Mesh Augmentation System with Integrated Fasteners for Hernia Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for preventing incisional hernias, such as prophylactic mesh augmentation, face challenges including technical difficulties in mesh anchoring and fixation, variability in technique, and uncertain biomechanical benefits and mesh tensioning.
Innovation Solution
A mesh augmentation system that uses pre-integrated mesh fastener-anchors and a mesh tension-applicator to simplify the process of affixing mesh to the anterior abdominal fascia, reducing the need for hand-sewing and minimizing operative time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hand-suturing mesh is used for prophylactic mesh augmentation, then mesh can be affixed to fascia, but operative time increases and technical variability occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh is pre-loaded with integrated fastener-anchors before the surgical procedure. The fasteners are positioned and prepared in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming hand-suturing during the operation. The surgeon simply needs to deploy the pre-prepared mesh assembly, significantly reducing operative time while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh with integrated fastener-anchors is designed to be self-fixating. The fasteners automatically engage with the fascia when the mesh is deployed, eliminating the need for manual suturing by the surgeon. This self-service mechanism standardizes the fixation process, reducing technical variability and operative time while ensuring consistent reliability.
2Reliability
If hand-suturing mesh is used for prophylactic mesh augmentation, then mesh can be affixed to fascia, but technical complexity and user skill dependency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh and fastener-anchors are merged into a single integrated assembly. The fasteners are permanently attached to the mesh, creating a unified device that simplifies the surgical procedure. This integration eliminates the complex multi-step process of separate mesh placement and suturing, reducing technical complexity and skill dependency while maintaining reliable fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated fastener-anchors are designed to self-deploy and self-fixate when the mesh is positioned. The mechanism automatically engages with the fascia without requiring complex manual manipulation or advanced surgical技巧. This reduces the dependency on user skill and simplifies the overall technique while ensuring consistent reliable fixation.
3Reliability
If prophylactic mesh augmentation is performed, then hernia risk is reduced, but mesh tensioning control becomes uncertain
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener-anchors are designed with specific geometric parameters and mechanical properties that control mesh tensioning. By optimizing the anchor geometry, material properties, and engagement mechanism, the system achieves predictable and precise tensioning. This allows the mesh to be securely fixed with controlled tension, ensuring effective hernia prevention while eliminating uncertainty in tensioning.
4Reliability
If multiple fastener-anchors are integrated with mesh, then fixation reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastener-anchors are merged with the mesh into a single integrated construction. The fasteners are attached at strategic positions on the mesh, creating a unified device that provides reliable multi-point fixation. This integration simplifies the surgical procedure (handling one assembly rather than multiple separate components) while maintaining high reliability through distributed anchoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The mesh is divided into multiple anchoring zones with fastener-anchors positioned at strategic locations. This segmentation allows the mesh to be secured at multiple points, distributing the fixation load and improving overall reliability. The segmented anchor placement enhances fixation strength without requiring a single complex anchor, actually simplifying the overall device design.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for mesh augmentation and prevention of incisional hernia, including systems and methods for affixing mesh to a fascial incision. A mesh strip can be integrated with one or more uni-directional fasteners. Each fastener can include an anchoring mechanism adapted for affixation to anterior abdominal wall fascia and a mating interface. An applicator can include tension arms adapted to interface with the mating interfaces of the fasteners to maintain a vertical tension of the mesh strip and a handle coupled with the tension arms adapted to spread the tension arms and thereby control a horizontal tension of the mesh strip. The mesh strip can be configured to be aligned over a fascial incision using the applicator and affixed under tension to anterior abdominal wall fascia by tissue penetration of the anchoring mechanisms of the one or more fasteners.