form the complete mesh structure in the abdominal cavity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh segments are nested within each other or within a delivery device, allowing the complete mesh to be contained within a small-bore delivery system that can pass through a single small opening in the abdominal wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the mesh is unrolled and positioned manually inside the abdominal cavity, then the mesh can be deployed, but the procedure time is significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh deployment completenessVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh is pre-assembled into a compact three-dimensional structure or rolled configuration that maintains its structural integrity during insertion and automatically deploys to the desired flat configuration upon reaching the abdominal cavity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual manipulation and unrolling of the mesh by the surgeon is replaced by a mechanical deployment mechanism integrated into the delivery device, which automatically unfolds or expands the mesh to its functional configuration upon insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the mesh is inserted without a trocar, then the risk of infection is reduced, but the mesh may be exposed to infections during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection riskVSAvoidinsertion simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh is enclosed within a sterile, flexible delivery catheter or sheath that maintains its sterile barrier during insertion through the abdominal wall, preventing contamination while allowing the mesh to be delivered in a controlled manner

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

A sterile delivery device or catheter acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the mesh, maintaining sterility during insertion and then releasing the mesh into the abdominal cavity without direct exposure to non-sterile environments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If existing mesh deployment techniques are used, then the mesh can be inserted, but even complete and smooth deployment without wrinkles cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh anchoring completenessVSAvoidmesh deployment smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery device incorporates mechanisms to control and adjust parameters such as deployment speed, expansion force, and positioning accuracy, ensuring the mesh deploys smoothly and evenly without wrinkles or incomplete anchoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The delivery device includes feedback mechanisms that monitor the deployment process in real-time, allowing the operator to adjust deployment parameters to achieve smooth, wrinkle-free mesh placement and complete anchoring to the abdominal wall

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The inflatable contour-balloon device significantly reduces deployment time, ensures even mesh placement, and minimizes infection risk by allowing for precise control and anchoring of the mesh within the abdominal cavity, enhancing the efficiency and safety of hernia repair surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

An inflatable contour-balloon device and method that attaches to a mesh or patch, allowing for inflation and deployment within the abdominal cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12161542B2Device especially useful for hernia repair surgeries and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 DAVOL INC

AI summary

An elongate open-bored applicator (EOBP) adapted to deploy a mesh comprising (a) at least one inflatable contour-balloon, (b) at least one inflatable dissection balloon. The inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon are adjustable and located at the distal portion; and, (c) at least one actuating means located at the proximal portion. The actuating means is in communication with the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon. The actuating means is adapted to provide the inflatable contour-balloon and the inflatable dissection balloon with independent activation and/or de-activation.