Endoscopic Mesh Winding via Radial Furler Force

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inserting mesh into an abdominal cavity during surgery are time-consuming and require additional steps, such as reinserting a trocar, which can be difficult due to tissue movement.

Innovation Solution

An endoscopic system comprising an introducer with a split shaft and a furler that winds and inserts mesh into the abdominal cavity, using a radial force to tighten the mesh for efficient insertion through smaller access ports, reducing the need for reinsertion and minimizing tissue disruption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a large diameter port (10 or 12 mm trocar) is used to insert the mesh, then the mesh can be inserted easily, but the access port size increases causing more tissue disruption and potential port site herniation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh insertion easeVSAvoidtissue disruption and port site herniation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh is transformed from a flat configuration to a rolled/cylindrical configuration using the furler device. This curvature transformation allows the mesh to be inserted through smaller access ports while maintaining the integrity and functionality of the mesh structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh is nested within the furler device during insertion. The furler acts as a delivery mechanism that contains the rolled mesh, allowing it to pass through the access port in a compact form and then deploy into its functional configuration within the abdominal cavity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the mesh is rolled manually by the surgeon at the operating table, then the mesh can be prepared for insertion, but the surgical procedure time increases and the process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemesh preparation easeVSAvoidsurgical procedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh is pre-rolled or pre-configured within the furler device before insertion. This preliminary action of rolling the mesh is performed by the mechanical furler rather than manually by the surgeon during surgery, reducing surgical time and complexity while ensuring proper mesh configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The furler device serves as an intermediary mechanism between the mesh and the surgeon. It automates the rolling and configuration process, eliminating the need for manual manipulation by the surgeon and reducing the time and complexity of mesh preparation during surgery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the trocar is reinserted into the open port site to reenter the abdominal cavity, then access is restored, but the procedure becomes more time-consuming and difficult due to tissue plane movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabdominal cavity accessVSAvoidprocedure steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mesh insertion and abdominal cavity access functions are merged into a single continuous process. The furler delivers the rolled mesh through the access port while maintaining the trocar in place, eliminating the need for separate trocar reinsertion steps and reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The furler device performs multiple functions: it contains the mesh, rolls/configures the mesh, and serves as a delivery mechanism through the access port. This multi-functional approach consolidates several steps into one, eliminating the need for separate trocar reinsertion and simplifying the overall procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system allows for faster and simpler mesh insertion, reducing surgical time and minimizing post-operative complications like port site herniation and pain by using smaller access ports and ensuring a tight, secure wind of the mesh.

Implementation Method 1

A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadial force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10932895B2Endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An endoscopic system for winding and inserting a mesh into an abdominal cavity of a patient is provided. The endoscopic system includes an introducer having an elongated shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft includes a split portion that defines an opening therealong. The split portion is configured to support the mesh within the opening. A furler defining a lumen is engageable with the split portion of the shaft and configured to exert a radial force onto the mesh that is supported by the split portion. Rotation of one of the furler and introducer with respect to the other winds the mesh inside the furler to a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lumen of the furler.