Light Pipe Hernia Defect Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

During minimally invasive hernia repair surgeries, accurately positioning a surgical patch is challenging due to limited visibility of the hernia defect's size, location, and shape, making it difficult to effectively place the patch.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using fiber optic light pipes dispensed laparoscopically to create a pattern of light that outlines the hernia defect, allowing for precise visualization and placement of a surgical patch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional surgical methods are used to repair hernia defects, then the surgical patch can be placed using standard surgical techniques, but the precision of patch placement is reduced due to limited visibility of the defect boundaries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of defect boundariesVSAvoidsurgical procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses light pipes as intermediary elements to transfer optical information from the internal hernia defect to the external surgical field. The light pipes act as mediators that enable visualization of the defect boundaries without requiring direct line-of-sight access to the internal tissue, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining procedural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the internal hernia defect by projecting light patterns through the light pipes onto the surgical field. This optical copy allows the surgeon to visualize and measure the defect boundaries externally, achieving precise measurement without direct internal visualization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If minimally invasive surgery is used to reduce surgical trauma, then patient recovery is improved, but the ability to accurately visualize and position the surgical patch is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive capabilityVSAvoidvisibility information of defect

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The light pipes serve as intermediaries that bridge the information gap created by minimally invasive access. They transmit optical information from the internal defect site to the external field, preventing loss of visualization information while maintaining the benefits of minimally invasive surgery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for direct mechanical visualization (camera systems, scopes) with an optical field-based system using light pipes. This substitution maintains minimally invasive benefits while restoring visualization information through optical field projection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If light pipes are used to outline the hernia defect, then the precision of surgical patch placement is improved, but the complexity of the surgical procedure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatch placement precisionVSAvoidprocedure steps

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the visualization function from the surgical repair function. The light pipes handle only the visualization and measurement task, while the surgical patch placement remains a separate, simplified operation. This segmentation improves placement precision without proportionally increasing overall procedure complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach enables accurate placement of surgical patches by providing a visible outline of the defect, facilitating effective reinforcement of the hernia site during minimally invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The light pipes may be fiber optic. The method may include the step of positioning the dispensing instrument adjacent a corner or an extreme of the hernia defect prior to dispensing the one or more light pipes.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through fiber optic pipes: Optical Fibre

Data Source

PatentUS9186053B2Methods of using light to repair hernia defects

Publication Date: 2015.11.17 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A hernia repair method includes the step of identifying a hernia defect in a patient, the hernia defect having a size, a location, and a shape. The method involves positioning a dispensing instrument laparoscopically into the patient adjacent the hernia defect. According to one step, the method includes dispensing one or more light pipes from the dispensing instrument at predetermined locations. The method also involves advancing the one or more light pipes through the patient's skin. Another step includes coupling a light source to the one or more light pipes. The method also involves generating a pattern of light that indicates one or more of the size, the location, and the shape of the hernia defect. One step includes positioning a surgical patch adjacent the hernia defect in accordance with the pattern of light.