Inflatable Hernia Patch Self-Positioning via Fluid Chamber
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hernia repair techniques using mesh patches face challenges in unfolding and positioning within the abdomen, often resulting in creased or poorly positioned patches due to limited space and visibility, which can lead to unwanted tension and discomfort, and there is a risk of recoil ring breakage causing complications like bowel perforations.
Innovation Solution
A hernia patch with a mesh layer, containment layer, and filler that forms a fluid chamber, which can be expanded using a fill mechanism to facilitate easy unfolding and positioning, and is designed to be left inside the abdomen after attachment, reducing the need for recoil rings and minimizing complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a mesh patch is inserted folded or rolled through a small incision, then the patch can be inserted through limited abdominal access, but the patch becomes difficult to unfold and position correctly inside the abdomen
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh patch is rolled or folded into a compact cylindrical or spiral configuration that nests within itself, allowing insertion through a small incision. The rolled structure contains the entire patch in a space-efficient manner that fits through limited abdominal access while maintaining the integrity of the mesh structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch is pre-rolled or pre-folded into a specific configuration before insertion that facilitates automatic unrolling or easy unfolding once inside the abdomen. The preliminary rolling action creates a structure that naturally tends to unroll when released, simplifying the positioning process.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mesh patch is manually unrolled and positioned inside the abdomen, then the patch can be properly positioned, but the surgeon experiences difficulty and awkwardness due to limited room and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The rolled patch structure is designed to self-unroll automatically upon insertion into the abdominal cavity, eliminating the need for the surgeon to manually manipulate and unroll the patch inside the limited surgical field. The patch positions itself through its inherent rolled configuration that naturally unfolds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patch transitions from a static rolled state during insertion to a dynamic unrolling state once inside the abdomen. This dynamic transformation allows the patch to adapt its configuration from a compact insertable form to a deployed functional form without requiring complex manual manipulation.
3Ease of operation
If recoil rings are integrated into the mesh patch to allow springing open, then the patch can automatically unfold inside the abdomen, but the recoil rings are prone to break under stress of folding, rolling, or placement
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic recoil ring component is completely removed from the mesh patch design. Instead of relying on separate mechanical expansion components that are prone to breakage, the patch uses its inherent rolled configuration to achieve automatic unrolling, eliminating the reliability issue associated with recoil rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh patch is constructed with composite material properties that provide both flexibility for rolling and structural integrity for maintaining the rolled configuration. The composite structure allows the patch to be inserted in a compact form while naturally springing open without requiring additional mechanical components.
4Length of moving object
If the mesh patch is inserted through a small incision, then the surgical access is minimized, but the patch may become creased or poorly positioned creating unwanted tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is inserted in a nested rolled configuration that protects it from creasing during insertion. The rolled structure maintains the mesh integrity while passing through the small incision, and the natural unrolling process ensures the patch lays flat without unwanted creases or tension.
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 patch effectively unfolds and positions itself within the abdomen, reducing the risk of complications associated with recoil rings and providing a stable, comfortable repair with reduced recurrence of hernias, suitable for both open surgery and laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected at the respective edges thereof to form a chamber between the containment layer and filler to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler
Data Source
AI summary
A patch for repairing an intra-abdominal defect is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a mesh layer providing a grid of material perforated by apertures through the mesh. This mesh is used to reinforce an area around an intra-abdominal defect. A containment layer is secured proximate an edge of the mesh layer. A filler is distributed across the apertures of the mesh to contain a fluid from passing through the mesh. The mesh layer, containment layer, and filler are connected to form a chamber to selectively expand upon receipt of a quantity of fluid between the containment layer and the filler.