Midline Marker Sling Sleeve Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for visualizing and implanting slings to treat Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) face challenges due to inadequate visualization of the mid-section of the sling and potential twisting of the sleeve during implantation, which can hinder accurate placement and stability.

Innovation Solution

A sleeve with a midline marker that provides contrast between opaque and transparent surfaces, along with dilator tubes, aids in visualization and prevents twisting, allowing for precise placement and removal of the sling during surgery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If colored markers or tabs are used at the mid-section of the protective sleeve to visualize the mid-section of the sling, then the visualization of the mid-section is improved, but the markers may impede clear visualization of the sub-urethral portion and do not provide enough rigidity to prevent twisting of the sleeve during implantation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization of mid-sectionVSAvoidclear visualization of sub-urethral portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective sleeve is divided into two distinct portions: an opaque colored portion and a transparent portion. This segmentation allows the opaque portion to provide visual contrast for identifying the mid-section, while the transparent portion enables clear visualization of the sub-urethral area without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different optical properties are applied to different sections of the sleeve: the opaque colored portion provides visual contrast where needed for mid-section identification, while the transparent portion maintains visibility where required for sub-urethral visualization. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between needing visual markers and maintaining clear viewing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If traditional markers are used at the mid-section of the protective sleeve, then the mid-section identification is improved, but the sleeve may still twist during implantation due to insufficient rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification of mid-sectionVSAvoidtwisting of sleeve during implantation

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The opaque colored portion of the sleeve is positioned specifically at the mid-section to provide both visual identification and localized rigidity. This concentrated structural reinforcement at the critical mid-section prevents twisting during implantation while maintaining ease of identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sleeve combines materials with different properties: an opaque colored material providing rigidity and visual contrast at the mid-section, and a transparent material providing visibility in other areas. This composite structure simultaneously achieves identification, rigidity, and visualization requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the protective sleeve is made fully opaque to provide contrast and visibility, then the visualization of the sling components is improved, but the ability to visualize the sub-urethral portion and check for twisting is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization of sling componentsVSAvoidvisualization of sub-urethral portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve is segmented into opaque and transparent portions, allowing each section to fulfill its specific function: the opaque portion provides contrast for viewing sling components, while the transparent portion enables direct visualization of the sub-urethral area and detection of sleeve twisting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Transparency is applied locally only where needed for sub-urethral visualization, while opacity is applied where needed for component contrast. This localized application of optical properties resolves the contradiction between needing contrast and maintaining visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20230000605A1Midline Marker For Sling Implant

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 CALDERA MEDICAL INC

AI summary

A sling assembly for treatment of stress urinary incontinence may comprise a midline marker, a sling, and a sleeve. The midline marker identifies the midpoint of the protective sleeve when it is installed on a transparent surface of the sleeve. The protective sleeve comprises a clear transparent surface and a colored opaque surface. During a procedure, the colored opaque surface of the sleeve provides contrast between the surfaces of the sleeve to identify any twisting present throughout the length of the sleeve. The clear transparent surface of the sleeve forms a channel at the center of the midline marker when the transparent surface of the sleeve is wrapped over the body of the midline marker. The channel is large enough for a surgical instrument to be inserted and cut the transparent surface to separate the sleeve from the midline marker after installation of the sling at a desired location.